Best Bar Blenders for Smoothies and Cocktails in 2023

Blenders are an essential tool in any bar, whether you are a professional bartender or a home mixologist. They are used to create perfectly blended drinks, from smoothies to frozen cocktails. When it comes to choosing the best bar blender, there are a few things to consider.

The first thing to consider is the power of the blender. A blender with a powerful motor will be able to blend ingredients quickly and efficiently, resulting in a smooth and consistent drink. The size of the blender jar is also important, as a larger jar will allow you to make more drinks at once.

Another key consideration is the durability of the blender. A blender that is built to last will be able to handle heavy use and frequent cleaning. Finally, the ease of use and cleaning should also be taken into account, as a blender that is difficult to use or clean may not be worth the investment.

We spent hours researching and testing ten bar blenders to identify the ones that make blending drinks easy and efficient.

Best Bar Blenders

If you’re looking to make the perfect frozen margarita or smoothie, you’ll need a reliable bar blender. We’ve researched and tested the top bar blenders on the market to bring you our list of the best options available. Whether you’re a professional bartender or just looking to elevate your at-home cocktail game, these blenders will help you achieve the perfect consistency every time.

Waring Commercial BB155S Electric Bar Blender, 32 oz, Black

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bar blender, the Waring Commercial BB155S is a decent option.

Pros

• The 32 oz. stainless steel container is dishwasher-safe, making cleaning up a breeze.
• The rugged, two-piece stainless steel cutting blade is durable and can handle tough ingredients.
• The metal-reinforced rubber drive coupling is user-replaceable, which means you don’t have to replace the entire blender if it breaks.

Cons

• The blender is quite noisy, which can be a problem if you’re using it in a quiet environment.
• The blending performance tends to decline over time, so you may have to replace the blender sooner than you’d like.
• The plastic base feels flimsy and doesn’t inspire confidence in the blender’s durability.

We’ve used the Waring Commercial BB155S for a few months now, and while it’s not the best bar blender out there, it gets the job done. The 32 oz. stainless steel container is a nice size for making drinks for a small group, and it’s easy to clean in the dishwasher. The two-piece stainless steel cutting blade is durable and can handle tough ingredients like ice and frozen fruit. We also appreciate that the metal-reinforced rubber drive coupling is user-replaceable, which means you don’t have to replace the entire blender if it breaks.

That being said, there are a few downsides to the Waring Commercial BB155S. The blender is quite noisy, which can be a problem if you’re using it in a quiet environment. We’ve also noticed that the blending performance tends to decline over time, so you may have to replace the blender sooner than you’d like. Finally, the plastic base feels flimsy and doesn’t inspire confidence in the blender’s durability.

Overall, if you’re on a tight budget and need a bar blender that can handle basic drinks, the Waring Commercial BB155S is worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a blender that will last for years and can handle more complex drinks, you may want to invest in a higher-end model.

Hamilton Beach Commercial 908R Bar Blender

If you’re looking for a reliable bar blender that can handle the demands of a busy bar, the Hamilton Beach Commercial 908R is a great option.

Pros

• The wave action system continually forces the mixture down into the blades for ultra-smooth results.
• The stackable 44 oz polycarbonate container with a comfortable handle makes it easy to blend drinks quickly.
• The durable toggle switch is easy to reach and control.

Cons

• The blender doesn’t have a hole in the lid to add extra ingredients.
• It needs a fair amount of liquid to blend ice and frozen fruit, or you have to turn off, remove the lid, and manually stir.
• Some users reported that it started leaking out the bottom after a short period of use.

We’ve used the Hamilton Beach Commercial 908R in our bar for several months now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The wave action system ensures that our drinks are blended to perfection, and the 1.0 peak hp motor can blend a 16 oz drink in just 25 seconds. Plus, the blender is built to last, with more steel and longer brushes than other models.

One thing to keep in mind is that the blender doesn’t have a hole in the lid to add extra ingredients, so you have to stop and remove the lid to add anything else. Additionally, the blender needs a fair amount of liquid to blend ice and frozen fruit, or you have to turn off the blender and manually stir the mixture.

