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Best Small Personal Blender for Protein Shakes

Going from unexpected gift to one of my must-haves, my single serve personal blender has made protein shakes a ton more tasty AND incredibly handy.

There’s no denying that I’m a huge fan of protein shakes, and if you don’t believe me you probably haven’t visited the fit desk jockey collection of 144 Protein Shake Recipes yet. It’s been nearly two years now since that post went up on the site, and it still remains one of the most popular posts. At this point I’ve tried just about every shake in the collection, and I definitely have my favorites.

Although the convenient shaker method of protein shake consumption is the most popular for protein shake preparation for fit desk jockeys always on the run, it’s also the preparation method that tastes the crappiest (IMHO). It doesn’t matter how great you say your protein tastes prepared in a shaker, I bet that it tastes even better in a blender. However, admittedly I rarely used a blender to make “real” blender-made protein shakes, except when I was doing something like trying a new recipe for the site.

Ladies and gentleman I have a confession to make.

I absolutely HATE cleaning freakin blenders.[ Tweet this]

Hey, I’m great at getting to the gym and getting my workout in every day, even when I recently switched to 6 am workouts, BUT that doesn’t mean I’m not a lazy man at heart. (Hey, I’m a fit desk jockey, not a saint). In the past at least 9 times out of 10 when I would make a protein shake I’d be drinking it up from my little protein shaker with just a blast of water or milk.

That all changed on Christmas Day 2012 when my wife got be one of the BEST Christmas gifts ever! An Oster MyBlend, a gift that has continued to make my protein shakes a lot tastier ever since. It’s on it’s way to becoming the most used gift I’ve ever received, and has proven for me to be the secret unlocking thousands of tasty protein shake recipes WITHOUT the mess.

The Number Nerd Specifics:

  • Blend your favorite smoothie or shake right in the sport bottle
  • It’s dishwasher-safe 20-ounce bottle
  • The plastic is BPA-free
  • Comes with a convenient travel lid
  • Powerful 250-watt motor with One Touch blending
  • Built-in, resettable fuse will revive the motor in 15 minutes should it overheat

There are four main reasons why I love my Oster Personal Blender, and why I think you owe it to yourself to check it out of you shake your protein, shake, shake your protein.

  1. Affordable – The unit is relatively inexpensive at $24.94 (Amazon), BUT I’ve seen at places like Herbergers for $19.99 during the holidays. Money VERY well spent.
  2. Easy to Clean – If you use your protein shake blender daily like I do, then all you really need to do for cleanup is to give it a good rinse with hot water. I do take the time to give mine a good hand washing with soap every few days or so (or at least I mean to).
  3. Size – The single serving size (20 oz) of the Oster personal blender makes it so easy to throw together a post workout shake right when you get in the door. For you early morning workout gym rats (I’ve been one for about 3 weeks now), you can even make your shake in the morning and take it with you for a post workout boost by using the alternative travel top (included).
  4. Feel Fuller – James Bond may know how to order a martini, but definitely NOT a protein shake. When you add ice to your protein shake, maybe a banana (thanks Gwen) and actually blend it rather than shake it, the result is a much thicker shake. I’ve found the thicker shake to be much more filling and satisfying, especially for those days you really kill it during your workout and you’re just STARVING.

The Oster Personal blender is the perfect size to whip up all 144 FDJ Protein Recipes! 🙂

Now, there are a few bad reviews on the Target site, some complaining that the bender leaked for them after only a week, but I’ve been using mine daily for over a month now with absolutely no problems. I guess you can’t always believe what you hear on the internet, who knew?

Below is one of my favorite protein shake recipes from our collection.

Cinnamon Apple Pie Protein Shake

  • 8 oz skim, soy or almond milk
  • 1 rounded tbs apple sauce
  • 3 drops vanilla extract
  • 3 dashes of apple pie spice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder

The individual benefits of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are fairly well known, but when united for a common delicious purpose these three spices become a fantastic homemade apple pie spice. To make a tsp of your own homemade apple pie spice, simply combine a 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp of allspice. Delish! It’s also an awesome addition to oatmeal.

If you give either the shake or the homemade apple pie spice a whirl, check back and let us know how it goes.  Be sure to like our facebook page to stay up to date on all things fit desk jockey, and join the over 800 other fit desk jockeys.

For more information checkout our complete guide below.

