We Tested the Best Quiet Blenders for Recipes Without the Racket

Blenders can be workhorses in any kitchen. They whip, crush, grind, puree, liquefy, and, of course, blend. They can make soups for dinner, smoothies for breakfast, and frozen treats for dessert. However, for all the work a blender can do, there is one thing it doesn't do so well: be quiet. But not all blenders are jump-from-a-deep-sleep loud. In fact, a few companies have put a great deal of effort into making quiet blenders or ones that don't emit quite as many decibels as their competitors.

The best quiet blenders will allow you to make a morning smoothie or blend up a strawberry sauce before anyone else rises in your house—and you won't wake them up in the process. To help you find the right quiet blender for your kitchen, we tested top options from trusted brands by measuring the sound pressure levels and considering other important attributes like motor power, ease of cleaning, extra features, and size.

Our Top Picks

• Our Top Pick: Breville Super Q
• Runner-up: Vitamix 5200
• Most Versatile: Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Blender
• Best Value: Cleanblend Commercial Blender
• Best Safety Features: Hurom Hexa Power High Speed
• Best Portable: Dash Personal Portable USB Blender
  

About Our Tests

In our test kitchen, we examined 23 top-rated blenders and evaluated their performances in making fresh almond milk, smoothies, frozen margaritas, homemade mayonnaise, and pureed soup. To measure quietness, we recorded and registered the sound pressure levels using two decibel readers—one to register maximum levels and the other to register minimum levels. For each blender, we recorded the sound of the motor alone at low, medium, and high speeds, both empty and with ice cubes.

Each blender was sorted from lowest to highest decibel level and rated on the following attributes:

• Sound: Can you have a conversation while the blender is running? Would you feel comfortable using it in your kitchen while other household members slept?
• Design: Do the materials seem high-quality or cheap and flimsy? How securely does the blender jar fit onto the base? Do any ingredients leak around the lid or center cap?
• Ease of Use: How easy is the blender to lift and pour from and scrape down the sides? Is the control panel intuitive?
• Performance: How well incorporated are the ingredients after 60 seconds? After blending, are there any large pieces left over in the blending jar? How effectively does the blender integrate ingredients of different textures?
• Convenience: Is the blender very heavy? Are there any features or settings—cord storage, accessories, etc.—that make this blender more or less convenient to use?
• Ease of Cleaning: How easy or difficult is it to clean the jar, base, and blending mechanisms? Does it have an auto-clean function? Do any food particles get stuck in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies?
  

Our Top Pick

Breville Stainless Steel Super Q Blender

$550 $485 at Amazon $535 $488 at Walmart $500 at Williams Sonoma

The Breville Super Q features a cooling system that’s specifically designed to reduce operating noise. This technology pays off: it was the quietest blender we tested, with an average decibel level of 82.1. Seeing as how our loudest blender had an average of 92.9, the difference in noise level is pretty substantial. There are 12 different speed settings and five programs (green smoothie, smoothie, soup, pulse, ice crush, and frozen dessert) that trigger at the touch of a button. 

Along with the 64-ounce jar, the Breville comes with an additional blade system to blend your favorite drinks into a personal blender cup. The blades have a slightly angled design, which makes them easier to clean by hand, but there’s also an auto-clean cycle that’s built into the blender itself. This blender excelled in making soup during tests; it came out super smooth and perfectly hot at 131ºF. We loved that it had functions for both green smoothies and regular smoothies for the true smoothie enthusiast—and it produced a great texture in both settings. 

The Details: 10.5 x 8.1 x 18 inches; 43-inch power cord; 160-ounce base; 48-ounce jar; 208-ounce total weight; 68-ounce capacity; 82.1 average decibel level

Our Other Top Pick

Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender

$426 $350 at Amazon View on Vitamix.com $643 at Newegg.com

This Vitamix model was the second-quietest blender we tested. It also received perfect scores around our design, ease of use, performance, ease of cleaning, and convenience tests. We were able to have raised conversations at both low and medium speeds, and it was incredibly efficient while making smoothies, frozen drinks, and soups. It even stood out by being one of the only blenders on the list to produce a smooth and creamy homemade mayonnaise. 

