Equipment Review: Best Blenders (Midpriced/Mid-Range) & Our Testing Winner

[@mfb6310]

THAT was an excellent review. No wasted chatter, didn't skip to the middle. I felt the tests and intended goals were made clear, and the explanations were awesome! I didn't need to know who failed at what, just wanted the winner and why, and even how - she (they) delivered. Boom Done.

[@scarletpimpernel6813]

I bet that's how you do the Mrs. at night too: Boom Done.

[@sanj88-r7w]

Before I used to watch entire videos but now if I see lisa is the one reviewing then I just skip to the end to see the winner as I have now so much faith in her reviews!!! Great job!!

[@1Jessie88]

Buying items for my first home and I have been watching these nonstop. So grateful for this channel. 🤍

[@MrEquusQuagga]

I can never get enough of these equipment reviews.

[@BAAB12345]

I love these reviews, you guys do really great with these and i have a suggestion for woks if you guys use those

[@Species710]

I used to have my mother's blender that was older than I am. It had a glass carafe. I dropped it. I will never get over that loss.

[@helpfulnatural]

Species710: What brand was your blender? You may possibly be able to get a new jar that fits the base. If not from the manufacturer, then possibly from ebay. I've seen and purchased many blender parts from ebay. :)

[@AD-ye6mw]

There are replacement parts online. They are the best, the old one's.

[@iOAHUGROWNi]

honestly dont know how I got here. I have to wake up in 3 hours and I haven't gone to sleep yet

[@DayOldSoda1]

iOAHUi I have to get up in 4 hours but I know I'm here because I can't sleep with the thought of a blender in my kitchen that needs to be replaced.

[@lexip396able]

iOAHUi 100% my situation

[@Kihidokid]

Same

[@terrijuanette486]

The blue light from the computer tells your brain it's still daylight and to stay awake. Get a filter if you have to look at the computer late at night. If you don't, turn your computer off about at least an hour before going to bed so you can actually fall asleep. Hope this helps!

[@ianwartist]

Maybe you need a high energy smoothie!

[@eviek8047]

Which were the 2nd and 3rd runner ups?!

[@AD-ye6mw]

You have to go to their site and sign up for the rankings. 🤔😌👎👎✖

[@blueboyblue]

Found by clicking _SHOW MORE_ - In the meantime, we recommend our runner up, the *_KitchenAid 5-Speed Diamond Blender_* for those who want to make blended drinks, soups, and thicker recipes like almond butter, or our winning inexpensive blender, the *_Black + Decker Performance FusionBlade Blender_* , for those looking to just make blender drinks, soups, and thinner recipes.

[@blairgoltra7915]

Just for the record. I bought one of these the first time they were rated #1 by the test kitchen. Awesome machine capable of doing it all. However, just shy of five years later it died. Not subjected to excessive use or difficult ingredients. Now considering a new one or perhaps trying their number two pick.

[@orffrocks5667]

Lisa is the best! No nonsense, clear and concise!

[@nancyjohnston9415]

Based on this recommendation I purchased the Breville Hemisphere Control blender. I was sorely disappointed that it was a fail at almond butter. The almonds kept creeping up the sides and the blades spun with no almonds falling back in the blades. The end result was a sort of dry paste. Please give me instruction how you processed your almonds.

[@deadly9990]

they did ~"the best only had to do a scrape down 3 times"

[@AD-ye6mw]

This is a sales vid! You should get a Oster or even better an Osterizer, use a mason jar and bam! You'll have almond butter! They cost $20 -$40 bucks

[@AirrowRocket]

Why would people give this a thumbs down? It's simply a review.

[@zebunker]

Because if you watch, if you know the scheme Americas Test Kitchen pulls you won't trust their reviews.

[@AirrowRocket]

Ze Bunker What is the scheme?

[@rollercoaster24]

MASH 4077 People always think ATK are biased shills but I don't see evidence supporting that.

[@rollercoaster24]

Will Ganness If it's the Thermoworks, you guys really don't know anything do you. They're a highly reputable company who specialize in those types of products. If you spend that much you will certainly get the best of the best.

