Protein shakes have become a regular part of a healthy lifestyle for millions of people across the globe. A protein shake is the perfect mini meal for someone who just doesn’t have time to cook but still wants something filling, especially after a workout. Shakes and smoothies taste great and, with the proper ingredients, include healthy nutrients and energizing protein important for muscle recovery and weight loss. When it comes to blending the most delicious and smooth protein shakes, you’ll need a reliable, high-quality blender. There are several popular blender brands on the market, with dozens of options for models and features. Finding the best blender for protein shakes is essential for efficiently blending delicious shakes on a daily basis.
Reviews Of 5 Best Blenders for Protein Shakes
1. Magic Bullet NutriBullet 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System
The Magic Bullet isn’t a traditional-looking blender, but I was drawn in by the affordable price and popularity. Getting something a little different felt a bit risky, but I am generally very satisfied with this machine. It comes with two cups and a manual with recipes, so that was an added bonus.
This blender has a 600 watt motor – not the best I’ve seen but definitely not the worst. I was really interested to see what all the fuss was about regarding the “patented blade design”. Overall, it’s pretty impressive at blending through stems and tough skins.
There have been a few issues. The unit seems to leak more often than not. Looking at the blender and thinking about the feedback I’ve seen from other buyers, I am worried that it won’t hold up for as long as it should. I recommend this product only if you’re looking for something unique, affordable and sufficient for general use, but make sure you get a legitimate warranty.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comes with various features
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Small capacity
- Only one speed
- Leaks from the lid
2. Ninja Professional Blender & Nutri Ninja Cups (BL660)
I always saw Ninja blenders on TV, but I was never really sure if it was worth all the hype. It is! While shopping, I was surprised to see that the price for Ninja blenders wasn’t as steep as I thought. While they’re not the cheapest blenders, I was drawn in by the positive reviews and promise of high-powered performance.
With 1100 watts of power, it can blend and crush just about anything, even frozen fruit, in a short amount of time. This thing also holds about 72 ounces worth of ingredients, so it’s really perfect for families or parties. I love that it comes with two single serve cups, which is really convenient when I’m in a hurry.
One issue with this machine is that the blades are incredibly sharp. I nearly cut myself while I was cleaning it out – anyone using this blender needs to be really careful! I also noticed it’s not the best at completely blending seeds and a few drinks have been grainy. I definitely recommend this product if you want something affordable that is sure to blend most things, just watch out for the blades!
Pros:
- High power wattage
- Comes with additional to-go cups
- Large capacity
Cons:
- Some minor problems smoothness
- Dangerously sharp blades
- Very loud
3. Epica Personal Blender with Take-Along Bottle
I wasn’t too sure about this brand in the beginning (thinking about popularity compared with Ninja and Vitamix), but I was pleasantly surprised by this blender. While it wasn’t the cheapest, it seems to be have paid for itself in blending efficiency.
I’m on the go a lot and I wasn’t looking for anything too fancy or complicated – I just wanted something to quickly blend protein shakes. This blender was nearly perfect for my needs. However, if you want something with variable speeds and pulsing options, you won’t find that with the Epica Personal Blender. On the plus side, it’s really easy to use and clean.
The wattage on this blender is only about 250, which doesn’t really compare to other models. However, it has a decent RPM and it gets the job done for more simple shakes, although it’s not so great with frozen fruit and ice. Sadly, I have noticed an unpleasant burning smell, as well as a little bit of leaking through the cap. I recommend this blender if you’re a single person looking for something fairly easy and simple for less complicated shakes and smoothies.
Pros:
- Simple one-touch interface
- Great for fast single-serve
- Small and compact
Cons:
- Low wattage
- Small capacity
- Lack of multi-function
4. Vitamix 7500
I had always heard that Vitamix was one of (if not the best) higher-end models of blenders. I decided to go with the Vitamix 7500 based on its speed variability, large container and versatile pulse features. While I was spending way more than I ever expected I would on a blender, I’m not too disappointed.
This thing is a heavy duty beast. Compared with other blenders I’ve used, the Vitamix is truly a high caliber blending machine. Not to mention it holds about 64 ounces of ingredients! This is really great because I can blend up extra for my kids, spouse and friends. It also has TEN different speeds, so it’s a great option if you’re trying to accomplish different consistencies for various recipes.
Unfortunately, I experienced one of the biggest issues that others have mentioned in regards to this product: Teflon particles. I only noticed a few with a test, but this is definitely something to consider if you find it concerning. Overall, I recommend this blender but it may not be worth it if you only plan on doing a few shakes, as opposed to using it for consistent large meals.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Ten variable speeds
- Powerful output
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Risk of Teflon flakes
- Takes up a lot of room
5. Blendtec Total Blender, FourSide Jar, Black (New)
I had really high expectations for this blender because of how expensive it was, and my expectations were mostly met. The wattage of 1560 sounded incredible, so I decided to purchase it because I wanted something that would blend the living daylights out of everything I wanted in my protein shakes.
