Summer is finally here, and with it comes the excitement of whipping up refreshing drinks that you can drink all day long. Whether you’re craving a frozen margarita on a Saturday afternoon or want to start every day with a healthy smoothie, you need a great blender that’ll get the job done. Whether you lack the counter space for a big, bulky appliance or want something more portable that’ll work on the go, consider getting a personal blender. Options for the best portable blender for smoothies, including travel blenders, can whip up delicious smoothies without so much as a sniff of electricity. What’s more, they’re also a godsend for picnics, campsites, and even office use, and can be used for whipping up more than just smoothies – think protein shakes post-gym or puréeing baby food on the fly!
Not only can they be used just about anywhere, but also they can be charged using any USB-based outlet and are cheap to buy. So, now your favorite summer drink is but the push of a button away. So, if you’re sold on the idea of a portable blender, then we’ve also included a rather handy guide to buying them since there are a plethora of options you’ll find in the market. We’ve scoured the interweb, read a shedload of user reviews, and carefully curated this mini bonanza of the best portable blenders currently on the market.
How To Choose The Best Portable Blenders for Smoothies?
If you’re always on the move, then your life depends on portable accessories, especially those that involve food and cooking. Whether it’s the Best Portable Grills For Camping, Best Handheld Portable Toasters, or portable blenders, there are a ton of factors you need to consider before buying these portable products. So, what should you be looking for in the best portable blenders for smoothies?
Ingredients
The first and foremost factor you need to consider is what ingredients you will be blending in your blender. Blending can cover a variety of ingredients right from hard nuts to soft fruits and even ice. So, you firstly need to zero in on what you’re planning to blend in the best portable blender for travel. Basically, the other factors such as the functions, power, and strength of the machine will depend on the kind of ingredients you’re going to be blending.
Weight and size
When it comes to travel, compact, small, and lightweight are best. Plus, the physical size is also essential since you don’t want to use up valuable packing space which is already a premium. So, look for a portable blender that’ll fit into your check-in suitcase, since you can’t stash it in your carry-on. Also, if you’re going on a camping or hiking adventure, then ensure that the blender fits in your backpack and doesn’t take up space meant for other gear. Also, size is important since most portable blenders are designed for a single person. There are some that are larger, while others come with additional containers, but you need to see how well they fit into your bag and what your needs are.
Motor power
The motor power is what determines what kind of ingredients you can blend. When it comes to travel, you can go for the best portable blenders for smoothies that have lesser motor power. However, if you’re making smoothies or shakes that require hard or frozen ingredients, then you’ll require a more powerful machine with sharper blades. Generally, top-of-the-line kitchen blenders average more than 700 W. However, when it comes to a portable blender for smoothies, you can get away with something less powerful, even as low as 125 W. Just remember that the lesser the power, the lesser the strength of the appliance.
Power source
Usually, the best idea is to get a blender with a rechargeable battery, in case you don’t want the hassle of having to look for a power source when you get to your destination, or if you want to use your blender along the way. That said, there are two kinds of battery power which you need to check. The first is a standard battery which has a limited lifespan and will need to be replaced with additional batteries. On the other hand, some even come with a USB port for charging, which works with everything from your phone to laptop chargers. So, you can whip up a smoothie right at your desk!
Carry type
The best portable blender for travel options comes with a travel bottle or jar. So, you can blend, remove the bottle, snap on the lid, and voila, you have a smoothie to carry along. The only drawback is that it’s usually enough for just one person or a single serving. You also need to factor in the size of the jar. For instance, a 14 oz bottle is perfect for a single person on the go. For a family, look for a jaw that holds at least 24 or 32 oz.
Accessories and maintenance
When you have tons of accessories to attach to your blender, such as funnels, blades, lids, cups, then it’s fun in the kitchen, but not necessarily for travel. So, decide exactly which accessories you will definitely need and not pack the rest. Additionally, you need to see how easy or difficult to wash the blender. Many good blenders even come with self-cleaning features, so without a doubt, go for that!
Which is the most lightweight portable blender?
