The 5 Best Blenders for Meal Prep
Oh, what a good blender can do for your meal prep! Useful for more than just whipping up a spectacular smoothie, a good blender will help you create soups, sauces, and other components of your meal.
In this list, I’ve curated blenders that I think would fit your kitchen.
From Tosca
The perfect blend of flavor & convenience!
People overlook the power of a good blender. Yes, smoothies are a nutritious option for anyone on an Eat Clean journey, but blenders can do so much more for you. Some blenders can even heat your ingredients up for you. Imagine tossing fresh ingredients in a blender and pouring out soup that’s hot and ready to eat!
I hope this list inspires you to explore new and different meal prep options.
Ninja QB1004 Blender & Food Processor
$60
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Chops, blends, & food processes
- 3 bowl sizes
Cons
- Lower power than some users prefer
Ninja’s QB1004 is really 2 appliances in one: a blender and a food processor. With one powered top and 3 different bowls, it gives you the versatility of an immersion blender and the power of a standard blender.
Vitamix Explorian Blender
$350
Pros
- 48-ounce container
- Self-cleaning
- Stainless steel blades
- Blades can heat cold ingredients
Cons
- Relatively expensive option
Blenders can make more than just smoothies. The Vitamix Explorian Blender, for example, can heat cold ingredients as it blends. By the time your fresh ingredients are thoroughly blended, you’ll have hot soup ready to eat.
nutribullet Personal Blender
$70
Pros
- Includes to-go lid
- Container doubles as a cup
- Easy to use
Cons
- Only 24 ounces
The nutribullet is a straightforward option if you want to make grab and go smoothies. This personal blender is quick and powerful. Its ingenious design is easy to use and comes apart without a fuss for cleaning purposes. The nutribullet even comes with a to-go lid, so your smoothie can go straight from the powered base to wherever you’re heading.
Sangcon 5-in-1 Blender & Food Processor
$60
Pros
- Stainless steel blades
- 4 types of containers, 3 types of blades
- Includes filter to catch fruit seeds
Cons
- Replacement parts may be hard to source
The Sangcon 5-in-1 blender and food processor brings a whole new level of versatility—it chops, grinds, blends, juices, and purées! Plus, the container secures directly to the base, and the base grips your counter; you never have to worry about forgetting the lid or knocking it over.
Magic Bullet Kitchen Express
$70
Pros
- Includes 2 cups & 1 work bowl
- Includes shredding/ slicing disk
- Small footprint
Cons
- Suction cup may not work particularly well
This magic bullet set gives you a massive range of functions with just 1 base and 2 containers—that’s all you need to mix, chop, blend, slice, shred, and more. The stainless steel blades and BPA-free plastic cups are all made to last, so you can use them repeatedly.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look for When Buying a Blender
Before you bring home a shiny new blender, consider the following.
Materials
Blenders take a decent amount of stress, so you want to make sure yours is built to last. For containers, glass will generally hold up longer than plastic. If you do get plastic, make sure you’re following the care instructions—improper washing may weaken or warp the plastic over time. Many plastic containers are not meant for the dishwasher.
As for blades, you can’t go wrong with stainless steel: it’s strong and keeps a sharp edge better than other materials.
Capacity
If you’re hoping to make soup for a family of 5, a personal blender probably isn’t going to do it. The average blender has a capacity of about 8 cups. Think about how you plan to use your blender, and that will help you determine if that’s enough, too much, or just right.
Functions
All blenders blend. But you might be able to save yourself some space by investing in a blender with additional functionalities. For instance, if your new blender comes with a food processor setting, you’re basically fitting two appliances into the space of one.