Overall, we would recommend the Hamilton Beach Commercial 908R to anyone looking for a reliable bar blender that can handle the demands of a busy bar. It’s easy to use, durable, and produces consistently smooth results.

Waring Commercial BB900S 1/2 HP Chrome Bar Blender

We recommend the Waring Commercial BB900S 1/2 HP Chrome Bar Blender for those in need of a powerful, easy-to-use blender for their bar.

Pros

• The 1/2-horsepower motor is powerful and can handle blending tough ingredients with ease.
• The three position toggle switch is easy to use and find, even in dimly lit areas.
• The 32-ounce dishwasher-safe stainless steel container is durable and easy to clean.

Cons

• The blender can be quite loud while operating.
• The motor may overheat and smell of burnt plastic after prolonged use.
• The handle has sharp edges and can be uncomfortable to grip.

This blender is a solid choice for any bar looking for a powerful and durable blender. The 1/2-horsepower motor can handle blending tough ingredients, while the three position toggle switch is easy to use and find. The 32-ounce dishwasher-safe stainless steel container is also a great feature, as it is both durable and easy to clean.

However, it should be noted that this blender can be quite loud while operating, and the motor may overheat and smell of burnt plastic after prolonged use. Additionally, the handle has sharp edges and can be uncomfortable to grip.

Overall, the Waring Commercial BB900S 1/2 HP Chrome Bar Blender is a solid choice for any bar looking for a powerful and durable blender.

Cuisinart SPB-7CH SmartPower 40-Ounce 7-Speed Electronic Bar Blender, Chrome

If you’re looking for a blender that can handle a variety of tasks, the Cuisinart SPB-7CH SmartPower Bar Blender is a great choice.

Pros

• The 7-speed touch pad control with easy-to-read indicator lights makes it easy to find the perfect speed for your blending needs.
• The 40-ounce glass jar with dripless pour spout means no mess when serving.
• The 2-ounce pour lid with marked measures for adding ingredients while blending is a convenient feature.

Cons

• The blender is quite loud, which might be a problem if you’re trying to blend early in the morning without waking up the whole household.
• Some users have reported that the blender doesn’t always blend ingredients smoothly, leaving chunks in their smoothies.
• The blender is a bit on the heavy side, which might make it difficult to move around or store in a small kitchen.

We’ve been using the Cuisinart SPB-7CH SmartPower Bar Blender for a few weeks now and have been impressed with its performance. The touch pad control is easy to use and the indicator lights make it easy to see what speed you’re on. We’ve used it for everything from smoothies to soups and have been happy with the results.

One thing to note is that the blender is quite loud, so if you’re planning on using it early in the morning or late at night, it might be a bit disruptive. Additionally, we’ve noticed that sometimes the blender doesn’t blend ingredients as smoothly as we’d like, leaving chunks in our smoothies. However, this hasn’t been a major issue for us.

Overall, we would recommend the Cuisinart SPB-7CH SmartPower Bar Blender to anyone looking for a versatile blender that can handle a variety of tasks. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid choice for anyone who needs a blender that can do it all.

Biolomix Heavy Duty Professional Blender

If you’re looking for a powerful bar blender that can handle tough ingredients and provide you with consistently smooth results, the Biolomix Heavy Duty Professional Blender is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• With a peak 2200W (rated 1500W) commercial-grade motor and six stainless steel blades, this blender can easily break ice cubes and frozen fruits, pulverize fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and much more.
• The variable speed control and pulse feature allow you to handle a variety of ingredients and customize the blending process to your liking.
• The 70oz/2L food safety plastic pitcher is BPA-free, durable, and conically shaped, which helps food to be drawn down into the blades more effectively.

Cons

• The blender can be quite noisy, especially when it’s blending tough ingredients.
• Some users have reported that the blender struggles to chop up ice, even with the six blades.
• The square bottom design can make it difficult to blend thicker mixtures, and you may need to use a spoon to break up air bubbles.

