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Technology has improved blenders much over the years. They can pulse, warm up soup and even mix nut butter bow. However, the best blenders can turn ice into the texture of snow. Ice is such an important component of many blender recipes. That is why we have created this buying guide to help you find the best blender for crushing ice.
According to our tests, the best blender for ice is the Blendtec Total Classic. It has a ton of great features that no other blender in its class can compete with, like self cleaning, warming and an impressive number of speed options.
1) Blendtec Total Classic
Blendtec brings you an easy to use a blender with variable speed options. There are 6 pre-programmed cycles plus options like 1-touch buttons, pulse, and 10-speed manual control. This gives you full control over adjustments while blending.
Stainless steel forged blade has wings for more thorough blending. Its blades are conveniently self-cleaning if you run them in the jar with warm soapy water for approximately one minute. Blade friction can warm up soaps or drinks in about 6-minutes. This American based company has thought of everything with this blender. On top of that, the Blendtec Total Classic comes with a reassuring 8-year warranty.
2) Vitamax E310
When it comes to Vitamix, you are looking at the best blender that crushes ice and so much more. This E310 blender has 10 variable speeds so you can have smooth purees or hearty soups. The pulse feature is great for thicker soups or even chunky salsa.
Save time cleaning with the self-cleaning feature. Just drop a bit of soap and warm water into the pitcher and let it run for about 1-minute. Its aircraft-grade stainless steel blades can handle even the toughest ingredients. You will get a smooth drink from the first to the last smoothie.
Vitamix backs their product with a 5-year full warranty for all parts, performance and labor.
3) Ninja Mega Kitchen System
This Ninja Mega advertises itself as a kitchen system – and that really is the perfect description. Choose between an assortment of accessories to perfect each dish, every time. Included in your purchase is two 16-ounce cups with lids, an 8-cup food processor bowl, and a 72-ounce pitcher.
You can make an assortment of foods with this blender; such as blend your nut butter, make thick doughs, or simply pulverize ice for smoothies. Self-cleaning and durable, this blender is great for someone who wants to do a little bit of everything. It even comes with an inspiration guide that includes 30 recipes.
4) Ninja Professional Countertop Blender
Take your frozen drinks or smoothies with you on the go with this Ninja Professional. You can blend your treat directly in convenient cups that are included with this set. You will get two 16-ounce cups with to-go lids and a 72-ounce pitcher.
This is a great blender for crushing ice into that desirable snow-like texture that’s ideal for all ice-based drinks. You can choose between 3 speeds, pulse, or a single-serve function to customize your drink as needed. Ninja has also included suction cup feet so your blender stays put.
Ice Blender Buying Guide
Powerful Motor
To crush ice effectively, a powerful motor is essential. This is where a lot of blenders, especially cheaper priced ones, fail to meet the mark. There needs to be significant power to crush ice as well as frozen ingredients, but the blender also needs to be safe to use. An ideal motor ranges between 1000 watts and 1500 watts. Anything between this wattage should not have a problem blending ice sufficiently.
Thanks to advancements in technology, other features to consider include a cool down feature, especially if you plan to use it frequently. This feature allows the motor to safely cool down after long periods of use. There are other blenders which automatically shut off when the motor overheats. These features are important as these powerful motors can be very dangerous if they overheat and risk causing a fire in your home.
Strong Blades
The blades are the most important aspect of any blender and need to be made from a strong material. It’s amazing how many people buy blenders without even thinking about this. In addition to the material, the design of the blades is also important.
Blades that are at a vantage angle will have the optimal performance for crushing ice. Stainless steel metal blades are definitely among the best you can get. Also, the closer the blades are to the bottom of the blender, the better.
Container Design
The shape of the pitcher or container is also an important consideration. The shape of it will determine how well the blending process will work. Avoid anything too narrow as you will probably end up having to push the frozen ingredients down numerous times with a spatula to get it all through the blades.
A wide pitcher will work best. You should also choose a container made from either polycarbonate or impact-resistant glass.
Ease of Use
If your blender is awkward to assemble and clean, you will probably not use it as often. A straightforward blender that doesn’t require you to read an extensive manual is best. Check if the container is dishwasher safe as this will save you a long of cleaning hassle.
Budget
Research and shopping around are key to getting the best value for your buck. There is a big difference in a blender capable of blending ice and one capable of blending normal unfrozen ingredients.
A decent blender for ice will cost you a bit more, but it will be worth it in the long run to have one that does the job well.
Ways to Crush Ice Using Blender
Step 1
Remove the ice cubes from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for around 5 minutes.
Step 2
Make sure the blender you are using is suitable for blending ice or you will most certainly damage it otherwise. If the wattage of your blender is less than 400 watts, do not try and blend ice.
Step 3
Place the ice into the blender’s container, making sure to fill it no more than one-third of the way. Anything more and it will be too difficult for all of them to get down to the blender’s blades.
Step 4
Put the lid on your blender and press the pulse button on your blender for short bursts of a couple of seconds for 3 minutes or so in total. Do this until the ice is sufficiently crushed. You can speed up the process by adding small amounts of water or another liquid after every few pulses.
Step 5
Once the ice is sufficiently crushed enough to not put pressure on the motor, turn on continuous medium speed for about 10 seconds. Then, turn the blender off. Check that the ice is crushed enough for your liking, repeating the process if it’s not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it damage the blades of the blender?
As long as the blender you are using is suitable for ice crushing, then no, it should not cause damage to the blades. You will need a powerful blender of above 400 watts, but ideally above 1000 watts for the best results.
Where can I buy spare parts?
You can buy spare parts direct from the manufacturer of your model of the blender. You can also buy online from sites like Amazon, but make sure you are buying genuine parts.
What does ‘limited warranty” mean?
A limited warranty means that the manufacturer will not repair or replace your blender if the cause of the fault is your own misuse.
Common Problems to Look Out for
Blending ice can be frustrating if the quality of your blender is not up to the task. The easiest way to avoid this problem is simply to purchase as high a quality of blender that your budget allows for. Buying a blender especially made to make frozen drinks, many of which are professional blenders, will give you the best results possible. Such a product will blend your ingredients with ease.
Conclusion
Having a blender for crushing ice is a great addition to any kitchen, allowing you to create a wide variety of frozen smoothies, cocktails and other drinks. Remember that not all blenders are suitable for crushing ice. So always ensure that the one you are buying is suitable for the task.
Remember to check the wattage as well as the quality of blades and read as many reviews as possible before setting on any one model. Investing in a decent quality blender will give you years of enjoyment and make a great investment.