What are the features that make the best blender for an acai bowl? These appliances should be high-powered (at least a 1000-watt motor), incorporate variable speed control, and be made of durable materials if you want it to make quick work of hard ingredients like frozen fruits and ice.
Whether you are looking for healthy breakfasts or a yummy poolside treat, an acai bowl needs a blender cut out for the job of mixing frozen or fresh fruit into a smooth texture and thick consistency. Durable stainless steel blades and high-speed or pulse settings will help ensure that you’re whipping out healthy and tasty acai bowl blends in little to no time. Lastly, easy-to-clean features will help make sure you’re not leaving behind seeds and other residues, leaving your blender ready to go for next time.
Keep reading our buyer’s guide to learn more about what to look for in the best blenders for acai bowls.
Top Blenders for Acai Bowls
#1 Ninja SS101 Foodi Blender
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: The six preset programs built into this model will allow you to easily get the desired thickness and texture you’re looking for. Beyond this, you’ll enjoy Auto-IQ technology and an easy-to-clean design.
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- Six preset programs
- Auto-IQ technology
- Easy to clean design
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- Problems with power settings
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If you’re looking for smooth, thick smoothie bowls, then this powerful model will get the job done. It provides 14-ounces of capacity to make a couple of servings at once. You’ll love how easily it powers through different mixtures, including those with ice or less liquid. Unfortunately, some consumers do report having problems with the power settings. Some people have said that their model stopped working after only a few uses.
You’ll also be able to make other foods, such as nut butter, frozen drinks, soup, and more. The SMARTTORQUE technology provides 1200 watts of power, more than enough to blast through any ingredients you add to the mix. There are six different functions prebuilt into this blender. That allows you to have one-touch access to blend, pulse, smoothie, extraction, bowl and spread modes. This provides precision control over the type of mixture you’re blending.
#2 WantJoin Professional Blender
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll appreciate the inclusion of an automatic timer that will shut your blender off automatically between 1-5 minutes. This blender also has excellent speed control, putting the power directly in your hands.
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- Features an auto timer
- Ultimate speed control
- Stainless-steel blade
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- Might be a little noisy
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If you’d like a model that you can “set and forget,” then you’ve found your perfect match. This blender has a timer that controls it. You can set it between 1 and 5 minutes to shut off automatically. This means your morning routine moves almost as smoothly as the blender itself. However, this is not the quietest model out there. It might be a little noisy for some consumers, which could be a dealbreaker, especially if you don’t live alone.
The speed control provides the ability to have total control over the texture and evenness of every mixture you make. You don’t have to stop at smoothies, either. You can create hummus, frozen desserts, nut butter, sauces, soups, and so much more. It’s a multifunctional model that packs in 1800 watts of power, so it’ll crush through any ingredients you throw in the 2-liter thickened PC container.
#3 Hamilton Beach 58148A Blender
Award: BEST FOR CRUSHING TECHNOLOGY
WHY WE LIKE IT: The wave action system will ensure that the mixture is consistently pulled down into the blades, creating a more even texture. This multifunctional model can be used across the board for different purposes.
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- Wave action system
- Multifunctional model
- Clean, easy pour design
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- Issues with collar longevity
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You’ll appreciate the inclusion of a Wave Action system. This means that the blender will continuously pull the mixture down into the blades, removing the need to stir or shake your blender. This ensures a consistently smooth mixture with an incredible texture. Unfortunately, the collar on this blender tends to wear out rather quickly. This is the plastic ring that screws onto the bottom of the jar, so it’s a rather important piece of the puzzle.
There are 12 blending functions included with this model and five buttons you can use to control every aspect of your blending experience. This blender packs 700 watts of power, making it a moderately high-powered option. Beyond this, it’s super easy to clean model that’s designed to come apart. The blades can separate from the main body of the blender so that you can pop them into the dishwasher, along with the lid.
#4 Hotsch Portable Blender
Award: BEST FOR SINGLE SERVINGS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This tiny but mighty model packs in a lot of power for its size, which makes it a great model to transport with you. It also charges through a universal serial bus, increasing the model’s convenience.
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- Extremely easy to transport
- Charges with universal serial bus
- High level of rotational frequency
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- Might be too small
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If you need a blending system that’s good to go with you wherever then you’ve found a fantastic fit with this model. It’s small enough to be highly portable, so you can take it with you when you travel, out on picnics, and wherever else you may need a blender. However, this is not a great option if you’re looking for larger portions or serving a group of people. If you’re making smoothie bowls for more than yourself, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
It’s an eco-friendly model made with BPA-free, non-toxic PCTG materials. The magnetic induction automatic stop design makes it a safer option than some competitors. It also has a silicone charging port protector, so you know that you won’t have to deal with charging mishaps. The non-slip and shock-absorbing base allows you to travel with it without worrying about accidentally damaging your blender. Beyond this, it offers 6 304 stainless steel blades that’ll power through any ingredients you use.
