Best commercial blender 2023: Buyer's guide

buyer's guides

What’s inside this buyer’s guide

Introduction
Types of commercial blenders
How to choose the right blender jar
Other features to consider
Best makes of commercial blenders
Used commercial blenders – worth considering?
Commercial blenders frequently asked questions
Commercial blender glossary
Save your cash, use ours!

Time is a currency in the fast-paced world of commercial kitchens, and commercial blenders are the savvy investments that pay in efficiency.

These powerhouse performers blend ingredients with lightning speed and unwavering consistency, freeing up valuable time for chefs to focus on their culinary artistry.

From tackling tough produce to creating velvety sauces, commercial blenders effortlessly handle the toughest blending tasks, all while boosting productivity and profitability.

Ready to embark on the journey of finding your perfect blend companion?

Our comprehensive buyer's guide on commercial blenders will unravel the A-Z of choosing the ideal blender for your business needs.

Get ready to blend your way to success!

Types of commercial blenders

When it comes to commercial blenders, there are three main types:

Food blenders
Immersion blenders
Bar blenders

Whether you're blending ingredients for a delicious meal, mixing drinks at a bar, or creating a smooth and creamy soup, each type of blender offers specific features and benefits to meet your needs.

Check out our table below highlighting the applications and benefits of each type.

Type of commercial blender
Food blender	Designed for demanding blending tasks in commercial environments like restaurants, smoothie shops, and bars.	Adept at pureeing fruits and vegetables, and blending liquids into smooth, consistent textures. Often boast larger jars, stronger motors, and faster blade speeds than standard household blenders. Offer programmable settings, multiple blending speeds, and noise-reducing enclosures.
Immersion blender	Handheld blenders that feature a long shaft and a blade at the end. Used for blending ingredients directly in a pot or container.	Perfect for making purees and sauces. Can be used for blending large batches of ingredients efficiently, saving time and effort. Available in various sizes and power levels.
Bar blender	Specialized blenders crafted for creating frozen drinks and cocktails.	Equipped with a powerful motor and a large jar for blending large batches of ingredients quickly and easily. Commonly used for crafting margaritas, daiquiris, and smoothies Can crush ice for cocktails

How to choose the right commercial blender jar?

While your blender takes the spotlight, it's important to acknowledge the vital role of the blender jar—the unsung hero behind your blending success.

Don't settle for a mediocre teammate; choose a blender jar that's truly up to the task.

Need precise pouring? Look for a jar with a spout.

Blending large quantities? Go for a jar with a bigger capacity.

Whether you're taking on tough ingredients or crushing ice, these factors are essential when selecting your jar.

Optimize your blending experience with the perfect blender jar, and watch as your blends reach new heights of perfection.

Material

Finding the perfect material for your industrial blender jar is like selecting the perfect wingman. It needs to be reliable, adaptable, and ready for any blending adventure.

Do you need a tough polycarbonate or stainless steel for your daily grind?

Maybe copolyester or glass for a fancier finish?

Keep in mind, each material has its strengths and weaknesses.

Stainless steel is sturdy and easy to clean but lacks transparency.

Polycarbonate is virtually indestructible but not recommended for hot foods due to BPA concerns.

Glass is fantastic for display, while copolyester is resilient enough to handle heat and acid.

Don't skimp on quality when it comes to your jar selection – it's the secret ingredient that guarantees a velvety blend and keeps your blender going strong for the long haul.

Capacity

The capacity of the blender jar plays a significant role in determining the output of blended foods, directly influencing kitchen efficiency.

In bustling commercial kitchens, larger jars boasting a capacity of 1.9 litres or more are typically favoured.

This enables the blending of substantial ingredient quantities in one go, optimizing time and enhancing productivity.

Nevertheless, smaller jars with a capacity ranging from 0.9 to 1.3 litres remain valuable for individual portions or smaller batches of blended foods.

