About This Guide

The **Ninja BN701** wins for countertop blending — most power at the best price for smoothies, frozen drinks, and sauces. The **KitchenAid KHBV53 Hand Blender** wins for soup and sauce work — blend directly in the pot without transferring hot liquid. The **Ninja BL770 System** wins if you want blender, food processor, and single-serve in one.

KitchenAid vs Ninja Blender Buying Guide

KitchenAid vs Ninja Blender: Best Home Blender 2026

Our Top Pick

Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender at $89.99 — 1400W with 72oz pitcher — strongest performance at the best price for most homes.

Budget Pick: KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53 at $54.99 — Variable speed corded — lightest and simplest hand blender for everyday sauce work.

Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender
Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender
$89.99
See Full Review →

Great for: Daily smoothie drinkers, home cooks who make soups and sauces, and anyone who batch-preps frozen blends

Not ideal if: You only need occasional light chopping — a food processor handles that more efficiently

Home Blender Buying Guide Countertop vs Immersion (Hand) Blender These are two different tools for different jobs. A countertop blender processes food in a sealed pitcher using a high-speed blade at the base — ideal for smoothies, frozen drinks, protein shakes, and large batches. An immersion (hand/stick) blender is inserted directly into a pot, bowl, or container — ideal for pureeing soups, sauces, salad dressings, and baby food without transferring to a separate pitcher. Hot liquids are safer in an immersion blender (no risk of hot liquid exploding from a sealed pitcher). Most serious home cooks own one of each — they are complementary, not competitive. Motor Wattage and Real-World Performance Blender motor specs are commonly inflated — peak horsepower ratings measure a brief surge, not continuous running power. For countertop blenders, 900–1400W continuous motor power handles frozen fruit, ice, and fibrous ingredients reliably. Below 600W, frozen smoothies and whole-food blending require added liquid to prevent stalling. Ninja's BN701 (1400W) and BL770 (1500W) provide enough power for daily frozen smoothies without pre-thawing. Blade design matters alongside motor power — a wider blade diameter processes more food per rotation. Pitcher Material and Seal Tritan BPA-free plastic is the standard for blender pitchers — durable, lightweight, and dishwasher safe on the top rack. Glass pitchers are heavier and break-prone but do not absorb odors or stains from heavily colored ingredients (berries, turmeric). For most households, Tritan is the practical choice. Verify that the pitcher-to-base connection uses a rubber gasket or threaded lock — leaking blender bases are the most common failure point on budget pitchers. Blade Assembly: Removable vs Fixed Removable blade assemblies can be taken apart for thorough cleaning — important for eliminating food residue that causes odor. Fixed blade assemblies (many budget models) require cleaning by running water and dish soap in the pitcher, which is less effective. For blenders used with high-fat ingredients (nut butters, protein powders), removable blades are worth prioritizing. Personal/Single-Serve vs Full Pitcher Single-serve blenders (NutriBullet style) blend in the serving cup — the cup inverts onto the base and the contents are blended directly. This eliminates a separate pitcher and is more convenient for single portions. The tradeoff is capacity — 20-32oz single-serve cups handle one or two servings per batch. Full-pitcher countertop blenders (48-72oz) process 4-8 servings in one cycle — better for families, meal prep, and recipes requiring larger volumes.
Quick Decision: Budget matters most → KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53. Quality matters most → Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender.

Related Guides

Watch: [Best Immersion Blenders — Gear Heads](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cb36vpz5Do) by America's Test Kitchen

How We Chose the Best Blender: KitchenAid vs. Ninja

Best Blenders, Tested by Food Network Kitchen | Food Network
Best Blenders, Tested by Food Network Kitchen | Food Network

We evaluated each option against criteria that reflect real-world use rather than spec-sheet comparisons. Every recommendation on this page earned its ranking by outperforming alternatives on the factors that matter most to actual buyers.

Ninja BL770 Kitchen System Blender and Food Processor 1500W
Ninja BL770 Kitchen System Blender and Food Proces...
$149.99
See Full Review →

Our Evaluation Criteria

The Best Inexpensive Blenders
The Best Inexpensive Blenders

We update rankings when new products enter the market or when prices shift enough to change the value calculation. Our goal is a list you can act on today with confidence.

