What are the features that make the best easy-clean blenders? To start with, blenders with a wide jar and base dimensions are the first thing to look for since these features make it easy to fit brushes or sponges into the nooks and crannies. Next, removable parts like stainless steel blades make clean-up a snap. Some models even feature a self-clean function so that you can step away from your blender to go work on other tasks.
We favored BPA-free plastic blending jars, which most high-end brands already offer. This way, you don’t have to worry about injury or cleaning up a shattered glass if you or the kids accidentally knock it off the counter. Of course, glass jars tend to look more professional than their plastic counterparts and are less prone to scratches and odors.
Keep reading our buyer’s guide to learn more about what to look for in the best blenders that are a snap to clean.
Top Easy to Clean Blenders
#1 Magic Bullet Small Blender
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: We think this is a great option for anybody who needs a compact model for their kitchen. There is also a myriad of accessories you receive with your blender. The cups are made with high-impact plastic.
- Extremely compact option
- Multitude of included accessories
- Uses high-impact plastic
- Not an eco-friendly option
You’ll receive a myriad of included accessories with this blender model. The package consists of a motor base with 250 watts of power, a tall cup, a short cup, two lip rings, two Stay-Fresh resealable lids, one party mug, and one to-go lid. The cups are made with high-impact plastic, so they are less likely to break. Unfortunately, the presence of plastic makes these a less environmentally friendly option for blenders. Glass pitchers are a better alternative if this is an essential feature for you.
This blender will chop, mix, blend, whip, grind, and more. It is an all-in-one solution if you regularly need smoothies or other blended drinks. It’s straightforward to use. All you have to do is fill your blender with ingredients, pop on the base, and press it down into the motor. you can rinse out most parts with water and soap. You can put them right in the top rack of your dishwasher for the cups. This is truly a hassle-free option as far as cleaning is concerned.
#2 Ninja BL610 Blender
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This high-power model beats out competitors in power alone. Beyond this, it has an extra-large capacity pitcher capable of keeping your smoothie cup full. It is designed with intelligent features unique to this brand to improve blending capabilities.
- Extremely high-powered model
- Extra-large capacity pitcher
- Designed with intelligent technology
- Uses lightweight plastic
Total Crushing technology provides professional-level blending to your kitchen. This model comes equipped to crush ice, blend batter, pulverize whole fruits and vegetables, and more. There is even a special ice-crushing mode that allows you to turn ice into snow in seconds. Unfortunately, the plastic of this lightweight model does feel a little flimsy. They should hold together just fine, but it takes the experience down a notch.
This model also has an extra-large capacity. The pitcher is capable of holding up to 72 ounces of solids and 64 ounces of liquids. It’s all powered by a great motor with 1,000 watts of power on 120 volts of electricity. This professional-grade blender is fantastic for getting clean in a hurry because it’s made entirely with BPA-free plastic and is dishwasher safe. You’ll receive the motor base, pitcher, and pitcher lid. There’s also a free recipe guide included.
#3 NutriBullet NBR-1201 Blender
Award: BEST FOR SIMPLE OPERATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model is made with highly durable stainless steel to make it more durable than competing models. It is also highly compact and can fit almost anywhere. The use of BPA-free plastic cups is a plus for your health.
- Made with stainless steel
- Highly compact model
- BPA-free plastic cups
- Might be too small
This little blender packs a mighty punch due to the 600-watt motor it comes with. This is a simple solution to making smoothies quickly and efficiently. It’s only 12.87 x 9 x 13 inches, so you can stash it conveniently on a countertop or in a cupboard. Unfortunately, this model might be a little on the smaller side for some people. If you need a large-capacity blender, this is not the right choice for you.
There are powerful stainless steel extractor blades that are capable of slicing through fresh and frozen produce, nuts, ice, and more. They use cyclonic action to cut through the toughest ingredients. All of the cups are made of high-performance plastic that is BPA-free. All parts of this system are highly durable due to the materials used. You’ll find the combination of stainless steel and plastic to be equal parts sleek and practical.
#4 Hamilton Beach 58148A Blender
Award: BEST FOR PRESET MODES
WHY WE LIKE IT: There are twelve preset modes built into this model, all controlled by five simple buttons. It also has a large volume pitcher. Beyond this, it is a truly multi-functional model that can take care of any blending job required.
- Twelve preset modes
- Large volume pitcher
- Multi-functional model
- Collar might crack
This model has a “Wave Action” patented system used while you are blending ingredients. This helps the model blast through even the tough ingredients, like nuts or hard vegetables. The blender uses the patented system to pull the mixture down into the blades continuously as you blend. Unfortunately, some consumers have reported that the collar on their blender cracked earlier than they might have expected it to.
This powerful blender is powered by 700 watts of power, making it a powerful option in the line-up. It is incredibly easy to clean since the jar, blades, and lid are all dishwasher-safe. There is a unique, easy-pour spout that is unique to competitor models. This helps you avoid messes in the first place, so less cleanup is necessary. It also features “Ice Sabre” blades, which offer incredible ice-crushing power.
