Personal blenders are perfect for everything from quick and easy breakfast smoothies and afternoon shakes to prepping baby food. They also don’t take up as much counter or storage space as a juicer does. And they tend to be less expensive than full-size blenders with similar abilities and features. Moreso, many single-serve blenders are conveniently designed to be both your blender and your drinking container, so you can pack your smoothie or shake without having to transfer it to a travel cup.

Whether you are purchasing a personal blender for yourself or as a gift for a foodie, a small blender for smoothies is perfect for anyone who lives alone or only needs to make one or two drinks at a time. You can whip up delicious drinks in no time with a single-serve blender. Working fast and efficiently to save you time and money, personal blenders are one of the most handy small kitchen appliances to have around.

Motor power is one of the biggest factors in how a blender performs. The more powerful the motor, the better it will be at blending tough ingredients like ice cubes and nuts. However, powerful motors are often more expensive. So, before shopping, it is good to know whether or not you need a personal blender that crushes ice or handles other difficult ingredients.

Essential upkeep for your appliances is important, so the best personal blender for you should not only be able to make your favorite drinks, but it should also be easy to maintain. Maybe you want a blender with dishwasher-safe parts or a blender with detachable blades for easy clean-up. For the best portable blender, you’ll obviously want to prioritize a compact design. And keep in mind that some tasks, like blending soups or making certain baby food purees, might be achieved easier with a hand blender rather than with a pitcher-based blender.