Watch Before You Buy

At a Glance

#ProductAwardPriceOur Score
1
Ninja BN701 Professional Plus BlenderNinja BN701 Professional Plus Blender
Best Overall $89 9.2 Buy →
2
Ninja BL660 Professional Blender with 72 oz PitcherNinja BL660 Professional Blender with 7…
Best for Frozen Drinks $139 8.9 Buy →
3
Ninja BL770 Kitchen System Blender and Food Processor 1500WNinja BL770 Kitchen System Blender and …
Best Complete System $149 8.5 Buy →
4
KitchenAid KHB2352CU 3-Speed Hand BlenderKitchenAid KHB2352CU 3-Speed Hand Blender
Best Hand Blender $39 8.2 Buy →
5
KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand B…
Best Budget Hand Blender $54 7.8 Buy →

Showing 5 of 5 products

Our Top Pick
Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender

Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender

$89
at Amazon
Best for: Daily smoothie makers wanting programmed convenience under $100

“Ninja BN701 is the best blender under $100. Auto-iQ programs optimize blend cycles automatically, and 1400 peak watts crushes ice and frozen fruit that budget blenders struggle with.”

See Today’s Price →

What we like

  • Auto-iQ programs for smoothies, frozen drinks, and processing
  • 1400-peak-watt motor handles frozen fruit, leafy greens
  • 72oz Total Crushing Pitcher
  • dishwasher-safe pitcher and cups
  • Under $100 price point

Watch out for

  • Motor louder than Vitamix at equivalent tasks
  • Fan motor technology not as durable as Vitamix's commercial design
See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis

The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender ($89.99) is the accessible performance entry point in this comparison — a 1,400-peak-watt motor with Auto-iQ one-touch programs that handle smoothies, frozen drinks, and food processing automatically without manual speed adjustment. For daily smoothie makers who want consistent results with minimal effort, the Auto-iQ programs deliver reliable output without the trial-and-error of manual blending. Against the Ninja BL660 ($139.99) at $50 more, the BN701 focuses on personal-serving blending while the BL660 adds a 72oz large pitcher for batch-serving frozen drinks and large quantities. For households blending individual servings daily, the BN701 is sufficient. For entertaining or batch-cooking, the BL660's larger pitcher is the practical upgrade. Against the KitchenAid hand blenders ($54.99 and $89.87) on this page, the BN701 is a countertop pitcher blender for smoothies and frozen drinks versus the KitchenAid's immersion blenders for soups and sauces. These are different tools for different tasks — the Ninja blends in the pitcher, the KitchenAid blends directly in the pot. The honest limitation: motor runs louder than Vitamix and other premium blenders; for kitchen-office environments or early-morning use in shared apartments, the noise level is a real consideration.

Full Specs & Measurements
Upc622356561884
AsinB0855B5Z6F
ColorGrey
StyleProfessional Plus Blender
Voltage120 Volts
Wattage1400 watts
Capacity72 Fluid Ounces
MaterialStainless Steel
Brand NameNinja
Unit Count1.0 Count
Item Weight8.1 Pounds
ManufacturerSharkNinja
Power Sourceac_dc
Controls Type[Physical Interface]
Detail ReviewNinja BN701 is the best blender under $100. Auto-iQ programs for smoothies, frozen drinks, and processing. Best for: Daily smoothie makers wanting programmed convenience under $100.
Warranty Typelimited warranty
Blade MaterialStainless Steel
Item Type NameBlender
Number Of Speeds4
Best Sellers Rank#104 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #3 in Countertop Blenders
Material Type FreeBPA Free
Included Components1400-Peak-Watt Motor Base, 72-Oz.Total Crushing Pitcher, Instruction Booklet, Quick Start Guide, Recipe Inspiration Guide, Stacked Blade Assembly And Lid
Warranty Description1 year limited warranty
Item Dimensions D X W X H6.75"D x 9"W x 17.5"H
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?Yes
Recommended Uses For ProductBlending, Crushing, Ice Crush
Global Trade Identification Number10622356561881
Other Special Features Of The ProductDishwasher Safe, Multiple Speeds, Pre-Programmed, Pulse Technology
Also Excellent
Ninja BL660 Professional Blender with 72 oz Pitcher

Ninja BL660 Professional Blender with 72 oz Pitcher

$139
at Amazon
Best for: Budget households wanting a large-capacity blender for smoothies and frozen drinks

“The Ninja BL660 is the best blender under $100 for households that need large-batch capacity. Its 1000W motor crushes ice reliably, though it's louder and less refined than Vitamix.”

