The 7 Best Blenders for Smoothie Bowls in 2020 | Vibrant Happy Healthy (2024)

Lately, I’ve fallen in love with smoothie bowls.

Smoothie bowls are just as healthy as smoothies but more satisfying. You can’t down it like a smoothie in seconds.

You can make any combo of flavors you want and top it with your favorite fruits, seeds, nuts, or crunchy cereals.

It’s a perfectly healthy and delicious breakfast!

In this article, I’ll dive into the best blenders for smoothie bowls. Some of them are very affordable. A few models are on the expensive side.

Whether you decide on an affordable model or a high-end blender should depend on your budget and needs.

If you’re only going to make a smoothie bowl once in a while, a cheaper model will work fine.

If you’re a smoothie addict (like me) and want your daily boost of nutrients, I’d go for a Vitamix or Blendtec.

There’s a reason why most juice bars and restaurants choose Vitamix or Blendtec.

A more expensive high-speed blender creates thick and silk-smooth smoothie bowls just like the ones you’ll get at your favorite restaurant.

These blenders are made in the US, are very durable, and come with extensive warranties. They create the most delicious smoothie bowls possible.

If you’re not ready for the high price tag that comes with a high-end blender, don’t worry.

Some great blenders for smoothie bowls cost only a fraction of a Vitamix. They might take a bit longer, and the results aren’t quite as smooth, but for most users, they’re sufficient.

What Makes a Good Smoothie Bowl Blender?

Blenders vary widely in size and strength.

For making great smoothie bowls, full-size countertop blenders are usually a good choice.

I wouldn’t go for one of those small single-serve blenders unless you’re really short on countertop space.

Mostpersonal blenders simply don’t have enough blending power. Their motors are too weak.

Smoothie bowls have a thick texture. To create this dense consistency, you’ll need plenty of power.

Your blender should be able to process even the toughest ingredients into thick, creamy, smooth perfection.

For the best results, I’d opt for a full-size blender with at least 1,000 watts.

A good blender for smoothie bowls should also be easy to assemble, clean, and use.

You won’t need to have a feature-rich blender with endless presets. A simple but powerful machine is often the best choice.

What matters, is the blade design.

The most powerful motor won’t do you any good if the blades aren’t working well.

The blades should be so designed, that the blender can crush ice in seconds and liquefy the tiniest seeds.

The blades should also be durable and stand the test of time.

The smoothie bowl blenders I’ll show you in a second passed that test.

Best Blenders for Smoothie Bowls

Without any further delay, here are the best smoothie bowl blenders.

1. Ninja Professional (BL610) – Top Blender for Smoothie Bowls

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a good blender for smoothie bowls, the Ninja Professional is a good choice.

It comes with a modern, sleek design and a strong 1,000-watt motor. It’s not quite as powerful as a Vitamix, but you can get several Ninja blenders for the price of one Vitamix.

What I love about this blender is the huge 72 oz jar. It allows you to make large batches for your whole family.

The Ninja Professional comes with what they call “Total Crushing Technology”. It’s a unique blade design with six different blades moving in all directions.

This way the Ninja Professional blends even the toughest ingredients into a pretty smooth consistency.

No matter if you want to make smoothie bowls, nut butter, green smoothies, or crush ice, this blender will get it done.

Watch this video to see the “Total Crushing Technology” in action. Dry ice pulverizes in seconds!

The Ninja comes with a pulse function. You can also choose from three manual speed settings. All buttons are clearly labeled and self-explanatory. For making smoothie bowls, the high setting and pulse function works fine.

Cleanup is a breeze.

The blade is removable. It allows you to wash the inside of the jar in seconds. Be cautious while cleaning the blades, though. They’re super sharp!

What I don’t like about the Ninja is the short warranty. It only comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

The container is also made out of relatively thin plastic. Some users reported cracking of the plastic after heavy usage.

