Smoothie Makers, Blenders, What's the Difference?

A smoothie is a blended fruit drink that combines whole fruits with ice to create a healthy treat and a good source of fiber. Smoothies have a liquid base of juice or milk. Add yogurt, cream, or ice cream (also bananas) to thicken smoothies. Soy or whey powder may be added for a healthier drink. Add frozen fruit in place of ice. Smoothies can also be made from vegetable combinations such as celery and strawberry, or cucumber and apple. Chocolate liquor, frozen strawberries, and cream whip up to a sinfully delicious dessert drink. This or That Smoothie makers and Blenders do some of the same things, but not all kitchen blenders make an ideal smoothie. You can combine the two appliances into one purchase if you purchase a Cuisinart blender with frozen drink and ice-crushing features. Ill-equipped blenders leave lumps in the fruit and do not pulverize the ice.

While a blender is capable of multi-tasking, a smoothie machine has blades designed to grind fruit and ice, and a stir stick that keeps the mixture smooth and clear of chunks that settle to the bottom of some Oster blenders. Smoothie makers have a half-circle indention at the front of the machine where the glass hugs up close - and a tap for serving.

Blenders and smoothie makers both come in single-serving models, but the small models are poor at chopping ice. The blender is easier to clean than the smoothie maker; some taps become clogged during use.

Penny Pinchers
Smoothies are economical crowd pleasers and work into almost any diet plan. The smoothie machine is a fun toy priced from $30-$100, depending on size, features, and accessories. This is higher than the price of a blender. If money is a concern, or if kitchen space is limited, an ice-crushing, frozen-drink blender is a practical choice and will accommodate multiple kitchen needs.