As a published Mexican cookbook author I’ve gone through MANY blenders. And I’m happy to recommend my absolute favorites. This list is a great place to start if you are a beginner cook just dipping your toe into Mexican cuisine. If you are looking for the best budget blender, any of the ones listed below will make an excellent choice.
Since 2009, I’ve developed and published more than 1500 recipes on my websites, in addition to recipes in my cookbook. Testing, photographing, and filming video tutorials means that I’m cooking practically 365 days a year and you want to know what’s my most used kitchen gadget? My blender.
From Mexican classics like atole de arroz, pozole and aguachile, to reader favorites like banana-coconut paletas, mango-lime agua fresca, and Mexican Street Corn soup, my blender plays a vital role. It’s not an understatement that I couldn’t live without it. I even use it every morning to make my favorite sunrise smoothie.
In traditional Mexican cooking, food is ground between a stone slab and a stone roller called a metate or in a molcajete but in most modern kitchens the blender is king. Whatever you decide to use, grinding nuts, chiles, seeds, and grains is an important and common step in many Mexican recipes.
That being said, I’ve gone through many blenders. I’ll admit that I’ve now graduated to using a Vitamix in my home kitchen. But for years I went through many less expensive brands and some were great and some, not so much. I’m not working with any of these brands; these budget blenders are simply the ones I’ve owned, loved, and recommend.
Stock Your Kitchen With One Of These Budget Blenders
All of the personal blenders listed are ones I have owned. Use your best judgment on which one of these would be the best budget blender for you based on my descriptions. I have judged “budget” to mean under $200. None of this post is sponsored—truly just blenders I’ve loved and am happy to recommend to fellow home cooks. A lot of these links are Amazon affiliate links.
1. Oster Pro 1200 Blender
Before I upgraded to my Vitamix, the Oster Pro 1200 was my go-to, and it’s still receives “best blender” status in my book! This workhorse consistently delivered smooth results, whether I was making smoothies, soups (like my favorite chicken chileatole), or sauces. But what truly set it apart were the pre-programmed settings. With a simple push of a button, the blender would cycle through a customized blending pattern, stopping and starting to allow ingredients to settle for perfectly smooth results every time.
This feature was a game-changer when I made my favorite green smoothie, which often tends to be a bit fibrous. The Oster Pro 1200 effortlessly pulverized kale, spinach, and even tough stems, leaving my green smoothies perfectly smooth and delicious. No more chunky bits or leafy remnants!
While I’ve since moved on to a Vitamix for its even greater power and versatility, I still highly recommend the Oster Pro 1200, especially for those who want a high-performance blender with convenient pre-programmed settings. It’s definitely one of my top picks for anyone seeking a reliable and efficient blender that can handle a variety of tasks.
Price: At $169 this is a steal. It comes with a food processor attachment as well so you are getting two appliances in one.
2. Nutribullet Immersion Blender
You’re looking at a fantastic option for immersion blenders! While it may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, the NutriBullet Immersion Blender punches well above its weight. Often coming in under $30, it offers surprising power and versatility, making it a strong contender for the title of “best blender” in its price range.
I use this little powerhouse for tackling everyday blending tasks. Whether I’m whipping up a quick batch of agua fresca or horchata right in the pitcher or a sauce for chilaquiles, the NutriBullet Immersion Blender delivers smooth and consistent results. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver and control, ensuring perfect texture every time.
But it’s not just about drinks and sauces! This immersion blender is also a great tool for making adobo marinades, paletas, and even baby food. Its versatility extends beyond blending, too, as it often comes with a whisk attachment, perfect for whipping cream or egg whites.
While it may not be the best choice for tough ingredients like nuts or ice, the NutriBullet Immersion Blender is the best budget blender for those who need a reliable and affordable tool for basic blending tasks. It’s a great way to experience the convenience and efficiency of an immersion blender without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for one of the best cheap blenders that can handle everyday blending with ease, this one should be at the top of your list!
Price: $34
3. KitchenAid K 150 3 Speed Blender
The KitchenAid K150 3 Speed Ice Crushing Blender is a fantastic choice for those seeking both power and affordability. This compact blender boasts a robust 650-watt motor that can pulverize ice in seconds, making it a top contender amongst the best cheap blenders. Its ice-crushing prowess is perfect for creating refreshing, frozen cocktails, and icy drinks in a flash.
Don’t let its compact size fool you, this blender packs a punch. The K150 features an optimally designed ice-crush setting, ensuring efficient and thorough blending of even the most stubborn ice cubes. But it’s not just about ice; this blender can handle a variety of ingredients, from soft fruits to fibrous ingredients like dried chiles.
While it might not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models like the K400, the K150 excels in its simplicity. The control panel is straightforward with three speed options, allowing you to easily customize your blending experience. Plus, its compact size makes it ideal for smaller kitchens or those with limited counter space.
And here’s a bonus: some K150 models come with a personal jar option, allowing you to blend individual servings and take them on the go. This makes it a fantastic choice for individuals or those who enjoy single-serve smoothies or protein shakes.
If you’re looking for a powerful and reliable blender that can handle your ice-crushing needs without breaking the bank, the KitchenAid K150 is the best budget blender. It’s a great way to enjoy the quality and performance of a KitchenAid blender at a more affordable price point.
Price: $199
4. Breville Fresh and Furious Blender
The Breville Fresh and Furious Blender truly lives up to its name! It’s a top contender if you’re searching for the best blender in its class, and it easily stands out among full-sized blenders with its impressive power and performance. This machine boasts a robust 1100-watt motor (the same as many high-performance blenders) that can handle just about anything you throw at it, from crushing ice for margaritas to pulverizing nuts and seeds for mole to blending delicate gazpacho with effortless ease.