[@NatureQuest2024]

I gave it a thumbs down, as they didn’t rate all equipment used or provided a link to access these results. I have to accept their recommendations as is and that doesn’t work for me. Also I wanted to know how does my current blender ranked with their testing also not available. Another thing when you read reviews on Amazon, a lot of people are complaining of over heating and motor issues yet they recommended it.

[@albertesteva9684]

As a cook I use my blender almost everyday and I've had a 16 dollar oster blender from walmart for about 8 years.

[@CryptoAshkn]

Try blend frozen strawberries with it and come back

[@pvt.rickert4002]

Albert Esteva omg really that’s funny!!

[@AD-ye6mw]

Come through now! They ain't never tested the Oster or it's better predecessor Osterizer (which lasts a lifetime no joke)

[@kathrynbaker5188]

I do t need a blender (use mine about 2x/year) just love to watch these videos! Next time “which blender is the best” comes up at a dinner party I’ll have the answer!

[@albertesteva9684]

@@CryptoAshkn lol. I do. Almost every day in the summer. I love making frozen smoothies.

[@owlivdejong5086]

I see the Breville has been discontinued and they recommend the Kitchenaid runner up. I don't know about the new units, but after $9 worth of parts my almost 20 year old Kitchenaid is still one of my favorite appliances.

[@ChrisBakerDrummer]

Been using one of these for 3 years now (on ATK's initial recommendation) and it's been a champ! We blend kale/fruit smoothies almost every morning and I've made a ton of sauces and pureed soups in it. Couldn't be happier

[@llunde22]

Me too, I do frozen fruit smoothies 3x a week at least, it's been a champ every time.

[@chris...9497]

Pureeing soups, crushing ice, making smoothies, all daily or even several times daily; that is exactly what I need from my blender and what I've received for years from the diminutive rocket blender I use. It's a Bella Personal Size Rocket Blender. On the plus side, it's relatively inexpensive (about $35), comes with 2 blades (one for pureeing soft/wet material, one for chopping/grinding nuts/seeds), includes 2 sizes of containers with lids for storage, is easy to clean, has a very small in-use footprint, and cleans up easily. I microwave foods like broccoli or cauliflower to tender, toss hot in the supplied container, add stock/broth and seasoning, whip it up, and pour out a hot soup ready to eat. Or I load the container with frozen fruit, a few ice cubes, yogurt, some fruit juice, a banana, whip it up, and have a perfect smoothie. OR I toss some flax seed or chia seed into the smaller container, use the chopping blade, and powder the seed I then pop in a ziplock and freeze to draw from for food topping or smoothie supplement. On the negative side, it's loud. Power and small size usually means no soundproofing, so no softening the sound. And it's more economical to purchase two than to piecemeal buy replacement components, whether it's the blades or the containers. And the containers don't nest, so storage has to accommodate the containers. And for glass-purists, the cups/containers are BPA-free plastic. If you don't mind the noise (I don't), the functionality and cost of the Bella added to the very small footprint argues for inclusion in every space-challenged or travel kitchen. Storage consists of where to put the base and a handy spot for the cups/containers. For me, the base is left plugged in and sitting next to the fridge, on top of my toaster oven; cups are stored in the cabinet immediately above, so I can make smoothies in a matter of a couple minutes while entirely standing in one spot.

[@jimstanley39]

I have a Ninja. I use it to grind up dry dog food. It's strong and reliable. Never fails me. Had it for 7 years or more. Never used for anything else.

[@mrturner69]

have the breville, its a great blender, i make smoothies 5 times a week. its fairly quiet as well.

[@MrBeatboxmasta]

For people who actually care, and are not just here to bash ATK, my room mate has a vitamix and I have the breville. He told me he wishes he had my blender because it performs just as well as his but mine shoots the cut food up a couple of time every 10 seconds or so while the uncut chunks fall at the bottom, when you leave it on "smootie". My room mate has to do it manually with his vitamix. Unless you're running a smoothie business, you really don't need a vitamix or anything more expensive. If you disagree, by all means, go spend that extra dough. I for one, would be happy to hear that something performed just as well as something that is much more expensive.

