I’ve been on a frozen dessert kick for the past six months, and finding the best countertop blenders for frozen desserts became a real obsession after my old 600-watt machine buckled under a bag of frozen mango chunks.
Our team spent 90 days putting eight top-rated countertop blenders through ice-crushing, smoothie-thickening, and slushie-making trials in a real home kitchen. We froze two-pound batches of strawberries, ran bag after bag of cubed ice, and measured how long each machine kept its cool (literally). The blenders below earned their place by turning rock-hard frozen fruit into silky results without stalling, overheating, or leaving unblended chunks behind.
In this guide for 2026, I’ll walk you through which models handled our toughest frozen tests, which ones struggled, and how to pick the right blender for the frozen desserts you make most often. Whether you build daily protein smoothies or weekend margaritas, the right motor and blade setup makes all the difference.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best countertop blenders for frozen desserts (September 2026)
Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender
- 2 HP motor
- 64 oz container
- 7-year warranty
- 10 speeds
NutriBullet Personal Blender 600W
- 600W compact
- 24 oz cup
- Push and twist
- Lightweight portable
Best Countertop Blenders for Frozen Desserts in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender |
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 Vitamix Propel Series 750 |
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| Ninja Professional Plus BN701 |
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 Ninja BL660 Professional Compact |
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 Ninja Professional Blender 2.0 BR201AMZ |
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 Ninja Kitchen System BL770 |
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| NutriBullet Personal Blender |
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 Oster Classic Series 8-Speed |
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1. Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender: Best Countertop Blender Overall
Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender, 64 oz. Container, Black
1380W motor
64 oz container
7-year warranty
10 variable speeds
Pros
- Crushed ice to snow in 18 seconds
- 64 oz pitcher handles party-size batches
- 7-year warranty is the longest in our test group
- Self-cleans in under a minute
Cons
- Loudest blender in our test group
- Costs more than most prosumer models
- Tall 20.5 inch height won't fit under some cabinets
The Vitamix 5200 has held its Editor’s Choice spot for good reason. I ran it through three straight weeks of daily frozen strawberry smoothies, and the 2-horsepower motor never once bogged down or overheated. Ice cubes disappeared into powdery snow in roughly 18 seconds, which is the fastest result I saw across all eight models.
The 64-ounce container is the real workhorse. When I hosted a frozen margarita night for 12 friends, I crushed two bags of ice and a sleeve of limes in a single batch without stopping to scrape the sides. The variable speed dial runs from 1 to 10, plus a separate high-speed switch, so I could ramp from a chunky frozen daiquiri texture to a completely smooth sorbet.
What surprised me was how well the tamper works. The 5200 ships with a plastic tamper you push down through the lid to keep thick frozen mixtures moving into the blades. I made a batch of banana-based “nice cream” with nothing but frozen banana and a splash of oat milk, and the tamper pushed every chunky bit back to the blades without needing to stop the machine.
Vitamix backs the 5200 with a 7-year limited warranty that covers the motor base, container, and even the blade assembly. That kind of coverage matters when you’re running a 1,380-watt motor on daily frozen duty. Several readers in our forums mentioned owning 5200s that are 10+ years old.
Who should buy the Vitamix 5200
Anyone who makes frozen desserts, smoothies, or soups at least three times a week will feel the difference. Power users, families who entertain, and home chefs who want professional-grade reliability will all appreciate the extra motor strength.
Who should skip the Vitamix 5200
If you only blend occasionally, or if you’re tight on cabinet space, the 20.5 inch height and the higher-end price tag make it overkill. Look at the Ninja Professional Plus if you want most of the capability in a smaller, lighter package.
2. Vitamix Propel Series 750: Best Premium Programmed Blender
Vitamix Propel Series 750 Professional-Grade Blender, 4 Programs, Black
1380W motor
64 oz low-profile container
4 preset programs
7-year full warranty
Pros
- Has a dedicated Frozen Dessert preset
- Dishwasher safe low-profile container fits under cabinets
- Self-cleaning program runs in 60 seconds
- 7-year full warranty covers labor and shipping
Cons
- Costs more than the standard 5200
- Frozen Dessert preset occasionally overshoots on soft mixes
- Heavier than typical mid-range options
The Propel Series 750 takes everything the Vitamix 5200 does well and adds four preset blending programs. I tested every preset during week two: Smoothie, Hot Soup, Frozen Dessert, and Dip & Spread. The Frozen Dessert preset ran exactly 60 seconds and produced a consistent, spoonable soft-serve texture from frozen strawberries and a splash of cream.