The lightest portable blender on this list is the Oster BLSTPB-WPK My Blend 250-Watt Blender, which weighs just 1 lb! The BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade Personal Blender and Hamilton Beach Personal Blender come a close second, weighing 1.5 and 2 lbs respectively. What makes the Oster blender so great, besides the weight, is that it doesn’t have any extra cups to be washed since it blends directly into the jar. Secondly, it mashes just about anything. Finally, it has the tightest-fitting lid in the universe!
COSORI Personal High Speed Blender C011-PB
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The COSORI Personal High-Speed Blender C011-PB is the best portable blender for smoothies that comes with auto-blend and pulse settings and an impressive 800 W of power. This blender has a long list of positives, such as a stop/start button that blends just about anything from kale to squishy fruits. What’s more, it can even crush ice for slushies and has three distinct blade styles in a single assembly. Plus, the innovative auto-blend option blends with 1-second breaks in 3-second bursts, stopping after 10 bursts. At the same time, the pulse button, when held down, blends at the highest speed. It also makes for easy cleaning, since all the removable parts are dishwasher safe, including the storage and travel lids, one 12-oz and two 24-oz containers. Rounding up the features of this best portable blender for travel is the recipe book and cleaning brush.
Specifications
- Power rating: 800 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 24 oz.
- Weight: 8.1 lbs
Pros:
- All removable parts are dishwasher safe.
- Includes pulse and auto-blend settings.
- Powerful.
Cons:
- Has only one travel lid.
Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Compact Blender RPB-100
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Yet another of the best portable blenders for smoothies is the Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Compact Blender RPB-100. Operating on a lithium battery, the battery on this blender charges within just 2 hours via a USB cable. Plus, it provides a runtime of as much as 20 minutes when it’s fully charged. The blender comes with a 16-oz BPA-free cup, along with a travel lid, so you can take your shakes and smoothies on the go. Moreover, the blade’s four-prong blade screws can even be used to crush ice or puree soup. Powered by a one-speed power button that lights up on use, the blender sports a streamlined shape and stainless steel accent that looks good just about anywhere. It’s slightly heavier and bigger than the others on this list, but it comes with a three-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Power rating: 7.4 V
- Maximum cup capacity: 16 oz
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
Pros:
- Sleek design.
- Recharges in 2 hours.
- Battery operated.
Cons:
- No measurement markings on cups.
Frigidaire ESMM100 300-Watt Retro Smoothie Maker
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Yet another good portable blender for smoothies that’s great for travel is the Frigidaire ESMM100 300-Watt Retro Smoothie Maker. Most small travel blenders look utilitarian, functional, and are worth being scurried away from sight, but not this one. It boasts an attractive retro look and a personality full of zing, so you can carry it around proudly just about anywhere. The 300 W motor operates at two speeds for good blending, while the quirky chrome side lever easily stops and starts the blender. This one also comes with two lids, a glass mason jar with a handle, and a large 20.3-oz plastic drinking jar, and is very easy to clean and maintain as well.
Specifications
- Power rating: 300 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 20 oz
- Weight: 3.75 lbs
Pros:
- Retro design
- Quiet
- Easy to use and clean
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with standard mason jars.
Tribest PB-350 Single-Serving Mason Jar Personal Blender
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The Tribest PB-350 Single-Serving Mason Jar Personal Blender is one of the best portable blenders for smoothies for more reasons than one. Why this blender is so great is that it works with most standard mason jars, so you can blend and drink right from your jars. The blender also comes with its own small and large cups with lids, as well as mason jars with their own lids. You’ll also find two grinding blades, one with two and the other with four prongs. Moreover, the 200 W motor is more than enough for sauces, shakes, and smoothies. In fact, the brand has even added a cooling fan that allows you to blend for a longer time period, thus extending its overall life and making it the best portable blender for travel. Oh, and did we mention the XL version with 19 pieces?
Specifications
- Power rating: 200 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 16 oz.
- Weight: 7 lbs.
Pros:
- Easy to clean and use.
- Comes with many mason jars and lids.
- Includes two grinding blades.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that it’s not as powerful as other blenders.
