Your questions about blenders answeredWhat is the best blender?The Ninja foodi power blender takes the top spot as the best blender I tested. The combination of the various bowls, jugs and the dial combined with the 1200W motor makes for a beautiful cocktail. Whether it’s a smoothie for one or meal prep for a large family, I think it is a great option. If you’re just here for smoothies and nothing else, Zwilling is a great option, and I loved how much control I had with the Braun.How I tested blendersI tested each blender in a busy family kitchen. During testing, I looked at six main factors. These were:Power and versatility: I tested each blender in a busy family kitchen, looking for models that could handle large batches while offering plenty of versatility without taking up too much space. Chopping: I tested the chopping functions on both soft and hard vegetables, including onions and carrots, to see how evenly and effectively they were processed.Blending performance: I used each blender to make nut butter, smoothies, soups and pastes, assessing how well it handled different ingredients and textures.Ease of use: I considered how simple each blender was to operate, including whether the controls were intuitive and the overall process felt straightforward.Ease of cleaning: I assessed how easy each blender was to clean after use, looking for models that didn’t leave me with lots of fiddly parts to wash. Value for money: I tested blenders across a range of price points, weighing their performance and versatility against the cost. Blender vs food processor vs stick blender – which should I buy?Blenders: These tend to have tall jars with only one blade, and generally work best with wet recipes, such as smoothies, milkshakes, cocktails or soups. So, if you’re looking for an appliance to make drinks and other liquid concoctions, a blender could be right for you.Food processors: Featuring multiple blades within a wider jar (compared with blenders), these devices more often than not also feature varying modes, such as slicing or shredding, as well as blending and pureeing. These different features are achieved by different blades or discs, some even come with whisk attachments. If you’re looking for a multi-use appliance, a food processor may be what you need, just make sure you have plenty of space, as these appliances are often bigger than the average blender and all those accessories require additional storage, too.Stick blenders: Also called immersion blenders, these are definitely the more streamlined option, taking up much less real estate in the kitchen than blenders and food processors. The idea is to immerse the blades into the ingredients rather than the other way around. They are able to achieve the same results as blenders, although they may take more time to get recipes completely lump-free. If you’re strapped for space and don’t mind a bit of elbow grease, stick blenders are a great alternative to chunkier appliances.Why you can trust IndyBest reviewsZoë Phillimore has reviewed many home products for IndyBest, including mattresses, lawn mowers, trampolines and more. She knows which features to look for, including user-friendliness, settings and value for money. Zoë has used all of the blenders in this review in real-world conditions and has made dishes like smoothies, soups and juices in each and every one, similarly to how you would be using them in your own home.Looking for more kitchen appliance recommendations? Read our guide to the best air fryers