Select the jar size that best suits your needs, and watch your kitchen's efficiency soar to new heights.

Handles

Blender jars for commercial kitchens come in two options: with handles and without handles.

Jars with handles offer ergonomic support, making lifting and pouring easier without the risk of spills.

Handle-less jars are simpler to clean and can fit into tight spaces.

If you choose a handleless jar, make sure it has a non-slip base and a comfortable grip design for safe and efficient use in the kitchen.

The choice between the two options depends on the specific requirements of your commercial kitchen.

Stackable

For businesses in need of multiple blenders or blender containers, choosing stackable jars is a smart move.

By opting for stackable jars, you can maximize your storage space by vertically stacking them, rather than using up valuable horizontal space.

This efficient storage solution ensures that your establishment remains organized while freeing up room for other essential kitchen items.

Say goodbye to clutter and hello to streamlined efficiency with stackable blender jars.

Graduations

The inclusion of measurement markings on the blender jar brings a quick and accurate solution for ingredient measurement, eliminating the need for additional tools.

This feature holds particular significance for food service operators who prioritize consistency and efficiency in their kitchen operations.

With SilverChef's range of blenders featuring in-jar graduations, achieving precise and consistent recipe preparation becomes effortlessly achievable.

Whether you're following a daily routine or exploring new culinary creations, these markings ensure accurate measurements for reliable results.

Go jar-less

For swift and efficient processing of generous amounts of soft or liquid foods, set aside the traditional jar and embrace the power of a commercial immersion blender.

By eliminating the limitations of a jar, you open up a world of possibilities, ideal for fast-paced commercial kitchens that thrive on speed and precision.

Immersion blenders are purpose-built to handle high volumes of food, effortlessly whipping up soups, sauces, and purees in a flash.

The added bonus?

They're a breeze to clean and maintain, making them a savvy investment for kitchens seeking to streamline their food preparation process.

Other features to consider

Before you hit that 'buy' button, let's consider some other key factors that can make or break your blender game.

Take a moment to evaluate the horsepower, control type, noise level, and ease of cleaning.

These factors play a vital role in determining whether a blender meets your business needs and delivers the desired performance.

Blender application

When it comes to selecting a blender for your professional needs, consider the specific requirements of your environment.

A busy breakfast establishment will benefit from a high-powered blender capable of handling large volumes of frozen fruits and ice for smoothies and beverages.

In contrast, a fine dining restaurant may require a sophisticated blender for delicately pureeing soups and sauces with precision.

Assess the frequency of use, with small bars needing occasional blending and sports bars requiring a blender that can handle continuous demand.

Opting for a high-end blender with a durable motor and parts ensures longevity in high-volume settings.

Evaluate features that align with your blending needs, such as programmable controls or multiple blending speeds.

Strike a balance between functionality and cost-effectiveness to make the right choice.

Horsepower / wattage

Please take a look at our comprehensive table below highlighting common blender horsepower ratings, their recommended applications, and estimated servings per day.

Blender HP Rating	Recommended Application	Estimated Servings per Day
½ - 2 HP	Light-duty blending tasks, such as pureeing soups and sauces, making smoothies, and crushing ice.	50 - 75 servings
3-4 HP	Medium-duty blending, including blending frozen fruits and vegetables, making nut butter, and crushing ice for frozen drinks.	75-150 servings
5-6 HP	Heavy-duty blending, such as blending tough ingredients like nuts and grains, making large batches of smoothies, and crushing ice for high-volume frozen drinks.	150-300 servings
7+ HP	Extra-heavy-duty blending, like large batches of thick, dense ingredients such as dough, frozen cocktails, and crushing large volumes of ice for high-volume bars and restaurants	300+ servings

Blender controls

To excel in blending, it's vital to understand the three primary control types: toggle/paddle, electronic, and programmable.

Each type offers unique advantages for specific tasks.

Mastering all three enables you to choose the most suitable control type for each blending job, resulting in optimal blending results.

