5 Best Blenders for Crushing Ice in 2026 – Ninja & Hamilton Beach Reviewed

The Ninja Compact Kitchen System AMZ493BRN is a 3-in-1 powerhouse that combines a full-size blender, a food processor, and a single-serve cup into one sleek grey unit. Designed for home cooks who want maximum versatility without clutter, it excels at making frozen drinks, chopping veggies, mixing dough, and blending smoothies. With over 8,000 reviews and a near-perfect rating, it has become a favorite among small households and busy individuals.

Standout features include the 1200-watt motor and stacked blade assembly, which pulverizes ice and frozen fruit in seconds. The Auto-iQ technology offers pre-programmed settings that automatically pulse, blend, and pause, taking the guesswork out of drink making. The 72oz pitcher is ideal for family-sized batches, while the 40oz processor bowl handles chopping and dough mixing. The 18oz single-serve cup is perfect for quick personal drinks on the go.

Build quality is solid, with BPA-free plastic containers and stainless steel blades that feel durable. The compact footprint (7.5 inches deep by 8.25 inches wide) saves counter space, though the plastic construction may not match the heft of glass jars. The controls are simple push buttons with pre-set programs, making it easy for anyone to use.

A few drawbacks: the single-serve cup is small at 18oz, and some users note that the processor bowl's blades are less effective for smoothies than the pitcher. Additionally, the plastic containers, while lightweight, can scratch over time. However, these are minor trade-offs for the system's versatility and price point.

Overall, the Ninja Compact Kitchen System is a smart investment for anyone who wants a blender, food processor, and personal blender in one. It delivers powerful performance, convenience, and excellent value, making it a top contender in the countertop blender category.

Brand: Ninja

Model: AMZ493BRN

Power: 1200 watts

Voltage: 120 volts

Capacity: 64 fluid ounces (max liquid in pitcher)

Included Containers: 72oz pitcher (64oz max liquid), 40oz processor bowl, 18oz single-serve cup

Blade Material: Stainless steel

Container Material: BPA-free plastic

Dimensions: 7.5 x 8.25 x 17.25 inches

Weight: 11.1 pounds

Warranty: 1 Year Limited

The Ninja Professional Plus BN701 is a mid-range countertop blender engineered for families and home cooks who want powerful performance without complexity. This unit sits between basic blenders and premium food processors, making it ideal for anyone serious about smoothies, frozen drinks, and homemade ice cream but not requiring commercial-grade versatility.

Performance is where this blender truly shines. The 1400 peak-watt motor crushes ice into fine snow within seconds, and the Total Crushing blade assembly handles everything from leafy greens to frozen fruit with equal ease. The three Auto-iQ presets deliver consistent results by automatically adjusting pulsing, blending, and pausing patterns, eliminating the trial-and-error that frustrates many blender users. In real-world use, this means perfect smoothies every time without manual speed adjustment.

The 72oz pitcher is genuinely family-sized, allowing you to blend enough smoothies for four people or prep ingredients for soups and sauces in a single batch. The clearly marked 64oz max liquid capacity prevents overfilling, and the BPA-free construction gives peace of mind for daily household use. Cleanup is straightforward, with both the pitcher and blade assembly being top-rack dishwasher safe, though you'll need adequate dishwasher space.

The main limitation is the modest number of preset programs compared to higher-end models, and the lack of included single-serve cups means you'll need to purchase them separately if you want on-the-go convenience. The motor base is also heavier than some competitors, taking up notable counter space.

Overall, the Ninja Professional Plus BN701 delivers professional-quality blending for families at a reasonable price point. It excels at ice crushing and frozen drinks, handles daily smoothie making effortlessly, and requires minimal maintenance. This is the right choice if you prioritize power and reliability over extensive preset options.