2. Vitamix E310 Explorian – Entry-Level Vitamix

When it comes to the best blenders for smoothie bowls, Vitamix is the first blender that comes to my mind. These blenders are used by juice bars and restaurants all over the world.

They’re the most durable and strongest blenders money can buy.

Now if you’ve ever researched Vitamix, you know how expensive they can get. It’s not unusual to pay $500 or more for a Vitamix.

Fortunately, Vitamix released the E310 Explorian in 2017. It still remains their most affordable (and best-selling) model.

The E310 costs are significantly less than the other Vitamix models. That doesn’t mean it’s less powerful, far from it!

Vitamix only uses two different motor sizes in their blenders. One is the 2 horsepower motor and the other is the 2.2 horsepower motor.

The E310 comes with the 2 hp motor.

There really isn’t that much difference between the 2.2 hp and the 2 hp motor. If you would compare the two side by side, I doubt you would notice any difference at all.

Blend quality is excellent, just like you would expect of a Vitamix. It creates perfectly thick and creamy smoothie bowls. They’re as smooth as it can get, no unprocessed chunks found.

This blender comes with a powerful pulse function and a 10-speed manual dial. It gives you full control over your blend.

The highest setting is so fast, that it can bring cold ingredients to piping hot in just a few minutes.

You’ve heard that right.

It heats up cold ingredients with just the friction of the blades!

You can add cold vegetables, let it run on the highest setting, and in less than 10 minutes you’ll have a healthy, homemade, piping hot soup.

You’ll get a recipe book which not only includes smoothie recipes, but also instruction on how to make hot soup with your Vitamix.

Now, if a blender is that powerful, there’s no question it’ll create perfect smoothie bowls as well.

If this entry-level performs as well as the more expensive models, why would you pay more for a Vitamix?

The three main differences are jar size, features, and warranty. I’ll go through them one by one.

The E310 has a 48 oz low-profile container. It’s pretty small, but it fits under most kitchen cabinets.

You could get a bigger container, but they aren’t cheap. A jar with blade included can easily cost you $100 and more.

The E310 doesn’t have all the features more expensive models have. It doesn’t come with presets.

There’s no Bluetooth that lets you connect your blender to your phone.

It also doesn’t have an LCD display as the advanced Vitamix Ascent series has.

If you don’t need these features, the E310 is a great choice. You’ll get the power and durability of a Vitamix for the lowest price possible.

The 5-year warranty is longer than most blenders, but compared to more expensive Vitamix models it’s short. Other Vitamix blenders come with 7-year and even 10-year warranties.

Built quality is as good as it can get.

The Vitamix E310 is assembled in the US and can last you a long time. The jars are some of the thickest and nicest jars you’ll ever see. They’re made of durable, BPA-free plastic.

I’ve dropped my Vitamix container many times and it just won’t break no matter what I do.

Cleanup is super easy as well.

Just add a drop of dish soap and some warm water to your blender. Let the Vitamix run for 20-30 seconds on the highest setting and your blender just cleaned itself! It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Pros:

The most inexpensive Vitamix blender out there
Blends as well as more expensive Vitamix models
10- speed dial and pulse function gives you full control over your blend
Creates perfectly creamy smoothie bowls
Made in the US and is built to last
48-oz low-profile container fits under most kitchen cabinets
Comes with a 5-year warranty
Cleanup is super easy

Cons:

No fancy presets, Bluetooth, or LCD display
Warranty is shorter than more expensive Vitamix models
The jar may be too small for larger batches
Additional blender jars can be expensive
High-speed blenders are loud

CHECK THE LATEST PRICE FOR THE VITAMIX E310 EXPLORIAN

General Opinion: A Vitamix blender is an investment in your health. The 2 hp motor is so powerful that it can bring cold ingredients to a hot soup just with the friction of the blades. The built quality is as good as it can get! The E310 is made in Cleveland, Ohia, and can potentially last you a lifetime. There’s a reason why most juice bars all over the globe use Vitamix blenders.

