Maintaining a healthy diet when training is essential, but let's face it, when you’re rushing out the door for your next session or coming home after a long bike ride or swim it can be easy to forget your five a day.
Having a blender on hand can make all the difference, helping you fit all your daily fruit and veg into a quick, convenient smoothie. Of course, they're also particularly handy for making your own recovery drink, either with pre-existing products or whole foods.
There are plenty of blenders to choose from that specialise in smoothie making so we've put together our pick of the best. These picks have been made based on in-depth research and analysis of user reviews.
Whether you want a portable option that can blend on the go, or a hefty unit that can service a large group, there are plenty to choose from below.
Best blenders for smoothies
Ninja Nutri Slim Blender and Smoothie Maker
This compact blender from Ninja is aptly named, as it can be easily placed out of sight until it's needed thanks to its slim design. But don't confuse its smaller size for a lack of power. This unit features special Ninja blades and a 700W motor that should be able to cut through fruits, vegetables, as well as any nuts and seeds with ease.
Using its pulse action blend effect it can even crush ice if you're recovering from a particularly steamy session or heading out in hot weather.
It comes with two BPA-free cups, which are dishwasher safe so the clean up should be nice and easy, with two sip and seal lids that can be placed on the cups so you can take them with you when you're on the move.
Nutribullet 600 Series High Speed Blender
Another compact but powerful blender, the Nutribullet has a 600W motor combined with cyclonic technology that's said to cut right through any fruit, veg and nuts, making sure each ingredient is fully broken down for maximum nutrition.
Cleaning should also be particularly easy with just a simple wash under hot water needed, which is ideal for the athlete on the go.
The set comes with both a short and tall cup so you can change up the size as needed, with a resealable lid that can be used as a cap if you plan on making your smoothie in advance and want to keep it fresh for longer.
Russell Hobbs Desire Jug Blender
This jug-style blender from Russell Hobbs packs a 650W motor and holds up to 1.5 litres at a time, so you can create a sizeable smoothie to keep you going throughout the day or multiple servings to satiate you for a few days.
The cap can also be removed during the blend so you can keep adding ingredients, which should stay contained in the jug without causing any mess, according to Russell Hobbs. There are two speeds to choose from to help you cut through your five a day, with a pulse option to help things along.
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender
If you're very specific with how you like your smoothies this may be the blender for you, with 10 different speed settings and a pulse feature so you can find the perfect texture.
Aside from smoothies, it can also be used to make soups, dips, sauces, frozen treats like ice cream and even bread mixtures.
It has a 1.4 litre capacity which means you can create plenty in one go, and washing up should be a breeze as this unit can apparently clean itself in less than 60 seconds, with just a bit of dish soap and some warm water needed.
Bamix DeLuxe Hand Blender
If you're looking for something on the smaller side to help you whip up something quickly, this hand blender from Bamix may be a good match.
It comes with two speed settings, as well as a multi-purpose blade so you can chop a variety of fruit and vegetables for a refreshing and speedy smoothie.
Breville BlendActive Blender
This blender has a 300W motor to help you crush ice and cut through greens to make the smoothie of your choice. It comes with two 600ml blending bottles so you can make separate flavours if you'd like, or use the second as a backup if you don't get around to washing the first in time.
While not as powerful as some of the others in this list, the low price-point makes it an attractive option.
The lid also boasts a super-seal so you can take it with you on your next outing without worrying about it spilling or leaking everywhere.
Blendjet 2 Portable Blender
Available in a wide variety of colours and patterns that range from mint and red to black marble, this sleek and stylish blender is designed so you can take your smoothie with you for your next training session.
You can remove the bottle when you're done making your smoothie, or take the whole unit with you on your next trip and start blending on the go thanks to its durable and lightweight design. The brand even says it's quiet enough to use in a library without disturbing anyone.
Promising to power through frozen fruit or leafy greens at speed, it should take just 20 seconds to turn your ingredients into a delicious and nutritious drink. It also has an impressive sized battery, with each power cycle said to last for at least 15 blends.
Froothie Optimum 9400X
- Buy now from Froothie
If you're really serious about your smoothies, or you’re making multiple drinks for a large group, this may be the perfect blender to keep everyone happy and healthy.
With a huge 2200W motor you should be able to create an incredibly smooth drink in just a few seconds, while a 1.8 litre capacity in the jug should mean there's plenty for everyone to enjoy.
For an additional cost you can also buy the sound cover, which is said to reduce the overall noise by 50% – ideal if you plan on making a smoothie before an early morning ride or just want to keep the clatter down to a minimum.
KitchenAid K400 Blender
This blender can take on everything from thick fruits to nuts and ice, helping you keep on top of your healthy diet with ease.
Fitted with a variety of dials and settings so you can fine tune your process and find a texture that works for you, the K400 has five different speeds to choose from, and an asymmetric blade to help cut through anything tricky. It even has a self-cleaning mode to make life as easy as possible.
Oster Blender with Travel Sport Bottle
Perfect for those on the move, this portable blender can be taken with you on your next trip so you can mash up your favourite fruits away from home. It blends straight into a BPA-free sports bottle attachment, so you can unclip when the smoothie making is complete and head straight out the door.
With a very decent 400W of power, the brand says you'll be able to cut through ice, fruit and nuts with the simple touch of a button.