Effortless Smoothie Making: A Review of the Best Small Smoothie Makers

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and preferences regarding small smoothie makers. Various blenders and smoothie-making techniques are discussed, along with personal anecdotes about smoothie recipes and usage.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses a desire to incorporate smoothies into their breakfast routine but found using a traditional blender cumbersome.
  • Another participant mentions their long-term use of an Osterizer blender for smoothies.
  • One participant shares that their parents have a Vita-Mix, which they admire but find expensive.
  • A participant discusses their positive experience with a Braun hand blender, noting its effectiveness for single servings.
  • One participant's sister enjoys her Magic Bullet, although they have not used it themselves.
  • Several users express enthusiasm for the Magic Bullet, with one participant sharing a tip about blending techniques.
  • Another participant mentions using a Blendtec blender daily for green smoothies, highlighting its blending capabilities.
  • One participant shares their smoothie-making process using a Hamilton Beach Wave Action blender, emphasizing its affordability and functionality.
  • Another participant expresses a strong desire for a Vita-Mix, sharing their family's attempts to gift one to them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the best smoothie maker, with some participants favoring the Magic Bullet and others preferring brands like Vita-Mix or Blendtec. No clear consensus emerges on a single preferred blender.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences, often highlighting specific recipes or techniques they use in their smoothie-making routines.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on various smoothie makers and personal experiences with different blending techniques may find this discussion valuable.

C
chefmoseley
Gold Member
Messages
491
I would like to start drinking smoothies for breakfast. Thus 'killing two birds with one stone' I'll get more fruits in my diet and I'll 'eat' breakfast. I tried this around this time last year and it was a pain in the neck to use the blender daily. The recipe I use includes yogurt instead of ice cream to make it healthier. So I can't really make it ahead of time for multiple days b/c the yogurt would go bad. Do you have a small smoothie maker that you love or hate that you could tell me about? We are looking at the Magic Bullet but not sure. I'm the only one who would be drinking the smoothies so making just one serving at a time is great.
 
I just always use my trusty, almost 30 year old, Osterizer to make smoothies.
 
My blender sucks too. My parents have a Vita-Mix that they LOVE to make smoothies with! I would really love to have that one, however, it is about $400, I think!
 
On another note, I have a Braun handblender that does a pretty decent job. I think it's actually called an immersion blender, but I'm not sure. It makes a good smootie for one in a glass. I've heard the Magic Bullet is cool, but I don't have one, unfortunately.
 
My sister loves her Magic Bullet; she has never showed it to me, just told me it was great. I'll have to ask her about it. I've only used my blender and just rinse it right away. When the glass pitcher is detached from the base you can take the bottow w/the blades off. It does not take long to take apart and rinse.
 
LOVE my magic bullet!! Have been making breakfast smoothies in it for a couple years. A tip is to put the most difficult to blend ingredients (ice) in last so they are near the blades. You might look at buying on e-bay. The ones on TV are sold "buy 1 get 1 free",
so many are sold on e-bay.
 
I would LOVE to have a vita mix!!! I was wishing that PC would have included one of those on the merchandise promo that they are doing! :DA funny tip that I learned, you can make your own "magic bullet" with a regular mouth mason jar - they actually screw into your regular blender base. it's great for smoothies, salsa, other small tasks and servings for one.
 
I do green smoothies every day! Love them! I have a Blendtec and my-oh-my that thing can blend ANYTHING! :balloon:
 
A little off topic- what are your favorite smoothie recipes? I have a Vita Mix, and use it every day in the summer, when fruit and veggies are in season. I LOVE it!
 
Liquid Sky said:
I do green smoothies every day! Love them! I have a Blendtec and my-oh-my that thing can blend ANYTHING! :balloon:
Click to expand...
I saw someone demo-ing a Blendtec at Costco last week, and all I could think of were the videos from the web. http://www.willitblend.com/?
 
I love my Magic Bullet as well.
 
You can earn a new blender with your sales in Jan/Feb.
 
I LOVE my magic bullet. I also use yogurt and add orange juice, a little bit of sugar, and then top it off with frozen pineapple, frozen strawberries and frozen mixed berries!! YUMMY!!!
 
I have the Hamilton Beach Wave Action, which I bought last summer. It's great for smoothies. The base is high enough so you can get a cup in (I, of course, use the Dots Coffee & More mug!), underneath. The Micro Scraper is perfect for sticking down the hole in the lid if things get stuck (turn off the smoothie maker, though, so the scraper doesn't get chewed up!).

I make my smoothies with a combination of frozen fruit, fresh fruit (a banana, kiwi, etc) and organic juices, like Fruit Simple, Bolthouse, or even Odwalla. It's fun to mix up the flavors. I've also put the leftovers in prep bowls and frozen them for 'slushies' later.

I got the Wave Action for about $20 at Wal-Mart, so quite the bargain compared to a VitaMix! Haha.
 
Last edited:
janezapchef said:
On another note, I have a Braun handblender that does a pretty decent job. I think it's actually called an immersion blender, but I'm not sure. It makes a good smootie for one in a glass. I've heard the Magic Bullet is cool, but I don't have one, unfortunately.
Click to expand...

I love my Braun Immersion Blender! I love that you can mix up the smoothies right in the glass...but I also love to use my blender when I am making cream soups and sauces and gravies. I can use it right in the pots and pans I am using, and don't have to have another big piece of equipment in my kitchen!
 
jcsmilez said:
I would LOVE to have a vita mix!!! I was wishing that PC would have included one of those on the merchandise promo that they are doing! :D
Click to expand...

I know! I had the same thought! For the last few Christmases, my parents have asked if I'd like them to get me a Vita Mix for Christmas, and I've said YESSSSS! Then, they have decided to go different routes. I'm not complaining too much, they are great gift-givers, but I would love to have a VitaMix!

That being said, I do plan to select the big blender from the kitchen electrics promo when I hit $8000!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a small smoothie maker?

When choosing a small smoothie maker, consider features such as motor power (at least 300 watts for effective blending), blade design for smooth consistency, ease of cleaning, portability, and whether it has multiple speed settings. Additionally, look for safety features like a secure lid and non-slip base.

Are small smoothie makers powerful enough for frozen ingredients?

Many small smoothie makers are designed to handle frozen fruits and vegetables, but it's important to check the motor power and blade quality. A model with a higher wattage and sharp, durable blades will typically perform better with frozen ingredients, ensuring a smooth blend.

How easy is it to clean a small smoothie maker?

Cleaning ease varies by model, but many small smoothie makers feature removable parts that are dishwasher safe. Look for models with a self-cleaning function or those that can be easily rinsed out after use. A design with fewer crevices will also make cleaning simpler.

Can I make other beverages besides smoothies with a small smoothie maker?

Yes, many small smoothie makers are versatile and can be used to create other beverages such as protein shakes, milkshakes, and even soups or sauces, depending on the model's capabilities. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines for recommended uses.

What is the average price range for a good small smoothie maker?

The price of small smoothie makers can vary widely, typically ranging from $20 to $100. Budget models may suffice for basic blending, while higher-end options often offer more power, features, and durability. It's important to balance your budget with the features you need.

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