But the Fresh and Furious is more than just a powerful motor. It’s designed with features that optimize blending performance and convenience like its unique blade design. The innovative Kinetix blade and bowl system creates a powerful vortex that draws ingredients down towards the blades for consistently smooth results. Say goodbye to annoying chunks in your cremas and sauces!
This blender goes beyond basic blending. It features pre-programmed settings for paletas, guajillo sauce, and ice crushing, making it incredibly user-friendly. Need to make a quick soup or sauce? The Fresh and Furious can handle that too! And yes, it crushes ice perfectly for those frozen margaritas!
Despite its powerful motor, the Fresh and Furious operates surprisingly quietly. You won’t have to worry about waking up the whole house when you’re making your morning smoothie.
The lid is designed to seal tightly, preventing spills and splatters, even when blending at a high speed. Plus, it has a handy inner measuring cup and a small vent opening that allows you to add liquid while blending without making a mess.
The Breville Fresh and Furious is designed for easy cleaning. The blending container is designed to be easy to rinse, and many parts are dishwasher-safe.
Whether you’re a smoothie enthusiast, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone who appreciates a high-quality appliance, the Breville Fresh and Furious is the best budget blender. It’s a versatile and powerful blender that can handle a wide range of tasks with ease, making it a worthwhile investment for any kitchen.
Price: $199
5. Ninja Professional Plus Blender
The Ninja Professional Plus Blender (BL770) is a true kitchen classic, and for good reason! This countertop blender has earned its reputation as a reliable workhorse, offering impressive power, high speeds, and performance at a price that’s very budget-friendly. It’s a fantastic option for those who want affordable blenders that can handle everyday tasks with ease.
At its core, the Ninja Professional Plus boasts a powerful 1400-watt motor that can crush ice, pulverize dried chiles for sauce, and blend large batches of salsa for huevos rancheros, creamy soups, and even juices in a flash. This makes it the best budget blender for families, those who love to entertain, or anyone who wants a blender that can tackle tough ingredients with ease.
The Ninja Professional Plus offers a range of speed settings, allowing you to fine-tune your blending to achieve the perfect consistency for your creations. Whether you need a gentle pulse for a chunky salsa or a high setting for a silky-smooth smoothie, this blender has you covered.
The 72-ounce total crushing pitcher is perfect for making large batches of your favorite blends. It’s ideal for families, parties, or meal prepping, ensuring you have plenty to share (or save for later!).
Ninja is known for its durability, and the Professional Plus is no exception. It’s built with sturdy construction and high-quality materials, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of everyday use. This blender is an investment that will serve you well for years to come.
While it might not have all the fancy features of some higher-end models, the Ninja Professional Plus Blender focuses on what matters most: performance and affordability. It’s a good option for those who are looking for the best personal blender that prioritizes functionality over a lot of extra bells and whistles. If you need a reliable, powerful, and versatile blender without breaking the bank, the Ninja Professional Plus is a fantastic choice.
Price: $159
6. Magic Bullet Blender
The Magic Bullet is a fantastic little appliance that has earned a spot in many kitchens for its compact size and impressive versatility. It’s designed for quick and easy blending tasks, making it especially popular for single-serving horchata, chile sauce, salsa for crispy tacos, and even small chopping jobs. Think of it as your own personal blending assistant, ready to whip up a quick and delicious creation in a flash.
One of the biggest advantages of the Magic Bullet is its compact size. It takes up minimal counter space and is easy to store, making it perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even travel.
The Magic Bullet is incredibly user-friendly. There are no complicated buttons or settings to navigate, no need to worry about presets or pulse functions. Load your ingredients into the blender cup, twist on the blade, and press down on the power base to blend. It’s that easy!
While it excels at single-serve smoothies, the Magic Bullet can do so much more. It can whip up small batches of sauces, salsas, and dips in seconds. You can also use it to grind coffee beans, chop nuts, or even make baby food. It is the best budget blender for small kitchens or small families.
The Magic Bullet is designed for speed and efficiency. Its powerful motor and sharp blades can blend ingredients quickly and smoothly. Plus, with the included to-go lid, you can blend your smoothie directly in the cup you’ll be drinking from.
The blender cups and blades are typically dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
While the Magic Bullet might not have the capacity of a full-sized blender, it’s a fantastic option for individuals. If you’re looking for an easy way to make smoothies or dips, the Magic Bullet is definitely worth considering.
Price: $39
7. Nutribullet Pro
In a world with dozens of blenders vying for your attention, the NutriBullet Pro stands out. Love the Magic Blender concept but are more in the market for full-size blenders? The Nutribullet is the way to go.
There are no complicated buttons, dials, or preset programs to decipher. Just load your ingredients into the cup, twist on the blade, and push down on the base to blend. It’s that easy! This makes it a great option for those who are new to blending or simply appreciate a hassle-free experience.
But don’t let its simplicity fool you – the NutriBullet Pro packs a punch. Its 900-watt motor provides ample power to tackle frozen fruits and vegetables to nuts and seeds. Yes, it can even crush ice! This makes it ideal for creating enchilada sauce, protein shakes, sauces, dips, even avocado aioli.
Beyond its power and ease of use, the NutriBullet Pro is super easy to clean. Just load it in the dishwasher and go! All of this might make it the best budget blender for you.
Price: $109
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