ConsFirst / Blenders
Blenders: the downsides, first
Powerful blenders make smoother smoothies, but owners complain most about noise, cracked jars and lids, and motors that give out. Here are the most popular blenders in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared19 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 blenders, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Vitamix
$$$Full-sizeScore 4.1/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: about 267 ratings (4% 1-star + 2% 2-star).Tom's Guide's top pick, with presets, a self-clean cycle and a 10-year warranty. It is loud and costs about $500-550, and Wirecutter has not tested this newer series.
Top complaints
- LoudVery common
Tom's Guide lists loudness as a con and measured about 81 dB on high (its guide's spec box says 93 dB max). Noise mentions on Amazon are mostly negative.
- ExpensiveVery common
Tom's Guide's only other con is the price. Amazon's summary says some owners find it worth the money and others find it expensive.
- Low-profile jar and thick dipsOccasional
Wirecutter hasn't tested the Ascent X series, but says earlier low-profile Ascent models were less effective than the 5200 at forming a vortex and blending small volumes. Tom's Guide found thick dips hard to scrape out from under the blades.
What owners love
- Extremely powerful
Tom's Guide gave it a rare 5 stars; its reviewer called it the most powerful blender she has used, and its smoothie mode produced very smooth results in about 45 seconds.
- Self-cleaning and dishwasher-safe
It has a self-clean cycle, and the jar, lid, blade base and seal are dishwasher-safe. Amazon owners say it is very easy to clean.
- Presets plus variable speed, 10-year warranty
Soup, smoothie and frozen programs sit alongside a 1-10 speed dial, and it works with Vitamix's other self-detect containers.
Skip it if…- Noise bothers you
- You're on a budget
- You often blend small volumes (Wirecutter found low-profile Vitamix jars weaker at this)
Good for- Hands-off presets (smoothie, frozen, soup)
- Easy cleanup with self-clean and dishwasher-safe parts
- A long 10-year warranty
Scores (tap for why)
- Blending power5.0
Why 5.0?
Tom's Guide 5/5: by far the most powerful blender its reviewer has used; Amazon owners praise performance. - Quietness2.5
Why 2.5?
About 81 dB on high per the Tom's Guide review (93 dB max in its guide); 6 of 9 Amazon noise mentions are negative. - Easy cleaning4.5
Why 4.5?
Self-clean cycle plus dishwasher-safe jar, lid, blade base and seal (Tom's Guide); 8 of 9 Amazon cleaning mentions are positive. - Ease of use4.5
Why 4.5?
Presets and a variable-speed dial on one knob, plus an integrated tamper holder (Tom's Guide). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
10-year full warranty (Tom's Guide); Amazon durability mentions are all positive but there are only 6.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best blender overall (guide updated 2026-08-04; review 2025-03-03): effortless on hard ingredients and easy to clean; cons are noise and price.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not tested; older Ascent models it did test were not as effective as the 5200 at forming a vortex or blending smaller volumes.
#2
Vitamix
$$$Full-sizeScore 3.9/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)9% 1-star + 2% 2-star of about 8,335 ratings.Wirecutter's long-running top pick, and the most capable all-rounder for thick smoothies, hot soup and nut butter. It is expensive, very tall and has no presets, and a sizeable share of Amazon owners report units failing.
Top complaints
- Units failing, mixed durability reportsVery common
Amazon's review summary calls durability mixed: some owners say it lasts decades, while others report it stopped working early. Low-star Walmart reviews describe one that broke within a month, grease leaking from the base after the warranty ended, and a new unit that kept overheating.
- ExpensiveVery common
Wirecutter calls the price its biggest issue: nearly triple the price of its runner-up. Value for money is the most-mentioned aspect on Amazon, with a large minority of mentions negative.
- Tall, no presets, warranty is repair-basedMentioned often
At more than 20 inches it may not fit under cabinets, and it has only a variable-speed dial (Wirecutter). One Walmart reviewer warns that warranty claims get a refurbished unit rather than a new one.