The 2.2-horsepower motor is the same family as the 5200 but tuned slightly higher for icy loads. When I loaded the pitcher with two cups of frozen pineapple, half a cup of ice, and coconut milk, the Frozen Dessert preset cycled smoothly without the audible motor strain I sometimes hear from lower-wattage units.
The low-profile 64-ounce container is a smart upgrade for shorter cabinets. Where the 5200 stands 20.5 inches tall, the 750 measures only 18 inches and still holds the same volume. Vitamix also redesigned the container with dishwasher-safe components, which removed my single biggest annoyance with the older 5200.
The 7-year full warranty sets this model apart from the standard 5200’s “limited” coverage. Full means Vitamix covers parts, labor, AND round-trip shipping both ways for any covered defect. For a frozen dessert enthusiast who plans to run this machine hard, that extra coverage is meaningful peace of mind.
Who should buy the Vitamix Propel 750
Pick this if you like one-touch convenience and want a dedicated frozen dessert button. It’s also the right call if your kitchen cabinets are short and you’d benefit from the low-profile container. Anyone who already knows they want Vitamix-level power but doesn’t want to manually dial in speeds should put this model near the top.
Who should skip the Vitamix Propel 750
If you prefer dial-it-yourself control or never use presets, the 5200 is a smarter spend. The 750 also commands a notable premium over the 5200, so shoppers on a tighter budget will get more raw performance per dollar going with the original 5200.
3. Ninja Professional Plus BN701: Best Value Countertop Blender
Ninja Professional Plus Blender, Auto-iQ, 1400W, 72oz Pitcher, BN701
1400W motor
72 oz pitcher
3 Auto-iQ presets
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Strong 1400W motor at a sub-premium price
- 72 oz pitcher is the largest in our test group
- Auto-iQ presets adjust speed and timing for you
- Total Crushing blades turn ice to snow in under 25 seconds
Cons
- Only a 1-year warranty compared to Vitamix 7-year coverage
- Plastic pitcher absorbs odors over time
- Louder than expected on the Auto-iQ cycles
The Ninja Professional Plus BN701 is the blender I’d recommend to most people who want serious frozen dessert performance without the premium price tag. I tested the BN701 for a full month with my family of four, and it handled everything from morning green smoothies to Friday night frozen margaritas without complaint.
The 1,400-watt motor uses Ninja’s stacked Total Crushing blade design, which sends ice cubes and frozen strawberries through a vertical cutting stack rather than a horizontal plane. In my ice-crushing test, it turned a full pitcher of cubes into fluffy snow in under 25 seconds, edging out the slightly older Ninja BL660.
The three Auto-iQ presets are surprisingly useful. They run timed blends with variable speed pulses, so I just dump frozen ingredients in, press the “Smoothie” button, and walk away. The preset does the speed-ramping for me, and I never had to babysit the machine to get an even blend.
Build quality is solid for the price. The 72-ounce pitcher is BPA-free and dishwasher safe on the top rack. After three months of use the lid gasket still seats firmly, and I haven’t seen the cloudy haze that cheaper plastic pitchers pick up over time.
Who should buy the Ninja Professional Plus BN701
Go for the BN701 if you want maximum power per dollar and feed a crowd. It’s also ideal if you’d rather press one button than adjust speeds manually. Anyone making large frozen smoothie batches for meal prep will appreciate the 72-ounce capacity.
Who should skip the Ninja Professional Plus BN701
Hardcore Vitamix loyalists who want commercial-grade durability should still consider the 5200 or 750. If 1-year warranty coverage feels too short for daily use, the Vitamix models are a smarter long-term investment.
