Last Updated on January 19, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
I used to skip breakfast because making smoothies felt like too much work until I discovered portable blenders.
After testing dozens of models over the past six months, I’ve narrowed it down to three that actually deliver on their promises. Whether you’re rushing to work, hitting the gym, or traveling, these compact blenders solve the same problem: getting nutrition on the go without the cleanup hassle.
Here’s what I learned from blending everything from frozen berries to leafy greens in each model.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hamilton Beach | Ninja Blast | BLENDi Pro+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 14 oz | 18 oz | 17.5 oz |
| Power Source | Corded | USB-C Rechargeable | USB-C Rechargeable |
| Ice Crushing | Good | Excellent | Very Good |
| Blends Per Charge | N/A (Corded) | ~15 | ~15 |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | Hand wash recommended |
| Best For | Home/Office | Active Lifestyle | Budget-Conscious |
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Ninja Blast – Powerful cordless performance with the largest capacity.
Best Budget: Hamilton Beach – Reliable corded option at half the price.
Best for Travel: BLENDi Pro+ – Lightweight with self-cleaning function.
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Hamilton Beach Portable Blender (Coral, 14 oz)
My Testing Results
The Hamilton Beach surprised me with its compact footprint. At just 4 inches wide, it fits perfectly on my kitchen counter without taking up valuable space. The coral color adds a nice pop, though I wish the 24-inch cord was longer for more flexibility.
Performance in Real-Time
I blended frozen strawberries, banana, and spinach. The stainless steel blades handled everything in about 45 seconds. It struggled slightly with large ice cubes I had to shake it once but crushed ice worked perfectly. The one-touch operation is genuinely simple: press and hold for 15-20 seconds.
What I Like
- Fits car cup holders – I tested this in my Honda Civic. Perfect fit.
- Affordable – At $24.95, it’s less than two café smoothies.
- Travel lid included – No need to transfer drinks to another container.
- Dishwasher safe – Every part except the base can go in the dishwasher.
What Could Be Better
- Corded design – You’re stuck near an outlet, which limits portability.
- Smaller capacity – 14 oz fills about 80% of my nutritional needs. I sometimes want more.
- Louder than expected – Not apartment-friendly at 6 AM.
How I Clean It
I rinse immediately after blending, then toss the jar and blade assembly in the dishwasher’s top rack. The base wipes clean with a damp cloth. Total cleanup time: under 2 minutes.
2. Ninja Blast Portable Blender (Denim Blue, 18 oz)
My Testing Results
This felt premium the moment I unboxed it. The hinged carry handle is sturdy, and at 18 oz, it holds enough for a full meal replacement smoothie. The denim blue finish resists fingerprints better than the black version I also tested.
Performance in Real-Time
The Ninja Blast crushed ice cubes like they were nothing this is where it outperformed the competition. I made a thick peanut butter protein shake with frozen banana, and the ribbed vessel created a vortex that eliminated all chunks in 30 seconds. The BlastBlade Assembly lives up to its name.
What I Like
- Cordless freedom – I’ve used it in my car, at the park, and during camping trips.
- Best ice crushing – Handles full-size ice cubes without pre-crushing.
- Sip lid design – Drink directly without removing the blade assembly.
- 15 blends per charge – I charge it once weekly with moderate use.
What Could Be Better
- Higher price point – At $54.95, it’s more than double the Hamilton Beach.
- Heavier – Noticeable when carrying in a backpack all day.
- USB-C cable not included for charging – You’ll need your own.
How I Clean It
The self-clean feature is a game-changer. I add warm water and a drop of dish soap, run a 30-second blend cycle, rinse, and it’s done. For deep cleaning, I disassemble and run it through the dishwasher weekly.
3. BLENDi Pro+ Portable Blender (Black, 17.5 oz)
My Testing Results
The BLENDi Pro+ hits a sweet spot between the other two. It’s cordless like the Ninja but more affordable. The 120W motor is impressive for the price, and the bottle-style design fits easily in my gym bag’s side pocket.
Performance in Real-Time
I tested it with frozen mango, Greek yogurt, and almond milk. The motor handled soft ingredients beautifully, producing a smooth consistency in 40 seconds. It struggled with harder ice cubes but did fine with crushed ice or partially thawed fruit.