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What we like

  • 1000W motor handles ice and frozen fruit
  • 72oz large pitcher for big batches
  • Pulse technology for controlled blending
  • Dishwasher safe parts
  • Under $100 price point

Watch out for

  • Louder than premium blenders
  • Lid can leak at high speeds
  • No variable speed dial (only High/Low/Pulse)
See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis

The Ninja BL660 Professional Blender with 72oz Pitcher ($139.99) is the large-capacity frozen drink machine on this page — 1,000W motor in a 72oz pitcher that handles full-batch margarita and smoothie production for groups without a second round. The 72oz size is the meaningful differentiator from the BN701 ($89.99): household party-scale blending versus individual-serving blending. Against the Ninja BL770 Kitchen System ($149.99) at $10 more, the BL660 is the pitcher-focused option without the food processor bowl. If all blending needs are liquid (smoothies, frozen drinks, soups), the BL660 covers them at $10 less. If food processing capability (chopping, slicing, dough) is also needed, the $10 premium for the BL770 adds that function. Against the KitchenAid hand blenders ($54.99 and $89.87), the BL660 handles batch-volume blending that no immersion blender can match — immersion blenders are limited by the container they blend in, not a sealed pitcher. The honest limitation: lid can leak at high speeds if not properly locked; develop the habit of checking the lock before blending. No variable speed dial — High and Low switching without intermediate control means less precision for delicate emulsification tasks.

Full Specs & Measurements
Upc622356532099
AsinB00939FV8K
ColorGray
StylePitcher + (2) 16 oz. Cups
Voltage120 Volts
Wattage1100 watts
Capacity2 Liters
MaterialPlastic
Brand NameNinja
Unit Count1.0 Count
Item Weight7.6 Pounds
ManufacturerSharkNinja
Power SourceElectric
Controls TypePhysical Buttons/Knobs
Warranty Typelimited warranty
Blade MaterialStainless Steel
Item Type Namewith 1100-Watt Base, 72 Oz Total Crushing Pitcher and (2) 16 Oz Cups for Frozen Drinks and Smoothies, Gray
Number Of Speeds3
Best Sellers Rank#98 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #21 in Countertop Blenders
Material Type FreeBPA Free
Included Components(2) 16 oz. Nutri Ninja Cups, (2) To-Go Lids, 1100-Watt Motor Base, 72 oz. Total Crushing Pitcher with Lid, Inspiration Guide, Pro Extractor Blades Assembly
Warranty DescriptionOne year limited warrenty
Item Dimensions D X W X H17"D x 6"W x 8"H
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?Yes
Recommended Uses For ProductBlending, Crushing, Juices
Global Trade Identification Number00622356532099, 20622356532093
Other Special Features Of The ProductCompact, Single Serve
Worth Considering
Ninja BL770 Kitchen System Blender and Food Processor 1500W

Ninja BL770 Kitchen System Blender and Food Processor 1500W

$149
at Amazon
Best for: Smoothie and food prep users needing a powerful blender-processor combo

“A powerhouse blender-processor combo that handles both smoothies and food prep in one footprint. Best for busy households that want to consolidate kitchen appliances.”

See Today’s Price →

What we like

Watch out for

See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis

The Ninja BL770 Kitchen System ($149.99) is the most versatile Ninja appliance on this page — combining a 1,500W pitcher blender with a food processor bowl in one base unit, covering smoothies, frozen drinks, chopping, and dough in a single counter footprint. At $149.99, it costs $10 more than the BL660 pitcher blender and $60 more than the BN701, but adds food processing capability that neither of those provides. Against owning both the BN701 blender ($89.99) and a separate food processor ($100–130), the BL770 saves $40–80 and consolidates into one appliance. The trade-off is that a dedicated food processor (Ninja BN601, Cuisinart 11-cup) outperforms the BL770's processing bowl on slicing and disc attachments, and a dedicated blender outperforms the BL770's pitcher on sustained high-power blending tasks. Against the KitchenAid hand blenders on this page, the BL770 is the high-volume countertop appliance versus KitchenAid's precision in-pot immersion tools. A complete kitchen might benefit from both. The honest limitation: large footprint demands dedicated counter or cabinet space. Multiple components (pitcher, lids, cups, processing bowl, blades) add cleanup complexity. The 1,500W motor is loud — dedicated cooking spaces or households tolerant of blender noise during morning routines are better suited than open-plan kitchens adjacent to sleeping areas.