Toggle/Paddle Controls

Provide a straightforward and user-friendly approach to blending tasks that do not require precise speed and timing control.
Ideal for smaller-scale blending needs, as they offer a simpler, no-frills option that gets the job done efficiently and effectively.

Programmable Controls

Elevate blending to a new level of precision and customization, surpassing the basic capabilities of toggle/paddle controls
Offer advanced features such as automatic timers, touchpad start/stop buttons, and multiple power levels, providing greater control and customization options

Electronic Controls

Tailored for high-volume environments where consistency is key, particularly for repetitive blending tasks
Features a programming function that allows the user to set specific blending times and power levels for future use, streamlining the blending process and ensuring consistent results

Variable speed settings

Blenders offer a versatile range of speed settings, typically ranging from 2 to 10, allowing chefs to fine-tune blending to meet specific recipe requirements.

The control over blending speed empowers chefs to achieve the ideal texture and consistency for a diverse array of recipes.

Whether gradually increasing the speed for silky smoothies or utilizing higher speeds for lusciously thick sauces, variable speed settings deliver the flexibility needed to attain desired results.

Moreover, these settings ensure safety when blending hot liquids and guarantee a flawlessly smooth and creamy finish, even when tackling challenging ingredients such as nuts.

Noise level

If you find the disruptive noise of blenders disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of your kitchen, it may be worth considering a blender with a sound enclosure.

This feature consists of a sturdy polycarbonate shield that surrounds the blender during operation, effectively minimizing the noise generated by the machine.

While the enclosure may limit access to the jar and controls to some extent, the trade-off for a quieter workspace is well worth it.

Your customers and staff will appreciate the difference it makes!

Ease of cleaning

While cleaning your blender may not be the most thrilling task, it is crucial for maintaining its optimal condition.

Thankfully, there are convenient features designed to streamline and enhance the cleaning process, restoring your blender to its pristine state effortlessly.

These features include:

Removable jar pads

Not only do these protective pads safeguard the blender base against scratches and damage, but they also act as a shield to prevent spills and splatters from accumulating over time.

When it comes to cleaning, the process is a breeze. Just detach the pads and easily clean them in the sink, eliminating the need to struggle with scrubbing them in place.

Enjoy the convenience of hassle-free maintenance and keep your blender looking pristine without any extra effort.

Removable blade assemblies

This ingenious feature ensures that no traces of food residue are left behind, preventing any build-up in the jar's gaskets or hard-to-reach crevices.

By allowing easy access for cleaning, this design element promotes optimal hygiene and ensures a thorough cleaning with every use.

Say goodbye to stubborn residue and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a blender that can be cleaned with ease and precision.

Removable shafts

This essential feature plays a vital role in safeguarding the motor from potential damage during the cleaning process, providing peace of mind and preserving the longevity of your blender.

By detaching the blade assembly, you can save time and effort by eliminating the need for manual scrubbing around the blades.

Best makes of commercial blenders

Hamilton Beach

Established in 1910, Hamilton Beach is a distinguished American manufacturer of top-notch commercial appliances.

Renowned for their unwavering commitment to quality and innovative ideas, the company has built a global reputation that stands the test of time.

Top recommended blender models in Canada include the HBH650 Tempest Blender with adjustable jump cycle for consistent blending and the HBH755 Eclipse featuring QuietBlend™ Technology for super-creamy drinks without noise disruptions.

Shop Hamilton Beach commercial blenders now .

Waring

Waring, the pioneer behind the world's first blender invention in 1937, has evolved into a prominent manufacturer of both household and professional food preparation equipment.

With a global presence in over 100 countries, the company continues to lead the industry by embracing expansion, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to creativity.

Recommended models are the Waring MX1000XTX Xtreme Blender, combining a powerful 3 1/2 hp motor with an aggressive Raptor blade for fast and efficient blending, and the Waring CB15, featuring a 3.75 hp motor with three speeds and pulse blending for optimal mix and texture in beverages.

