How to Choose a Blender: Wattage, Jar Size & Speed

By Breville | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: Buying Guides

Learn how to choose a blender by matching wattage, jar size, and speed settings to what you actually blend—plus honest trade-offs and a Breville buying guide.

Quick answer

Choose a blender by starting with what you blend most: daily smoothies need a 600–1000W motor and a 1.5–2L jar, while occasional soups and sauces can use a smaller 1–1.5L jar and lower wattage. Speed settings matter more than raw wattage for texture control—look for at least 3–5 speeds plus a pulse function. If counter space is tight, prioritize jar shape and lid design over extra power.

Wattage: what it actually tells you

Wattage indicates the motor's power ceiling, not the quality of the blend. A 1000W motor can crush ice and frozen fruit faster than a 600W motor, but it also draws more current and runs louder. For most home kitchens, 600–800W handles daily smoothies, batters, and pureed soups. Step up to 1000W+ only if you regularly crush ice, blend dense frozen blocks, or make nut butters.

Under 600W: light tasks like protein shakes, dressings, and soft fruit.
600–800W: the sweet spot for most households—smoothies, soups, and sauces.
1000W+: heavy-duty jobs like ice crushing, frozen fruit blocks, and nut butters.

Jar size and shape: match your batch, not your cabinet

Jar size should match the largest batch you make in a typical week. A 1.5L jar is enough for two large smoothies or a family-sized soup. If you often blend small portions—like a single dressing or baby food—a wide 2L jar can leave ingredients spread too thin for the blades to catch. In that case, a smaller 1L jar or a blender with a narrow blending cup is more practical.

1–1.5L: singles, couples, small batches, and everyday sauces.
1.5–2L: families, meal prep, and batch soups or smoothies.
Wide jars: better for thick mixtures; narrow jars: better for small, thin batches.

Speed settings and controls: the real texture tools

Speed settings let you start slow to pull ingredients down, then ramp up to puree without overheating. A pulse button gives short bursts for chopping and prevents over-blending. If a blender has only one speed, you lose the ability to adjust texture—fine for basic shakes, limiting for sauces and salsas. Look for clearly marked speeds and a pulse function; digital presets are convenient but not essential.

3–5 speeds: enough control for most cooking tasks.
Pulse: essential for chopping and avoiding over-processing.
Presets: convenient for smoothies or soups, but not a substitute for manual control.

Trade-offs to accept before you buy

More wattage means more noise and a heavier base. Larger jars take up more counter or cabinet space and can be awkward to clean. Glass jars resist scratching and odors but add weight; plastic jars are lighter and cheaper but can stain or retain smells over time. There is no perfect blender—decide which trade-off you can live with daily.

High wattage = faster blending, more noise, heavier unit.
Large jar = bigger batches, more storage space needed.
Glass jar = durable and clear, but heavy; plastic = light, but can stain.

Decision rules for choosing a blender

If you make smoothies daily: Choose 600–1000W and a 1.5–2L jar. Prioritize a pulse function and at least 3 speeds so you can start slow and finish smooth without overheating. Checkpoint: can it crush frozen fruit without stopping? If not, step up in wattage.
If you mostly make soups and sauces: A 1–1.5L jar and 600–800W motor are enough. Look for a vented lid if you blend hot liquids, and a jar shape that lets a stick blender or spatula reach the corners. Verdict: don't pay for ice-crushing power you won't use.
If counter space is tight: Measure your tallest cabinet gap before buying. A narrow 1L jar or a blender with a blending cup stores more easily than a wide 2L jar. Consider a model with a cord wrap or compact base. Next step: tape out the footprint on your counter to test the fit.
If you blend small portions often: Avoid wide 2L jars—they spread small amounts too thin. Choose a 1L jar or a personal blending cup. A narrow jar keeps ingredients over the blades. Checkpoint: will a single serving actually reach the blades? If not, size down.

Breville products that fit these rules

the InFizz™ Bottles 1L - 2 Pack: the InFizzTM Bottles 1L - 2 Pack are 2x 1L BPA-free carbonating bottles compatible with the InFizzTM Aqua and InFizzTM Fusion (BCA600/BCA800). If you carbonate drinks, these bottles give you a 1L batch size that matches the jar-size logic above—useful for planning how much you blend or carbonate at once.
the Smart Oven® Pro: the Smart Oven® Pro With Element IQ® has a convection setting that reduces cooking time by up to 30% and works with the Breville+ app. If you often roast or bake after blending (e.g., soups, sauces, or purees), a countertop oven with convection can complement your blender by handling the cooking step efficiently.

Who this advice fits

Best for

Home cooks who want one blender for smoothies, soups, and sauces
Small households or couples blending 1–2 servings at a time
Buyers who value texture control over maximum wattage

Not for

Commercial or high-volume daily use (look for a dedicated high-power model)
Anyone who regularly blends large batches over 2L (consider a larger pitcher or batch blender)
Buyers who want a single preset button and no manual speed control (a basic personal blender may suit better)