While smoothies may be the first thing people think of when considering a personal blender, the fact is that these little appliances are more versatile than you may think. The best blender for spices can even make fresh cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, as well as nut butter and coffee. However, it takes a special kind of blender to do the job right.
If you’re not sure what features to look for, take a look at this guide, where we break-down all the top models and the criteria we used when choosing them. Each has something a little different to offer, balancing speed, power, durability, and accessories.
The Five Best Blenders for Spices
Nutribullet NBR-0601
What we liked:
- 600-watt motor easily handles spices
- Compact size makes storage easy
What we didn’t like:
- Milling blade sold separately
- Can overheat with larger batches
What we like about the Nutribullet NBR-0601 is how well it balances performance, versatility and price. With a 600-watt motor, it’s not the most powerful blender on our list, though it doesn’t struggle when grinding spices. Even cinnamon, known to be particularly tough, isn’t a challenge for this model.
The only factor to watch out for is overfilling the blending cup. This can cause it to overflow, or overheat, especially when working with tough ingredients. Though the 24 oz blending cup should be more than enough when blending spices.
To truly take advantage of this blender’s potential with dry ingredients, you’ll want to buy their milling blade. It doesn’t cost much extra and it easily attaches to your base for added versatility.
Nutribullet Pro
What we liked:
- Very powerful for such a small blender
- Narrow jar lets you blend smaller amounts
- The wide range of lids let you drink any way you want
What we didn’t like:
- Certain ingredients need to be loaded in the right order
- The recipe book leaves something to be desired
This Nutribullet Pro is proof that good things can come in small packages. Complete with a 900-watt motor, a pair of to-go cups, and hassle-free design, it’s everything you need for dry or wet ingredients.
The added power gives it a definite edge over the Nutribullet NBR-0601, allowing you to grind spices faster and more quietly. Especially when equipped with a milling blade, it is able to grind your ingredients fine or coarse in seconds.
Just don’t forget when working with this blender that ingredients need to be loaded in a particular way to avoid leaks and spills. Ingredients need to be loaded according to the blender’s instructions to get the best results. All this means is that you’ll need to take a close look at the instruction manual before using it.
All of the blending cups, blades, and lids are dishwasher-safe, helping you cut-down on cleanup. Like other Nutribullet models, it also includes a self-cleaning function that just takes a bit of soap and water.
Nutribullet Pro 1000
What we liked:
- Replacement blades easy to install and are inexpensive
- 1000-watt motor perfectly suited for dry ingredients
- Self-cleaning function works well
What we didn’t like:
- Can get a bit loud when the blade needs a change
- Tends to leak when full
When blending dry ingredients like spices, maximizing power is key. However, most of the high-performing blenders have a hard time offering the power needed to cut through cinnamon and nutmeg, while also coming in a size compact enough to work with small batches. That’s where the Nutribullet Pro 1000 comes in, bringing the size of a personal blender, with all the power of a full countertop blender.
The 1000-watt motor pairs perfectly with the Nutribullet milling blade for the easiest spice grinding experience you can buy. Of course, the added power does mean the blender runs a bit louder than other models. However, as long as you replace the blades regularly, you can cut down on much of the noise.
Magic Bullet
What we liked:
- Good quality for the price
- Highly compact
- Good variety of cups
What we didn’t like:
- Struggles with tough blends
- The blade may loosen over time
On the other end of the spectrum, this Magic Bullet blender offers a bit less power, but makes up for it by being the most affordable and compact spice grinder around. At just 13 inches tall, it’s easy to store in any kitchen cabinet or even take on the go. Its 250-watt motor also runs more quietly than its competitors.
The downside is that it’s not well suited to tough spices like cinnamon. Black pepper, cardamom, and cumin should all pose no problem for it though, and it can grind them as finely as any other personal blender.
Chulux 1000W Personal Blender
What we liked:
- Comes with a milling blade
- Very easy to clean
- Good range of jar sizes
What we didn’t like:
- Shows wear after months of use
If you’re looking for an alternative to Nutribullet that can give even their most powerful blenders a run for their money, this Chulux 1000W Personal Blender is worth a look. It has all the same power and capacity but with its own unique design. It even comes equipped with a milling blade and smaller blending jar, specially designed for grinding spices and coffee.
The main complaint we have about it is that its blending jar shows a bit of wear after regular use grinding spices. While it’s not enough to drastically change our opinion of it, it’s good to be aware that you may be replacing these parts more often than you expect.
Best Blender for Spices – Buyers Guide
When browsing the best blenders for spices, it may not be easy to tell which models offer the features best suited to your needs. If you’re not sure how to choose between the options listed above, you can start by familiarizing yourself with these essential criteria.