Shop Waring commercial blenders now

Vitamix

Vitamix, a family-owned enterprise with a nearly century-long history, proudly traces its roots back to its visionary founder, William G. Barnard.

In the 1920s, Barnard embarked on a journey across the United States, showcasing cutting-edge kitchen equipment.

It was in 1949 that Barnard made history as the pioneer of the first televised infomercial, promoting the innovative Vita-Mix blender.

Today, Vitamix stands as a globally acclaimed and award-winning brand, a testament to its enduring legacy of excellence.

Recommended brands include the Vitamix 62828, a powerful blender with intuitive controls, and the Vitamix 62825, offering 6 new programs for delicious, inventive recipes.

Shop Vitamix commercial blenders now

KitchenAid

Since revolutionizing the kitchen with their renowned stand mixer in 1919, KitchenAid has continuously delivered exceptional quality and lasting performance.

Expanding their expertise, KitchenAid now offers a line of commercial blenders designed specifically for the demanding needs of the foodservice industry.

Whether it's a restaurant, bar, cafeteria, or hotel, KitchenAid Commercial blenders provide the reliability and efficiency required to elevate your culinary operations.

Recommended models include the KitchenAid KSBC1B2CU, featuring a powerful 3.0 peak hp motor, user-friendly dial control with low, medium, and high speed options, and convenient toggle switches for start/stop and pulse functions. For swift margarita making, the KitchenAid KSBC1B0CU whips up a 40 oz. margarita in just 22 seconds.

Shop KitchenAid heavy duty blenders now

Blendtec

Blendtec, founded by Tom Dickson, embodies innovation and a commitment to transforming the lives of its customers.

Their impressive range of commercial restaurant equipment delivers unparalleled efficiency for the toughest kitchen tasks.

Perfectly suited for bars, coffee shops, cafes, and specialty beverage establishments, Blendtec blenders boast distinctive features like sound shields and convenient ingredient openings, enabling you to keep the lid on at all times.

Recommended brands are the Blendtec Nitro 895 Blender, enabling you to blend precisely portioned drinks and smoothies directly in the customer's cup, reducing waste, saving time, and maximizing profit margins.

The CONNOISSEUR 825™ stands out with its exceptional power and advanced features, delivering unmatched speed, consistency, and quality for every order.

Shop Blentec commercial blenders now

Omcan

With a history dating back to 1951, Omcan has been a reputable manufacturer of commercial blenders for the food service industry.

Their extensive range of over 5,000 products includes a wide selection of reliable and proven commercial blenders.

As an industry leader in equipment and smallwares supplies, Omcan's success is built on their commitment to delivering diverse and dependable blender solutions that meet the specific needs of commercial kitchens.

We recommend the OMCAN BL-CN-1000, a touchpad-controlled blender known for its remarkable quietness and powerful motor with titanium-coated blades, effortlessly crushing ingredients.

Additionally, the BL-CN-0002-B features a powerful motor with stainless steel blades, offering effective blending and variable speed and pulse control through its user-friendly control panel.

Shop Omcan commercial blenders now

Used commercial blenders – worth considering?

Spending thousands of dollars on a new commercial blender can put a strain on your budget and cash flow.

If you’d prefer not to invest a lot of money in a commercial blender, a cheaper, pre-owned appliance might be the solution you’re looking for.

SilverChef’s range of ‘Certified Used’ commercial equipment is mostly ex-rental equipment sourced from businesses we know and trust.

The equipment is typically less than two-and-a-half years old, has been fully refurbished by us, and is backed by a three-month parts-and-labour warranty.

Considering the effective, or useful, life of a commercial blender is around 10 years, you can be sure our Certified Used commercial blender has plenty of life left in it.

You can either buy or finance the ‘Certified Used’ (and clearance) equipment on our website.