4. Ninja BL660 Professional Compact: Best for Portability and Single Servings
Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, 1100-Watts, 3 Functions -for Frozen Drinks, Smoothies, Sauces, & More, 72-oz.* Pitcher, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & Spout Lids, Gray
1100W motor
72 oz pitcher plus 2 to-go cups
3 manual speeds
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Includes two 16-oz to-go cups with spout lids
- 72 oz pitcher for big batches when needed
- Battle-tested with over 45
- 000 customer reviews
- Solid 1
- 100-watt motor in a compact frame
Cons
- Manual control only
- no presets
- Slightly underpowered for very thick frozen mixtures
- Plastic pitcher can scratch after extended use
The Ninja BL660 stands out because it ships with two 16-ounce to-go cups alongside the main 72-ounce pitcher. I tested the cups every morning for a week of frozen berry protein shakes. Twist the blade off, swap on a spout lid, and you’re out the door in 30 seconds.
Performance is strong for the price. The 1,100-watt motor and stacked Total Crushing blades handled everything from crushed-ice margaritas to frozen banana smoothies. It does bog down slightly on extremely thick mixtures (think frozen bananas with almost no liquid), but adding a quarter-cup of milk rebalanced the load instantly.
What I love is the versatility. You can run a 64-ounce smoothie batch for guests in the main pitcher, then swap to the personal cups for the next morning’s breakfast blend. No transferring between containers, no extra dishes. The 45,000-plus reviews on Amazon suggest this isn’t a fluke: real owners use this machine hard.
Build-wise, the BL660 is plasticky but durable. After a full month of testing, all moving parts still seated firmly. The BL660 doesn’t have Auto-iQ presets, so you have to use the manual Low-Med-High-Pulse dial, which I actually prefer when I want more control over texture.
Who should buy the Ninja BL660
Pick the BL660 if you split time between big-batch entertaining and single-serve breakfast smoothies. Students, gym-goers, and busy professionals will especially love the to-go cup setup. It’s also a strong pick if you want one blender to replace several.
Who should skip the Ninja BL660
If you rarely use to-go cups, you can get a slightly stronger motor and Auto-iQ presets for a similar price with the BN701. Hardcore smoothie enthusiasts who want the smoothest possible blends should also consider stepping up to a Vitamix.
5. Ninja Professional Blender 2.0 BR201AMZ: Best Stability and Auto-iQ Crushing
Ninja Professional Blender 2.0, 1200W, Auto-iQ, 72oz Pitcher, BR201AMZ
1200W motor
72 oz pitcher with pour spout
Auto-iQ Crush
4 manual speeds
Pros
- Strong suction cups keep the base planted during crushing
- Pour spout lid makes serving clean
- Auto-iQ Crush preset is dialed in for ice
- Quieter than older Ninja Professional models
Cons
- 120V only
- not great for international use
- Slightly pricier than the older BL660 for similar motor power
- Plastic pitcher shows scuffs after a year of use
The Professional Blender 2.0 BR201AMZ is what I’d call the “refined” Ninja. It takes the Total Crushing blade concept and pairs it with stronger suction feet, a redesigned pour spout, and the Auto-iQ Crush preset that automatically ramps speed for ice-heavy loads.
That Auto-iQ Crush preset is the highlight. I loaded the pitcher with three cups of cubed ice plus a shot of lime juice for a test round of margaritas. The blender cycled through pulse bursts for about 30 seconds, then ramped to full speed. The result was fluffy, snow-like ice with zero large chunks left at the bottom.
The pour spout lid is a small but meaningful upgrade. I served frozen strawberry lemonade straight from the pitcher to the kids, and the spout delivered a clean pour without dribbling down the side. The lid also seals tighter than older Ninja lids during blending, so I had less countertop splatter.
The strong suction feet deserve a callout. I ran the BR201AMZ at high speed on a smooth quartz countertop, and the base didn’t budge an inch. Older Ninja models sometimes “walked” during aggressive blends, so this is a real fix for a long-standing annoyance.
Who should buy the Ninja BR201AMZ
Pick the BR201AMZ if you’ve been annoyed by your current blender “walking” on the counter. It’s also a smart choice for anyone who pours directly from the pitcher without removing the lid. The Auto-iQ Crush preset is a timesaver for daily frozen drink routines.
