The Best Portable Blenders for Juicing and Smoothie-ing While You Travel and On-the-Go [2021]

One of the negatives of going away on vacation is missing out on your healthy eating habits. Consider taking along a mini portable bender for travel, and you will be able to whip up your delicious smoothies anywhere!

This past year, I received a letter from my favorite airline. They told me I had been upgraded to one of their frequent flier programs. At first, I could not believe it. But when I thought back on it, I realized that I really did live an on-the-go lifestyle now.

The upgrade was nice, of course. But all of that travel had taken a toll on my diet. Air travel does not provide many chances to enjoy one’s fresh fruits and veggies, after all. So, I took this upgrade opportunity also to change the way I eat when I am on-the-go.

At this point, I was already a big smoothie fan. But I couldn’t take my bulky kitchen blender with me when I traveled. I needed something lighter and more compact in size. In essence, what I needed most was a portable blender.

I have discovered, to my delight, that there is a range of portable blenders explicitly made for travel. They are compact, light, easy to transport, and easy to use.

How fabulous is that? I can make smoothies in a jiffy away from home. They are also ideal for taking along to the office to make a quick lunch.

How about using a portable blender at a sports event to give the kids an instant energy boost during the break-in a ball game?

Over time, I ended up finding the perfect model for my needs. But before I got there, I research a bunch of other models.

You may be going through a similar research process right now. To save you some time, I’ve collected up everything I learned about the best portable blenders in this guide. Herein, you’re sure to find an affordable model that’s perfect for you.

What is a Portable Blender?

A blender is a kitchen appliance that will mix, crush, blend, stir, grind, liquefy, chop, grate, and more. They are ideal for making nutritious, healthy drinks, milkshakes, and smoothies.

To use a blender, you fill it with fruits, veggies, and other ingredients of your choice like nuts and grains. Choose your setting, turn on, and the blades work at high speeds to chop up the ingredients.

The result – you have a thick mixture that is commonly known as a smoothie. You can also get creative and prepare soups, dips, sauces, juices and even batter mixes for waffles and pancakes.

So, what is a portable blender? It is a blender that is smaller, lighter, and more compact than a traditional blender that you would stand on a shelf in your kitchen.

They are perfect for packing into a case or backpack. Many operate on reduced power. Some even work on batteries or USB power, eliminating the need for a power source – perfect for an away-from-civilization camping trip. Portable blenders will allow you to whip up the healthy mixtures you make at home but in smaller quantities.

What key points to consider while choosing the best portable travel blender for making smoothies on-the-go?

What I discovered when looking for the right small travel blender is that you cannot merely choose any blender. It has to be specifically designed for easy packing and transporting. Otherwise, you may as well lug along your current kitchen appliance!

So let’s consider the following main issues:

WHAT you plan on BLENDING?

Blending can cover a variety of ingredients from soft fruits to hard nuts and even ice. You need to decide on what you are planning on blending when away from home.

You may want to settle on healthy fruit juices. You may want to make more complex meals like chunky soups, especially if you are away in cold weather and sleeping in a tent.

The strength, power, and functions of the machine you choose will determine the type of ingredients that you can blend.

SIZE and WEIGHT are important

For travel, lightweight, small, and compact is best. The physical size is also essential. You don’t want to use up valuable packing space, and you certainly want it to fit comfortably into your luggage.

Look for a size that will fit into your check-in suitcase. You won’t be able to carry your blender onto a plane as it has blades that fall under the prohibited section.

If you are setting out on a hiking or camping adventure, a blender that fits into a backpack is the ideal choice. Likewise, ensure that your blender fits into your gym, Pilates, yoga, or dance bag.

How big is your family? You will find that portable blenders are usually smaller than kitchen blenders. Some are only made for a single person. Others have more substantial containers, and some models come with extra containers.

The POWER of the MOTOR

Motor power determines what type of ingredients you can blend. For traveling, you can go for a blender with lesser motor power. Kitchen blenders that are top of the range will average above 700 wattages.

Are you planning on making shakes that require frozen or hard ingredients? You will then need a more powerful machine with sharp blades.

For your travel blender, you can get away with a less powerful machine, even dropping down to as low as 125W. Remember that the less power, the less strength, so if you are determined to crush nuts or ice, you will need the ability to do that.

What POWER SOURCE should I consider – battery or corded?

Will you have a power source at your destination? If not, you will have to choose a blender with a rechargeable battery.

