Magic Bullet NBR-12
Performance
Controls
Design
Additional Info
Oster BLSTMB-CBG-000
Performance
Controls
Design
Ninja QB900B
Performance
Controls
Design
Hamilton Beach 56206
Performance
Controls
Design
BLACK+DECKER BL1820SG-P
Performance
Controls
Design
Infographics
What Is a Smoothie Maker?
Today, when our life is extremely dynamic, healthy eating is becoming more and more important. To maintain your vital energy you need to get an appropriate amount of minerals and vitamins in a very short time, and in this case, a smoothie will become a quick, healthy and easy solution. It is a thick smooth beverage made from blended raw fruit, berries, vegetables, and other ingredients such as ice, dairy products, juice, spices, syrup or honey. Being a wholesome, great-tasting and easy-to-make dish, the smoothie is mainly a choice for active people and for those keeping their figure or trying to lose weight. At the same time, it is an excellent chance for everybody to tap into a healthier lifestyle. Hence, a Smoothie Maker will help you prepare this delicious, energetic beverage in minutes. Actually, it looks like an ordinary blender with some extra features. Our best smoothie maker's review will give you an insight of the essential blender or Smoothie Maker features to blend your perfect smoothie.
At the same time, if you are a fitness lover, and want to make your everyday menu well balanced, or simply need a tasty breakfast for your kids we strongly recommend you to check out yogurt makers. It will become another valuable contribution to the health and well-being of your whole family.
What Features to Compare
Performance
Performance is the first feature you need to consider if you want a really good smoothie with fine consistency. Performance directly depends on theSmoothie Maker's power and capacity of the jar or cups it comes with. To get a well-blended smooth beverage select models with power over 400 Watts. The best smoothie maker will not only carefully grind different density ingredients, but also crush the ice and mash the frozen fruit and berries to liquid condition. If your whole family members decided to stick to a healthy lifestyle, you should choose high-capacity units with 36-48-oz bowls. Meanwhile, a small on-the-go smoothie cup will be a nice extra advantage for an individual smoothie to drink on your way to work.
Controls
This criterion also includes the best cooking options for smoothie machine. Predominantly, smoothie makers do not require a number of settings or speed options. In most cases one high-power mode is enough to grind, liquefy and homogenize all ingredients including ice. Hence, many models of blenders feature only one Pulse button to activate a special mode to get the necessary beverage thickness and consistency. At the same time, some manufacturers have expanded the functional characteristics (features) of smoothie makers, providing several speed modes or even preprogrammed settings for your ultimate convenience.
Design
The last but not the least is your smoothie maker design. It includes grinding attachments, blender body, and bowl or cup materials and extra accessories to ease the use of this appliance for maximum convenience.
It is noteworthy that blending attachments are highly efficient. They grind fruit, berries and vegetables to an almost liquid condition, as well as, crush ice and puree nuts for smooth and appetizing sauces, smoothies, dressings, and dips. Some manufacturers experiment with the blade positions, width and design to get the best-ever result.
The next important aspect is the material a blender jar or bowl is made of. Glass pitchers are durable, scratch-resistant, and dishwasher safe; that makes them a reliable solution for any kitchen. Nevertheless, many users prefer plastic jars thanks to their break-resistance and high-quality BPA-free plastic. This material is especially suitable and convenient for on-the-go cups.
Extra accessories most often include different replaceable lids to cover the bowl for storing your smoothie in the fridge. The lids for smaller personal cups are mainly intended to prevent spills and leakage. Some lids even feature a 1 or 2-oz cap to be used as a measuring cup or to add some additional ingredients without interrupting operation of a smoothie maker. There are also smoothie makers that have a special spout to pour your beverage without taking off the pitcher. Finally, few elaborate models have a built-in stir stick to scrape the pitcher's sides for better ingredient mixing when the machine is on.
Sources:
1. Tricia Ellis-Christensen What is the Difference Between a Blender and a Smoothie Maker? wiseGEEK. December 14, 2016.
2. Jane Darling Blender, juicer or smoothie maker? Which?
3. Difference Between a Blender and a Smoothie Maker, DoItYourself.
4. Joe Cross Juicing vs. Blending: Everything You Need to Know, Reboot with Joe.
5. Kris Carr How to Choose the Best Blender, Crazy Sexy Wellness.
6. Facts on the Health Benefits of Smoothies, LIVESTRONG. June 19, 2015.
7. Pat Crocker THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SMOOTHIES, dummies.
