One-smoothie, limited-worktop users
If you usually make one apricot smoothie, an individual blending cup lets you serve it without pouring it into another vessel. Check the space needed for both the assembled blender and its accessories.
Who each format suits
Small-kitchen multi-taskers
If the appliance also needs to handle occasional small chopping or sauce-prep jobs, a blend-and-chop format is worth considering. Its extra attachment will need somewhere to live.
Portable smoothie makers
If you need to blend away from a plug socket, look at a rechargeable single-serve model. Check its vessel capacity, charging arrangements and temperature restrictions before choosing one.
What to check before buying
Start with where you will blend and how many servings you make. Then compare the space, cleaning and ingredient requirements of models in the format that fits.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and washing-up | Measure the assembled height and storage space. Check whether the blending cup can be used for drinking and which removable parts are dishwasher-safe. | If I make just one smoothie, I want to keep both worktop clutter and extra washing-up down. Around 50% of consumers put space and clean-up first. |
| Ingredients and texture | Check the exact model’s instructions for additions such as ice, frozen fruit, nuts or seeds; wattage alone does not establish the finished texture. | When I add tougher ingredients to pitted apricots, I need to know the blender is intended for that recipe. Ingredient flexibility is the main concern for roughly 30% of consumers. |
| Portability or batch size | For away-from-socket use, check capacity and charging. For several servings, compare jug capacity with the space needed to store and wash it. | I might need to blend away from a socket, or make several smoothies in one go, rather than keep to a standard single serving. Around 20% of consumers prioritise one of those needs. |
Buying pitfalls
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Choosing by motor wattage alone
A wattage figure does not, by itself, tell you how a blender will handle your ingredients or how easy it will be to clean. Which? assesses tough blends, consistency, cleaning, usability and noise separately in its blender testing.
Compare the exact model’s stated ingredient uses, vessel size, dimensions and cleaning instructions alongside any relevant independent test results.
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Putting an apricot stone in the blender
Fresh apricot stones do not belong in a smoothie. The Food Standards Agency also provides guidance on cyanide in raw apricot kernels.
When using whole fresh apricots, remove and discard the stone and its kernel before blending the fruit flesh.
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Assuming a portable blender suits hot drinks
The portable nutribullet model in the product information is not suitable for hot liquids. A rechargeable blender also needs charging, even if it takes up little space.
Choose a portable format when blending away from a socket matters, and follow the temperature and charging instructions for the exact model you buy.
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Choosing a jug for a single daily smoothie
A jug can accommodate several servings, but its pitcher and lid also need cleaning and storage space. The magic bullet jug blender listed by nutribullet UK has a 1.5L pitcher and a listed height of 34cm.
If you will mostly make one drink, compare personal-cup models before committing cupboard space to a jug.
Brands to consider for these blender formats
nutribullet
Its range includes personal-cup and rechargeable portable formats relevant to single smoothies.
- nutribullet UK describes the 600 Series as a 600W personal blender with individual cups and dishwasher-safe cups, lids and lip rings.
- Check each model’s vessel capacity and restrictions separately; the portable nutribullet model in the product information is not suitable for hot liquids.
Breville
Its compact blend-and-chop format is relevant when a smoothie maker also needs to cover small prep jobs.
- Breville UK lists a 0.6L bottle and 350W motor for the Blend Active Mini Chopper & Blender VBL253.
- The chopping attachment adds components to store and clean compared with a plain personal-cup setup.
magic bullet
Its jug format is relevant if you want to make several servings or use one vessel for other blender recipes.
- nutribullet UK lists the magic bullet Blender with a 1.5L pitcher, 600W motor and High, Low and Pulse controls.
- For one smoothie, check whether you have room to store and wash its jug and lid; the listed dimensions are 20 × 34 × 14cm.
Braun
Its PowerBlend 7 jug route is relevant when batch capacity and broader recipe use matter more than keeping the appliance small.
- Braun Household GB lists a 1.7L working capacity, 1400W motor and 600ml Smoothie2Go bottle for the JB7551BK.
- Its listed height of 425mm and weight of 5.02kg are worth checking against your storage and lifting needs.
Joybuy personal and portable blenders
These models cover personal-cup blending for individual apricot smoothies, plus one rechargeable option for blending away from a socket. Compare each model’s cup size and kit contents with the space you have available.
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nutribullet 900 Series Matte 10-Piece Kit – Jade
A corded personal-blender option for making one smoothie in its cup.
The product title lists a 900ml cup and 900W motor, and names frozen fruit, nuts and ice among its intended ingredients. Follow the model instructions for those additions.
Confirm the included pieces before ordering, and check the assembled height if storage is tight.
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nutribullet Ultra Personal Blender – Silver
A personal-cup choice if you want one smoothie and may add frozen ingredients.
The product title lists a 900ml cup, 1200W motor and two blending options, with ice and frozen fruit among its stated uses. Check the instructions for your usual ingredients.
Measure the assembled blender before choosing it for a tight worktop or cupboard.
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nutribullet 900 Series Deluxe 7-Piece Kit – Champagne
The two cup sizes in the product title may help if your individual smoothie portions vary.
The listed cups are 909ml and 680ml; the title also lists up to 24,000rpm and names frozen fruit, nuts and ice as intended ingredients. Use the model instructions to check those uses.
Confirm which pieces come in the kit and allow storage space for both cups.
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nutribullet x McLaren Mastercard F1 Team 900 Series 6-Piece Kit
A personal-blender format to consider if you make a single smoothie and want to assess its fit on a small worktop.
The title lists 24,000rpm and names frozen fruit, nuts and ice as intended ingredients; follow the model instructions when using them.
Confirm the included pieces and assembled dimensions before buying.
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nutribullet Portable Blender – Light Blue
A rechargeable option if you need to make a single smoothie away from a plug socket.
The product title lists a 475ml cup, to-go lid and USB-C charging cable. Check the model instructions for your ingredients and for any temperature restrictions.
If it will usually stay in the kitchen, compare its charging routine and storage dimensions with a corded personal blender.
Common questions
Do I need to remove apricot stones before blending?
Yes. When using whole fresh apricots, remove and discard the stone and the raw kernel inside it before blending the fruit flesh. The Food Standards Agency provides guidance on cyanide in raw apricot kernels.
Is a personal blender enough for one apricot smoothie?
A personal blender is a practical format for one smoothie made with fresh, pitted apricots because you can blend in an individual cup. If you also use ice, frozen fruit, nuts or seeds, check the exact model’s ingredient instructions rather than judging it by wattage alone.
Can I put warm ingredients in a compact blender?
Only if the exact model’s instructions permit them. The product information lists its portable nutribullet model as unsuitable for hot liquids, while nutribullet UK describes the magic bullet jug blender’s vented pitcher as suitable for warm ingredients when used as directed; neither statement applies to every blender in that format.
What should I do with an old blender in the UK?
Use an appropriate electrical-recycling route rather than putting an old blender in ordinary household waste. UK government guidance on waste electrical and electronic equipment addresses recovery, reuse and recycling; check your local authority or retailer for the collection options available to you.