Smoothie Tools & Equipment Guide
In this article, we’ll walk through some essential items you’ll need to start making and serving up smoothies and give you some product recommendations to get you started.
Blender
When it comes to smoothies, if there is only one thing you need, it would be your blender. Blenders combine all your ingredients and blend them into your smoothie. A good blender is essential for anyone who plans on making a lot of smoothies. There are many different blenders, varying in price with loads of features to choose from.
If you’re making smoothies just every now and then, and only for yourself, then a personal blender like the NutriBullet or Ninja might work for you. These are great for making your own smoothies, don’t take up too much space and are great for blending and taking your smoothie on the go.
If you’re doing a lot more blending in the kitchen, or are serious about making lots of smoothies, for you and the family. It might be best to invest in a larger, professional grade blender like a Vitamix. These are bigger, have more powerful motors and will last longer but are more expensive.
To choose the best blender, ask yourself the following questions:
Will you use it to crush ice?
Will you be making several smoothies a week?
Will you use it to blend hard vegetables?
WIll you be making nut milk?
Will you be using it for more people than just yourself?
Will you be using it for things other than smoothies?
Do you have space for a larger blender?
If you’ve answered yes to several questions, then it's probably worth spending more money on a larger, quality, high-speed blender.
Some cheap blenders actually work pretty well, but many of them will burn out fairly quickly leaving you stuck with searching for a new blender.
Recommended Blender Links
Cups
Of course you’ll need something to drink your smoothie out of. If you have a personal blender, you can use the travel jar. If you have a larger blender, get some nice glasses for at home and some to-go cups or bottles for the road. Smoothies are a perfect snack or meal-to-go and are great for taking with you on the way to work in the morning in a to-go cup. Glass and stainless steel bottles are better for continued use so as to avoid harmful chemicals and toxins. If you go with a plastic cup, make sure it’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
Kids Cups
For kids, reusable stainless steel or wrapped glass jar smoothie cups are a great option. These are versatile, great on the go or at home and don’t have the harmful chemicals that plastic cups have. Just make sure to clean the cups and straws often with a straw cleaner.
Bowls
Bowls are needed if you plan on making acai bowls or smoothie bowls. Poor thicker smoothies and acai bowls in a nice bowl and enjoy with a spoon. You can customize by adding various toppings and it makes it feel more like a meal.
Straws
If you make your smoothie the correct consistency, it should be thick enough to eat with a spoon and also sip through a straw. Disposable straws are worse for the environment and are generally made with more harmful plastics. If you’re going to be using straws often go with ones that are better for the environment or reusable straws. With reusable straws make sure to clean thoroughly and often with a straw cleaner.
Knifes
You’ll need a good set of knives for cutting produce.
Spoons
You’ll want some spoons for stirring your smoothies and eating thicker smoothies and acai bowls.
Cutting Board
Have at least one cutting board to cut produce and get your ingredients ready.
Measuring Spoons
Get a set of stainless steel measuring spoons to measure dry ingredients. Go with stainless steel to avoid plastic and last longer.
Measuring Cups
Also get a set of stainless steel measuring cups and a two cup pyrex clear measuring cup. This is great for measuring liquids and fruit and vegetables for larger smoothies.
Cleaning Supplies
Don’t forget to clean your blender, cups and smoothie gear after each use. Many blenders you’ll need to hand wash with dish soap and a sponge. Every now and then also clean your blender with white vinegar and hot water and let it soak. Then scrub it with baking soda and water. This will remove the buildup from minerals overtime and make your blender container nice and clear again if it starts to get foggy. For cleaning straws and the bottom of cups, get a few long straw brushes to clean out reusable straws.
Glass Bottles
If you decide to make juices, you might want to get some glass bottles. You can wash them, reuse them and take them on the go.
Wellness Shot Glasses
Making wellness shots and storing in the fridge is great for extra juice and smoothies. These are perfect for taking on the go or having as a little snack. 2 oz or 4 oz glass bottle options are great. We like the ones with wider mouths because they are easier to drink and fill with liquid.
Mason Jars
Mason jars are a great option with multiple uses. They can be used as cups, for storage or drinks on the go. They also look great if you're taking photos of your creations.
Water Filters
Clean, filtered water is a must for good smoothies. This means clean, filtered ice too. Go with a high quality water filter and check the lab test results to see what the filter is actually removing. You’d be surprised how little some of the most popular water filters actually remove from your drinking water. Many are just standard carbon filters that remove only bad tastes and odors. Sure this is important but you’ll also want a filter that removes heavy metals, plastics, fluoride and other toxic contaminants. Having clean water will not only keep you healthy but also ensure your smoothies have a consistent, clean, refreshing, taste.