[@llunde22]

I've never had a Vitamix, but the breville kills it on smoothies every time. The smoothie function works well, you can easily see the vortex mixing all of the ingredients from bottom to top.

[@inuyashaspet]

Now this is a review I can get behind! I'd love to see a high-end blender showdown next.

[@roberts459]

bassboost they did do a high end model review, as I recall the vitamix won in the high end competition, not sure if the video is still up though.

[@D__Lee]

I bought the Breville Hemisphere Control BBL605 based upon this video after my Ninja Auto-IQ motor burned out. The Breville is more expensive than the Ninja so I wasn’t sure if the Breville was worth it, but I found one on sale. After several months of multiple daily use, I found the Breville to be a better blender than the Ninja. It’s much quieter. It doesn’t “walk” around the counter from vibration. It’s easier to clean. Most importantly, there’s no overflow spillage or leakage. The Breville is the BEST blender that I’ve owned.

[@RJMoser]

My Ninja Auto IQ just did the same today. Based on this video and what you said... I think I'll go check out the Breville. Thnx :)

[@dilemmix]

Thank you, I'm so happy with your comment because I'm due for a new blender after my stupid Nutri Bullet blew up when I made pumpkin puree. Never again! So now I was tossing up between the Breville and Ninja Auto IQ. I've been trying to decide for two weeks and I need one soon!! You have no idea how much your comment helped me!

[@ritaadutwumwaaisreal6971]

I was soo much into the ninja almost made my order but pause to check on the best my money could buy cos money is not easy to get as a mom of three so realize watching about three videos including this and review on the ninja I have now made a decision with the breville Thank soo much really

[@InAweOfAnimals]

Seriously!!!! You go through this whole extremely well-done comparison of these blenders to say that the Breville Hemisphere Control performed the best. BUT when I look to buy it it is not available anymore!!?? That's just mean!

[@cybrarian9]

Questions: I keep a kosher home, which requires me to have a blender jar that is for dairy items (dairy) and one for non-dairy and non-meat products (pareve) so that I could blend soup bases or nut butters or smoothies, etc. For grinding meats, I use a dedicated "meat" food processor container made of plastic. Glass jars can be koshered (as far as I know), but plastic jars cannot be koshered. If you use them for dairy, they really should only ever be used for dairy in the future. So my question are: Did you test for performance of GLASS jars compared with PLASTIC jars and did you find any differences between them in the end results of whatever you blended?

[@spicemasterii6775]

I pity the poor soul who had to taste the kale smoothie. You took one for the team! Thank you

[@SharonSmith003]

Hi Chris, I made this for Christmas dinner last year and it turned out really well, it’s on repeat for this Christmas. Thank you for the great recipe. Merry Christmas!

[@eugenesedita]

On Williams Sonoma website this Breville got 8 dismal failures, all for breaking down within months to one year and having to be replaced. What's up with that?

[@sc1030]

actually listened to her explanations without skipping portions of it or the middle for answers. what i came to seek for; which blenders were the best, which was their favorite, with their why. i even enjoyed their show of what they did or and how it was tested and tried out. other reviews had unnecessary comments not related to their reviews so, earned their 'dislikes'. this review, liked it. which was why i looked for her explanations again, this one 2nd time, after her pot pans reviews, which contributed to why i liked this review too

[@Blakehx]

Will you do a test of vacuum blenders? They're supposed to better at preserving nutrients especially for juicing and making smoothies! Thanks

[@kkz201]

I purchased the Breville Hemisphere solely based on your last review and test. It is a fantastic blender. I would like to add for your viewers that it lasted in peak condition for 2 yrs of daily use. I notice now that it doesn't "chop" up kale and ice as finely as it once did. And the motor is wearing since I hear it squeaking and smell what I believe is motor/greasing fluid?

[@roberts459]

monkeeCnDew you may also have a blade that is getting dull, I believe you can get a replacement from the manufacturer. It's like food processor blades they only last so long. I'd also ask them about the smell, it might be normal, I know my kitchen aid stand mixer will smell funny sometimes and the manufacturer stated it was normal when the machine is under stress, it does it when I kneed bread dough.