The four blades made quick and easy work of all the ingredients without any ear-splitting sounds. We especially love that it has 10-speed settings and an additional "high" setting, which is even faster than speed 10. Although there is no self-cleaning feature, we found it easy enough to clean during tests—especially the base, as there are not a lot of moving parts or buttons. Overall, though the Vitamix brand does come with high expectations and a high price tag, this model definitely lives up to its reputation. 

The Details: 7.25 x 8.75 x 20.5 inches; 75-inch power cord; 112-ounce base; 40-ounce jar; 152-ounce total weight; 64-ounce capacity; 84.8 average decibel level

Most Versatile

Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Blender

$300 $240 at Amazon $300 at Wayfair $300 at Sur La Table

With a powerful motor that helps drive its blades to speeds of over 210 miles per hour, we couldn’t believe how quiet this blender was. The low speed was compared to the gentle hum of a plug-in fan during our tests, with raised conversations possible up to medium speed. But it wasn’t just the low decibels that impressed us—this blender also boasts a sturdy, high-quality construction that’s built to last. 

Considering the higher price tag, we appreciated the durability and look of the stainless steel base and the thick plastic lid, which was one of the most secure we tested. The control panel features a double dial—one for speed and another for presets (smoothie, puree, soup, and ice crush)—and a timer display. All of the ingredients were well incorporated with the smoothie, and the margarita blended into a fluffy, pillowy consistency in just 17 seconds. The only issue we found was when it came to making fresh mayonnaise, as even the lowest setting was too high to emulsify properly. 

The Details: 7.5 x 9 x 20.25 inches; 40-inch power cord; 152-ounce base; 48.3-ounce jar; 200.3-ounce total weight; 64-ounce capacity; 85.1 average decibel level

Best Value

Cleanblend Commercial Blender

$169 $159 at Amazon

For the quality of materials and performance, the Cleanblend Commercial Blender offers fantastic value. We compared it closely to the Vitamix 5200, which is nearly twice the price. Besides the cost, there are a couple of other features that set the Cleanblend Commercial Blender apart from the rest. First, there are four serrated blades and four regular blades that sit directly under one another in a multi-angle, tiered design to ensure even and efficient blending. Second, the wide mouth spout makes pouring dense ingredients much easier than with other blenders. Although it is a bit heavy, cord storage under the base helps keep everything organized, and the broad opening makes it easy to clean.

It was one of the best-performing blenders for almond milk and smoothies during our tests, blending smoothie ingredients to a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency in less than 30 seconds and leaving hardly any pulp behind when pushed through a mesh strainer. It also made quick work of pureeing soup.

The Details: 15 x 18 x 13 inches; 60-inch power cord; 112-ounce base; 46.2-ounce jar; 158.2-ounce total weight; 64-ounce capacity; 85.2 average decibel level

Best Safety Features

Hurom Hexa Power High Speed Blender

$349 at Amazon

This is a great option for home cooks who want to elevate their recipes with a high-quality blender that’s simple to use. Its six stainless steel blades complement a powerful motor and the flat walls on the pitcher make it easy to scrape down the sides. 

During tests, we liked the ability to turn it on without any activity from the blades, which is both a safety feature and allows for extra time to ensure you’re getting exactly the right setting. We also appreciated the automatic safety system that prevents the motor from overheating; the power shuts itself off when the heat reaches its limit. Likewise, if the container is lifted off the base while in use, the blender stops automatically. It made quick work of almond milk, soups, and smoothies, leaving hardly any pulp behind, but struggled a bit crushing ice for margaritas. Although the blender is pretty heavy, it’s stylish and modern enough to keep out on the counter. 

The Details: 17.2 x 13.1 x 9.3 inches; 44-inch power cord; 128-ounce base; 42.3-ounce jar; 170.3-ounce total weight; 64-ounce capacity; 85.8 average decibel level

Best Portable

Dash Personal Portable USB Blender

$40 $28 at Amazon $28 at Target $40 at Wayfair

Not all personal blenders are portable (and not all portable blenders are personal), but this personal one is. Even though we can’t compare the decibel levels of this small personal blender to the full-sized models on the list, the Dash Personal Portable USB Blender definitely deserves a mention. During tests, it made practically zero noise, and we noted that we’d be more than comfortable using it while the whole house slept. It has a USB-rechargeable battery that can handle multiple uses on a single charge, as well as a leakproof lid and carrying strap to take on the go.