3. Ninja Professional Plus (BN701) – Intelligent & Powerful Blender

The Ninja Professional Plus is Ninja’s latest generation blender. It comes with a stronger 1,400-watt motor.

The 1,400-watt motor is so much more powerful than the original 1,000-watt motor. It makes perfect smoothie bowls in no time.

The design was also updated. It features a new modern design that looks great in any kitchen.

In addition to the stronger motor, you’ll get 3 presets with the Professional Plus. Ninja calls these presets Auto-IQ.

You simply press one button and you can walk away while your blender does the work for you!

It automatically runs through different blending cycles and creates perfect results. Absolutely no guesswork involved.

There’s a preset for smoothies (you can use it for smoothie bowls as well), crushing ice, and ice cream. Now you can make your own healthy, low-sugar ice creams with the push of a button.

In addition to the presets, there are a pulse function and 3 manual speed settings, just like the original model has.

The blender jar is the same 72 oz jar as well. It’s perfect for larger batches of smoothies, smoothie bowls, ice creams, nut butter, or whatever you like to make.

Just like the original model, this blender features the “Total Crushing Technology” blades. Be careful when while disassembling the blades and cleaning them. They’re sharp.

Would I go for the original Ninja Professional or the updated Ninja Professional Plus?

It depends on your needs and the price these blenders are selling for.

If you’re a fan of presets and the stronger motor, the Professional Plus is a great blender. If you can get the Professional Plus for almost the same price as the original model, the Plus is always the better choice.

Pros:

It’s hard to find a better blender selling in this price range
Has a powerful 1,400-watt motor
Comes with 3 Auto-IQ presets
Large 72 oz container for big batches
Comes with a cute recipe book, quick start guide, and instruction booklet

Cons:

Built quality not as good as a Vitamix
The short 1-year limited warranty

CHECK THE LATEST PRICE FOR THE NINJA PROFESSIONAL PLUS

General Opinion: This updated model features a strong 1,400-watt motor, a modern design, and 3 presets. If you’re looking for a great smoothie bowl blender that won’t break the bank, the Ninja Professional Plus is an excellent choice.

4. NutriBullet Blender Combo – 2in1 Personal- and Countertop Blender

You’ve probably heard of NutriBullet. They make small personal blenders that are super popular. The NutriBullet Blender Combo is their latest model.

It’s both a single-serve blender and a full-size countertop blender. You get two devices in one.

This blender features a strong 1,200-watt motor. It’s also the first NutriBullet blender that comes with a tamper.

You’ll get three jars with this machine. A 32 oz cup, a 24 oz cup, as well as a 64 oz blending jar. You can blend in any of these three containers.

If you’re in the mood for a single-serve smoothie bowl, use the smaller cups. For making larger batches, simply use the 64 oz jar.

The small cups are so convenient. You can make smoothies and take them with you wherever you go. A quick protein shake after the gym? No problem, simply blend it in the 24 oz jar and put it in your gym bag.

The two smaller cups come with secure lids. You’ll never have to worry about spilling your drinks.

Remember I’ve mentioned I wouldn’t go for a personal blender for making smoothie bowls? The NutriBullet Blender Combo is a noteworthy exception.

Since it’s both a full-size- and personal blender, it comes with a powerful motor base.

The 1,200-watt motor is powerful enough to liquefy even the toughest ingredients. Smoothie bowls are thick and creamy, but not exactly Vitamix-like smooth.

But then again, a Vitamix doesn’t come with three containers. And a Vitamix won’t work as a personal blender. Not to mention, you can get several NutriBullets for the price of just one Vitamix.