Full Specs & Measurements
Upc622356532419 022691104867
AsinB00939I7EK
ColorBlack
StylePitcher + Bowl + (2) 16-oz. Cups
Voltage110120 Volts
Wattage1500 watts
Capacity16 Fluid Ounces
MaterialPlastic
Brand NameNinja
Unit Count1.0 Count
Item Weight9.2 Pounds
ManufacturerSharkNinja
Power Sourceac_dc
Warranty TypeLimited warranty
Blade MaterialStainless Steel
Item Type NameMega Kitchen System, 1500W, 72 oz. Full-Size Blender & 8-Cup Food Processor with (2) 16 oz. To-Go Cups, Total Crushing Technology - Smoothies, Ice Crushing, Purees, Dough & More, Black
Number Of Speeds5
Best Sellers Rank#96 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #1 in Food Processors
Material Type FreeBPA Free
Included Components(2) 16-oz. Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go-Lids, 1500-watt Motor Base, 72-oz. Total Crushing Pitcher, 8 Cup Food Processor Bowl, Dough Blade, Inspiration Guide, Instruction Book, Quick Start Guide
Warranty DescriptionEuro-Pro One Year (1) Limted Warranty
Item Dimensions D X W X H15.75"D x 11.1"W x 18.07"H
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?Yes
Recommended Uses For ProductBlending, Chopping
Global Trade Identification Number00622356532419, 20622356532413
Other Special Features Of The ProductManual
Worth Considering
KitchenAid KHB2352CU 3-Speed Hand Blender

KitchenAid KHB2352CU 3-Speed Hand Blender

$39
at Amazon
Best for: Everyday home use and soup blending

“KitchenAid's hand blender is the most popular mid-range model — its soft start prevents splashing, bell-shaped guard contains hot liquid, and 3 speeds handle all common blending tasks.”

See Today’s Price →

What we like

  • 3-speed with soft start
  • Bell-shaped guard prevents splashing
  • Easy-release detachable shaft
  • Stainless steel shaft
  • Dishwasher-safe shaft

Watch out for

  • Only 3 speeds
  • Lower wattage than Breville
See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis

The KitchenAid KHB2352CU 3-Speed Hand Blender ($89.87) is the mid-tier KitchenAid immersion blender on this page — a 3-speed motor with soft start, bell-shaped blade guard to prevent splashing during immersion, and easy-release detachable shaft for cleaning. The bell-shaped guard is the key comfort feature: it distributes displacement so soup and sauce splash up the bowl sides rather than outward when the blender is lowered into a pot. Against the KitchenAid Variable Speed KHBV53 ($54.99) at $35 less, the KHB2352CU adds the bell-shaped guard and 3 distinct speeds versus the KHBV53's variable speed dial. For users who prefer preset speed steps over dial control, the KHB2352CU is the right choice. For users who want infinitely variable speed control for precision emulsification, the KHBV53's dial is more useful. Against the Ninja pitcher blenders ($89.99–$149.99) on this page, the KitchenAid hand blender is the in-pot specialist: blend soup directly in the cooking pot, make vinaigrette in the measuring cup, whip cream in a bowl — no pitcher, no transfer, no extra dishes. The honest limitation: only 3 speeds is limiting for specific tasks (thin hollandaise requires slower emulsification than quickly blending a chunky soup). Users wanting more control should consider the KHBV53 or upgrading to a 5+ speed immersion blender.

Full Specs & Measurements
Upc715933320933 887706150907 883049240497 616320852269 781147854410 885402155028
AsinB005MMNB6G
ColorOnyx Black
GuardBell-shaped splash guard
ShaftStainless steel detachable
StyleModern
Speeds3 with soft start
Voltage120 Volts
Wattage200.00
Capacity0.7 Liters
MaterialPolycarbonate
Brand NameKitchenAid
DishwasherShaft safe
Item Weight2 Pounds
ManufacturerKitchenAid
Power SourceCorded Electric
Blade MaterialStainless Steel
Number Of Speeds3
Best Sellers Rank#349,633 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #247 in Hand Blenders
Material Type FreeBPA Free
Item Dimensions D X W X H5"D x 5"W x 15.8"H
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?Yes
Recommended Uses For ProductBlending, Whisking
Global Trade Identification Number00883049240497
Other Special Features Of The ProductDetachable Attachment
Best Budget
KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53

KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53

$54
at Amazon
Best for: Brand-loyal KitchenAid households

“The KitchenAid KHBV53 brings genuine brand-quality ergonomics and a 5-speed dial to the $50 price tier.”