#5 KTMAII Countertop Smoothie Blender
Award: BEST FOR VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL
WHY WE LIKE IT: The variable speed control means you’ll be able to set the speed you want precisely. Six hardened blades can stand the test of time and ensure an even texture in your mixture.
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- Variable speed control
- Six hardened blades
- 3 built-in settings
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- Confusing instructions included
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You’ll enjoy the high-powered nature of this blender model. It comes ready with 1800 watts of power, so you can rest assured that it’ll be able to handle any ingredients you add to your mixture. This includes ice, vegetables, coffee beans, and more. Unfortunately, the instructions included with this model tend to be a little on the confusing side. According to a few different consumers, there are also not enough instructions included.
There are three pre-settings alongside variable speed control. This provides precision control over the speed of your blend, which means you can get the exact consistency you’re looking for. The six blades are hardened to handle tough ingredients without breaking down. You’ll appreciate the 68-ounce capacity of the blender jar, which is made using BPA-free materials. The base has anti-slip suction feet to keep it steady even when blending on the highest mode.
#6 Oster Pro 1200 Blender
Award: BEST FOR MULTIFUNCTIONALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This powerful model comes complete with a kit so you can get started right away without having to purchase additional accessories. It’s also a high-capacity blender that can create blended mixtures for the whole family.
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- Full accessory kit included
- High-capacity design
- Dual-direction blade technology
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- Not quite as budget friendly
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This isn’t just a blender, although it does make a powerful blending model. You’ll also have access to food processing capabilities when you invest in this model. That means your horizons are significantly expanded in the kitchen. You’ll be able to make salsa, soup, smoothies, and so much more. However, this is not going to be a budget-friendly model for the average consumer. This is a higher-end model that requires a bit of an investment.
There are three preset settings, which include milkshakes, smoothies, and salsas. This gives you the ability to load in ingredients and start blending with the touch of a button. The precise blade system is 50% larger when compared to similar competing models in the same class. That means they’re able to power through tough ingredients with ease. With this purchase, you’ll receive a 6-cup capacity boro class glass jar, 5-cup food processing bowl, 24-ounce lidded smoothie cup, and more.
Beginner’s Guide to Blenders for Acai Bowl
What Are Blenders for Acai Bowl?
A blender for acai bowls is essentially a high-powered blender capable of mixing frozen fruits into a smooth consistency. These appliances are high-powered, durable, and incorporate variable speed or pulse settings to make mixing easy. These features also help blend frozen foods into a smooth consistency without adding significant wear and tear on your motor, blades, or pitcher.
Unfortunately, a high-powered blender usually means higher costs, as well. These appliances can be pricey, but luckily, they don’t cut corners when it comes to building and performance, so you should be able to enjoy your blender for years to come.
Blenders for Acai Bowl vs. Standard Blenders
The main difference between your average blender and a high-powered, durable one is its motor strength, settings, and materials. At the minimum, you need a 500-watt motor to blend ice and frozen fruits; however, this usually creates a longer blending process and is harder on your appliance in the long run.
Less motor strength in your basic kitchen blender means less speed variability and power to handle your toughest ingredients. A 1000-watt motor capacity, or greater, will seamlessly blend your ingredients, unlike most of your everyday, standard blenders that often dip below that 1000-watt threshold. However, like other blenders, an acai bowl blender will have variable speed settings or a pulse button to achieve that perfect consistency found in acai bowl blends without leaving chunks of fruit and seeds in the mix. Not only does this give you control of the rotational speed of your blades for quicker mixtures but allows you to ramp up the power.
The perfect acai bowl blender includes stainless steel blades and durable pitcher materials. We favored BPA-free plastic blending jars. Most high-end blenders are transitioning to plastic jars because they are shatter-resistant at high speeds. Additionally, the stainless steel blades lead to less time worrying about wearing down the edges of your blades and replacing them.
Glass pitchers in standard blenders are still offered, and many people prefer the durability of glass and how it maintains clarity. If you’re interested in a glass pitcher, look into the best blender with a glass jar before purchasing. However, advances in technology have made polycarbonate Tritan plastic scratch-resistant and less prone to dulled textures over time.
How Blenders for Acai Bowl Work
Both standard and high-powered blenders mechanically function in the same way. You’ll connect the pitcher to the motor base and plug the power cord into an outlet. After finishing loading the ingredients into the blender, you will put the lid on and select the desired setting or speed. High-velocity, circular movements of the sharp blades will create a vortex, drawing the ingredients towards the blades.
Sometimes, your ingredients will get stuck on the sides or lodged in difficult places; using a blender tamper helps eliminate air pockets and pushes frozen fruits, ice, and other cold ingredients towards the blade for a smoother blender. To do this, you simply insert the cylindrical tamper (some have a plunger at the end of it) and move the ingredients towards the base.
Why Should You Buy a Blender for Acai Bowl
If you are looking for healthier breakfast options, hosting poolside parties, or opening a new acai bowl shack on the beach, you’ll need a high-performance blender that can keep up with the job. Luckily, you can include a variety of drinks on the menu as these high-performance appliances also make the best blenders for margaritas. If you don’t need it for a business or parties, these machines can easily help you create smoothies, nut butter, and even hot soups (depending on the model).