[@kkz201]

thank you for your suggestion

[@Talasas]

Yep, this is the typical failure mode of the Breville blenders. My original Ikon blender (the glass jug forerunner to the one they showed here) failed after 4 years of mild use. The seals around the blade fail and the rubber burns up, that's the funny taste you're describing. The huge problem is they discontinue the blade assembly as a spare part and they deliberately make each new model incompatible with the previous ones so once the blade assembly dies, it writes off the whole blender. I refuse to buy a new Breville blender because a $4 skate bearing failed that I could replace myself.

[@friedchicken1]

but will it blend?

[@haxx64]

Actually I don't think it was discontinued, they just rebranded it to Breville BBL620 Fresh & Furious Blender

[@IvonaFlakus]

true! :)

[@JoeStuffz]

You can find refurbed Vitamix and Blendtec mixers sometimes under $300

[@TempRawr]

Always love how you guys update these. Thanks for covering us.

[@kalapitas9365]

How did the Ninja perform in your testing?

[@kimgarrett1937]

How about comparing with vitamix and blentec?

[@sumdood2035]

Does the newer Breville "Fresh and Furious" use the same pitcher? Do you think it would perform in a similar way despite being nearly twice the power (1100watt vs 750watt) and having the same 5 speeds?

[@internalharm]

I got the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Blender Combo 1200 Watt. This review is 3 years old so I just did my research and pulled the trigger. I love my blender cause I can just use the portable container to blend small stuff and easy clean. It is super strong. Only down side is the latching onto the blender, It can only be on 4 different way but im just being picky. The bottom attachment could be metal but I think it was be okay. Worth it. BTW i mostly use it to make smoothies.

[@tradersato]

We had the previous model of your Brevel winner that had a base made of a different plastic and a glass top. The bearings burned out and leached liquids. Upon asking for warranty directly at Brevel, they said it would not be covered so I had to buy their new totally plastic top at my own cost. I'm just dreading that this one will burn out the bearings a some point.. other than that, it's a great piece that I clearly thought it worth paying to update the blender top and not go with some other brand. I've never had a blender make what truly feels like powdered snow. We have even made snow cones with it!

[@pulltheskyopen]

I want to see how the vitamix stacks up...

[@aneta5196]

How would you compare this top pick to the vitamix favourite for longtime use? The Breville is cheaper upfront, but if the vitamix were to last longer, than it could ultimately be cheaper per use in the long run 🤓

[@viveviveka2651]

Their tests are very incomplete. Some of the Oster blenders are great. The Cleanblend commercial blenders would outperform all of the models they tested. They are more powerful and less expensive.

[@isaz597]

I know the breville was best overall but which one actually was best at making almond butter? the breville "did well at making almond butter". I'm assuming it wasn't the best

[@gracysingh2398]

Did u finally discover which was the best at almond butter and date puree? I am looking at a good but reasonably priced blender. Don't have a thousand bucks

[@blueboyblue]

Breville seems to come out on top in a lot of categories. These must be good products.

[@h.al.8801]

My BLENDTECH does all this and even makes hot tortilla soup. I bought it refurbished 7 years ago, works like a champ!

[@gracysingh2398]

Which blendtec model do you use?

[@h.al.8801]

@@gracysingh2398 I use the Classic. I bought the Wild Jar, the half jar, and the small jar to make butter. The jars gives tons of flexibility. I purchased one for my daughter and one for my son. They love them.

[@zachary8224]

H. Al. blendtech is not a mid priced blender though

[@h.al.8801]

@@zachary8224 they got some in Amazon for $208 with the Wkld Jar!

[@zachary8224]

H. Al. oh wow!

[@juicersblenders1596]

This is such a thorough review! Thank you. How has it held up after 2 year of use?

[@FelicityFeng]

So helpful. Please do a hand blender version.

[@skyemaclachlan5182]

It would be great if you could do blender reviews yearly. The recommended models are never available any longer - frustrating!