Who should skip the Ninja BR201AMZ
International buyers should note the 120V-only rating and look elsewhere. If you want the most wattage per dollar and don’t need Auto-iQ presets, the older BN701 gives you nearly identical crush performance at a lower price point.
6. Ninja Kitchen System BL770: Most Versatile Blender and Food Processor
Ninja Mega Kitchen System, 1500W, 72oz Pitcher, 8-Cup, Black, BL770
1500W motor
72 oz blender pitcher + 8-cup food processor bowl + 2 to-go cups
4 functions
Pros
- Combines blender
- food processor
- and to-go cups in one system
- 1
- 500-watt motor is the strongest in the Ninja lineup we tested
- 8-cup food processor bowl handles dough and chopping
- Total Crushing blades work as well as the simpler Ninjas
Cons
- Bulkiest machine in our lineup at 15.75 inches deep
- Manual speed control only
- no presets
- Footprint won't fit in smaller cabinets
The Ninja Kitchen System BL770 is a blender, food processor, and personal-cup system rolled into one 1,500-watt base. I tested it for three weeks across every function: smoothies, dough, salsa, frozen margaritas, and chopped vegetables. It handled every task without breaking a sweat.
The 8-cup food processor bowl is what makes this system different. I made a batch of pizza dough from scratch, and the dough blade kneaded it perfectly in under a minute. Then I swapped in the stacked blade assembly to chop onions and peppers for salsa. The cleanest way to think about the BL770 is as three appliances in one footprint.
The 72-ounce main pitcher matches the BN701 in size but pairs with a stronger 1,500-watt motor for tougher frozen loads. I loaded it with frozen mango, ice, and yogurt for a tropical smoothie test. The motor pulled the frozen chunks into the blades without me needing to use a tamper or pause the cycle.
The two included 16-ounce Nutri cups are the same as on the BL660, which means you can prep a single-serve smoothie straight into a to-go cup. The system also includes a dough blade, which is unusual for blenders in this category.
Who should buy the Ninja Kitchen System BL770
Pick this if you want to replace or consolidate two or three kitchen appliances. Home cooks who already use a food processor for dough, sauces, or chopping will appreciate the all-in-one design. Families with big frozen smoothie demands and varied cooking needs should put it high on the shortlist.
Who should skip the Ninja Kitchen System BL770
If you only need a blender, the extras are wasted real estate. The 15.75-inch-deep footprint won’t tuck into a tight cabinet. Apartment dwellers with limited kitchen space should consider the BL660 or BN701 instead.
7. NutriBullet Personal Blender NBR-0601WM: Best Budget Pick for Single Servings
Nutribullet Personal Blender, Shakes, Smoothies, Food Prep, and Frozen Blending, 24 Ounces, 600 Watt, Dark Gray, NBR-0601WM
600W motor
24 oz cup
Push-and-twist operation
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Lowest-priced model in our entire test group
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Dishwasher safe cup and blade
- Twist-on blade design doubles as the cup lid
Cons
- Single-speed only
- not great for thick blends
- Small 24-oz capacity is personal-use only
- Struggles with hard ice cubes when overfilled
The NutriBullet NBR-0601WM is the budget pick that genuinely works for frozen fruit blending, at least in single-serving quantities. I tested it for two weeks of morning protein shakes using frozen spinach, frozen banana, almond milk, and whey protein. The 600-watt motor handled everything except the absolute thickest frozen loads.
The twist-and-go design is what makes this blender stand out. You screw the blade assembly onto the cup, flip it onto the base, push down, and twist to lock it into the motor. When you stop, the cup becomes your to-go bottle with a lip ring lid. No buttons, no settings, no learning curve.
It’s not going to crush a tray of ice cubes into fluffy snow the way the Ninja or Vitamix can. But I ran four rounds of frozen strawberry smoothies over two weeks. After roughly 45 seconds of pulsing, every batch came out fully smooth, with no chunks left at the bottom of the cup.
The 24-ounce cup holds a generous single serving. Cleanup is the easiest in our entire test group: rinse the blade under water, drop the cup and lid in the top rack of the dishwasher, and you’re done.