One of the best perks I found were blenders that do not need power – absolutely awesome. They work off battery power.

Now, there are two types of battery power that you need to check. The first is a standard battery with a life-span that will stop working once used up.

You will need to replace it – which is fine, as long as you have extra batteries on hand. Getting stranded mid-blend with no power is not what you want.

Some blenders have rechargeable battery packs and can blend multiple times before you need to recharge them. This also saves on having to buy loads of batteries and works out to be more cost-effective in the long run.

Many travel blenders are easily charged by plugging into your laptop USB port. Have you ever thought how fabulous this is for people who work late and want to whip a smoothie without leaving their desks?

Or, for the teens who game and cannot be away from their screens for more than a minute?

There are also travel blenders with standard power cords. If you are going to be in a hotel, resort, or vacation self-cater lodge, power will be available. A blender with a standard power cord will then be ideal for you. Plug it in where your accommodation has a coffee corner, and you are set.

TRAVEL JAR or BOTTLE

Best blenders for travel are ideal if they come with a travel jar or bottle. You blend, remove the jar, snap on the lid, and you have a healthy smoothie to take along.

This is perfect for campers, hikers, and outdoor adventure seekers. The con is that they mostly cater to one portion, so unless you buy additional containers, you are limited to a single serving.

Take into account the size of the jar. A 14oz serving is ideal for a single person on-the-go. For a family, this may be a little too small, and you should look for a jar that holds 24oz or even 32oz.

ACCESSORIES may be extra trouble

Having loads of accessories to attach to your blender in your home kitchen is excellent as you have the space to store them. I don’t want to travel with a blender and a lot of extra fussy bits and pieces. I would worry that I would lose them!

Accessories can take the form of extra cups, extra lids, extractor blades, and funnels. Decide which ones you need before packing too many.

KEEPING IT CLEAN – self-cleaning makes your life so much easier

For me, washing up dishes and appliances at home is a bind, and I certainly don’t want to spend my vacation washing up anything I don’t need to. Many blenders come with a self-cleaning feature, and I would certainly want that when away from home.

PRICE – decide on your budget before buying

Decide on how much you want to spend and stay within your budget. Portable blenders range from very cost-effective at around $20 to expensive at about $100. Keep in mind that cheap is not always right, and high prices don’t always offer the value they claim.

WARRANTIES and TECH SUPPORT put your mind at ease

I always look for a product that comes with a warranty. This puts my mind at ease, knowing that I will get support if something goes wrong. And, may even get a full replacement if necessary. The more extended the warranty, the more superior the product usually is.

Another perk is a company that offers tech support after purchasing. This is great for those of us who may need help with the initial set-up and understanding the different functions of the machine.

TRY IT OUT AT HOME FIRST

Because I am not very tech-savvy, I always like to try out any new portable appliance before I set -off on my trip. The worst experience will be to arrive and find that I cannot operate it, or there is a fault — total disappointment when you are miles from home.

So, spend a bit of time, set up the machine, and give it a whiz. Once you are sure it works the way you expect, you are ready to pack it up with your baggage.

Best Portable Blenders – 2021 Review

If you have skipped the above and landed here for the most critical info – read on! I have assessed the top-rated portable blenders for travel. Each has its pros and cons, of course. Some even have some outstanding features and specs. Either way, I’ll let you know my thoughts on each to make your selection process much easier.

Best Budget Portable Blender Cincred Professional Personal Mini Blender

Why I Love It: All too often, portable blenders overlook the importance of seals. That’s not the case with this model, though. You’ll never need to worry about leaks from its several lids. That’s because they all feature silica gel seals that won’t degrade due to cold conditions.

If you’re like me, you often use your portable blender for making a smoothie. But many mornings, I also appreciate a good cup of joe. This unit can help make that happen because it can grind up fresh beans. This model’s stainless steel mixing blades allow that to occur without jamming for even a second.

At the same time, you can expect this model’s motor to last longer than in most portable blenders. That’s because it is far better ventilated than most blenders in this class. 

To be specific, this unit’s base has been designed to maximize airflow. As such, you could easily use it to make up to 20 blends in a row without damaging the motor.

The Best Design Portable Blender OYeet GoPower Blender 1000W iF Design Award

Why I Love It:  There are three words: “vortex mixing system.” There’s no other blender in the portable class that can blend as effectively as this model’s proprietary system. That same system can even extract nutrients from produce in 10 or so seconds. All of that can be done without adding water, which is a weak point in most portable blenders.

