To find the best portable blenders we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind weight, size, capacity, and care. We also consulted Paul Kushner, CEO of My Bartender, for additional insight. The best overall portable blender is the BlendJet 2 Portable Blender since it’s quiet, lightweight, and one charge lasts for 15 uses. Keep in Mind: The cup is not dishwasher safe. Part of what makes the BlendJet one of the best portable blenders is that it’s fairly quiet while it blends, so it’s a great option for quiet mornings at home or if want to make a morning shake at work. The blender, which is offered in multiple colors, is even water-resistant, so you can even mix up a frozen cocktail by the pool without having to worry about a few splashes here and there. The cup holds up to 16 ounces of liquid, which is ideal for one person. Though it’s not dishwasher safe, it’s really easy to clean—all you have to do is put in a little soap and water, then blend and rinse. The blender doesn’t need to be plugged in to use it, but you will have to charge it every now and then between uses. You should get up to 15 blends on one charge, however, so it shouldn’t be an issue. Price at time of publish: $50 Product Details: Dimensions: 9 x 3 inches | Capacity: 16 ounces | Weight: 1.34 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: No Keep in Mind: The smaller motor isn’t as powerful when it comes to crushing ice. The blender comes with a 14-ounce cup and a travel lid, so you won’t have to worry about spillage. The cup is designed to fit in most cup holders, so you can blend at home and grab your smoothie to sip on during your morning commute. If you’re heading on a road trip, however, you can easily pack the whole unit with you. To use the blender, all you have to do is press one button and it’ll take care of the rest. When you’re done, the jar, blades, and travel lid are all dishwasher safe, making clean up easy. If the base gets dirty, however, you’ll just have to wipe it down by hand. Price at time of publish: $23 Product Details: Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 12.25 inches | Capacity: 14 ounces | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: The cup has a smaller capacity than some other options. The portable blender is rechargeable using a USB port, and you should be able to get about 15 blends per charge. It’s also got a dishwasher-safe cup, although you can also just add water and soap, then blend to clean it up in a snap. The cup is on the smaller side, with a capacity of just under 12 ounces. It takes about one minute to whip up a smoothie, however, so you can always blend more quickly if you need to. Price at time of publish: $45 Product Details: Dimensions: 11 x 4 x 4 inches | Capacity: 11.83 ounces | Weight: Not listed | Dishwasher Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: Its small size means a smaller cup capacity, and it’s not dishwasher safe. This blender will help you shake up your smoothie game while on the go — literally. To use, just add your ingredients, shake, and press the button to blend. It’s not a dishwasher-safe cup, however that may not be a deal breaker if you’re planning to pack this along on your outdoor excursions. Plus, the silicone grip and carrying strap help ensure you won’t drop it along the way. To charge the portable blender, you’ll need a USB port to plug it into. However, one charge should last you about 22 uses. Price at time of publish: $20 Product Details: Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 7.5 inches | Capacity: 10.14 ounces | Weight: 1.01 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: No Keep in Mind: The blender is almost 12 inches tall, so it needs a bit of space. Plus, one charge can take up to five hours. While compact, the blender is almost 12 inches tall, so keep in mind it needs a bit of space. However, the cup holds a respectable 18.5 ounces, so if you’re a fan of larger smoothies this is a great option. It charges with a USB cable, so you can simply plug this into your car’s USB port to charge it when you’re on the road. You’ll want to plan ahead for charging, though, since it takes up to five hours to get a full charge. Once charged, you can use it to blend up to 22 beverages so it lasts. As a bonus, the cup and lid can both be cleaned in a dishwasher. At the end of the day, you can simply run them through a wash cycle so they’re clean for blending on the go the next day. It’s easy to operate, with a one-touch button for blending. It also comes with a strainer, so if you’re not a fan of seeds or pulp, you can strain them out. Price at time of publish: $25 Product Details: Dimensions: 4.40 x 4.25 x 11.61 inches | Capacity: 18.5 oz | Weight: Unlisted | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
What to Know About Portable Blenders Before Shopping
Dimensions
According to Kushner, you’ll want to consider where you’ll be taking your portable blender when you choose the right size for you. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure your blender will fit where you decide to store it between travels, too. “If you are packing a portable blender, keep in mind that the blender cup will be about the size of a large coffee cup, and you’ll need to add an additional 3-5 inches of space for the base of the blender,” says Kushner.
Capacity
Portable blenders differ a bit in how much liquid they can hold. When shopping for one, Kushner says you’ll want to think about how big your blended beverages tend to be in comparison to the size of the blender’s cup. “If you are always drinking a giant green smoothie, a 12-ounce blender won’t have enough capacity for you and you’ll risk overfilling the container,” Kushner says.
Weight
As with capacity, blenders will have different weights. According to Kushner, “most portable blenders weigh in at 1.5-2.5 pounds.” He also explains that blenders with more powerful motors tend to weigh more. For camping, he says a heavier blender works well. However, he advises buying a blender under one pound if you plan to carry it around for an extended time, such as on long hikes.
Dishwasher Safe
Generally speaking, Kushner tells us most portable blenders today have components that can go in the dishwasher. However, the base won’t be dishwasher safe, so you’ll want to wipe it down with a damp washcloth or sponge. He recommends checking the owner’s manual for the best advice on getting your portable blender clean.
Your Questions, Answered
Can you bring a portable blender on a plane?
The TSA website states you’re allowed to bring a portable blender on a plane, as long as you remove the blade and store it safely in your checked bag.
Can a portable blender crush ice?
Portable blenders can have a variety of uses, like smoothies, juices, baby food, and more. When it comes to crushing ice, however, they may not be as suitable as you might need. “Most higher-end portable blenders can crush ice, but you may not get the perfectly smooth consistency of a high-end stationary blender,” says Kushner. Some of the best portable blenders may not crush ice very well due to a less powerful motor or smaller battery. He also issues a word of caution about any portable blender: don’t overheat it. You could try blending frozen fruit into smoothies rather than ice if you’re concerned about overheating the motor on a less powerful model.
Who We Are
This article was written by Brittany VanDerBill, a freelance lifestyle writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best portable blenders, she researched a variety of options, keeping in mind capacity, size, and weight, amongst other details. She also consulted Paul Kushner, CEO of My Bartender.
