Standard blenders are cheaper; core functions are to blend soups and smoothies and crush ice. High-performance blenders are more powerful and can cost over $1000; suitable for nut butters, sorbets and making hot soups from raw ingredients using friction. To be classified as a high-performance blender it must be at least 1200W and come with a tamper. Personal blenders are ideal for single-serve smoothies and can come with chopping attachments. Scores are only comparable by type.

We recommend blenders that score a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80%. The CHOICE Expert Rating scores are only comparable by type (high-performance, standard or personal blender).

The CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of performance (60%) and ease of use (40%). Scores are comparable across types (it's unfair to expect a cheap blender to be as powerful as a high-performance, professional blender).

Overall performance is based on how each type of blender performs its core tasks. All are tested for blending a soft food, crushing ice and blending kale. Extra tests include: chopping carrots for standard blenders and green smoothie for personal blenders. High-performance blenders are tested on both of these, plus nut butter and sorbet.

We check how stable the jug is on the unit as well as how heavy it is to lift, how easy the controls are to use and how easy the blender is to clean.

A green smoothie full of fruit and vegetables is processed and put through a fine sieve to see how well the blender performs.

Kale and a small amount of water is combined, and the blenders are assessed to see whether the material is evenly blended.

How well blenders that claim this as a core function can process nuts to form a smooth paste.

How well blenders perform if they claim to do this.

How smooth a soft liquid blends.

How well the blender crushes ice.

We assess the blender's ability to chop carrots in a uniform manner that doesn't leave large chunks behind or, conversely, turn them into a puree.

How well the blender mixes dough (if this is one of its core functions).

Only tested and scored on models that state this as a core function.

How well the blender grates parmesan cheese.

Some high-performance blenders can cook soup from raw vegetables. Raw vegetable soup test results include consistency and temperature. We don't incorporate this into the final score.

Whether the product is a current or discontinued model.

This is the manufacturer's recommended retail price. You can often get a better price by shopping around.

Typically refers to the main jug. Some blenders are compatible with smaller/larger jugs.

Our in-house measurements. For comparison, a typical conversation is carried out at about 60dB, while city traffic is measured at around 80dB.

Doesn't include pulse or pre-programmed settings.

Weight of blender including jug.

Weight of jug (or jugs)

The pulse option delivers a quick burst of power when the button is held down.

Safety feature: speed cut-out time.

Safety feature: does the blender have a lid lock.

Safety feature – does the measuring cup/cap lock into the lid.

Check the manual for specific dishwasher-safe parts, as these vary.