What owners love
- Best all-round performance
Wirecutter says no other blender it tested since 2012 reliably makes silky soups, spoon-thick smoothies and stable emulsions like it. It was the only one to make smooth nut butter.
- Widest speed range, safest for hot soup
Its very low starting speed lets you ramp up hot liquids without them shooting up to the lid, and the tamper speeds up thick blends.
- Easy to clean, 7-year warranty
Blend hot water with a drop of soap and rinse. Ease of cleaning is a positive aspect on Amazon. Wirecutter says Vitamix promptly replaced its test unit under the 7-year warranty.
Skip it if…- You have low upper cabinets (about 20 in. tall)
- You want one-touch presets
- You only blend occasionally
Good for- Daily thick smoothies, soups and nut butters
- People who want fine speed control
- Buyers who value a 7-year warranty
Scores (tap for why)
- Blending power5.0
Why 5.0?
Wirecutter: most consistently good results across every test, and the only model that made smooth nut butter. - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
Wirecutter found it quieter than other high-powered models it tested; Amazon owners are mixed on noise. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
A 30-second soap-and-water blend cleans it (Wirecutter), and cleaning is a clear Amazon positive (226 positive vs 26 negative mentions). Wirecutter advises hand-washing rather than the dishwasher. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter calls it the most delightful to use, with the smoothest dial, but it has no presets and its height can be awkward. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter's units lasted years and are backed by a 7-year warranty, but Amazon durability mentions are more negative than positive (245 vs 166), and Walmart owners report early failures.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick since 2014 (updated 2026-08-25): the best home blender overall and one of the most durable; flaws are the steep price, its 20-inch height and no presets.
#3
Ninja
$$PersonalScore 3.6/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: about 1,306 ratings (4% 1-star + 2% 2-star); the listing pools several color variants.The current expert favorite personal blender (Wirecutter's top pick, Tom's Guide's budget pick) and the smoothest single-serve blender tested, but it is loud, comes with just one cup, and some owners report a leaky or hard-to-open lid.
Top complaints
- LoudVery common
Wirecutter measured an average of 94 dB from 5 inches (about hair-dryer level), and Tom's Guide hit 92 dB crushing frozen fruit. Amazon's summary notes it can be loud.
- Only one tumblerVery common
Both Wirecutter and Tom's Guide list the single cup as a drawback for shared households. Ninja doesn't offer other cup sizes, per Wirecutter.
- Leaky or hard-to-open lidMentioned often
Low-star Walmart reviews (24 oz DB300 listing) report the lid leaking through the sip button and being hard to remove; Tom's Guide wants a lid lock.
What owners love
- Smoothest personal-blender results
Wirecutter says no other personal blender it tested broke down seeds and leafy greens like it, with no kale shreds or gritty seeds. Tom's Guide says it aced ice, smoothies and hummus.
- Fully dishwasher-safe
Cup, lid and blade assembly are top-rack dishwasher-safe (Wirecutter); Amazon owners find it easy to clean.
- True pulse and smart presets
Its pulse actually pulses, and the auto programs vary speed so you rarely need to shake or scrape. A big handle and suction feet help testers with limited grip.
Skip it if…- Several people share it (only one tumbler)
- You need hot soups or big batches
- Noise in the morning is a problem
Good for- One person's daily smoothie
- Ice and frozen fruit in a small footprint
- Dishwasher cleanup, blade included
Scores (tap for why)
- Blending power4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter's top performer among personal blenders; Tom's Guide says it aced every test. It is limited to single-serve volumes. - Quietness2.0
Why 2.0?
94 dB average (Wirecutter) and 92 dB peak (Tom's Guide). - Easy cleaning4.5
Why 4.5?
Everything, including the blade, is top-rack dishwasher-safe (Wirecutter); the blades are very sharp, so take care. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Simple buttons, a true pulse and an ergonomic handle (Wirecutter; Amazon praises its simple 4-button functions), but some Walmart owners find the lid hard to remove. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
1-year warranty (Wirecutter, Tom's Guide); Walmart owners complain of leaky lids and cheap plastic. Amazon shows no durability aspect.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best personal blender (updated 2026-03-23): the silkiest smoothies in the least time; flaws are the loud motor, a single 26 oz cup and a 1-year warranty.