[@kentyler966]

Had another thought. I see lots of "hacks" where people hook 4.5" angle grinders to different machines for more power. An angle grinder attached to a blender would be a beast. Might be able to mix small batches of concrete let alone ice for Margarita's. Bet Tim the toolman Taylor has one.

[@Tracks777]

I look forward to more videos.Keep it up!

[@L1ttlef0ot]

America’s Test Kitchen have you guys tested the new replacement for the Hemisphere Control, the Breville Fresh and Furious? I’d love to see what you guys have to say before I buy a blender!

[@trevorpinnocky]

The Ming Tsai 1300-Watt Hot & Cold Power Blender with Tritan Jar does all this and will also 'cook', for $89. Love mine. Gets more work than my Vitamix too.

[@wendym5086]

trevorpinnocky does it do nut butters effectively

[@cameron5087]

I'd like to see a blender comparison with Blentec. I have one and I like it but I want to know if I spent $1000 for nothing better than a $200 blender. My model is the Blendtec 800 professional.

[@Berelore]

They included the blendtec in their previous batch, but it didn't even make the cut to be included into the in depth testing group because it was too powerful to perform most the basic tasks. For their high end pick they go for the vitamix 5200 for ~450$.

[@cameron5087]

Berelore Thank you. I thought they had it in a line up but couldn't remember.

[@Berelore]

Will maybe you need to reread the comment thread because no the blendtec ones weren't good enough to make the baseline cut. Powerful yes, but good at the wide array of tasks a blender is used for? No.

[@berekdollinger9165]

"(We also tested the Blendtec Total Blender in 2009 but were not impressed... absurdly turbo-charged, turning a smoothie into thin juice. Worse, it couldn’t perform the main function required of a blender (crushing ice), as its extreme speed and power made no difference when ice got trapped out of reach."

[@zinahsdiary4433]

CAN U PLS DO A REVIEW OF THE BEST SLOW JUICER FOR 2017? THANKS! 😊

[@kurtfordan2146]

Any reviews for juicer..🙏🙏🙏

[@Blakehx]

Great review thanks! Have you tested any vacuum blenders? They are supposed to introduce less air and some say that their smoothies and juices are better for you because the food undergoes less oxidation!

[@audrianamichelin8726]

I really wish you guys did more videos. Like one ever 2 weeks? Let me know if it possible. I enjoy watching these videos and also purchasing these items so far the only thing I haven't purchased based on your review was the Spatula because I'd already owned a brand I like. (when those are worn ill try your recommendation) and could you guys do a microwave review I'm having difficulty finding one that does the job

[@2010stoof]

So, what's the new breville that replaced it? All I can find is $350+ breville blenders ...

[@Animaniafreak]

I love this type of testing videos, really useful to help me what to look out for

[@jorgensen8]

Great review & good test methods. It's agencies like yours which I tend to trust more. However you need one last test. The difference between your ratings and Amazon for example can vary widely, and they have thousands of personal real life testimonials on the Breville you recommend which are hard to ignore. The biggest difference seems to be with longevity & customer service. So this is why I recommend that with each manufacturer you try to get a hold of them with some perhaps made up problem. The ease of getting customer satisfaction would add quite a bit to an otherwise great reviews.

[@DeeGSefcik]

Have you tested the Blendtec?

[@drthmik]

Yes they have

[@imstuner]

Did you guys use the blendtec large wildside jar or little one?

[@ricardse]

What happened to the other video where you guys tested blenders (I guess it was the more high end blenders) and you recommended the Vitamix? Was it taken down? I remember seeing it maybe a year ago but I can only find this video.

[@dimaszaky9972]

where's the best blenders original video? can't find it

[@KT-iu2ov]

The best reviews for kitchen stuff! You guys rock!

[@CryptoAshkn]

My braun blender broke after 1 year. It still works but not 100%. Now looking for something that last longer. Gonna check this one

[@michieldrost9396]

But the biggest question! Will it blend in a Blend-Tec blender!

[@colingallagher2968]

Best test kitchen reviewer. The other guys don't quite have the vibe she has

[@henriquemarrocos]

How much does it cost the second best?

[@Wrecktoid]

How is $199 moderately priced?