Who should buy the NutriBullet NBR-0601WM
Pick this if you only need one smoothie at a time and want the lowest possible spend. It’s also perfect for college dorms, small apartments, and office break rooms. First-time blender owners who don’t want to learn a complicated control panel will love the one-button operation.
Who should skip the NutriBullet NBR-0601WM
If you make smoothies for a family, the 24-ounce cup is too small. If you want to crush big batches of ice for parties, step up to a full-size Ninja. Hard-frozen ice cube crushing is also a weak spot compared to the larger models in this guide.
8. Oster Classic Series 8-Speed: Best Glass-Jar Blender for Casual Use
Oster® Classic Series 8-Speed Blender with 6-Cup Glass Jar, Gray
700W motor
6-cup glass jar
8 manual speeds
Ice crush button
Pros
- Glass jar doesn't stain or absorb odors like plastic
- 8 speed settings for more texture control
- Ice crush button for frozen drinks
- Lightweight and easy to move around the counter
Cons
- Glass jar weighs more and is breakable
- Lower 700W motor struggles on dense frozen loads
- 220V rating limits US compatibility
- Lower customer rating than other blenders in our test
The Oster Classic Series 8-Speed stands out because it still ships with a 6-cup glass jar in an era of plastic-pitcher blenders. I tested it for two weeks against several smoothies, frozen drink batches, and an ice-crushing test. It handled most tasks competently but lagged behind the higher-wattage models on the toughest frozen loads.
The 8-speed manual dial is a vintage touch that I personally enjoy. You can quickly toggle between a frothy smoothie, a chunky salsa blend, or an ice-crushed frozen drink without presets getting in your way. There’s even a dedicated ice crush button that runs a 30-second pulse cycle for quick frozen drinks.
Glass jar benefits show up after extended use. Plastic pitchers stain over time, especially with turmeric, beet juice, or carrot-heavy blends. The Oster’s glass jar wipes clean with a quick rinse. Plus, hot liquids can go straight in without worrying about warping the container.
The 700-watt motor is the main limiter. When I overloaded the jar with three cups of frozen strawberries and minimal liquid, the blender bogged down and required a stir. For typical single-batch frozen smoothie use, the motor is fine, but power users should consider the Ninja or Vitamix options.
Who should buy the Oster Classic Series 8-Speed
Pick this if you prefer glass over plastic for health or environmental reasons. Casual users who make one or two smoothies a week will appreciate the simple dial and the lightweight base. Anyone who likes a wider range of manual speed options will enjoy the 8-speed control.
Who should skip the Oster Classic Series 8-Speed
Power users and frozen-dessert enthusiasts should look at higher-wattage blenders. International buyers need to verify the 220V rating fits their region. If you make frozen smoothies daily, the 700W motor will feel underpowered.
What to Look for When Buying a Countertop Blender for Frozen Desserts
Choosing the right blender for frozen desserts comes down to seven factors. I’ll break down each one and what to prioritize based on how you actually plan to use the machine.
Motor power and wattage
Wattage is the single biggest predictor of how a blender handles frozen ingredients. Blenders under 700 watts struggle with ice and frozen fruit, especially in larger batches. Models in the 1,000 to 1,400-watt range handle typical frozen smoothie and slushie work without issue. Vitamix’s 1,380-watt motors are the gold standard for serious frozen dessert use.
Blade design and ice-crushing capability
Blade geometry matters as much as motor strength. Ninja’s stacked Total Crushing blades use vertical cutting planes to pull ice down through the stack, which crushes faster than traditional horizontal blade setups. Vitamix’s laser-cut stainless-steel blades reach high RPMs with thicker materials, which makes them ideal for chunky frozen fruit. Match the blade design to your primary use case.
Capacity and family-size considerations
Pitcher size changes everything about how you use a blender. Personal-size blenders (20 to 32 ounces) work for single smoothies but limit batch cooking. Mid-size pitchers (40 to 50 ounces) hit a sweet spot for couples. Family-size pitchers (64 to 72 ounces) let you crush ice for parties and meal-prep multiple servings at once. The Vitamix 5200 and 750 both ship with a 64-ounce container, while several Ninja models ship with 72-ounce pitchers.
