Jug vs Personal vs Hand Blender: Which Do You Need?

By the Blend Wise editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

Blenders come in three main types, and choosing the right one matters more than the brand. Here's how jug, personal and hand blenders compare.

Jug (countertop) blender

The classic full-size blender with a large jug on a motor base. It's the best choice for batches - family smoothies, big pots of soup, sauces and dips - and the more powerful models crush ice well. The downsides are size (it takes up worktop or cupboard space) and that it's overkill for a single smoothie.

Personal / bullet blender

A compact blender where you blend a single serving directly into a cup, then twist on a lid and drink or take it with you. It's quick, easy to clean, cheap and space-saving - ideal if you mostly make one smoothie at a time. The limit is capacity: it's not for big batches or large pots of soup.

Hand (stick) blender

An immersion blender you hold and dip straight into a pan, jug or bowl. It's perfect for soups and sauces (blend right in the pot), purees and small jobs, and it stores in a drawer. With attachments it can whisk and chop too. It's less suited to thick frozen smoothies than a jug or bullet blender.

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

Which type of blender should I buy?

Choose a jug blender for batches and families, a personal/bullet blender for single smoothies on the go, or a hand blender for soups and blending in the pan. Many people own a bullet or jug for smoothies plus a hand blender for soups.

Bottom line

Our top pick is the Nutribullet Blender 600 Series (our score 9.6/10) - A practical blender (personal/bullet) for smoothies, soups and everyday blending at home..