The Right Blade
Perhaps the most crucial factor in a good spice blender is the blade. If you plan on regularly using your blender for spices and other dry ingredients, look for blades made of quality steel. It may also be a good idea to check ahead of time whether the manufacturer sells replacement blades at an affordable cost. Generally, blender blades should be changed every six months, though if you’re regularly blending spices, every three or four months is better.
Some brands even offer specialized milling blades which are designed specifically for blending dry ingredients like spices, nuts, and coffee. This is different from the standard blade your blender comes with, with a long shape and a dull edge. It serves a dual function of cutting through tough ingredients while delivering a smooth and even finished product.
Capacity
While it might seem like a bigger blending jar is always better, the truth is that most of the time you’ll want a smaller one when blending spices. For your ingredients to blend evenly, it’s important that the blades are entirely submerged, no matter if you’re working with wet or dry ingredients. Larger, wider blending jars will take more food, as much as one cup, to achieve this, which may be impractical when working with expensive spices with a short shelf life.
Look for blenders with jars between 18 and 32 oz, depending on how large you expect your batches of spices to be. Better yet, try to find blenders that include several jars of multiple sizes for more versatility.
Quiet Operation
The main downside of powerful blenders is that they also tend to be louder. However, that isn’t always the case, as quality-made blenders can offer the best of both worlds with high power and quiet operation. The tricky part is learning how to tell the difference before buying.
While it’s difficult to say for sure without trying it for yourself, the rule of thumb is that blenders at the lower end of the price spectrum will make more noise. Also, contrary to common sense, heavier blenders will tend to be quieter than lighter ones with the same horsepower. The reason is that some of the weight comes from noise-dampening materials.
Also keep in mind that any blender is going to tend to run a bit louder when grinding spices and other dry ingredients, as opposed to a smoothie. If you want to help quiet your blender, try placing it on a dishtowel while in use.
Variable Speed Control
Dedicated smoothie-makers generally only operate on the higher speed settings, which are specialized for quickly creating smooth, even blends. However, the best blender for spices needs to be much more versatile than this. The reason is that different spices require different textures and consistencies. Black pepper often benefits from a coarse grind whereas cumin and chile powder are better when they are much finer.
Generally, lower speed settings give you a coarser grind whereas faster ones with blend your spices finer. Blenders that have more options will give you greater control over the finished product.
Raw Power
Of course, all of your blender’s speed settings won’t make much of a difference if they don’t have the power to back them up. Many spices are encased in tough husks and shells which can put a strain on weaker blenders. Also, if you’re blending large quantities of spices, a more powerful blender will have an easier time chewing through them without overheating.
The easiest way to check a blender’s power is to look at its wattage. Generally, blenders range between 300 and 1,500 watts. For a dedicated spice blender, the middle to high range is preferable, above 600 watts at least, which is the equivalent of one horsepower.
Easy Cleaning
While it might not be the first thing you think of when buying, cleaning definitely won’t escape your notice after you’re finished grinding spices. While it’s always going to be a part of any blending project, some blenders are easier to clean than others. Look for wide blending jars that easily accommodate hands and fingers. Removable blades are also a plus.
More than anything else, you’ll want to look for a blender that is dishwasher-friendly. Make sure the jars, blades, lid, and other accessories are both dishwasher-safe and small enough to fit in your machine.
Made to Last
Blending dry ingredients will wear down your blender’s motor, jar, blades, and other accessories faster than liquid blends will. For this reason, it’s better to invest in a quality blender that’s made to last. Plastic blending jars are more resistant to heat and don’t shatter, though glass ones don’t scratch as easily. When it comes to blades, look for 5mm stainless steel, which will maintain their edge longer, even when blending dry ingredients.
One good way to judge a manufacturer’s faith in their product is to check whether their product comes with a warranty. A one-year warranty is a must, though the best options offer as much as two to five years.
Budget-Friendly
Blenders can range anywhere from $20 to $500, and while price generally scales with quality, that doesn’t mean you need to blow your budget for a reliable spice grinder. In fact, you can find quality options near the $40 range since the best blender for spices will tend to be smaller than those used for smoothies, mixed drinks, and other projects.
If you’re looking for a larger option or need a bit more power behind your motor, blenders topping out at around $100 can be a good upper limit. However, spending more may not be the best investment, unless you’re looking for a versatile blender with multiple attachments.
Our Top Pick
While any of the personal blenders mentioned above can serve as great spice grinders, the best blender for spices is the Nutribullet NBR-0601. It’s not the most powerful, largest, or affordable option on our list, but offers a good blend of all of the above, at a price anyone can appreciate.
The 600-watt motor turns out to be the right level of power to grind the tough spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while still allowing you get get a coarser grind on your black pepper. While the Nutribullet milling blade does need to be purchased separately, it adds a whole new level of versatility. When it comes to capacity, the 24 oz blending jar is neither too big or soo small.
Try it for yourself and see what we mean, or choose any of the other four blenders that meet your kitchen’s needs.