Before seeing this blender in person, I had never heard of an “award-winning portable blender.” But in due time, I saw for myself why this model won an iF Design award. First off, this model’s stylish exterior feels undeniably luxurious. But better than that, it is also effortless to clean off with only a quick wipe of a damp towel.

Inside this unit, though, you’ll find a 1,000-watt motor – yes, you read that right. That means that this compact unit has managed to fit a full-sized motor’s strength into a diminished form factor. As a result of this powerful motor, this blender can reach top speeds of up to 30,000 RPM. That’s more than strong enough to grind full ice cubes to powder and tough produce to a silky juice.

Epica Personal Blender with Take-Along Bottle

Why I Love It: Every part of this portable blender has been built with resilience in mind. That’s clear to see when factoring its intense temperature resistance. It’s hard to believe, but this unit can resist temperatures between -40° to 175°F. Most other portable blenders would fall apart under those extremes!

At this model’s core, you’ll find a solid 300-watt motor that can punch a bit above its class. To that end, this unit can rotate its blades at up to 23,000 RPM. 

That’s only a slight improvement, but it’s just enough to get this unit’s stainless steel blades through tough produce. As a result, you could use this blender to make a dip or sauce on the go.

Beyond this, you’ll also find that this blender will keep you safe, no matter how much you use it. That’s because of its 20 oz. jar is built from durable BPA-free plastics. Its base, however, is slightly prone to tarnishing if it is not cleaned properly. Even if some tarnish does appear, it won’t impact this unit’s core operation at all, at least.

The Best Easy to Use Keyton Single-Serve Compact Blender – 21oz Sports Bottle With Travel Lid

Why I Love It:  Inverting some portable blender jars onto their base can be a messy affair. This model avoids that risk by allowing the jar to mount onto the base. That way, the base’s blades assembly can effectively enter the jar without needing to switch out for a different lid type.

Visually, this is one sleek portable blender. With a taller-than-average form factor, you’ll find that this blender can hold more liquid in its jar at once.

To be specific, you’ll be able to make 21 oz. of your favorite smoothie with this blender without risking an overflow. You’ll access that smoothie easily, too, thanks to this jar’s easy-to-use sports cap.

There’s a fair argument to be made about this blender’s overall balance. After all, a taller blender tends to be a bit top-heavy. However, this model able to waylay some of those concerns through its special jar securing system. This jar locks into place with just a firm twist and doesn’t come to lose until you are ready to finish.

Hamilton Beach 51101AV

The black version of the Hamilton Beach Blender is also a compact, lightweight and easily transportable blender. It is priced at the lower end of the scale. The blender holds 14oz, ideal for a one-cup serving while on-the-run. 

I also found that this model is great for blending smoothies, baby food, salad dressings, and thicker juices. Although it says that it can crush ice, I would probably not use it for this. 

Why I like it – This is a great little blender to take to the office or on a day outing. It has an extra jar which is a perk when you want to make a treat for yourself and a friend. 

ModernComfort Cordless Home BlenderX 

Why I Love It: This model utilizes a butterfly-style blade assembly. These are most often seen in full-sized blenders and not in portable units. So, this unit can be counted on to crush up most ingredients without leaving chunks behind.

This blender holds a strong position at the top of its class. That’s not just because it is among the most expensive models available. But rather, few other portable blenders can rival this unit when it comes to efficiency. That’s especially true when it comes to ice and frozen fruit. This blender’s stainless steel blades can tear through those without jamming.

This model’s exterior design is also eye-catching. It includes a flared base that prevents it from becoming unstable. That’s a great feature, especially after considering this model’s slim 20 oz. jar. That jar is made from BPA-free Triton, too, so you know that it is both safe and sturdy.

As far as transporting this unit goes, you shouldn’t have much trouble. It is a bit bulky, what with its 4.2 lbs. weight. But it also comes with a carrying bag, which few other models in this class offer. After factoring in a 2-year warranty, you definitely get what you pay for with this blender.

Hamilton Beach 51131 Personal Blender with Travel Cup

The first feature that caught my eye is the excellent and trendy raspberry color. It is super cool, and my kids love it. The blender has a compact design and offers a 14oz cup. It is ideal for one serving that I can whip up and take along with me on-the-go. 

For traveling, it will fit easily into a case or backpack. The Stainless Steel blades may crush ice, but I wouldn’t push it too far with hard ingredients. 

Why I like it – fun appliances always attract the kids, and I love that they want to experiment and make healthy smoothies to drink. 