We’ve been using the Biolomix Heavy Duty Professional Blender for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The motor is incredibly powerful, and the six blades make quick work of even the toughest ingredients. We’ve used it to make smoothies, frozen drinks, soups, and even nut butters, and it’s handled everything with ease.

One thing to keep in mind is that the blender can be quite noisy, especially when it’s blending tough ingredients like ice or frozen fruit. However, we’ve found that the noise is worth it for the smooth and consistent results that the blender provides.

Overall, we think the Biolomix Heavy Duty Professional Blender is a great choice for anyone who wants a powerful and versatile bar blender. It’s built to last, and the 7-year warranty for the motor and 1-year warranty for all parts and accessories provide peace of mind.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best bar blender, there are several factors to consider. We recommend taking the following features into account before making your purchase:

Power

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bar blender is the power of the motor. A higher wattage motor will be able to blend ingredients more quickly and efficiently, making it easier to create smooth, consistent drinks. We recommend choosing a blender with a motor that is at least 500 watts.

Capacity

The capacity of the blender is also an important consideration. Larger blenders are great for making multiple drinks at once, but they can also take up more space and be more difficult to clean. We recommend choosing a blender with a capacity of at least 32 ounces, which is suitable for blending two to three drinks at once.

Speed Settings

Different drinks require different blending speeds, so it’s important to choose a blender with multiple speed settings. This will allow you to create a variety of drinks with different textures and consistencies. We recommend choosing a blender with at least three speed settings.

Durability

Bar blenders are often used in high-volume environments, so it’s important to choose a blender that is durable and built to last. Look for blenders with strong, high-quality blades and a sturdy, well-constructed base.

Ease of Use

Finally, consider how easy the blender is to use and clean. Look for blenders with intuitive controls and easy-to-clean components. Some blenders even come with dishwasher-safe parts, which can save time and effort when cleaning up after a busy night.

In summary, when choosing the best bar blender, consider the motor power, capacity, speed settings, durability, and ease of use. By taking these factors into account, you can find a blender that is both efficient and easy to use, making it the perfect addition to your bar or restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best blender for making smoothies and crushing ice?

When it comes to making smoothies and crushing ice, we recommend the Vitamix 5200 blender. It’s a powerful blender that can handle tough ingredients like frozen fruits and ice with ease. The blender has a high-speed motor that can reach up to 37,000 RPM, which makes it perfect for crushing ice and blending smoothies.

What are the top-rated professional blenders for bars?

For professional use in bars, we recommend the Blendtec Stealth 885 and the Waring Commercial MX1200XTX. These blenders are powerful, durable, and can handle high-volume use. They also have a variety of features that make them ideal for bar use, such as programmable settings and noise-reducing enclosures.

Which affordable blender is good for making frozen fruit smoothies?

If you’re on a budget but still want a good blender for making frozen fruit smoothies, we recommend the Ninja Professional Blender. It’s affordable, yet powerful enough to blend frozen fruits and ice. It also has a large capacity, which makes it perfect for making smoothies for the whole family.

What are the best budget blenders for home use?

For home use, we recommend the Oster Pro 1200 Blender and the Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender. These blenders are affordable, yet powerful enough to handle most blending tasks. They also have a variety of features that make them easy to use, such as multiple speed settings and pre-programmed blending cycles.

What is the best blender for making frozen cocktails?

If you want to make frozen cocktails, we recommend the Margaritaville Key West Frozen Concoction Maker. It’s specifically designed for making frozen drinks and has a variety of features that make it easy to use, such as pre-programmed blending cycles and a large capacity.

Which blender brand do bartenders recommend for bar use?

When it comes to blender brands, bartenders recommend Vitamix and Blendtec. These brands are known for their high-quality, durable blenders that can handle tough ingredients and high-volume use. They also have a variety of features that make them ideal for bar use, such as programmable settings and noise-reducing enclosures.