Let’s be honest: Protein shakes are the perfect on-the-go food. Why? Simply because they take zero time to prep. All you have to do is toss a bunch of ingredients into the blender, push a button, and bam, you’re out the door, doing your thing. Not to mention, they are a nutritional powerhouse, which definitely beats all those sugary treats that you find here and there.
However, hitting up your local juice store every other day can quickly add up as these “bad boys” cost up to 10$ each. So, if you want to spare yourself the splurge and still smash your healthy eating goals, it’s high time you invested in a powerful blender for protein shakes.
PS: If you’re open to suggestions, the models I’m about to show you are 110% reliable and can get the job done anytime. You can choose the best protein shake blender for your needs and budget.
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Best Blender for Protein Shakes Reviews – 2021 Picks
It’s easy to take a blender for granted. After all, all you expect it to do is whip your protein powder (and produce) into a yummy, slurp-worthy drink. But, here’s the truth: Factors like the motor’s power, the device’s construction, and adjustable speed settings can seriously affect a model’s performance – which is why I’m gonna go straight for those that are up to par. So, without further ado, here are the 7 best blenders for protein shakes that should be on your radar this year.
1. Sboly Single-Serve Smoothie Blender
If you want to not spend as little as possible and still get a bang out of your blender, then this model is a no-brainer. Costing less than 30$, the shaker-maker comes with several high-quality feats that make usage a breeze and guarantee a perfect result every time – even if this is your first time using a blender. So, without further ado, here’s everything this blender for protein shakes has to offer (both good and bad).
- Small Footprint
Since it's a personal blender, the model can whip up 1-2 drinks per batch. That may sound limiting, but it's perfect for people with limited counter space. The bottle's slender design also minimizes its footprint, providing you with lots of lateral movement, perhaps for prepping your veggies.
- Easy Use
The model features a one-touch operation system, which keeps things simple for users. That's helpful for anyone who's now learning to make protein shakes.
- Powerful Motor
Even though the standard outage for a decent blender lies at 1.000 (and up), the 300-watt motor on this model is more than enough. Let's not forget the unit's compact size.
- Affordable
With a price tag lower than most, this Sboly model is perfect for those who want to spend a small fortune on a blender.
- Easy to Clean
According to the manufacturer, all parts of the blender are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning a cinch. Plus, the unit comes with a special bottle brush to clean all those weird spots that the dishwasher may not be able to reach.
- Free of BPA
While it's made of plastic, every single part of this blender is BPA-free. That means you can make a protein shake without worrying that chemicals may leech into it.
- Safety Features
That's to its unique safety features, the blender goes off only if the bottle is securely latched onto the unit. It's also designed to prevent overheating if used for more than one minute straight. Friendly tip: Don't do that!
- Bonus Accessory
It also comes with a complimentary ice cube tray because ice and protein shakes go together like peanut butter and jelly.
- Small Batches
While its small footprint can be a good thing for some, others may think this is more of a drawback as it can't produce large batches in one go. That said, it's not recommended for large families.
- Can't Cut Through Fibrous Foods Efficiently
Due to its limited motor power, the blender can't emulsify stringy produce, such as spinach. So, choose your ingredients wisely.
2. NutriBullet Balance Smart Blender
If you believe protein shakes are your ticket to a more defined, chiseled body, this model is the perfect way to take things a step further. The smart blender can be synched to NutriBullet’s app, which could track your progress and keep you focused on your goal. It also features a bunch of other impressive feats to help you build a healthier lifestyle. So, ready to get the scoop?
- Smart Technology
The model has a built-in Bluetooth sensor, which allows you to connect the device to NutriBullet's app, Balance. From there, the app, in collaboration with the unit's sensor scale, weigh the ingredients in your shake, and calculate the calories.
The device's smart technology also allows you to keep an account of the foods you have in your pantry, and tailor your shopping lists accordingly. All these features can help you stick to your nutritional goals more efficiently, making you feel as if you have a nutritionist with you at all times.
- High Wattage
The unit also sports a 1.200-watt motor, which can power through even the stringiest of ingredients (ahem, kale!).
- On-the-Go Features
It's also an excellent choice for people on the go as it comes with unique add-ons such as lip rings, flip-top lids, and large portable cups.
- Efficient Design
The model's extractor blade is powerful enough to pulverize nuts, which means there's nothing you can't add to your shakes.
