Slushies, frozen margaritas, daiquiris, and other icy drinks are always a hit at parties and gatherings. Blending up the perfect crushed ice drink requires a powerful blender that can handle ice without choking. Not all blenders are up to the task. To get that flawless frozen texture, you need the right equipment.

What to Look for in an Ice Crushing Blender

Blenders made specifically for ice crushing and frozen drinks will have a few key features:

• Powerful motor – At least 500 watts or higher to grind ice thoroughly. The blade needs a strong motor behind it.
• Sharp blades – Sturdy, sharp blades that can handle repeated ice crushing without dulling quickly. Stainless steel blades are ideal.
• Settings for ice – Blenders with specific ice crush settings will pulverize ice to the right consistency.
• Large pitcher – A pitcher with plenty of room to blend ice, liquid, and fruit if needed for cocktails. At least 40 ounces is best.
• Durable material – A durable plastic or metal pitcher that won’t crack under the strain of crushing ice. Glass pitchers can break more easily.

The Best Ice Crushing Blenders

Based on the criteria above, here are my top picks for blenders that make short work of ice:

Vitamix Explorian E310

With a 3 peak horsepower motor and aircraft-grade stainless steel blades, the Vitamix Explorian is a powerhouse. It has a pulse feature and variable speed control to perfectly crush ice to the desired texture, from snowy powder to large chunks. The 48 oz pitcher is durable and designed for icy blends. Vitamix offers a great 10 year full warranty too. This blender will never clog on ice.

Motor: 3 peak HP

Blades: Hardened stainless steel

Pitcher: 48 oz plastic

Price: $$

Ninja Professional Countertop Blender

For a more budget-friendly option, the Ninja Professional blender is surprisingly capable with ice. Its 1100 watt motor and 6 blade assembly pulverizes ice quickly. It has a pulse button and speeds for pureeing to crushing. The 72 oz pitcher is plenty big enough for batch drinks. Just be aware that you may need to stop and stir a bit for an evenly crushed blend. Great value overall!

Motor: 1100 watts

Blades: 6 blade assembly

Pitcher: 72 oz plastic

Price: $

Hamilton Beach SoundShield Blender

The Hamilton Beach SoundShield is designed to crush ice without all the noise. It has a major ice crushing feature, with the optimal speeds and blade angles to turn ice into a smooth drink texture. The SoundShield technology keeps it quieter than many competitors. With a 700 watt motor and 52 oz pitcher, the performance is impressive for the price.

Motor: 700 watts

Blades: Stainless steel 4 blade

Pitcher: 52 oz plastic

Price: $

Bartesian Premium Cocktail Machine

For automated cocktails with perfect crushed ice every time, the Bartesian is unbeatable. Just fill the reservoirs with your preferred spirits and ingredients. Insert a cocktail capsule and the Bartesian dispenses the drink blended with ice into your glass. With an integrated ice crusher, it creates flawless frozen margaritas, daiquiris and more at the touch of a button.

Motor: Custom quiet motor

Blade: Stainless steel

Reservoirs: 1.8 L for each ingredient

Price: $$$

Blendtec Total Blender Classic

No ice stands a chance against the Blendtec Total Blender! With a 3 HP motor, blunt stainless steel blades, and heating element for friction, it is a true ice pulverizing machine. The UI offers precise speed control between pulsing and continuous blending. The BPA-free jar is super durable. Owners highly praise its ice blending prowess.

Motor: 3 HP commercial grade

Blades: Blunt stainless steel

Pitcher: BPA-free plastic 75 oz

Price: $$$

Tips for Crushing Ice in a Blender

• Use standard ice cubes. Avoid extra large cubes which are tougher for blenders to break down.
• Don’t overfill the pitcher. Leave room for the ice to move and spin while crushing.
• Pulse to begin breaking up ice before blending continuously. Pulse again if needed.
• Let the blender work through tough spots. Don’t stop it abruptly.
• Use a tamper to press uncrushed ice into the blades if needed.
• Add a small amount of liquid to get things moving. Pure ice can stick.
• Skip cheap blenders lacking power. Save your money for a quality ice crusher.

Smooth and Satisfying Frozen Drinks

With a good ice crushing blender in your kitchen, you can create crowd-pleasing frozen drinks anytime. Experiment with fun combinations of fresh fruit, juices, alcohol or syrups, and of course plenty of ice. Blend up festive pitchers of your favorite frozen concoctions to serve at your next gathering! Cheers!

FAQs: Ice Crushing Blenders

What’s the difference between crushed ice and shaved ice?

Crushed ice has small, uneven chunks that blend smoothly into drinks. Shaved ice is thin, light, and flaky in texture almost like snow. Specialized machines are required to make shaved ice. Ice crushers and blenders produce a crushed ice texture best for cocktails.

How long should I blend ice?

Blend in short pulses, stopping to stir or shake the pitcher occasionally. Typically 30 seconds to 1 minute total will crush ice to a drink-ready consistency. Thicker cubes may take longer. Listen for a constant grinding noise to know it’s fully crushed.

Can all blenders crush ice?

Not necessarily. Blenders under $100 often struggle with crushing ice, burning out quickly or leaving chunks. Check for at least 500+ watts of power, stainless steel blades, and good ice crushing reviews before purchasing. High performance blenders $200+ are a better investment for frequent icy drinks.

Conclusion 

Perfectly crushed ice takes a blender built for the task – strong, sharp blades and ample power. For home use, Vitamix, Ninja, and Blendtec make excellent ice crushing machines worth the price. With the right blender, you’ll be hosting fabulous frozen drink parties all summer long!