Motor and Power: 1400 peak watts with professional-grade crushing capability

Pitcher: 72oz total capacity with 64oz maximum liquid capacity, BPA-free plastic construction

Blade Assembly: Total Crushing 6-blade stacked design for ice crushing and ingredient blending

Preset Programs: 3 Auto-iQ intelligent presets (Frozen Drink, Smoothie, Ice Cream) plus 4 manual speed settings

Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe pitcher and blade assembly, top-rack placement recommended

Included Items: Motor base, 72oz pitcher, blade assembly, lid, 15-recipe inspiration guide, instruction booklet, and quick start guide

Ideal For: Families wanting daily smoothie-making capability, health-conscious households doing meal prep, anyone who enjoys frozen drinks and homemade ice cream, busy professionals needing quick blending without manual adjustment.

Best Use Cases: Making large batches of smoothies for the whole family, crushing ice for margaritas and daiquiris, preparing frozen desserts, blending soups and sauces, weekly meal prep with frozen fruits and vegetables.

Consider Alternatives If: You need multiple preset programs beyond three, want included single-serve cups, require a more compact footprint, or need vacuum blending technology for nutrient preservation.

The Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie and Food Processing Blender is a powerful countertop appliance designed for families, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who regularly makes smoothies, frozen drinks, and sauces. With its combination of a large 72oz pitcher and two portable 16oz single-serve cups, this system caters to both batch preparation and on-the-go nutrition needs.

The standout feature is undoubtedly the 1100-watt motor paired with Total Crushing blade technology, which delivers impressive performance in real-world use. Whether you're crushing ice for frozen margaritas, blending tough leafy greens into silky smoothies, or creating creamy nut butters, this blender handles the job quickly and efficiently. Users consistently report that the blender pulverizes frozen fruit and ice in seconds, producing resort-quality results at home. The three manual speeds and pulse control provide flexibility for different ingredients and desired textures.

Design-wise, the Ninja BL660 is well-engineered with a sturdy motor base and thoughtfully included accessories. The ability to blend directly in the 16oz to-go cups and twist on spout lids eliminates extra dishes and makes it genuinely convenient for busy lifestyles. All removable components are BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe, making cleanup painless after every use. The system strikes a good balance between professional capability and user-friendly operation.

One notable consideration is that while the pitcher is labeled 72oz, the maximum liquid capacity is actually 64oz, which some buyers find misleading. Additionally, if you prefer preset blending programs or are looking for a compact footprint, this model's three manual speeds and larger size may not align with your preferences. However, for those prioritizing raw blending power and versatility, these limitations are minor.

The Ninja BL660 represents excellent value for a professional-grade blender system that replaces multiple kitchen appliances. It's ideal for families, meal preppers, and smoothie lovers who want both batch blending capability and portable single-serve options. The combination of power, versatility, and included accessories makes this a smart investment for any kitchen.

This blender excels at creating thick smoothie bowls, protein shakes, and nutrient-dense green smoothies thanks to its powerful motor and Total Crushing blades. The 72oz pitcher capacity makes it perfect for preparing multiple servings at once, ideal for meal prep or family gatherings.

The 1100-watt power makes quick work of frozen cocktails, margaritas, daiquiris, and blended drinks that require ice crushing. For culinary applications, it handles nut butters, homemade sauces, soups, and nut milks with professional-quality results. The single-serve cups are perfect for customized protein shakes and on-the-go breakfast smoothies.

Choose the Ninja BL660 if you want a powerful, versatile blender that handles both batch preparation and individual servings. It's ideal for households that regularly make smoothies, frozen drinks, and sauces, as well as anyone who values convenience and wants to reduce kitchen clutter.

Consider other options if you prefer preset blending programs, need a very compact blender, or have a strict budget for a single-pitcher system. However, if you prioritize blending power, versatility, and included accessories, the Ninja BL660 offers exceptional value and performance that justifies the investment.

The Ninja Professional Blender (BL610) is a full-size countertop blender built for families and anyone who regularly makes smoothies, frozen drinks, or sauces. It combines powerful performance with practical design, making it an excellent choice for daily meal prep, entertaining guests, or creating resort-style frozen beverages at home.

The standout feature is its 1000W motor paired with Total Crushing Technology, which pulverizes ice into snow and breaks down tough ingredients like whole fruits, frozen berries, and vegetables in seconds. The XL 72oz pitcher (with 64oz max liquid capacity) means you can blend large batches in one go, perfect for feeding a family or preparing drinks for entertaining without multiple runs.

