Buying guide: how to choose a blender

A blender is chosen first on motor power and number of speeds, which determine how fine the resulting texture is. Bowl capacity comes next, depending on the quantities prepared at each use.

What to check

Motor power This criterion measures motor power in watts. The higher it is, the more easily the blender crushes ice, frozen fruit or hard ingredients without straining or stalling. Across the market, the weakest listings sit around 180 W, the median stands near 1,000 W, and the strongest models reach about 1,200 W. The site score places each product on this scale: a high score signals a motor able to handle demanding preparations regularly, while a low score suits mostly light and occasional blending. Market median: 1,000 W

Number of speeds This criterion counts the number of speeds offered by the appliance. The higher it is, the finer the control over texture, from a simple blend to the smoothest purée. Market benchmarks range from a single setting on the most basic models to a median of three speeds, while the most adjustable appliances offer around twenty five. A high score here means more freedom to fine tune results, useful for varied recipes; a low score reflects a simpler operation, sufficient for repetitive tasks. Market median: 2

Bowl capacity This criterion measures the bowl volume in litres. The higher it is, the more it allows large batches to be prepared in a single go, an advantage for families or repeated preparations. Recorded listings show a minimum capacity around 0.48 L, a median close to 0.76 L, and the largest bowls reaching about 2 L. A high score suits shared or bulk use, while a low score fits individual or occasional portions. Market median: 0.8 L

Setup and everyday maintenance A blender sits on a stable worktop near a power outlet, with enough clearance above to lift the bowl off easily. The motor base is never submerged in water: only the bowl, usually removable, needs cleaning, either by hand or sometimes in a dishwasher depending on the model. Rinsing it soon after use prevents residue from drying onto the blades or the sealing ring, which extends the appliance’s lifespan and avoids lingering odours.

Benchmarks based on 30 recent market listings, collected on 1 October 2026.