Best countertop blenders for smoothies

Top pick: Vitamix 5200. It's the blender most kitchens settle on for smoothies: a variable-speed dial you control by feel, a 64-oz jar that handles a full family batch, and the build quality that keeps Vitamix running for years. It's the one to buy if smoothies are a daily habit.

Who the others suit:

• Vitamix Ascent X4 — same smoothie strength with a smaller 48-oz jar and a touchscreen; better for tight counters and smaller batches.
• Blendtec Designer 650 — preset programs for smoothies, green smoothies and soup; best if you'd rather press a button than adjust speed.
• Ninja Professional Plus BN800 — the value all-rounder: big 72-oz jar, Auto-iQ presets and ice crushing, plus a food-processor setup for everyday prep.
• Ninja BN701 — simplest big-jar Ninja for straightforward blending.
• Cuisinart Hurricane Pro — very high power for thick blends and nut butters, but only two speeds.
• CulinaBlera / 2400W high-speed blenders — budget high-speed options; fewer reviews, so a gamble on longevity.

Skip the cheap combo units if smoothies are the priority — they're fine for light blending, not frozen fruit.