Oster BLSTPB-WBL My Blend 250-Watt Blender with Travel Sport Bottle, Light Powder Blue
  • Blend your favorite smoothie or shake right in the sport bottle
  • Dishwasher safe 20 ounce BPA free plastic sport bottle
  • Crush ice with 400 watts of power, 250 blending watts. One touch blending action
  • Built in, resettable fuse will revive the motor in 15 minutes should it overheat
  • Recipes included in the instruction manual
Vitamix 5200 Blender Professional-Grade, Self-Cleaning 64 oz Container, Black - 001372
  • Variable Speed Control: Easily adjust speed to achieve a variety of textures. The dial can be rotated at any point during the blend, so you’re in complete control
  • Large Batches: The size and shape of the self-cleaning 64-ounce container is ideal for blending medium to large batches. Design Feature : Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system
  • Hot Soup: The blades in the Vitamix container reach speeds fast enough to create friction heat, bringing cold ingredients to steaming hot in about six minutes
  • Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results
  • Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds.
Sale
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender, Professional-Grade, 48 oz. Container, Black
  • Variable Speed Control: Ten variable speeds allow you to refine every texture with culinary precision, from the smoothest purées to the heartiest soups
  • Pulse Feature: Layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups.
  • The 48-ounce container is ideal for blending medium batches for small family meals. Cutting blades measuring 3-inch diameter to ensure a consistent blend every time. Electrical Ratings-120 V
  • Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results. Cord length: 4.5 feet
  • Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds. What's in the Box: motor base, 48 oz. container, mini-tamper, cookbook
Sale
Blendtec Professional 800 Blender with WildSide+ Jar (90 oz), Sealed Sound Enclosure, Industries Strongest and Quietest Professional-Grade Power, 11-Speed Touch Slider, Self-Cleaning, Black
  • Elevate Your Blending Experience: High quality blender for smoothies, shakes, cocktail drinks, soups, crushed ice (snow cones, margaritas), juicer, ice cream maker, mixer, and self-cleaning. Our blenders are used in some of the largest smoothie shops around the world, and you can enjoy the same experience in the comfort of your own home. No tamper/plunger needed due to our patented technology which automatically pulls ingredients toward the blade, instead of spinning around in a circle.
  • Six preprogrammed blend cycles + pulse for just about any recipe. Use specific cycles to make anything from smoothies and fresh whole juice to cappuccinos, soups, margaritas, bread dough, sauces, dressings, and much more.
  • The Professional 800 operates at 11 speeds. Touch slider offers ultimate precision speed control, by simply sliding finger up and down control panel. One-touch interface for easy cleaning and quick blending, with LCD countdown timer for consistent results each time.
  • Includes BPA-free and impact resistant WildSide+ jar with extra-wide base and narrow fifth "wild" side for a faster, smoother blend. The WildSide+ Jar is a 90 oz volume jar with 36 oz blending capacity (wet or dry). Blendtec Sound Enclosure makes quiet blending possible in the home and in high volume shops. Top and back portions completely cover blocking sound for high volume blends with low noise.
  • 10 Year comprehensive warranty. For home use only. An American company, family-owned and driven to build the best quality products - without compromise. Engineered and assembled in the USA.
Vitamix 5300 Blender, Professional-Grade, 64 oz. Low-Profile Container, Black (Renewed)
  • Variable Speed Control: Easily adjust speed to achieve a variety of textures. The dial can be rotated at any point during the blend, so you’re in complete control.
  • Pulse Feature: Layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups.
  • Low-Profile 64-ounce Container: Perfect for family meals and entertaining, while fitting comfortably under most kitchen cabinets.
  • Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results.
  • Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds.2.2 HP motor
Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender - Fourside Jar (75 oz), Professional-Grade Power-6 Pre-Programmed Cycles-10-Speeds, Black
  • Elevate Your Blending Experience: High quality blender for smoothies, shakes, cocktail drinks, soups, crushed ice (snow cones, margaritas), juicer, ice cream maker, mixer, and self-cleaning. Our blenders are used in some of the largest smoothie shops around the world, and you can enjoy the same experience in the comfort of your own home. No tamper/plunger needed due to our patented technology which automatically pulls ingredients toward the blade, instead of spinning around in a circle.
  • Patented Blade/ 80% Thicker: Stainless-steel forged blade with wings for amazingly smooth blends (10x stronger than other blender blades) note Blade is not sharp blade is dull No more cuts and pokes. Self-cleaning: add a little soap and water your jar can clean itself in less than 1 minute.
  • Large Batches: BPA-free, four-sided jar is a 75 ounce volume jar with 32 ounce blending capacity (wet or dry) ideal for blending beverages for 3-4 people.
