If you’re big on making smoothies and ice juices, you’ll want to get yourself a good blender for crushing ice.
This spares you the need to crush your ice separately and then mix it into the drink. With a push of a button, you’ll get your ice blended with the ingredients.
And if you’re not sure which device to choose, I’ve made this list of the best blenders for ice on the market to narrow down the choices for you.
Comparison Table
| Rating | Blender | Power | Weight | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Blendtec Designer 1003219 Editor's Pick | 1560 watts | 8 pounds | 7 years | |
 | 2. Cuisinart Hurricane CBT-2000 Best Value | 1500 watts | 1.1 pounds | 3 years | |
 | 3. Vitamix 5200 | 1380 watt | 15 pounds | 7 years | |
 | 4. Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender | 1380 watt | 13 pounds | 7 years | |
 | 5. Ninja Professional NJ600 | 1000 watt | 7.2 pounds | 1 year | |
 | 6. Oster BRLY07-B Budget Pick | 600 watt | 9.4 pounds | 1 year |
The 6 Best Blenders for Ice:
1. Blendtec Designer Series 1003219:
If you’re looking for a blender for smoothies and ice, I’d highly recommend the Blendtec Designer Series 1003219 as it can pretty much blend anything.
And since you’re looking for a blender for ice, you’ll enjoy the fact that this device comes with a preset control for crushing ice, so it doesn’t get any more specific than that.
Apart from the ice-crushing setting, the Blendtec Designer Series 1003219 comes with another 6 blending options and 8 variable speeds as well as a pulse function.
However, the only problem with the Blendtec Designer Series 1003219 is that it seems to work better with larger batches –so you should be intending to make plenty of juice or large amounts of smoothies at a time.
Bottom Line:
If you’re a blending enthusiast, you’ll love the Blendtec Designer Series 1003219. Indeed, it’s a bit pricier than most options, but it does outperform them in terms of power and crushing capabilities.
2. Cuisinart Hurricane CBT-2000:
The Cuisinart Hurricane CBT-2000 comes with a 3.5 peak horsepower, 1500-watt motor that outperforms most blenders on the market. Using the BlendLogix technology, the Cuisinart Hurricane CBT-2000 delivers consistent blending speeds for any recipes you want to make.
Moreover, it has an innovative memory function that allows you to adjust preset times as well as remember the new settings you use. Its versatility is maximized thanks to the variable speed control that ranges from 1,500 to 25,000 RPM as well as a 30,000 RPM turbo boost feature. It also comes with a designated ice-crushing preset.
Cuisinart Hurricane CBT-2000 also comes with a heavy-duty, 6-prong stainless steel blade that chops vegetables, fruits, and ice that you throw into its extra-large, 64-ounce, BPA-free Tritan jar.
For ergonomics, the Cuisinart Hurricane CBT-2000 comes with an LCD display with a programmable countdown timer, a sturdy gunmetal finish base, and a tight-seal lid.
Finally, you’ll get a 3-year warranty and a 10-year limited warranty on the motor.
Bottom Line:
Cuisinart Hurricane CBT-2000 hits the ideal combination of affordability and reliable performance. Although its blades suffer wear and tear quicker than other options, it’s still a valuable unit overall.
3. Vitamix 5200:
Vitamix is a well-known US brand that’s established its name in the blender market.
Running on 37,000 RPM and 1380 watts, the Vitamix 5200 is powerful enough to blend ice with no hassle. It also comes with special overheating prevention features.
Moreover, the fact that it comes with soft-touch variable controls makes its operation easier and more stable.
You can prepare family-sized portions using this blender as it comes with a 64oz container.
From the base and containers –with copolyester construction- to the covers and blades, the Vitamix 5200 is robust and durable.
The only downside is that the Vitamix 5200 makes a lot of noise during operation.
Bottom Line:
Although this unit is a little old, its features and capabilities aren’t outdated. And while it’s a little pricey, it’s a great addition to your kitchen.
4. Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender:
The main reason this bender comes with such a hefty price tag is the technology integrated into it. Namely, the SmartBlend technology that advises you on the screen, prompting you to add more liquid to the jug and so forth.
Moreover, it has a responsive touchscreen display with six preprogrammed functions and a slider that allows you to control the speed of blending, consequently giving you maximum functionality and accuracy when it comes to reaching specific consistencies.