Is a Blender for Acai Bowl Worth Buying?
- You Want Fast Performance: A powerful blender can help get the job done quickly and efficiently. For example, you’ll spend significantly more time trying to blend tough, frozen ingredients with a 500-watt blender than with a high-performance, 1000-watt appliance. Additionally, you won’t wear out your machine as quickly.
- You Need Durability: Are you considering opening an acai bowl shack by your favorite beach? In that case, you need something that can keep up with multiple blending rounds. While all blenders will eventually need replacing, these high-end appliances should handle repetitive use without a hitch. Look for durable, BPA-free Tritan polycarbonate plastic and stainless steel blades during your blender search.
- You Want Flexibility: The perfect texture of an acai bowl base is a finicky thing to master; the last thing you want is chunks of fruit or seeds in your acai berry mixture. Variable-speed or pulse settings are a must-have when it comes to making the perfect bowl. This way, you can adjust the speed setting as necessary to blend those difficult ingredients when they finally make their way to the base of the blender. Many high-end blenders also come equipped with smart technology that lets you select a pre-programmed setting and step away.
- You Want an Easy Clean-Up: You’ve just put in all this hard work to make a healthy treat, and now you want something easy to clean. Luckily, most BPA-free plastic pitchers are dishwasher safe. However, it is always good to manually wash your blender for the best results and durability. If you are already in the market for a high-performance blender, take that next step and look for programs with a self-clean feature.
Why a Blender for Acai Bowl Might Not Be For You
- You Don’t Want Something Bulky: Unfortunately, the ideal blender for acai bowls is full-sized, and if you are looking to serve the entire family, a 64-ounce jar or larger is optimal. The bigger the appliance, the more challenging it is to find space for it. Make sure you either buy a professional countertop blender or create some space in your kitchen cabinets before purchasing. If you don’t have room for a professional blender, look into a compact, single-serve unit. Keep in mind, these blenders are designed for quick, on-the-go use and don’t have the specific programs or motor power to deal with frozen ingredients consistently.
- You Want Something Budget-Friendly: If you want something less than $100, you might not find something capable of efficiently mixing and blending an ideal acai mixture. There are plenty of great blenders under $100 that will mix fruit smoothies or protein drinks, but high-end blenders are going to range from $100 at a minimum to upwards of $1,000. Are you looking for a commercial blender for your restaurant? Those get even pricier, with some inching their way past $1,000.
How Long Will a Blender for Acai Bowl Last?
Blender durability is mostly dependent on usage and care. Based on consumer reports, a high-end blender should last between 7 to 10 years at a minimum. If you use your blender frequently, you might start to find things such as dulled or jagged edges on your blades and cracks in your jar. In general, using your high-speed settings and pulse feature will tend to wear out your stainless steel blades and motor faster. Opting for a plastic pitcher will reduce your risk of shattering the glass; however, both jar options are durable and easy to clean.
It is not uncommon that with proper care, your blender can last longer than ten years. The experts at Vitamix recommend manually checking their drive sockets and centering pads weekly and the container and blade assembly monthly for the best results.
Additionally, cleaning your blender after every use will improve its longevity and performance by preventing food and liquid from settling in difficult-to-reach places. While most pitchers nowadays are dishwasher safe, many companies suggest hand-washing for best results. To do this, simply fill your blender halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap and press the pulse setting. Make sure you don’t overfill your blender jar and that you immediately rinse and dry. If you have a self-cleaning option, you’re in luck! Just select that option instead.
How to Choose the Best Blender for Acai Bowl
There are a few other things to consider before purchasing a blender for acai bowls, in addition to the information noted above. Keep reading to learn more.
Key Factors to Consider for a Blender for Acai Bowl
1. How Are You Using It?
These high-powered appliances are the perfect addition to your morning breakfast routine, pool party, or beach shack restaurant. A blender for the acai bowl is also the ideal multi-use kitchen appliance to craft other mixtures like nut butter, dough (though you should check for dough blades before purchasing), and hot soups. Are you interested in the best blender for smoothie bowls? These appliances easily cater to various healthy recipes by smoothly blending frozen or fresh fruit.
In addition, the large pitchers can cater to large groups without a problem. Finally, look for jars that can hold up to 72-ounces for multiple servings or a commercial blender if you need new menu ideas for your restaurant.
2. What Type of Blender Do You Need?
You need something durable and heavy-duty to create a thick and smoother blend. You’ll be putting frozen fruit, ice, and other tougher ingredients into the jar. For that task, look for a full-sized, high-powered blender with at least a 1000-watt motor. This means you’re likely to be paying more money for a high-quality unit. Luckily, these brands are durable and hold up for years to come.
3. Do You Need Something Easy To Clean and Maintain?
The last thing you want to worry about with a full-sized blender is food build-up in the nooks and crannies, so look for blenders that have a wide jar and are easy to disassemble. Opting to upgrade to a blender with a self-cleaning option might also decrease the amount of time you’re spending in the kitchen.