Despite its size, the motor was powerful enough to blast through smoothie ingredients in two to three minutes during our tests. However, it wasn’t strong enough to handle frozen fruit straight from the freezer, so it’s best to wait for it to defrost a bit first. We love the USB cord (we even plugged it into a laptop) and the simple push-button controls to blend. After running it through the dishwasher several times, it still came out looking as good as new.

The Details: 9.25 x 3.25 x 3.25 inches; 39-inch USB-C charging cable; 16-ounce total weight; 12.8-ounce capacity

Our Takeaway

After testing several blenders for various features, we chose the Breville Super Q as our top pick. It was the quietest out of all the blenders we tested—but also produced perfect smoothies and soups. If you're looking for a more affordable option that is also very quiet and blends easily, you can't go wrong with the Cleanblend Commercial Blender.

How to Pick the Right Quiet Blender

Design Features

Obviously, if you're looking to buy a quiet blender, noise is perhaps the most significant factor. Unfortunately, most blender brands don't release decibel ratings for their appliances, which would make picking the quietest blender easy. Instead, you'll have to rely on understanding the quiet-making features. For example, some brands use noise-reducing covers placed directly over the blender container to capture and contain sounds. Others use extra housing around the motor to dampen noise. Other features like rubber gaskets can have an impact on how quiet the blender ultimately is when it's in use, too.

Beyond these noise-reducing features, you may want to consider additional equipment, as many blenders are sold as part of a bundle. Tampers, for example, are used to help make sure dense, thick foods are blended thoroughly. Some blenders come with two different containers: a single-serve size and a larger container.

Motor Power

Most of the sounds of a blender come from the motor. The stronger the motor, the more likely it is to make more noise. But you may want a strong motor, as the blender's top speeds ultimately determine the food's final consistency and texture. Cheaper blenders usually have motors that reach 300 to 600 watts. More expensive brands can go as high as 1500 to 1800 watts.

Ease of Cleaning

A blender has to be cleaned well so it doesn't rust or create buildup. Some models have self-cleaning capabilities that require you to put in soap and a bit of water and press a button for a thorough cleaning. Others will require you to disassemble the whole apparatus in order to wash it. Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup even faster if you do have to take the blender apart to clean it.

Warranty

Some blenders are an investment—with price tags to prove it. Before you make that investment, you want to be sure the blender comes with a warranty that will protect your purchase if something were to break or stop working. Most brands offer limited warranties on parts, labor, and shipping. Others have money-back guarantees. Depending on how much you're willing to spend, you'll want a warranty that matches the investment.

Size

With the possibility of a large container cover, some of these quiet blenders will require extra space in your pantry or cabinets. Be sure to measure and understand what parts come apart so you can properly store the blender if you do not plan to leave it on your counter. And if you do plan to leave it on your counter, ensure that the tall cover will clear your overhead cabinets and fit neatly under them.

The Leftovers: Other Blenders We Tested

Out of all 23 models tested, the Ninja Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender and the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro + Single Serve were the two loudest blenders. They both registered 10 times louder than our top pick—or about twice as loud as most gas-powered outdoor appliances (think lawnmowers and leaf blowers).

Common Questions

How do you reduce blender noise?

A blender that's loud enough to wake the neighbors is never fun. Try placing it on a folded dish towel or rubber mat to absorb the sound—just make sure it doesn't block any vents or cause the blender to become unsteady while in use. You can also move the blender away from the wall to keep the noise from bouncing off more surfaces.

What is the best way to wash a blender?

Before using your blender, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how best to wash it. Some models may or may not be dishwasher safe, and some have auto-cleaning features. Either way, a good trick is to fill the jar a little less than halfway with warm water and a few drops of soap, fit the lid back on, run it on low for a few seconds, and rinse. You can also wipe the base of the blender clean with a moistened towel.

Why Take Our Word For It?

This piece was written by Kimberly Holland, senior editor of Allrecipes since 2019 and former editor of Cooking Light. She has 15+ years of experience in food, lifestyle, and home content. Her work can also be found in Real Simple, Southern Living, Eating Well, Healthline, and other publications.

Katherine Gallagher, a commerce editor at Allrecipes, updated this article with insights from our test kitchen.