#5 Vitamix 5200 Blender
Award: BEST FOR INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY
WHY WE LIKE IT: The ability to clean itself makes this a fantastic choice. It also has variable speed control to give ultimate blending precision. You’ll enjoy the hardened, durable stainless steel blades this model is equipped with.
- Is able to clean itself
- Uses variable speed control
- Hardened stainless steel blades
- Not great for food processing
Variable speed control makes a huge difference in how much precision control you have over your blending experience. You’ll be able to rotate the dial at any point during the blending process. This keeps you from having to pause the process every time you need to switch up the speed. Unfortunately, this is not the best choice out there for food processing. If you’re looking to replace a food processor, this won’t be a suitable model for you.
To clean it, all you have to do is put in a couple of drops of dish soap and a bit of water. Turn on your blender, and it’ll clean itself within 30-seconds to a minute. The hardened blades are made of aircraft-grade stainless steel. This gives the assurance of a durable, long-lasting machine with blades that will crush ice, chop vegetables, and smash through nuts effortlessly. You can also use the Hot Soup setting to bring blended ingredients to steaming hot in around 6-minutes.
#6 Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender
Award: BEST FOR FAMILY MEALS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This extra-large capacity option comes with a 48-ounce pitcher. That’s enough for family-size batches of anything. On top of this, you’ll receive a mini-tamper to ensure all ingredients get to the hardened stainless steel blades.
- Has a 48-ounce pitcher
- Comes with mini-tamper
- Features a pulse mode
- Too loud for some consumers
There is a 48-ounce pitcher included, which is large enough to provide smoothies, soups, and more for the whole family. You’ll also enjoy a variable speed dial that can be adjusted while you blend. The pulse mode will create bursts of power so you can push through those last few chunks in your smooth blend. However, this high-powered model is known for being a little on the loud side. It isn’t a good fit for small apartments or people with sensitive hearing.
If you pour hot water and a couple of drops of dish soap into the blender, it can self-clean. All you have to do is blend on the highest setting, and it’ll be done in around a minute. Even the design of the blender helps fold ingredients back down toward the blades, so you’ll be done blending in less time than with competitor models. There are also laser-cut stainless steel blades installed that are designed to be resistant to dulling.
Beginner’s Guide to the Best Easy to Clean Blender
What Are Easy to Clean Blenders?
An easy clean blender is a kitchen appliance with features that make clean-up a breeze compared to other models. For example, it’s not so easy to always clean an immersion blender as opposed to traditional blenders. Generally, these units have parts that quickly disassemble and wide jar openings, especially if you have a blender with a glass jar. As mentioned above, some models even sport a self-clean feature that makes the process even easier. If you’re looking to combine both power and easy-to-use functions, check out the best blender for Blendtec for a line of easy-to-clean models.
Easy to Clean Blenders vs. Standard Blenders
The main difference between a standard unit and an easy-to-clean blender is the shape of the jar, assembly, and features. Some blenders have a narrow base, making cleaning the motor base difficult and dangerous if you’re working around the sharp blades. On the other hand, models with a wide-based jar and concave bottom are much easier to clean food that may be lodged under the blades.
A self-cleaning function may also set easy clean blenders apart from other models. Unfortunately, this particular feature is only found on more expensive models. Ultimately, this means you won’t find this feature on great blenders under 100.
Additionally, some blenders come with a patented blade design that makes them perfect for smoothies and frozen drinks. However, these expensive blenders can also be difficult to clean since the blades are very narrow, so food bits can easily get stuck inside. Therefore, it is important to consider the blade design when looking for an easy-to-clean smoothie blender.
Finally, many standard blenders (like Nutribullet blenders) aren’t designed to be taken apart; some models even have their jars permanently attached to the motor base. This can make clean-up more difficult, and there is a higher risk of food hardening in the nooks and crannies. In contrast, an easy-to-clean blender has parts that easily disassemble, including the pitcher and stainless steel blades. Many models also offer a serrated blade for tougher ingredients, and the full-size models can easily fit on most kitchen countertops.
If you don’t want to break the bank by dropping a few hundred dollars on a high-performance model with a self-cleaning function, then consider something like the best Ninja blender. Ninja boasts a great line of appliances that strikes a balance between cost, power, and easy-to-clean parts. Most of their blenders are effortless to disassemble and simple to wash by hand.
How Easy to Clean Blenders Work
Traditional blenders and models that are easy to clean function in the same way. Simply connect the pitcher to the base before loading the ingredients and replace the lid. Then, you’ll plug in the power cord and select the speed or setting you desire. Once powered on, the blades spin in a circular, high-speed motion, creating a vortex. The ingredients are then drawn toward the base, where they are blended into a smooth mixture. This is all thanks to the powerful motor and blade assembly featured in high-performance blenders. That said, it’s important to know the watts for a blender, so you’ll avoid buying an underpowered one.
To read about an example of such power, check out our Blendtec Professional 800 review.
With the right combination of ingredients, these blenders can produce fantastic smoothies and green smoothies that are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Even better, motor power is never an issue when it comes to blending larger batches of fruits and veggies for a nutrient-rich drink.