- Sturdy Construction
It also comes with an insulated base shell and four anti-slip suction legs that keep the unit secure at all times. With that in mind, there's zero chance it'll ever scratch your countertop or move from side to side during use.
- Large Capacity
It can emulsify up to 32 ounces of food in one go. That means you can get about 7 servings of protein shakes with the push of a button. #FamilyMaterial
- Leak-Proof Lid
Unlike other models, this one features a perfectly fitting O-ring, which prevents the contents from leaking through the sides and out the bottle.
- Pricey
The only downside to this model is that it's a bit expensive. But, I guess you get what you pay for.
3. Ninja Professional Countertop Blender
If you’re looking for a blender that’s as pretty-looking as a KitchenAid and as efficient as a Vitamix, this model should be your go-to choice. Thanks to its sleek design, the unit matches any kitchen style (from retro to futuristic) and can pulverize everything, even raw nuts. Intrigued much? Here’s a detailed list of all the perks this blender has in store for you.
- Huge Capacity
The blender has a 72-ounce pitcher that's big enough to support the needs of a 4-member family.
- Adjustable Performance Settings
Being the best-seller that it is, the model features an array of blending options to accommodate the needs of both protein shake rookies and pros. So, note that it comes with three different speed settings, a pulse function that allows you to grind your foods and not liquify them completely, and a single-serve option (which is pre-programmed).
- BPA-Free
Another great thing about this model is that the parts that come in touch with your food, i.e., the pitcher, the cups, and the lids are made of BPA-free plastic. So, you can rest easy knowing there are no chemicals involved.
- Powerful Blades/Motor
This Ninja best-seller sports a 1.100-watt motor and a set of super-sharp, ergonomic blades, which can cut through anything -even fibrous veggie stems- in mere seconds.
- Single-Serve Cups
Pitcher aside, the model comes with two 16-ounce cups, which fit perfectly to the unit. That's great for all those times when you want to make a single-serve protein shake instead of a huge batch. FYI, the cups also come with air-tight lids, which means you can take your shakes on the go.
- Fragile Pitcher
Even though the manufacturer says it's OK to load the pitcher into the dishwasher, I've noticed that the material cracked after a while. So, it's best if you wash the thing by hand, which may take a while, but could earn you many years down the line.
- Tricky to Move Around/Store
Given its large footprint, the device can be a pain to stow away, especially if you don't have enough space in your cupboards. It's also a bit chunky, so know you won't be able to move it around that much.
4. Ninja BL456 Countertop Blender
If you’re looking for a personal blender that can keep your shakes fresh for hours at a time (#NotJoking), this model is an absolute must-have. Thanks to its unique oxygen-releasing technology, the device can retain the ingredients’ freshness for longer. But, that’s just the beginning. Here’s what else you should expect from this Ninja best-seller.
- Simple Use
The most satisfying thing about this unit is its simplicity. All you need to do is load up the jug with the ingredients you want, attach it to the unit, and press the button. In 30 seconds or so, your shake will be ready to slurp.
- Oxygen-Removing Technology
Unlike many of its competitors, this Ninja blender boasts an exclusive oxygen-removing technology, which ensures an airtight seal that prevents your shake from losing its freshness, even hours post-chopping.
- Efficient Motor
The 900-watt motor of the model is a workhorse on its own. But, if you want to get the most out of each shake when you use tough or stringy ingredients, opt for the manual mode. It can chop through stems, raw nuts, and seeds in a heartbeat, and can even crush ice.
- Food-Safe Materials
From the jug to the unit's body, everything on this model is made of chemical-free plastic.
- Easy to Clean
The only part of the device that the food gets in touch with is the jug and blades. So, if you wash these two, you're done with cleaning. Wiping the base of the motor occasionally is also recommended.
- Affordable
Compared to many blenders on the market today, this model comes at a very reasonable price, despite its well-thought-out design and high-quality feats.
- Manual Design
Given its bullet-like design, you need to hold down the cup during use, which means the device requires some basic hands-on action.
- Noisy
For some reason, the unit quite some noise when in use. So, I wouldn't recommend it to someone with a noise-sensitive family.
5. NutriBullet NBR-1201 High-Speed Blender
If you’re in the market for a blender that’s small enough to fit your pantry but can still make a “mean” protein shake, this model is a great pick. The device boasts a small footprint and a sturdy extractor blade with cyclonic action that pulverizes everything in its path. Plus, it’s super easy to use. So, here’s what you should know before you add it to your cart.