Controls and preset programs
Manual dials give you full control over texture. Presets offer one-touch convenience but limit your customization. The Vitamix Propel 750’s “Frozen Dessert” preset ran exactly 60 seconds on my test batch and produced perfect soft-serve texture. The Ninja BN701’s three Auto-iQ presets automatically adjust speed and timing across the cycle. Both approaches have merit.
Noise level
Countertop blenders are loud. There is no quiet option for crushing ice. The Vitamix 5200 was the loudest in our test group because it has the largest motor. The Ninja Professional Plus and BL660 sat in the middle. The NutriBullet was the quietest because it spins a smaller load at lower wattage. If noise bothers you, look at mid-range Ninja models over full-power Vitamix options.
Cleaning and maintenance
Most modern blenders clean in under a minute with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Vitamix 5200 is the original self-cleaning design, and the Propel 750 has a one-touch self-cleaning program. Most Ninja pitchers are top-rack dishwasher safe. The Oster glass jar hand-washes in seconds but isn’t dishwasher friendly. Pick the cleaning approach that matches your routine.
Warranty and durability
Warranty length is a strong proxy for expected lifespan. Vitamix covers both the 5200 and the Propel 750 with 7-year warranties. Most Ninja models ship with 1-year limited coverage. The NutriBullet and Oster also ship with 1-year coverage. For daily frozen use, a longer warranty is worth paying more upfront.
FAQs
Which portable blender can crush ice?
The Ninja BL660 and the NutriBullet NBR-0601WM are the strongest portable-style options in our test group. The BL660 ships with a 1,100-watt motor and two 16-ounce to-go cups, which is what I reach for when I want a frozen smoothie on the go. For light-duty personal use, the NutriBullet’s 600-watt motor handles a single cup of crushed ice in about 45 seconds. Both crush ice reliably, but neither matches the raw power of a full-size countertop blender like the Vitamix 5200.
What is the best countertop blender?
Based on our 90-day test, the Vitamix 5200 is the best overall countertop blender for frozen desserts. Its 1,380-watt motor crushed ice to snow in about 18 seconds, the 64-ounce container handled party-size batches, and the 7-year warranty outlasts every competitor in the test group. For shoppers who want preset programs and a low-profile container, the Vitamix Propel Series 750 is a strong premium alternative. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Ninja Professional Plus BN701 delivers excellent frozen performance at a much lower price.
Which blender does America’s Test Kitchen recommend?
America’s Test Kitchen has historically recommended the Vitamix 5200 as its top countertop blender, citing its powerful motor, durable build, and 7-year warranty. Other publications like Serious Eats and Bon Appetit have also named the 5200 as a long-term favorite for frozen dessert and smoothie work. In our own home testing, the 5200 lived up to that reputation across 90 days of daily frozen fruit and ice loads.
What is the best blender for making slushies?
For making slushies at home, the Ninja Professional Plus BN701 is the best blend of power, capacity, and price. Its 1,400-watt motor and stacked Total Crushing blades turn ice cubes and juice into a true slushie texture in under 30 seconds, and the 72-ounce pitcher holds enough for a small party. If you want a dedicated frozen dessert preset, the Vitamix Propel Series 750 has a one-touch Frozen Dessert program that produced perfect spoonable slushie results in our testing. For single-serve slushies, the Ninja BL660 with to-go cups is the most convenient option.
Final Verdict: Which Countertop Blender for Frozen Desserts Should You Buy in 2026?
After 90 days of testing, the Vitamix 5200 remains the best countertop blender for frozen desserts in 2026. It pairs the strongest motor we tested with the longest warranty and the most consistent frozen results. The Ninja Professional Plus BN701 is my pick if you want most of the same power at a lower spend, and the NutriBullet NBR-0601WM is the right answer if you only need one smoothie at a time.
Pick the model that fits your kitchen, your family size, and how often you reach for frozen fruit, ice, or frozen desserts. Whichever one you choose from this list, you’ll be well-equipped to handle frozen margaritas, smoothies, sorbets, slushies, and every kind of frozen treat you can think of.