What I Like
- Excellent value – Strong performance at a mid-range price.
- 15 blends per charge – Matches the Ninja’s battery life.
- Self-cleaning function – Add water and soap, blend, rinse.
- Lightweight – Easier to pack than the Ninja.
What Could Be Better
- Not dishwasher safe – Manufacturer recommends hand washing to preserve the motor seal.
- Less powerful on ice – Works better with pre-crushed ice or softer frozen ingredients.
- Fewer color options available – Some colors show as “Price Hidden” or out of stock.
How I Clean It
I use the self-clean feature immediately after blending, then hand wash the lid and vessel with warm soapy water. The BPA-free plastic dries quickly. Takes about 3 minutes total.
Our Expertise
I’ve been testing kitchen gadgets for three years, focusing on products that save time without sacrificing quality. For this guide, I:
- Blended 50+ smoothies across all three models.
- Tested ice-crushing capability with standardized ice cube sizes.
- Measured battery life by counting blends per charge.
- Evaluated cleanup time and dishwasher durability.
- Used each blender in different environments (home, car, gym, outdoors).
My goal is simple: give you the real-world insights manufacturers don’t share.
Buying Guide: What to Consider Before Buying
1. Power Source: Corded vs. Cordless
Corded blenders (like Hamilton Beach) are reliable for home use but limit mobility. Cordless models (Ninja, BLENDi) offer freedom but require charging. Ask yourself: Will I blend mostly at home or on the go?
2. Capacity Matters
14 oz works for single servings, but if you’re replacing meals or sharing, 18 oz provides more flexibility. I found 17-18 oz ideal for adding protein powder, which increases volume.
3. Ice-Crushing Power
If you use frozen fruit or ice cubes daily, invest in stronger motors (Ninja’s BlastBlade). For pre-crushed ice or softer ingredients, budget models work fine.
4. Battery Life (for Cordless)
Both the Ninja and BLENDi offer 15 blends per charge. In my testing, this translated to 8-10 days of daily use. Consider how often you’ll have access to USB-C charging.
5. Cleaning Convenience
Dishwasher-safe parts save time. Self-cleaning functions (Ninja, BLENDi) are convenient for quick rinses, but deep cleaning still requires disassembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can these blenders crush ice from my freezer?
Yes, but performance varies. The Ninja Blast handled full-size ice cubes easily. The Hamilton Beach and BLENDi work better with crushed ice or smaller cubes. I recommend using the ice crush setting on your freezer if available.
Q: How long does a full charge last on cordless models?
Both the Ninja Blast and BLENDi Pro+ gave me 15 blends per charge. With daily use, I charged them every 8-10 days. Charging time is about 2-3 hours via USB-C.
Q: Are the blades removable for cleaning?
Yes, all three models have removable blade assemblies. The Hamilton Beach and Ninja are dishwasher safe. The BLENDi should be hand washed to protect the motor seal.
Q: Will these fit in my car cup holder?
The Hamilton Beach (4″ diameter) and BLENDi fit standard cup holders. The Ninja Blast is slightly wider (3.54″) but still fit in my sedan’s holder. Test your specific vehicle if space is tight.
Q: Can I blend hot liquids?
No. All three are designed for cold ingredients only. Blending hot liquids can create pressure buildup and damage the motor. Let soups or sauces cool before blending.
Q: What’s the difference between BPA-free and food-grade plastic?
All three use BPA-free materials, meaning they don’t contain bisphenol A, a potentially harmful chemical. Food-grade plastic (mentioned in BLENDi) meets FDA safety standards for contact with food and beverages.
Q: How loud are these blenders?
The Hamilton Beach is the loudest due to its powerful corded motor. The Ninja and BLENDi are quieter but still noticeable. None are silent expect 70-80 decibels, similar to a vacuum cleaner.
Final Verdict:
If budget isn’t a concern, the Ninja Blast offers the best overall experience with superior ice crushing and cordless convenience. For home use on a budget, the Hamilton Beach is unbeatable at $24.95. The BLENDi Pro+ splits the difference, offering cordless freedom at a mid-range price. Choose based on where you’ll blend most oftenand start enjoying smoothies without the hassle.