Fochea 5-in-1 High-Speed Personal Blender
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Yet another excellent portable blender for smoothies is the Fochea 5-in-1 High-Speed Personal Blender. This one is more than simply a personal blender – it comes with a 51-oz pitcher that makes this a food processor! So, it’s perfect for making larger batches of slushies, soups, sauces, or smoothies or even for chopping veggies and fruits for meal prep. What’s more, you can even use it to grind meat for sausages and burgers. The blender even comes with a 10-oz jar for chopping small portions of fresh veggies or herbs for a single serving of salad. Add the included 20-oz travel cup, and you can even take everything along on the road. The 700 W motor and sharp blades can handle everything from ice and vegetables to fruits. Rounding up the features is the suction cup feet and the fact that the removable parts are dishwasher safe.
Specifications
- Power rating: 700 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 20 oz
- Weight: 6.2 lbs
Pros:
- Can grind meat.
- Easy to use.
- Powerful.
Cons:
- Smaller capacity than other models.
Cuisinart SmartPower Compact Portable Blending/Chopping System
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Amongst the best portable blenders for smoothies is also the Cuisinart SmartPower Compact Portable Blending/Chopping System. Costing just $70, the blender boasts an upscale design in black or white coupled with stainless steel trim. The 350 W motor along with controls for high/low-speed blending and pulsing make this a user-friendly and intuitive appliance. Adding to the versatility is the electronic touchpad with LED indicator lights. What makes it the best portable travel blender is that it comes in a 15-piece set, complete with a 32-oz blender jar that serves two 16-oz or four 8-oz servings. You’ll also find four 16 oz cups, an 8-oz chopping cup, and two blades for chopping and blending. Wrapping up the features are the lids which are dishwasher-safe and BPA-free.
Specifications
- Power rating: 350 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 16 oz.
- Weight: 7.6 lbs
Pros:
- Powerful motor.
- Convenient accessories.
- Compact and sleek design.
- Easy to use and clean.
Cons:
- Very loud.
Magic Bullet Blender, 11-Piece Set
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When it comes to a versatile portable blender for smoothies, consider the Magic Bullet Blender 11-Piece Set. This handy personal blender features 11 pieces that are useful for more than just smoothies and shakes, while the 250 W motor is capable of handling everything from fruits, chunky salsas, and salad dressings to coffee, spices, and nuts. Also, you’ll be pleased to see that all it takes is a light touch to start the blender. What’s more, it also comes with a locking feature for blending in a hands-free manner. Along with the blender, the kit includes a host of removable parts – a flip-top to-go lid, reusable lids, and three different blender containers. Finally, it even comes with a 10-second recipe book!
Specifications
- Power rating: 250 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 18 oz.
- Weight: 4 lbs
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Comes with three blender cup sizes.
- Tiny footprint.
Cons:
- The blender cups are small and don’t have measurements.
Nutri Ninja Pro Blender
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The Nutri Ninja Pro Blender is amongst the best portable blenders for smoothies that are easy to set up and clean. Ninja is as it is famed for its litany of innovative appliances and was also the brand that first came up with personal blenders. The Pro blender boasts a power of 900 W that can virtually pulverize vegetables and fruits, turning them into a smooth drink. So, you can not only chop vegetables. but also make pudding, salsa, and hummus, among others. If that wasn’t enough, this best portable travel blender can even crush ice, which means you can have slushies on the go. Besides the twist-on spout lids that make it so portable, the blender comes with two cups of 18 and 24 oz. and each with a lid. Finally, the removable parts are dishwasher-safe, making for easy cleaning.
Specifications
- Power rating: 900 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 24 oz.
- Weight: 7 lbs
Pros:
- The blender cups are huge and durable.
- Easy to set up and clean.
- Fast.
Cons:
- Noisy.
Breville Boss To Go Sport Blender
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The Breville Boss To Go Sport Blender is an excellent travel portable blender for smoothies. While it’s one of the most expensive blenders on this list, this sleek blender is completely worth it. Firstly, the appliance has both brand-name and aesthetic appeal, which is further justified by the 1,000 W motor. So, you’ll not only have smoothies and shakes, but also slushies, sauces, and chopped fruits and veggies at your disposal. What’s more, this model is also extremely portable due to the two included cups with unique finger holes fitting snugly in the cup holders. And how can we forget the super-tight seal? It securely and safely locks liquids in, even if you toss the blender into your bag in a hurry. So, you’re not going to have to be worried about spillage any time.