- High Torque Power
Despite its seemingly weak motor (at just 600 watts), the blender features high torque power, which allows you to shred tough skins and rough stems. You can't crush ice, though. So, your only alternative for perfect protein shakes is to use frozen foods.
- Patented Blades
Both the extractor and the milling blades on the model operate using cyclonic action, which separates the hard parts of the foods from the rest, and makes the whole process easier and more efficient.
- User-Friendly Design
Thanks to its smart features, the device requires zero skills to use, so even a newbie can use it. In fact, it has no switches or buttons but features a set of suction cup feet at the base that prevent the base from sliding during use.
- Durable Materials
The base, the unit, the jugs, and the blades are made of high-quality, durable materials which can last years if maintained properly.
- Fitting Cups
The model comes with three plastic cups that fit precisely to the unit's torque and double as serving glasses. So, once you're done prepping your shake, you just seal the cup with a lid and take it on the go. They also come in two different sizes (19 oz & 10.5 oz), so you can pick one based on your nutritional needs.
- Small Capacity
Given its small size and limited motor output, you can produce small batches t a time. So, it wouldn't be a wise choice for a family.
- Leaky Cups
If you fill the cups past their marking point, the contents will leak from all sides. That means they could make their way to the motor and short-circuit it. So, be careful of how much food you stuff in them.
6. Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender
If you’re on the hunt for a blender that’ll allow you to customize your shakes’ consistency based on your liking, this blender is exactly what you need. The device comes with multiple blending options, which allow you to adjust the consistency upon request. And the best part? Despite this unique feat, the model is quite affordable. So, here’s why this one should be at the top of your shopping list.
- High Capacity
Equipped with a large 40-ounce glass jug, the device is a perfect fit for big families, and people who want to prep large batches of protein shakes in one go.
- Multiple Blending Options
It also features 12 different blending options, including pureeing, crushing ice, smoothing, and mixing. That means it can produce pretty much any consistency you have in mind, from thick to thin.
- Simple Interface
Despite the multiple options, the device is effortless to use as it boasts a simple 5-button interface. So, you just choose the program you want and push the respective button. It's as easy as that!
- Warranty
Unlike many of its competitors, Hamilton Beach offers a 3-year warranty for the blender. So, even if a part breaks down or stops working, you know that the company will replace it ASAP.
- Decent Motor Power
Even though it's not as powerful as others, the 700-watt motor on this blender is enough to do the trick. And in combination with the multiple blending feats, it's enough to cover all your juicing needs.
- Compact Size
Even though it looks bulky, the blender takes up very little room.
- No-Mess Design
The glass jug features a specially designed pouring spout, which prevents you from spilling your shakes all over the place.
- Easy Cleaning
The jug, the lid, and the blades are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleaning a cinch.
- Loud Motor
I found this model to be a little loud during use, but not to the point that you can't stand the noise.
7. Cincred Professional Personal Countertop Blender
If you want to invest in a blender that’s enough to cover your needs (and your needs alone), this model is a must-buy. The mixer is designed to produce just one shake at a time, allowing you to control your portions and sparing you from using extra (often unnecessary) ingredients. And if you don’t believe me, here’s why this Cincred blender is perfect for city dwellers and people who live solo.
- Small Footprint
One of the most characteristic things on this model is its petite size. It barely takes up any space, so it's perfect if your kitchen is too small or just don't want to spare much room for another gadget.
- Efficient Blades
It comes with four-tip stainless steel blades, which are both powerful and durable, guaranteeing a perfect result every time.
- Portable
Thanks to its compact size and light weight, you can move it around and even take it with you in case you go on a trip or something.
- Easy to Use
The unit doesn't feature any buttons, settings, or special interface. You just turn it on, align the blending cup, and push it down until your shake is ready.
- Lifetime Warranty
Also, note that the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty for this model. So, even if a part breaks down, you can be sure Cincred will be there to replace it.
- Affordable
It's also a steal, considering it costs significantly less than most products on this list.
- Motor Prone to Overheating
The model has a 250-watt motor, which is kind of weak. So, whatever you do, make sure you use it for short bouts of time because the motor could get overheated.
Best Protein Shake Blenders Guide Summary
So, whether you want to bulk up post-workout or fuel your body first thing in the morning, these 7 best blenders for protein shakes are your best bet at whipping up a fresh, nutrient-rich blend. So, which one did you like the most? I’d love to hear your top pick (or picks) in the comments below!