Thoughts on Buying Smoothie Makers Versus a Blender

I received a blender/smoothie maker as a gift last year for Christmas. My mil got it at Kohls, I think it was only like $30, it is an Oyster and is great for either, it also has a food processor attachment. This combo may be the best way to go for you.

We got a smoothie maker as a gift last year, it did not work well. I bought a Waring Pro blender, it works so good.
I make my daughter smoothies a few days a week.

I have both, and to me the smoothie maker crushed ice the same as a blender. The only difference is the smoothie maker had a lever and spout thing to make the smoothie come out. I was disappointed with the smoothie maker.

I make smoothies every morning for my kids and I have a blender. I don't use ice when I make them becuase it gets stuck in straws. I just put a cup of yogurt, some milk, and a piece of fruit, like a bannana or apple. That makes a smoothie with a little extra for one child and they love it! Good luck.

If you are okay buying used, check out www.craigslist.com
you can find many many household type things at very reasonable prices in your own area; you can type in smoothie maker under the search and find them.

Hi L.

FIrst, I am sorry that you got laid off. I hope that it does not last long.

I use my blender for making smoothies. I have never actually used a smoothie maker, but I have always been satisfied with my blender. Mine had a "crush ice" mode, not sure if they all do, and it was not super expensive.

L.,

We have a Magic Bullet that we use to make smoothies. Each person can have thier own cup. I also use it to puree fruits, and veggies, and have also used it to chop nuts. It is powerful enough to grind ice or frozen fruit. What I like about it is that I can make smaller quanties at one time and all I need to do is switch the blade attachment to a different cup to make an individualized smoothie for different people.

Something else I was just made aware of is that a canning jar will fit on the blade attachment for standard blender, so you could do the individualized "cups" by switching jars. I havent personally tested this on a blender to see if its true or not, but thought I would mention it.

I agree with the first response- I had a smoothie maker and other than the spout it was no different than a blender. Maybe it was just the one I had but if I were you I wouldn't waste your money.

I have both too, and completely agree with Terese. The smoothie maker has a spout, and other than that is just a blender.

Hi, L.! I have a blender does just about everything..and it makes great smoothies! Don't waste your money on a "fad" thing. Keep it simple..one machine for all kinds of food projects..blenders are great! L.

Get the blender. Last year we won a "machine" that was suppose to make soft serve icecream and smoothies. It is a pain and takes up a ton of room on the counter.

I use the blender instead whenever we make smoothies.

Just my two cents worth ~ Merry Christmas!

S.