This blender has high-tech options for pre-programming, including auto shutoff. It also has a square jar design rather than the typical rounded shape. This helps redistribute everything so it’s harder for the ingredients to get stuck down at the bottom. I’ve found the overall design of the Blendtec to be really efficient at blending without having to push everything down all the time.
This is a VERY loud blender, but that’s what you get if you want maximum power. I’ve heard from different people that this blender can only last for about 3 years, so I’m worried it will stop working after a while. The buttons aren’t explained very well in the instructions, so it took me some extra time to figure things out. Overall, this is a good choice if you don’t mind noise and you want something powerful and innovative.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Programmability
- Powerful output
Cons:
- Expensive
- Confusing instructions
- Very loud
Why is a Good Blender Important for Making Protein Shakes?
The most delicious and nutritious protein shakes are more than just some protein powder mixed in with milk. Protein shakes are made with a wide array of ingredients, including:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Ice cream
- Almonds and other nuts
- Maple syrup and other sticky sweeteners
- Greek yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Flaxseeds
- Grains
- Peanut butter
… And much more. Check out this article for some great body building protein shake recipes (https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/proteinshakes.htm).
Protein shakes can be somewhat different than smoothies; protein-rich drinks are energizing and easy-to-digest supplements for growing or repairing muscles. Smoothies are more generalized and often consumed as nutritious treats or breakfast items, usually containing more carbohydrates and less protein.
Blending Problems and Solutions
If you’re already a seasoned blender or juicer, you might have experienced that super annoying problem when you try to blend a shake and the ingredients remain chunky or grainy. The way you fill your blender is important, but if your blender is weak, you can still have issues. Blender quality matters!
To learn about the different ways to test blenders and what can go right or wrong when blending shakes and smoothies. You’ll see that the overall design of the blender, including jar shape, blade size/position and power, all play a large role in successful blending.
6 Features to Consider When Buying the Best Blender for Protein Shakes
- Wattage. Wattage refers to the power of the blender and how sufficiently it will blend together the contents. In general, a higher wattage means a better blend (although it will also depend on the amount and type of ingredients you’re using). A wattage of 200 or higher will get the job done, but you’ll need something more if you like to use ice and frozen ingredients. A blender with a higher wattage (for example, over 1000) will likely do a better job at blending tougher ingredients, such as grains, seeds and frozen fruit or vegetables with skin or stems.
- Capacity. Will you be making protein shakes and smoothies for your whole family every day? Are you hoping for a single serve option so you can quickly grab your shake and go? When buying a blender, you’ll need to think about the size that’s most suitable for your needs and how much room you have in your kitchen. Larger capacity blenders are great options if you also enjoy using them for cooking.
- Function. Are you looking for something simple that just has one button to push for getting the job done? Would you like the ability to play around with variable consistencies and speeds? Would you like to press a few buttons and walk away without worrying about the blender getting clogged? These are all important things to consider when comparing different blenders, so read product reviews! Furthermore, don’t get something complicated if you think it will dissuade you from using it.
- Design and additions. Everything from the shape of the jar to the design of the blades makes a difference. You’ll also need to think about what the blender comes with and whether or not these items will be worth the price you’re paying. For example, many blenders come with recipe books, additional cups, spare blades, base suction and so on.
- Cleaning. If you plan on making protein shakes on a daily basis, you’ll need to make sure you can quickly and easily clean your blender without worrying about rust or mildew. Are you looking for something dishwasher safe? Would you like something with very easy assembly so you don’t have to waste time figuring out where different pieces go? Blade sharpness is another thing to think about – while sharper blades are better for blending, you’ll also need to make sure you know how to avoid cutting yourself.
- Price. The price range of blenders can vary enormously – from $30 and upwards of $500. Knowing your budget will help, but don’t disregard spending extra for something with a little more power and stability. On the other hand, it may not be necessary to spend a large amount of money on a product that has features you’ll never use. If you already have a blender for general use, consider getting a smaller and more specialized blender for your protein shakes, which can help narrow down your search and price point.
Shop Carefully and Wisely to Find the Best Blender for Protein Shakes
The winner of this roundup isn’t easy to distinguish – all of these brands and models have their own unique set of high and low points. If you’re on a budget, the Ninja Professional Blender is the winner here based on affordability, blend power and reliability. If you’re willing to pay extra, the Blendtec Total Blender is a great choice for its innovative design and high wattage. Clearly, not all blenders are made equal. While they can all blend things in general, the quality of blending power as well as functionality and strength will vary.
Protein shakes are tasty, filling options for recovering muscles and getting necessary nutrients for energy and satisfaction. The supplements marketplace is currently bursting with a myriad of creatine-based and creatine free pre workout options. Overall, look for a blender with good reviews, high wattage and design features specific to your needs and budget. Happy blending!