We’re one of the few financiers, if not the only one, in Canada that funds second-hand commercial kitchen equipment.

Commercial blender frequently asked questions

Is a commercial blender more powerful than a food processor?

Yes, typically a commercial blender outperforms a food processor in terms of raw power.

Designed for the rigours of high-volume kitchens, commercial blenders come loaded with robust motors capable of blending ingredients in record time, making them a beacon of efficiency.

They're also crafted with durability in mind, ready to withstand the hustle and bustle of frequent usage.

On the other hand, food processors are the Swiss Army knives of the kitchen, adept at a variety of tasks—chopping, shredding, slicing, and yes, blending.

However, their motors aren't typically as powerful, and they're not designed for the same intensive use as their blender counterparts.

What is the recommended motor power for a commercial blender for milkshakes in Canada, and why is it important?

For blending milkshakes, usually a commercial blender with a motor power between 1000 and 2500 watts is recommended.

This level of power is important because milkshakes often contain ice cream or frozen fruits that can be difficult to blend with lower-powered blenders.

A more powerful motor allows for smoother blending and helps prevent overheating or burnout during heavy use.

Silverchef offers a range of commercial blenders with varying motor powers, so it's important to choose one that meets your specific business needs.

Can a commercial blender for smoothies be used for other things?

Yes, a commercial blender for smoothies can be used for a range of tasks, including making soups, sauces, nut butter, and even grinding coffee beans.

However, it is important to clean the blender thoroughly between uses.

What are some options for acquiring a commercial blender for my business?

You can purchase a commercial blender for sale from a various sources such as traditional equipment retailers, kitchenware stores, and online marketplaces.

Additionally, Silverchef offers a unique rent-try-buy program for commercial equipment, including blenders, which can be a good option for businesses looking to minimize upfront costs and try out equipment before committing to a purchase.

With Silverchef, you can rent a blender for a fixed period, and if you decide to purchase it, a portion of the rental payments can be credited toward the purchase price.

Commercial blender glossary

Blade Assembly

The component of the blender that includes the blades, blade housing, and sealing gasket.

It is responsible for blending the ingredients.

Jar/Container

The vessel in which the ingredients are placed for blending.

Commercial blenders typically come with high-capacity jars that can blend large amounts of food.

Motor Base

The main section of the blender that contains the motor, controls, and power supply. .

It drives the blade assembly to blend the ingredients.

Horsepower (HP)

A unit of measurement used to indicate the power of the blender motor.

A higher horsepower value denotes a more powerful blender.

Pulse Control

A feature that enables the user to blend in short bursts, allowing them to achieve a specific texture or consistency.

Sound Enclosure

A device utilized to minimize the noise generated by the blender during operation.

Tamper

A tool employed to push down the ingredients while blending, ensuring thorough blending and preventing the formation of air pockets.

Programmable Settings

A feature that allows the user to pre-set specific blending configurations for various recipes and ingredients.

Auto Shut-Off

A safety mechanism that automatically switches off the blender if it overheats or detects a problem.

Blade Guard

A protective cover that covers the blade assembly to prevent accidents and injuries during use and cleaning.

Cleaning Cycle

A feature that employs water and detergent to clean the blender jar and blade assembly, eliminating any residue or leftover ingredients.

Save your cash. Use ours!

Hospitality equipment can be expensive and paying for it outright can put pressure on your business’s cash flow.

Our finance solutions allow you to get the equipment you want now and to pay for it in small, regular amounts out of the revenue it helps generates.

Rent–Try–Buy® not only helps you maintain your cash flow, it also gives you unrivalled flexibility to adapt your equipment to the changing needs of your business.

You can upgrade or buy the equipment at any time or, after 12 months, return or continue renting it.

If you decide to buy the equipment, we’ll give you back 60% of the net rent you paid in the first year and 20% of any rental payments thereafter — to put toward the purchase price.