Build quality is solid and practical. The pitcher is BPA-free plastic and completely dishwasher-safe, making cleanup effortless compared to manual scrubbing. The motor base is corded electric with 12.5 amps of power, delivering consistent performance across blending, pureeing, and ice-crushing tasks without requiring you to switch between different appliances.

The main limitation is that this blender relies on manual control rather than preset programs, so you'll need to monitor blending time and texture yourself. Additionally, the large pitcher size, while beneficial for batch cooking, requires adequate counter or cabinet space. The included recipe guide is helpful for inspiration but lacks detailed nutritional breakdowns.

Overall, the Ninja BL610 is a dependable, affordable blender that delivers professional-grade power and capacity for families and meal-prep enthusiasts. If you value simplicity, power, and the ability to make large batches of smoothies and frozen drinks without complications, this is a solid investment that will serve you well for years.

Motor Power: 1000 watts with 12.5 amps
Power Source: Corded electric
Pitcher Capacity: 72 oz total, 64 oz max liquid capacity
Pitcher Material: BPA-free plastic
Dishwasher Safe: Yes, top-rack safe
Blade Technology: Total Crushing blades
What's Included: 1000W motor base, 72oz pitcher with lid, recipe guide

Best For: Families who make smoothies regularly, health-conscious meal preppers, and those who entertain frequently and need to blend large batches. This blender is ideal if you want a single, reliable appliance that handles ice crushing, fruit blending, and sauce making without switching tools.

Not Ideal For: Users seeking preset blending programs or those with very limited counter space. If you need a compact, portable blender, consider a smaller model instead.

The Hamilton Beach Power Elite is a mid-range countertop blender designed for everyday smoothies, shakes, frozen drinks, and food preparation. It's perfect for health-conscious individuals, busy families, and anyone seeking a reliable appliance that won't break the bank while delivering consistent results.

The standout feature is the patented Wave Action system, which continuously forces ingredients down into the blades and circulates them around the jar. Combined with 700 watts of peak power and stainless steel Ice Sabre blades, this creates impressively smooth textures and effortlessly crushes ice and frozen fruit. The 12 blending functions controlled by just 5 buttons offer surprising versatility for mixing, pureeing, chopping, grinding, and more.

Build quality is solid with a 40 oz glass jar that resists staining and odor retention better than plastic alternatives. The removable blade assembly and dishwasher-safe components including the jar and lid make maintenance straightforward. The pour spout is a practical touch that eliminates messy drips when serving.

The main limitations are the requirement for at least 1 cup of liquid for proper blending and potential motor overheating during extended use. The 40 oz capacity is also modest compared to premium models. However, for typical household use, these aren't significant drawbacks.

Overall, the Hamilton Beach Power Elite represents excellent value in the affordable blender category. It delivers reliable performance, handles diverse blending tasks, and requires minimal maintenance. If you need a straightforward, capable blender for smoothies and basic food prep without premium features or high costs, this is a smart choice.

The 700-watt motor provides sufficient power for daily blending tasks. The Wave Action system is the key differentiator, continuously moving ingredients into the blades for consistent results without manual stirring.

Ice crushing performance is reliable. For best results, include at least 1 cup of liquid to cover the blades. The 12 functions cover smoothies, milkshakes, pureeing, chopping, dicing, grinding, and crushing in various combinations.

The glass jar is durable and won't absorb flavors or odors. The hinged pouring cap allows adding ingredients while blending. Removable blades make cleaning convenient, and all components except the motor base are dishwasher safe.

Choose this blender if you make smoothies, protein shakes, or frozen drinks regularly and want a dependable appliance under $50. It's ideal for individuals, couples, and small families who prioritize reliability and ease of cleaning over advanced features.

This may not be the best choice if you need a high-capacity blender for large batches, require whisper-quiet operation, or frequently blend hot soups and sauces that could stress the motor. For those needs, consider stepping up to Hamilton Beach's Quiet Blender or Wave Crusher models.

Tips for best performance: Always include at least 1 cup of liquid, don't overfill beyond the 3-cup level, and allow the motor to cool for 10 minutes between heavy-use sessions. Align the pour spout carefully when installing the lid for a secure fit.