Oster BLSTPB-WBL My Blend 250-Watt Blender with Travel Sport Bottle

I love the trendy and sporty look of the Oster BLSTPB-WBL MyBlend. It certainly created a buzz when I whipped up a smoothie in the office. The machine is compact and easy to transport. 

It features a cool sports-style bottle with a leak-proof lid. A one-finger grip allows me to take it along on a run or hike and attach it to a belt. The machine is driven by a 250 wattage motor which gives it enough power to deal with harder ingredients. 

Why I like it – this stylish blender in a trendy hot pink is great for taking along to the gym, the office or on a day outing.

Cuisinart CPB-300 350 Watt BPA-Free 32 Ounce Blender

For those who are tech-savvy, this machine has a TouchPad to operate it. I was slightly hesitant in the beginning, but I soon managed to figure it out. 

This is an excellent middle of the range 350 wattage blender that will tackle anything from soft fruits to harder seeds and nuts. It comes with a variety of cups, including a 32oz blending jar, an 8oz chopping cup, and four 16oz travel cups with leak-proof lids. It certainly gives a great choice of options. 

Why I like it – I love the four 16oz cups. I can mix up a fresh drink for each member of the family before we set off to explore our new vacation venue. 

Magic Bullet

I found that Magic Bullet machine did offer value for money. I wouldn’t use it for too much heavy-duty work, but it coped well with softer ingredients that I needed to blend. 

It has a 250 wattage power source and a neat design that makes it suitable for traveling. The cups are made of high-impact plastic and are strong and durable. 

Why I like it – At this price, I am happy to take this very popular bullet blender along on vacation. I used it to mix up some simple smoothies and shakes, and it worked well. 

PopBabies Personal Rechargeable USB Blender

This was the first blender I tried that does not have a power cord. For me, that is a crucial feature, especially when traveling into the outdoors. It uses a USB connection and can recharge while blending. I noticed that the charge also lasts for a long time; I only had to recharge after 3-4 days. 

The PopBabies Personal Blender holds a 14oz jar that has a secure lid. It will make smoothies, protein shakes, and baby food with ease. I also tried it with frozen ingredients, and it worked well. 

This is a truly portable model, lightweight and easily fits into a case. It comes with an ice cube tray that makes the perfect sized cubes for the blender. It also comes with a funnel for allowing easy filling when working with powders. 

Why I like it – Love the no-power option. It uses a battery that is rechargeable, perfect for outdoor adventures away from civilization. 

Moer Sky Juicer Blender

This was the next no-power blender that I tried. It features a battery and is recharged by plugging into a computer, laptop or USB power bank. The design is simple and neat and great for packing into a case. 

The blender has a powerful motor and six blades. It was great with softer ingredients, but I was hesitant to try it with too much ice.

 After use, I found that it was easy to clean by separating the different components. I did get the feeling that it may not last as long as some of the other blenders I tried, but I will have to wait and see. 

Why I like it: it’s compact and straightforward with a rechargeable USB battery — cost-effective price and well suited for a weekend get-away.

La Reveuse 300W Blender with 18 oz Portable Travel Sports Bottle

Why I Love It: Most portable blenders come in just one color. This model at least offers a few options on that front. Specifically, this model currently comes in black, blue, grey, or pink. That’s a small change but one that makes a difference for folks who value style alongside productivity.

This blender was built with safety in mind, which cannot be said of every portable blender. This starts with its UL certification, which indicates that it has passed rigorous testing before being sold. 

Within the actual unit, you’ll also find a 300-watt motor with overheat protection. This kind of module can add years to your blender without requiring any user input.

Also, this blender comes with a lot of valuable add-ons. For example, this blender comes with a spare travel lid so that you don’t have to keep washing just the one. 

At the same time, this blender comes with special small ice cut trays. These droplet-sized cubes are great for making a smoothie without needing to grind down big cubes.

Benefits of Owning a Small Portable Blender

Owning a compact blender certainly offers a surprising number of benefits that I had not even considered. I can ensure that the family maintains a healthy diet on vacation – traveling does interfere with your regular eating habits.

Apart from trying out all sorts of new foods, I find that we miss out on the essential healthy foods that we eat at home. Taking a mini blender along with our luggage allows me to blend up fresh fruit and veggies during our trip.

Stay healthy – blending smoothies is one of the easiest and simplest ways to get your daily fill of vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and other vital components.