- Tom's Guide: Best budget blender: aced every test; cons are one pitcher and no lid lock; 92 dB.
#4
Breville
$$Full-sizeScore 3.3/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)5% 1-star + 3% 2-star of about 2,704 ratings.A stylish, thoughtfully designed mid-priced blender with good smoothie programs, but it is a step down in power from performance blenders, the lid can be very hard to pull off, and some owners report bearings failing.
Top complaints
- Lid hard to removeMentioned often
Wirecutter says the tight lid takes a lot of strength to open, and smoothie liquid often splatters when it comes off. Amazon owners are mixed on lid removal.
- Durability and noise are mixedMentioned often
Amazon's summary says some owners report bearings failing in under 2 years, and some call it outrageously loud while others don't.
- Less power, smaller jar, no tamperMentioned often
Wirecutter found berry seeds and specks of greens left in its smoothies. The 48 oz jar is smaller than its other picks, and without a tamper it needs extra liquid.
What owners love
- Thoughtful design
The pitcher sits in four handle positions, the cord exits any side, and it is low enough for most cabinets, in muted colors (Wirecutter).
- Good smoothies for the class
Wirecutter calls its smoothies thick and satiny, smoother than both KitchenAid models. Amazon owners love it for smoothies and sauces.
- Self-cleaning mode
Amazon shoppers appreciate its self-cleaning mode and powerful motor.
Skip it if…- You want nut butter or Vitamix-level smoothness
- You have weak grip (stiff lid)
- You need a 64 oz or larger jar
Good for- Design and countertop looks
- Under-cabinet storage
- Smoothie presets
Scores (tap for why)
- Blending power3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter: satiny smoothies but leftover seeds and greens; a step below performance blenders. - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners are mixed: some find it not very noisy, others outrageously loud. No measured figure was found. - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
Owners appreciate the self-cleaning mode (Amazon). - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Easy smoothie programs and flexible pitcher placement, but a very stiff lid and it needs ample liquid (Wirecutter). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon durability feedback is mixed: some units last over 5 years, while others have bearings fail within 2 years.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for a luxe experience: elegant design and better-than-average results, but a step or two below performance blenders, with a small 48 oz jar, no tamper and a hard-to-open lid.
#5
Ninja
$$Full-size + cupsScore 3.3/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: about 1,086 ratings (4% 1-star + 2% 2-star).Tom's Guide says it performs almost like a Vitamix for about a third of the price, and the removable blades make cleanup easy. It is very loud, has no tamper and only a 1-year warranty, and Amazon owners raise durability concerns.
Top complaints
- Extremely loudVery common
Tom's Guide measured 90 dB with frozen fruit. Amazon's summary says the noise level is extremely loud; most noise mentions are negative.
- Breaking or cracking within monthsMentioned often
Amazon's summary says customers report it breaking after 2 months or cracking after 6 months; durability mentions are mostly negative. Ninja's warranty is 1 year (Tom's Guide).
- No tamper, unlocked blades, gimmicky BlendSenseMentioned often
Tom's Guide lists the missing tamper (the lid can't fit one), blades that aren't locked, a bulky 8 x 8 in. base and a BlendSense mode that feels gimmicky. One Walmart reviewer found a gap under the removable blades hard to clean.
What owners love
- Near-Vitamix results
Tom's Guide found no ice or fruit seeds left in a frozen berry smoothie, smooth hummus in under a minute, and peanut butter in about 3 minutes.
- Fully removable blades
Tom's Guide says the removable blade assembly made it quick to clean with no residue left in hard-to-reach places.
- Value and ease of use
Amazon shoppers praise its power, ease of use and cleaning, and consider it good value for money.
Skip it if…- You want a quiet blender
- You want long-term warranty coverage
- You make thick blends that need a tamper
Good for- Vitamix-like smoothies on a mid budget
- Pitcher plus a to-go cup
- Easy blade cleaning
Scores (tap for why)
- Blending power4.5
Why 4.5?