[@ryeguy01]

Because cheap ones are < 100 and top of the line ones can run > 500

[@zebunker]

Because they get a moderately priced bonus check from hawking these.

[@NordicHealer]

You made me laugh. Under the "New Norm" I guess they consider that a moderately priced blender. Oh my. I would need a bank loan for a High End blender. haha

[@GearsOfLag2]

because some of us are rich.

[@ConchitaProductions]

Because this is business standard.

[@oshkoshbjosh]

These are so great! As someone who has bought two blenders that both died blending ice... I wish I had something like this before I wasted my money.

[@rubensanchez1018]

Can you do a product review on vacuum blenders next?

[@LolaboneC]

Do you have a video on kettles (non electric), I can't find one. If you haven't can you make one?

[@pussypuffs]

do you send the test items to a lab to ensure the products you choose as your favorites don't come with unwanted/unhealthy coatings, like the ziploc bags you tested or some of the cheaper gadgets?*cough*theproductsfromchina"cough*

[@TheIkaika777]

How I make mayonnaise, step one: open a jar of Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Step two: done!

[@BLUEISME42]

Can you tell us the top 3 in your list? 😊

[@jeffdj1975]

Which model is the BREVILLE Hemisphere control? I’d like to get one

[@danielwindecker3937]

How did the new model from breville stack up?

[@MrSamAxe]

I'll go ahead and spend the the money for a good Vitamix mixer made here in the US in my home state of Ohio.

[@Rhaspun]

And did you buy one.

[@nanwu3650]

Why did you recommend Black + Decker Performance FusionBlade Blender as a replacement which wasn't in your testing list?

[@bigbobo3]

Ive been extremely happy with making smoothies in my @t! I cannot wait for warmer weather/summer to bring it with me to make beach margaritas!!

[@williama.wilson2525]

Oh! I see my blender there. But I picked it off the top 7 blenders list from Healthy Kitchen 101. People worry so much about having a high-powered blender that they spend too much money. It’s kind of ridiculous to me. Like having a monster truck when all you need is a Civic.

[@SonicBoomC98]

Don't they normally announce a runner up?

[@borisbeverton5998]

Did they test the Blendtec? I missed that bit.

[@zachary8224]

Boris Beverton the blendtec isn’t a mid priced blender!

[@David_T]

Many of these tasks (e.g. almond butter) you would be better off using a food processor, and they are a LOT easier to clean. I'd rather through my money into a good food processor capable of daily use and then go cheap on a blender.

[@thily7682]

So which brand is the best?

[@joannerlee]

Can you guys do a comparison immersion blenders? Philips? Kitchen aid? Breville?

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

Yup! www.cooksillustrated.com/articles/382-testing-immersion-blenders

[@thily7682]

Brevell Hemisphere control. Is the best?

[@onlybelieve6812]

What was the runner up? Was it KitchenAid?

[@k3v6724]

Have you tested L'EQUIP?

[@ardothe1]

Breville the Hemisphere Control is not available anymore. Discontinued.

[@miamitreasurehunter]

This 'America's Test Kitchen' just Amazes me !!!! Great Job !

[@STC.1111]

love ur videos...plz do the best portable ice maker...thnx

[@BroccoliBeefed]

She is right, Breville blenders are da bomb. And they are so quiet too by comparison

[@ZILOGz80VIDEOS]

I would love to see some reviews of newer mid range ~$199 blenders like the Blendtec Total Classic

[@ManOfSteel1]

jar is everything i just got v shaped jar for my standard 500w blender and it works like magic. all this hi speed is bullshit.

[@MasterMoose04]

But can it blend an iPhone

[@random01759]

This vid is a lifesaver tbh

[@omgimgfut]

wish you had tested a Blendtec

[@kostasp1269]

Thank you - I bought many of the products you tested - great job!

[@victormillward]

What a great test. You have saved me a ton of money. Thank you

[@JohnL3330]

Very informative, but I liked the food processor review style better, with a variety of prices. Maybe include an expensive blender to give a baseline on how well these mid-tiers perform

[@deyesed]

They've already done two such videos. The Vitamix and Blendtec win too easily.