Best Blenders Under $100 – Smoothies Made Easy

Power and Performance

When you’re shopping for a blender, check the power. More watts mean smoother blends. For smoothies, aim for at least 1000 watts. The Ninja BN701 has 1400 watts, great for ice and frozen fruit. Avoid blenders with less than 600 watts—they might struggle with tougher ingredients. If you love chunky salsa or thick soups, a lower wattage might work. But for smoothies, power matters.

Size and Space Requirements

Think about where the blender will live. If you’re tight on counter space, measure first. The Ninja Professional Blender with a 72-oz. pitcher is big. It’s awesome for family-sized servings but needs space. If you’ve got a smaller kitchen, consider a blender with a more compact base. Don’t get stuck with a blender that doesn’t fit under your cabinets.

Ease of Cleaning

Nobody likes cleaning a blender. Look for models with dishwasher-safe parts. The Oster® Classic Series has a glass jar that’s easy to clean. Some blenders have tricky nooks that trap food. Check reviews for cleaning tips before buying. A blender that’s easy to clean is one you’ll use more often. Avoid models with too many small parts.

Blade Quality and Design

Blender blades should be sharp and durable. Stainless steel is the way to go. It’s rust-resistant and stays sharp longer. The Ninja models use total crushing technology, which is great for ice. Oster blenders often have all-metal drive systems for durability. Don’t choose blenders with flimsy plastic parts. They might break more easily, leaving you with a smoothie mess.

Jar Material and Capacity

Blender jars come in plastic, glass, or metal. Glass jars, like the Oster’s 6-cup jar, are heavy but don’t absorb stains or odors. Plastic jars are lighter and less likely to shatter, but they can scratch. Consider what you’ll blend most. If you make lots of servings, a 72-oz jar like the Ninja’s is a must. Smaller jars are fine for single servings.

Price vs. Features

Stick to your budget but think about what features you need. Under $100, you’ll find plenty of options. The Ninja BN701 offers three functions and auto IQ for around $90. Don’t pay extra for features you won’t use. Avoid blenders with too many bells and whistles if you just want basic smoothies. Sometimes, simple is best.

Preset Functions and Controls

Preset functions make blending easy. If you love simplicity, look for one-touch options like those on the Ninja BN701. It has smoothie, frozen drink, and ice cream settings. For more control, models with variable speeds are great. They let you fine-tune textures. Steer clear of overly complicated controls if you’re tech-shy. Too many buttons can be confusing.

Warranty and Customer Support

Check the warranty before you buy. A good warranty can save you money if something breaks. Ninja blenders often come with a one-year warranty. Some brands offer up to three years. Look for good customer support reviews too. They’re lifesavers when issues arise. Avoid products with poor support history. A solid warranty reflects product confidence.

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