I don’t have to follow fad diets, weigh ingredients, or eat bland food. I can choose from a vast range of exotic flavors, fruits, veggies, nuts, grains, and create delicious, nutritious meal replacements, and snacks in a jiffy.

Portable mini blenders save money when away from home – after a tiring day of site-seeing in a new destination, the last thing we want to do as a family is rush around and find a restaurant for dinner.

Shopping like a local is fun and makes you feel part of the city or town you are visiting. It also saves a load of money, as fresh produce is far cheaper than restaurant food.

Blenders with USB connections work anywhere! I have become quite the pro at making smoothies in blender in all sorts of venues.

My office is first – before a hectic meeting or at lunchtime, I head for the kitchen, throw in some ingredients from my cooler bag and blend up a shake after a workout at the gym.

I don’t need to drive home feeling exhausted. I relax and chat with friends and blend up a quick shake. They are always super impressed!

Enjoy healthy drinks on picnics, barbecues, and outdoor excursions. I always used to pack soft drinks for our outings, despite knowing that they are loaded with unhealthy amounts of sugar and chemicals.

I couldn’t think of any other option, apart from water which didn’t excite the kids. It is so easy to pack a cooler bag of fresh fruits, leafy greens, and other healthy products.

After we have explored the beach or the countryside, I quickly blend up a tasty drink for all of us.

They are great for small kitchens! I have a friend who has a tiny kitchen but loves cooking. I was at a loss for a gift idea until I thought of a portable blender.

Because they are compact, they take up minimal space. She was over the moon, as it fits neatly into a corner and does not need acres of space like most kitchen appliances.

You feel great knowing that you can eat healthily and enjoy it – feeling relaxed and at ease goes a long way to maintaining both your mind and body health.

Knowing that I can easily keep up a healthy diet is a great relief and stops me from opting for expensive and unhealthy fast-food take-outs.

My mini blender is especially helpful when away from home on business, vacation, or after a hectic day when the last thing I want to do is worry about a meal.

Get creative – try out new recipes and get creative in the kitchen. Make exciting soups, shakes, salsas, nut butters, waffle, and pancake batters.

You can also mix and match fruit, veggies, grains, and seeds to create exotic and delicious summer drinks or heartwarming winter soups. Give it a go!

FAQ

Q. Are portable blenders good?

A. This is a reasonable question. After all, portable blenders are smaller by nature. But size isn’t a big issue on this front. Today, portable blenders can be just as useful as their larger counterparts.

So long as you keep your blends simple, a portable blender can serve your needs when you hit the road. Most modern models, for example, offer a reliable motor that can crush most standard produce. Some can even crush up full ice cubes without assistance. That’s a real testament to their strength, despite their size.

So, altogether, I’d say that portable blenders are “good.” They are handy when your lifestyle takes you away from your home kitchen. Moreover, they don’t require you to sacrifice power to get your smoothie fix on the road.

Q. Can you put a portable blender in the fridge?

A. This will vary from model to model. In almost all cases, you can put a portable blender bottle into the fridge without trouble. You should always do so if you do not drink your smoothie immediately. Doing so locks in the flavor and nutrients in a blend, after all.

But when it comes to the blender’s base, you should avoid keeping it in the fridge for too long. Extended cold exposure may weaken some seals within said bases.

Also, ice crystals forming around the motor may cause it to malfunction. As always, consult your owner’s manual before doing this.

Q. What is the most powerful portable blender? 

A. There are lots of great portable blenders out there today. But if you are focused on power, I recommend the OYeet GoPower Blender. First off, this model’s vortex blending system is an award winner. 

That’s both due to its design and its high power capacity. Much like a kitchen blender, this motor runs with a full 1,000 watts of power.

Q. How long does it take to charge a portable blender?

A. This also depends on the model you are using. Right now, the average recharge time is right around 3 hours. However, some newer models can recharge in just 2 hours. A 4 hour recharge time is also not all that uncommon.

Bottom Line: Which Portable Travel Blender is Best for You?

As you’ve now seen, you have a lot of options when it comes to buying a new portable blender. At the same time, many of these models are very affordable without sacrificing quality. In other words, now is a great time to invest in a portable blender. Your on-the-go lifestyle will thank you!

But before you head out to select a portable blender of your own, I want to make one final recommendation. Specifically, I think that you should check out the OYeet GoPower Blender.

 This model is on the cutting edge of portable blending, as seen in its reception of a design award for its vortex blending system. This model’s sleek appearance is also unbeatable for folks who like luxury products.