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What is the Difference Between a Blender and a Smoothie Maker?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

At least in terms of basic function, there is little difference between a blender and a smoothie maker. Both are kitchen appliances capable of pulverizing and crushing ingredients, and both can be used to make “smoothies” — a broad name for fruit-based juice drinks. In most cases, however, smoothie-specific machines can only be used to make beverages. They are often less expensive than blenders, but are not capable of doing as much. People who want a versatile appliance that can perform many different kitchen tasks are usually best served investing in a blender, while those who are really only interested in mixing drinks might be better off with a dedicated smoothie making machine.

Main Purpose

A strawberry smoothie.
A strawberry smoothie.

The biggest difference is in what each appliance was designed to do. Blenders are usually multifunctional: many will crush ice, pulverize thick pieces of food, and puree or liquefy different substances. Cooks use them in a variety of recipes to do a range of things. They are helpful when making soups, for instance, but can just as easily whip up ingredients for frosting on baked goods.

Smoothies are created using a variety of fruits, juices, and ice.
Smoothies are created using a variety of fruits, juices, and ice.

Smoothie makers have a much more direct purpose and are typically designed to do little more than blend drinks. Their blades are often contoured specifically for fruit, and they often hold less than blenders when it comes to overall volume. Additionally, most simply have an “on” and “off” switch, which allows less control for things like crushing ice or pureeing liquid.

Shape and Functionality

Blenders are usually the larger of the two appliances, and are typically made up of a pitcher and a base. The pitcher is where the foods or liquids to be blended go and, once blending is complete, is where they remain until poured.

Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.
Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.

Smoothie makers, on the other hand, often have much more involved designs. Some adopt the basic pitcher look, but often with modifications. It is not uncommon to find a spout on the side of the pitcher, for instance, which allows for easy dispensing once everything is mixed. A built-in stir stick might also be present, which allows cooks to scrape the pitcher’s sides and keep the ingredients mixing even while the machine is on.

Smoothie makers are typically capable of only making beverages.
Smoothie makers are typically capable of only making beverages.

A machine designed to make single drinks might also come with a detachable cup element. In this sort of set-up, the drink is made right in the cup that it will later be enjoyed in, saving the effort of pouring it from a pitcher and requiring less clean up. A few of the fancier models might even include a juicing element, so whole pieces of fruit can be added in that will then be juiced and blended into the final product.

Consistency Concerns

Some green smoothies feature kale or other nutrient-rich green vegetables.
Some green smoothies feature kale or other nutrient-rich green vegetables.

Many people who have used both appliances note that dedicated smoothie makers often turn out more consistent results, at least where texture is concerned. Machines designed specifically for drink making are sometimes able to get a smoother, silkier end product. Fruits, like strawberries or blackberries, that have grainy seeds are often completely liquefied in this sort of a machine, whereas little chunks may be left behind if a blender is used. This doesn’t usually impact the drink's taste, but it can play a role in its overall quality.

Cleaning

How easily each appliance can be cleaned is largely variable since there are very many models and styles available. As a general rule, though, the fewer components something has, the easier it will be to get it clean. Smoothie makers are often much more complex, particularly when they come with things like spouts or juicing compartments. It is very important for owners to spend the time to get each part clean to prevent bacterial growth or machine clogging. Blenders are usually easier to maintain, if only because they have fewer pieces, but again, much depends on design — very high-end blenders with a lot of components may be harder to sanitize than a lower end, simple smoothie maker.

Choosing One Over the Other

For most people, the choice ultimately comes down to convenience. Those with limited kitchen space might elect to buy a blender, reasoning that they can use it to make smoothies as well as other things without having to worry about where to store yet another bulky appliance. The same is true for someone who may only occasionally want to blend up fruit drinks. On the other hand, a person who starts each morning with a smoothie might find a dedicated machine more helpful. Some cooks also want to keep their blenders reserved for more intensive projects, particularly those involving savory or spicy ingredients. Using a separate appliance for fruit drinks can help prevent flavor-crossing.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent DelightedCooking contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent DelightedCooking contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

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    • A strawberry smoothie.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      A strawberry smoothie.
    • Smoothies are created using a variety of fruits, juices, and ice.
      By: Anyka
      Smoothies are created using a variety of fruits, juices, and ice.
    • Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.
      By: tashka2000
      Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.
    • Smoothie makers are typically capable of only making beverages.
      By: rgbdigital.co.uk
      Smoothie makers are typically capable of only making beverages.
    • Some green smoothies feature kale or other nutrient-rich green vegetables.
      By: Johan Larson
      Some green smoothies feature kale or other nutrient-rich green vegetables.