However, in terms of power, this 1380-watt blender isn’t the most superior.
Apart from iced and cold beverages, the Vitamix Professional Series 750 comes with a hot soup function that uses friction created by the blade to heat and blend soups in less than three minutes. But you’ll have to pre-cook most of the ingredients as well as add them near the end of the program if you want chunky soup.
This versatility makes its price level a bit justified as it’s good for more than just crushing and blending ice.
Bottom Line:
Although this blender performs superbly, there are less expensive alternatives that can easily compete and compare to it. It does give you amazing technology and has a futuristic feel to it.
5. Ninja Professional NJ600:
Unlike the Vitamix or the Blendtec, the Ninja Professional NJ600 comes at a very affordable price. But that doesn’t make it any less capable of blending and being suitable for ice smoothies.
However, it’s not as versatile as either of the models I’ve mentioned above. It doesn’t process vegetables as efficiently and can sometimes produce an uneven chop.
On top of that, it has a plastic body that feels a little cheap to hold. The one year warranty doesn’t help with the doubts about the durability of the unit.
It’s not the top-notch choice, but it’s good for a party or for making beverages for large-sized families.
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a very affordable yet effective option, you should opt for Ninja Professional NJ600. However, you shouldn’t expect life-long durability or top-notch performance at such a low price point.
6. Oster BRLY07-B:
The Oster BRLY07-B is a budget-friendly alternative to the Vitamix 5200 or the Blendtec. If you’re looking for some good ice blending without breaking the bank, this unit is a good option for you.
It comes with great ergonomics as the buttons are big, spongey, and tactile. Moreover, it has a preprogrammed setting to work with a wider variety of frozen drinks.
Moreover, its parts are dishwasher-safe to make it easy for you to clean it up.
If you’re considering it to make frozen drinks and crush ice exclusively.
Bottom Line:
If you’re not looking for versatility and a powerful ice-crushing machine would suit you well, I’d highly recommend the Oster BRLY07-B for its affordability.
How to Pick a Blender for Ice?
Making iced beverages is a bit of a challenge, and not every blender is suitable for taking on that challenge. Here are the things that you should look for in a personal blender for crushing ice.
Power
Ice is tough and bulky, and to be crushed and chopped up, a lot of force is required.
When you’re assessing the power of your blender, you should consider the wattage and not the horsepower.
This is because horsepower merely suggests the top speed of your blender, but not the one on which it actually operates.
Higher wattages mean faster and more efficient operation.
To perfectly blend ice, you should get a 1500-watt blender. This one would also help you transform nuts into butter.
An 1100-watt blender also does the same job but is more suitable for lighter tasks such as making smoothies or purees of cooked vegetables.
Finally, while a 600-watt blender would blend ice, it will do so less consistently and require more operation time.
Pitcher (Jar)
Pitchers or jars are typically made of plastic or glass.
Glass is better at handling hot content and comes at a more affordable price. Moreover, it’s usually dishwasher-safe and consequently easier to clean.
However, the thinner glass would be fragile and break easily, while thicker one would make your unit a lot heavier.
On the other hand, high-end, BPA-free plastic would be a safer alternative that is more durable and lightweight. However, these tend to be pricier and aren’t always dishwasher-safe.
Price
A blender for chopping ice would usually come with a powerful motor and high wattage rating, which means that it won’t be that cheap.
Around $300 is a good average and would get you a reliable blender for ice and frozen fruits.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Blender for Ice?
Use Fresh Ingredients
Always the freshest ingredients and juices. Also, make sure the ice tastes pure and didn’t pick up any odors from the fridge.
Don’t Stress the Blades
Don’t put the ice in bulk, it’s better if you crack it into smaller pieces. This helps maintain the blades in good shape and quickens the action of your blender.
Start with Liquids
Always pour the liquids in your recipe first and then add the ice afterwards. If your blender comes with variable speeds, start low and gradually increase the speed.
Final Thoughts:
While the 6 blenders I’ve mentioned above are the best blenders for ice that you can find on the market, I’d recommend the Blendtec Designer Series 1003219 for the most powerful performance and effective ice-crushing.
If it’s a little pricey for your budget, then you can opt for the second-best option: the Cuisinart Hurricane CBT-2000.