Why Should You Buy an Easy to Clean Blender
If you’ve just spent the past thirty minutes making delicious breakfast smoothies for the family, the last thing on which you want to spend added time is cleaning. Investing in an easy-to-clean blender will reduce the time you have to spend on clean-up. Additionally, advanced programs and a warranty are available that can provide peace of mind even when purchasing a basic blender.
Is an Easy to Clean Blender Worth Buying?
- You need to serve a large crowd: Most easy-to-clean blenders have large pitchers with a wide base and straight edges. These full-size blender jars generally start at 48 ounces in capacity and go up from there, making it easy to make large batches of food. High-powered blenders can also double as food processors, meaning they are great for professional kitchens and commercial uses. In terms of performance, these blenders have the power to mince, grind, puree, and chop ingredients with ease, all while providing a consistent texture and taste for each recipe. These may not be the most portable blenders, but this type of blender will make your drink or food prep more efficient for large gatherings.
- You want a blender that will last: Durability is essential because pitchers and bases can crack, and your blades can dull over time after blending tougher ingredients like frozen fruits and ice cubes to make frozen drinks. For this reason alone, is why you’ll want to get a good blender and not buy based on price. Most high-performance models offer BPA-free Tritan plastic jars instead of glass because the latter tends to shatter when used on a high-speed blender. Stainless steel and extractor blades are also a must-have, especially if you plan to use your blender for shakes on a regular basis. They are less susceptible to rust, and consumers find them much more convenient in the cleaning process.
- You want something easy to maintain: Blenders with a self-clean feature will simplify your life when it comes to clean-up. If you find such models are out of your price range, look instead for models that are easy to disassemble and can be thrown in the dishwasher. Safety features never hurt either while using the blender.
Why an Easy to Clean Blender Might Not Be For You
- You’re low on storage space: A larger jar size usually means you are purchasing a full-sized blender, many of which stand close to 18 inches tall. If you have a small kitchen with limited counter space or are simply limited on counter or storage space, you may want to look into a more compact blender. A blender with a compact size can still handle making your favorite smooth smoothies or protein shakes. For example, adding frozen berries and other fruit to the mix can make a delicious green smoothie.
- You’re on a budget: You can usually find a compact blender for less than $100. In contrast, expect to pay potentially quite a bit more for an easy-to-clean blender, especially if you want one with a self-cleaning function. Some of these models may run several hundred dollars versus a cheaper personal blender. If this is out of your price range, consider something like the Nutri Ninja Auto IQ.
How Long Will an Easy to Clean Blender Last?
Most cheap blenders are designed to last between three to five years. If you opt for a high-end model, you’ll pay more upfront, but it should last you ten years or more, depending on use and care. Although, remember that a budget blender with a 700-watt motor won’t last as long as a high-powered blender.
The first parts to wear out on a blender are the motor, blades, and blending jar. Warming up your motor and only putting ingredients into the blending jar that the motor can handle will help avoid overheating. Usually, tough ingredients are best used in models with at least 1000 watts of power. In contrast, your 500-watt appliance is optimal for soft ingredients and liquids. Avoiding added strain on your motor and stainless steel blades is crucial to durability.
You also need to clean your blender after each use. Simply fill the jar partially with warm water and a drop of dish soap and blend the mixture for up to thirty seconds to create soapy water, or use the self-cleaning function if your appliance has one. Finally, make sure you dry your jar all the way and store it in an upright position after use.
Additionally, the experts at Blendtec offer some helpful tips when cleaning your blender jar. They advise against using stiff-bristled brushes and submerging the base in water for longer than five minutes. Following these steps will reduce the risk of dulled textures and prevent the seals from corroding. Keep in mind, while some jars are dishwasher friendly, Blendtec instructs that they should only be placed on the top rack. Based on the size of your blender jar, this might not be doable for some consumers.
How to Choose the Best Easy to Clean Blender
There are a few other key factors that make the best easy-clean blender. This includes investing in quality models or brands, pitcher sizes, and pre-programmed settings. Keep reading to learn more about how to decide on your next easy clean blender.
Key Factors to Consider for an Easy to Clean Blender
1. Do You Want Versatility?
The more high-powered your blender, the more kitchen tasks it will be able to handle. If you are already in the market for a high-performance, easy-to-clean blender, why not look for models that can also blend hot food and replace your food processor to create dough?
2. What Size Blender Do You Need?
A few compact blenders offer trouble-free cleaning, but most self-cleaning functions and wide bases are found in full-sized, professional blenders. Usually, this means your pitcher will sport a 48-ounce container or larger. Some brands offer additional jars and other accessories, like the WildSide+ container sold by Blendtec, which boasts a wide motor base and blunted blades for a quick blend and an even easier clean-up.
3. Do You Want Pre-Programmed Settings?
If you decide to bite the bullet and pay the price for a versatile blender, you will want to look at its pre-programmed functions. Not only should this ideally include a self-clean button, but you might find other helpful settings like those for nut butter, ice cream, and hot soup.
- You might be interested in additional features on your blender as well, like a pulse function with the controls on the blender base to get an extra burst of power while blending. This can come in handy if you’re blending tougher frozen ingredients so you get a creamy smoothie. High-end blenders tend to come with more additional features, but not everybody needs these luxurious models.