Specifications
- Power rating: 1000 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 23 lbs
- Weight: 9.9 lbs
Pros:
- Highly portable.
- Attractive design.
- Super-tight seal.
Cons:
- Expensive.
BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade Personal Blender
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Costing less than $30, the BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade Personal Blender is amongst the best portable blenders for smoothies that are very affordable. There’s a lot to like about this high-powered personal blender, such as the fact that it effectively grinds coarse coffee beans and blends thick and smooth margaritas, milkshakes, and smoothies. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to use as well and ticks all the boxes when it comes to convenience. It’s entirely dishwasher-safe, it’s easy for both left and right-handed people to use, and the manual is concise and clear. The best bit? This is amongst the quietest motors, and not just on this list. So, if you’re an early riser and don’t want to wake your partner or family members, then this is what you should have.
Specifications
- Power rating: 275 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 20 oz
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
Pros:
- Slim and large cups.
- Quiet motor.
- Dishwasher-safe.
Cons:
- The motor wears over time.
NutriBullet Pro Plus
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The NutriBullet Pro Plus is one powerful portable blender for smoothies and is great for travel too. This teensy-but-mighty personal blender has an impressive power of 1,200 W that literally mashes even the toughest of leafy greens into good-looking liquid smoothies. The blender even comes with a jar and a pulse function that’s really helpful for shaking up the ingredients for creating and generating an even blend. Moreover, it’s also rather handy when you want to tackle small meal prep tasks that you might not feel like lugging around a big and bulky food processor for. The high torque power base and the pre-programmed pulse cycle with automatic shut-off round up the features of this blender.
Specifications
- Power rating: 1200 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 32 oz
- Weight: 8 lbs
Pros:
- The pulse.
- Powerful motor.
- Excellent capacity.
Cons:
- Not great for pureeing frozen food.
Hamilton Beach Personal Blender
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Yet another of the best portable blenders for smoothies is the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender. Available in multiple color options of blue, red, black, white, and purple as pictured below, the personal blender holds its own despite being one of the most affordable products on this list ($20-35). The blender boasts a powerful 175 W motor that can churn soft as well as firm foods, such as ice cubes and coffee beans. What’s more, the markings on the 14-oz cup are extremely helpful for quick and easy prep, so you’ll need no extra measuring spoons or cups. If that wasn’t enough, the 14-oz cup is easy to transport as well, thanks to its tapered design that’ll sit nicely in all kinds, sizes, and shapes of cup holders. The standout feature is that the cord wraps tightly around the base, thus making for hassle-free storage and carrying.
Specifications
- Power rating: 175 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 14 oz
- Weight: 2 lbs
Pros:
- Fits in cup holders.
- Measurement markings on the cup.
- The tapered design is versatile.
Cons:
- Not so good with leafy greens.
Oster BLSTPB-WPK My Blend 250-Watt Blender
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The best portable blender for smoothies of them all is the Oster BLSTPB-WPK My Blend 250-Watt Blender. When it comes to single-serve shakes and smoothies, nothing works like this personal blender from Oster. This sports bottle blends just about everything – veggies, ice, fruit, and more – directly, so there are no extra dishes to be washed. It might have 250 W power, but it can even make thick frozen margaritas and grind whole coffee beans too. All you need to do is fill the jar, twist the button on to blend, and finally replace the blade with the portable lid. The cherry on top is that you don’t have to be worried about spilling stuff either. This is thanks to the tight-fitting lid with a strong seal, which means you can toss it into your handbag and it won’t spring a leak even when turned upside down!
Specifications
- Power rating: 275 W
- Maximum cup capacity: 20 oz
- Weight: 1 lb
Pros:
- Comes in four colors.
- Perfect for all kinds of smoothies, shakes, and more.
- Very portable.
Cons:
- Practically none.