Pros:

The 1,200-watt motor is powerful enough for creamy smoothie bowls
It’s quieter than most high-speed blenders
2in1 device; it’s both a single-serve and countertop blender
The smaller cups come with secure travel lids
The first NutriBullet blender that comes with a tamper
Versatile blender selling at a decent price

Cons:

The base is heavy and difficult to move around
Blades aren’t removable; makes it more difficult to clean the jar
The limited 1-year warranty is short

CHECK THE LATEST PRICE FOR THE NUTRIBULLET BLENDER COMBO

General Opinion: If you want both single-serve and full-size blender in one device, go for the NutriBullet. It features a strong motor and works very well for smoothie bowls. It’s one of the most versatile blenders out there. You can blend directly in the smaller travel cups, put a lid on, and take your healthy drinks with you wherever you go.

5. Vitamix 5200 – Classic Vitamix Model

The Vitamix 5200 has been around for quite some time. It’s still one of their best-selling models. If you look around restaurant kitchens, this is the model you’ll find most often.

That’s for a reason!

It comes with a strong 2 hp motor.

That’s more than enough power for any blending job you give to it.

Rest assured, If there’s anything this blender can’t do, other blenders won’t be able to do it as well. It’s one of the strongest blenders out there!

The Vitamix 5200 comes with a large 64 oz container. For those of you, who find the 48 oz container too small, the 5200 is a good alternative.

Just like the E310, it’s a classic Vitamix model.

That means classic variable 10-speed dial, pulse functions, and no fancy presets.

This blender is just as strong as the E310. It can bring cold ingredients to steaming hot in just a few minutes.

It brings soup to serving temperature right in the container, no stove needed!

A Vitamix can make so much more than just smoothie bowls and hot soup.

Whether you’re looking for healthy dips for a party, homemade dressings for your salads, or nutrient-rich after-workout shakes and smoothies, this beast will get it done.

Quickly and easy mix low-sugar batter for pancakes, or muffins. The motor is so strong, it can even knead bread or pizza dough for you.

For frozen treats, simply add frozen ingredients and enjoy your own healthy ice cream in seconds.

The Vitamix 5200 comes with a 7-year warranty and is made in the US.

Watch a full demonstration of the Vitamix 5200:

Pros:

This classic Vitamix is a versatile kitchen helper
Comes with a large 64 oz container
Strong 2 hp motor
Getting started guide, recipe book, and DVD are included
Classic 10-speed dial and high-speed pulse function
Extended 7-year warranty

Cons:

No presets or LCD display
Usually more expensive than the Vitamix E310
Won’t fit under most kitchen cabinets
It’s a loud blender

CHECK THE LATEST PRICE FOR THE VITAMIX 5200

General Opinion:The classic Vitamix 5200 is the blender most often used in restaurants. It comes with a large 64 oz container and an extended 7-year warranty.

6. Oster Pro 1200 – Smoothie Blender With Glass Jar

I know many people who love the Oster Pro 1200. It remains one of the most popular blenders of all time. It’s a strong 1,200-watt blender selling at a low price.

It’s not as powerful as a Vitamix, but it gets most jobs done. Including healthy green smoothies and smoothie bowls.

It might take you a bit longer than with a Vitamix, but the results are decent. It creates almost chunk-free smoothie bowls.

It crushes ice and turns frozen fruits into ice cream like a champ.

This Oster model has a 50% larger blade than previous-generation models. It blends more thoroughly.

It comes with a patented “Dual Direction Blade Technology”. The blades move in both directions, pulverizing everything more quickly.

The Oster Pro 1200 is one of the few blenders on the market with a glass jar. A glass jar won’t absorb food smells and you can wash it at higher temperatures. It also won’t leach nasty chemicals into your blend. For more great blenders, check out the best glass jar blenders.

The downside to glass jars, they’re heavy and can break more easily.

In addition to the 48 oz glass jar, you’ll get a smaller 24 oz smoothie cup. You can blend directly in this smaller cup.

Unfortunately, the included lid isn’t as secure as I’d like it to be. I wouldn’t feel safe to take it with me in a backpack.

The Oster 1200 comes with 3 presets, as well as 3 manual speeds and a pulse function.

There are presets for chopping veggies, milkshakes, and smoothies. They work quite well. Although I’d let the smoothie preset run two times for making smoothie bowls or green smoothies.