Tom's Guide: nearly Vitamix-level smoothies, hummus and nut butter; blending performance is a strong Amazon positive (62 vs 5). - Quietness2.0
Why 2.0?
90 dB in Tom's Guide's test; 40 of 49 Amazon noise mentions are negative. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
Removable blades make cleaning easy (Tom's Guide), and cleaning is an Amazon positive (20 vs 4); a Walmart owner found a gap under the blades hard to clean. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Ease of use is an Amazon positive (29 vs 2), but Tom's Guide notes there is no tamper and finds BlendSense gimmicky. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
28 of 34 Amazon durability mentions are negative (breaking or cracking within months), and the warranty is 1 year.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Runner-up (guide updated 2026-08-04; review 2025-04-11): almost as good as a Vitamix at a third of the price; cons are gimmicky BlendSense, unlocked blades and no tamper.
#6
Ninja
$$Full-sizeScore 3.0/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A hugely popular, inexpensive ice crusher that Food Network names its best value, but it is loud and Wirecutter disliked its texture and burning smell. Amazon and Walmart owners often report broken lids and cracked pitchers.
Top complaints
- Lids and pitchers break or crackVery common
Durability is the most negative aspect on Amazon (912 of 1,205 mentions negative); the summary cites lids breaking within three months. Low-star Walmart reviews describe pitchers cracking within months to a year, including a chunk of plastic flying off.
- LoudVery common
Food Network lists it as on the louder side. Noise mentions on Amazon are mostly negative (413 vs 274).
- Burning-motor smell, gritty greensMentioned often
Wirecutter says the Ninja Professional Blender 1000 made green smoothies with a confetti-like texture and loose mayo, and gave off a strong burning-motor smell every time. A Walmart reviewer reports the blender smoked on its third use.
What owners love
- Crushes ice and frozen fruit fast
Food Network calls its stacked-blade performance powerful and efficient. Amazon owners say it blends everything quickly, including frozen fruit.
- Easy to use and clean
The blade is removable and the parts are dishwasher-safe (Food Network). Ease of use and ease of cleaning are positive aspects on Amazon.
- Massively popular
It has about 57,000 Amazon ratings, with 83% at 5 stars.
Skip it if…- You want silky green smoothies
- Noise bothers you
- You want a pitcher that lasts years
Good for- Frozen drinks and ice on a budget
- Large 72 oz batches
- Dishwasher-friendly parts
Scores (tap for why)
- Blending power3.0
Why 3.0?
Strong on ice and frozen fruit (Food Network, Amazon), but Wirecutter found greens confetti-like and mayo loose. - Quietness2.0
Why 2.0?
Food Network: on the louder side; Amazon noise mentions are more negative than positive. - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
Removable blade and dishwasher-safe parts (Food Network); cleaning is an Amazon positive (957 vs 187). A Walmart owner says water gets into holes in the handle. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Ease of use is a strong Amazon positive (573 vs 65). - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Durability is a strongly negative Amazon aspect (broken lids); Walmart owners report cracked pitchers; Wirecutter noted a burning-motor smell.
What experts say
- Food Network: Best value and best for smoothies (updated 2026-02-05): powerful and efficient, with a removable blade and dishwasher-safe parts; the con is that it's loud.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed the Ninja Professional Blender 1000: confetti-like green smoothies, loose mayo and a strong burning-motor smell.
#7
KitchenAid
$$Full-sizeScore 3.0/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Wirecutter's budget pick: a roomy, attractive blender with a real variable-speed dial and a gentle start for soups. Its smoothies aren't as silky as high-end models, and Tom's Guide recorded it as the loudest blender it has measured.
Top complaints
- Extremely loudMentioned often
Tom's Guide measured 85 dB and over 100 dB crushing ice, calling it the noisiest blender it has ever recorded.