See Today’s Price →

What we like

  • 5-speed control with removable blade at mid-range price
  • KitchenAid build quality and brand warranty support
  • Comfortable grip and low vibration during use

Watch out for

  • No accessories included at $49.99
  • Wattage not disclosed — likely 200-250W based on performance
See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis

The KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53 ($54.99) is the budget entry point to KitchenAid's immersion blender lineup — the lowest price on this page and the option for buyers who want KitchenAid's brand quality and warranty at the most accessible cost. The variable speed dial provides more control over blending speed than fixed-speed models, which matters for emulsification (starting slow to combine oil and liquid before increasing speed) and for working with both delicate and dense ingredients. Against the KitchenAid KHB2352CU ($89.87) at $35 more, the KHBV53 trades the bell-shaped splash guard and preset speeds for a lower price and variable dial control. The splash guard absence means users need to angle the blender carefully when immersing into a pot to prevent surface-tension splatter. For experienced cooks who control immersion depth naturally, this is a manageable trade-off. For cooks new to immersion blending, the KHB2352CU's guard is a real quality-of-life improvement. Against the Ninja pitcher blenders ($89.99–$149.99), this is the direct comparison: $54.99 for in-pot convenience and no-transfer cooking versus $89–149 for batch blending capability. The honest limitation: no accessories included at $54.99 — no whisk attachment, no chopper attachment — limiting to immersion blending only. Wattage is not disclosed by KitchenAid (estimated 200–250W based on performance reviews), which is lower than dedicated pitcher blenders. Adequate for soups, sauces, and vinaigrettes; not for frozen fruit or thick nut butters.

Full Specs & Measurements
Upc883049546063
AsinB08F2QZZPQ
Cord3 ft
Bladestainless steel removable
ColorMatte Black
Power Draw5-speed variable
StyleRegular
Speeds5
Voltage8
Wattage180 watts
Capacity1 Liters
Includesblending arm only (whisk/chopper sold separately)
MaterialStainless Steel
Brand NameKitchenAid
Item Weight2.44 Pounds
ManufacturerKitchenAid
Power SourceCorded Electric
Controls TypePush Button
Warranty Type1 Year Limited Warranty
Blade MaterialStainless Steel
Item Type NameVariable Speed Hand Blender
Best Sellers Rank#4,649 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #16 in Hand Blenders
Material Type FreeBPA Free
Included ComponentsBlender Arm, Blending Jar With Lid, Juice Container, Pan Guard
Warranty Description1 Year
Item Dimensions D X W X H2.5"D x 3.56"W x 16.3"H
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?Yes
Recommended Uses For ProductBlending, Mixing, Pureeing
Global Trade Identification Number00883049546063
Other Special Features Of The ProductAdjustable Speed Control, Detachable Attachment, Removable Blade

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ninja or KitchenAid better for smoothies?
Ninja wins for smoothies — more powerful countertop motors (900–1400W) handle frozen fruit without pre-thawing. KitchenAid's hand blenders are not designed for frozen smoothie work — they excel at soups, sauces, and soft-ingredient blending. If smoothies are your primary use, choose a Ninja countertop model.
Can a hand blender replace a countertop blender?
For soft ingredients (soups, sauces, cooked vegetables), yes. For frozen smoothies, ice, or hard ingredients, no — hand blenders lack the motor power and blade geometry for frozen blending. If your primary uses are soup, dressings, and sauces, a hand blender handles them better. If you need frozen drinks, you need a countertop model.
What wattage blender do I need for frozen smoothies?
900W minimum for reliable frozen smoothie blending with added liquid. 1200-1400W handles frozen fruit without additional liquid. Below 900W, you will need to use mostly thawed ingredients and add extra juice or milk to prevent stalling. The Ninja BN701 at 1400W handles frozen blending without difficulty.
How do I clean a blender quickly?
Self-clean method: add warm water and 2 drops of dish soap to the pitcher, blend for 30-60 seconds, rinse. For thorough cleaning, disassemble the blade assembly (removable models) and wash in hot soapy water. Never put blender motors or bases near water — wipe with a damp cloth only.
Is the Ninja BL770 worth the extra cost over BN701?
Yes, if you want a food processor and single-serve capability alongside countertop blending. The BL770 includes a 72oz pitcher, 64oz food processor bowl, and two 16oz personal cups with lids — it replaces multiple kitchen tools. If you only need a blender, the BN701 at $89 delivers the same blending performance.

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Each product earned its placement through data: total review volume, average rating, and the specific praise and complaints that repeat most often across buyers. No manufacturer paid for placement on this page. Products appear here because buyers endorsed them at scale, not because a company asked us to feature them.

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