What I love about the Oster are the low price and the extended warranties. It comes with a generous 10-year warranty on the All-Metal-Drive. All remaining parts are covered by a 3-year warranty.

Pros:

Very affordable for a 1,200-watt blender
It’s both a personal- and full-size blender
Comes with three presets
Dual direction blades move in both directions
Glass jar won’t absorb food smells as easily
Generous 10-year warranty on the All-Metal-Drive and 3-year warranty on all remaining parts

Cons:

Plastic chrome base shows fingerprints easily
Plastic parts feel a bit cheap
Smoothie cup lid isn’t secure
The glass jar is heavier than a plastic jar

CHECK THE LATEST PRICE FOR THE OSTER PRO 1200

General Opinion: If you’re a fan of glass jars, there aren’t that many blenders to choose from. The Oster 1200 is one of the best blenders with a glass jar. It features a powerful 1,200-watt motor and is both a personal- and countertop blender. A pretty versatile device selling at an attractive price.

7. Blendtec Classic 575 – Vitamix Alternative

My review of the best blenders for smoothie bowls wouldn’t be complete without this Blendtec blender.

Blendtec is on par with Vitamix. Powerful high-speed blenders, perfect for smoothie addicts.

The Blendtec 575 is an entry-level model that has all the power you’ll need for perfect smoothie bowls.

The main difference between Blendtec and Vitamix is the dull blade design. You’ve heard that right, Blendtec blades are dull! No more cuts and pokes.

The blades are so designed that they create a powerful vortex. You won’t even need a tamper. In fact, there isn’t even a tamper included with this blender.

The jar and blades are so designed that all ingredients are pulled toward the blades automatically.

This design means you won’t need to precut ingredients ever again. You can add whole fruits and it’ll get the job done!

The downside is, you’ll have to learn how to stack the ingredients in the right order. A guide on how to stack ingredients is included with the Blendtec 575.

The motor in this blender is as powerful as a Vitamix. It can make piping hot soup in just a few minutes.

The Blendtec comes with 5 manual speeds, as well as a powerful pulse function. In addition to that, you’ll get 4 pre-programmed cycles, including an automatic self-cleaning function.

Just add a drop of dish soap, some warm water, press one button, and your Blendtec cleans itself while you can walk away!

There’s also a preset for smoothies (and smoothie bowls), as well as a 60-second, and 90-second automatic blending cycle. No matter what you’d like to make, one of these presets will get the job done.

The jar is a 90 oz WildSide+ jar. It’s large, but unfortunately, it only has 36 oz of blending capacity. For some users, that may be too small. It’s ideal for blending drinks for 4-6 people.

The Blendtec 575 is made in the US and is covered by an 8-year warranty. If you decide on this blender, you’ll have peace of mind for at least the next 8 years.

Pros:

Made in the US and built to last
Unique jar and blade design make using a tamper useless
Comes with a great recipe book
No more cuts and pokes with the dull blade design
The self-cleaning function works great
Comes with five presets
Good-looking LED display
The Blendtec 575 is as powerful as a Vitamix
Heats up cold ingredients to piping hot like a champ
Extended 8-year warranty

Cons:

Blending capacity is only 36 oz
A slightly higher learning curve, you’ll need to stack ingredients in the right order
Base not as stable during operation compared to a Vitamix
It’s a pretty expensive blender

CHECK THE LATEST PRICE FOR THE BLENDTEC CLASSIC 575

General Opinion: This Blendtec performs as well as a Vitamix. It comes with a LED display and 4 presets. The jar and blades are so designed that you won’t need to precut produce or even use a tamper. Simply stack them in the right order and this blender creates a powerful vortex that will suck ingredients right into the blades.

These were some of the best blenders for smoothie bowls. I hope you found these blender reviews helpful and it has given you a good place to start your own research. Have you tried making smoothie bowls at home before? What’s your favorite blender? If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them in the comment section below. Stay vibrant, happy & healthy!