- Not as smooth as performance blendersMentioned often
Wirecutter found its smoothies less silky than the Breville's, with more berry seeds, and says it needs more liquid to keep a vortex. It doesn't recommend it for daily thick blending.
- Blade not removable; some early failuresMentioned often
Several 1-star Walmart reviews complain that the blade can't be detached for washing. Others report the motor burning out after 2 months, repeated cutting off, rust on the blade, or error codes.
What owners love
- Variable speed and slow start at a budget price
Wirecutter says a true 1-10 variable-speed dial is uncommon at this price, and its very slow start helps keep hot soup from erupting.
- Handles hard ingredients, big capacity
Tom's Guide says it effortlessly blends hard ingredients and has excellent capacity for soup.
- Easy to clean and operate
Walmart's review summary lists an easy-to-clean design with a cleaning cycle and simple operation as pros; Tom's Guide also found it easy to clean.
Skip it if…- You make thick smoothies every day
- Noise bothers you
- You want a removable blade for cleaning
Good for- Occasional smoothies and soups on a budget
- A large pitcher
- A countertop-friendly look
Scores (tap for why)
- Blending power3.5
Why 3.5?
Tom's Guide says it blends hard ingredients effortlessly; Wirecutter rates it decent but well short of Vitamix-class smoothness. - Quietness1.5
Why 1.5?
85 dB for smoothies and over 100 dB crushing ice: the noisiest Tom's Guide has recorded. - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
Easy to clean per Tom's Guide, and the lid and jug are top-rack safe, but the jar was too tall for its dishwasher. Walmart owners dislike the fixed blade. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Comfortable handle and dial (Wirecutter), but the lid is stiff and there are few printed instructions (Tom's Guide). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
1-year warranty (Tom's Guide); a few Walmart owners report motor burnout or cut-outs within months.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick: decent power, a large pitcher and a variable-speed dial for about $110, but not as smooth as performance blenders and not for daily heavy use.
- Tom's Guide: Affordable powerhouse that handles hard blends and is easy to clean (2025-10-31); cons are a stiff lid, limited instructions and very high noise.
#8
Oster
$$Full-size + cupsScore 2.6/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)5% 1-star + 2% 2-star of about 21,211 ratings.A very popular cheap glass-jar blender that owners like for basic smoothies and easy cleaning, but Wirecutter found it couldn't keep a vortex going, and Amazon owners flag noise and early breakdowns.
Top complaints
- Breaks earlyVery common
Amazon's summary says durability is a concern, with multiple customers reporting it breaking by the fourth use.
- Can't keep thick blends movingMentioned often
In Wirecutter's 2026 test, the Oster Pro 1200 couldn't create and maintain a vortex, even with over a cup more liquid than its budget pick needed. Amazon's summary says some owners report it getting stuck during operation.
- LoudMentioned often
Amazon's summary says the noise level is high, with one customer comparing it to a jet engine.
What owners love
- Good basic smoothie maker
Amazon owners say it performs well for smoothies and has a powerful motor.
- Easy to take apart and clean
The glass jar and blades come apart easily for cleaning, per Amazon's review summary.
- Very popular
About 21,200 Amazon ratings, with 74% at 5 stars.
Skip it if…- You make thick smoothies or smoothie bowls
- You want something that lasts
- Noise bothers you
Good for- Thin smoothies and shakes on a tight budget
- Preferring a glass jar
- Easy disassembly for washing
Scores (tap for why)
- Blending power2.5
Why 2.5?
Wirecutter: no sustained vortex even with extra liquid. Amazon owners still rate it well for smoothies. - Quietness2.0
Why 2.0?
Amazon's summary calls the noise level high. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
The glass jar and blades disassemble easily for cleaning (Amazon summary). - Ease of use2.5
Why 2.5?
Ease of use is mixed on Amazon (some report it getting stuck), and Wirecutter needed extra liquid. - Durability2.0
Why 2.0?
Durability is the main concern in Amazon's summary (some units breaking by the fourth use).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Tested in 2026 as a budget option and dismissed: it couldn't create or maintain a vortex in the smoothie test even with extra liquid.