  • Warming Soup: Blendtec blenders heat soups and drinks through blade friction heat. Enjoy a warm meal or beverage in 6 minutes or less. Electrical ratings: Volts 120, Watt 1560 Hz, 50-60 amp, electrical cord: 35inches/3 feet.
  • 2 Year Warranty/American Company: Family-owned and driven to build the best quality products - without compromise. Engineered and assembled in the USA.
Blendtec - Original Designer Series Blender - WildSide+ Jar (90 oz) - Professional-Grade Power - Self-Cleaning - 6 Pre-Programmed Cycles - 8-Speeds - Sleek and Slim, Black
  • Variable blending cycles: 8 speeds for variable speed control and the ability to achieve a variety of textures. Complete control to adjust your blending at any time while blending. Led display with 7 varying blending options, showing duration/time remaining on blend cycle.
  • Touch interface/reduced noise: touchscreen controls give the machine a sleek silhouette and are easily wiped clean. Reduced motor noise due to internal baffling.
  • Patented blade/80% thicker: stainless-steel forged blade, with wings, for amazingly smooth blends (10x stronger than other blender blades). note: Blade is not sharp, blade is dull. No more cuts and pokes.
  • Large batches: BPA-free Wild Side+ jar is a 90 ounce volume jar with 36 ounce blending capacity (wet or dry) ideal for blending beverages for 4-6 people.
  • Warming Soup/self-cleaning: Blendtec blenders heat soups and drinks through blade friction heat. Enjoy a warm meal or beverage in 6 minutes or less. Clean-up time: Add a little soap and water, your jar can clean itself in less than 1 minute.
Sale
Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender with 1000-Watt Base and Total Crushing Technology for Smoothies, Ice and Frozen Fruit, Black, 9.5 in L x 7.5 in W x 17 in H
  • PROFESSIONAL POWER: 1000 watts of professional power can crush ice and breakdown any tough ingredient.
  • XL CAPACITY: The 72 oz professional blender pitcher is excellent for making frozen drinks and creamy smoothies for the entire family. 64 oz. max liquid capacity
  • INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY: Total Crushing Technology delivers unbeatable power with blades that pulverize and crush through ice, whole fruits and vegetables in seconds.
  • ICE CRUSHING: Blast ice into snow in seconds and blend your favorite ingredients into delicious resort-style frozen drinks
  • RECIPE INSPIRATION: The included recipe guide provides drink and dish making inspiration.
Sale
Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System, 1500W, 4 Functions for Smoothies, Processing, Dough, Drinks & More, with 72-oz.* Blender Pitcher, 64-oz. Processor Bowl, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & (2) Lids, Black
  • POWERFUL CRUSHING: The 72-oz. Total Crushing Pitcher pulverizes ice to snow in seconds for creamy frozen drinks and smoothies with a powerful 2-plus horsepower motor. (64-oz. max liquid capacity).
  • FOOD PROCESSING: 8-cup food processor bowl provides perfect, even chopping and makes up to 2 pounds of dough in just 30 seconds.
  • 4 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: All 4 functions – Blend, Mix, Crush and Single-Serve – utilize 1500 watts of performance power to truly customize your drink-making experience.
  • ON-THE-GO CONVENIENCE: Two 16-oz. Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go Lids are perfect for creating personalized, nutrient-rich drinks to take on the go.
  • BLADES FOR ANY RECIPE: Stacked Blade Assembly for the pitcher, Dough Blade and Chopping Blade for the processor bowl, and Nutri Ninja Blades for single-serve cups.
NINJA 1000 Watts Blender NJ600, Silver/Black, 72 Oz (Renewed)
  • This Ninja Certified Remanufactured Product shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories and is covered by a 90 Day Limited Warranty from the date of purchase.
  • The Ninja NJ600CO Professional Blender features a sleek design and outstanding performance with 1000 watts of professional power. Ninja Total Crushing Technology is perfect for ice crushing, blending, pureeing, and controlled processing. Crush ice, whole fruits and vegetables in seconds!
  • 1000-watts professional grade motor for heavy duty blending and processing
  • Ninja 6-blade technology
  • Ultimate ice crushing action - blasts solid ice cubes into powdery snow in seconds
Ninja Nutri Pro Compact Personal Blender, with 18 Oz. and 24 Oz. To Go Cups, in a Black and Silver Finish
  • 900 watts of professional power breaks down fruits and vegetables for nutritious juices and smoothies. Power Source: Corded, Cord Length: 3 Feet
  • The Nutri Ninja: Pro provides you with powerful nutrient & vitamin extraction performance to extract hidden nutrition from whole fruits and veggies
  • Twist on the spout lids and take your drinks with you for easy on the go sipping
  • Manually pulse to easily crush ice, seeds, skins, stems and frozen ingredients for a smooth, even consistency
  • All parts are BPA free and dishwasher safe
Sale
Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System, 1500W, 4 Functions for Smoothies, Processing, Dough, Drinks & More, with 72-oz.* Blender Pitcher, 64-oz. Processor Bowl, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & (2) Lids, Black
  • POWERFUL CRUSHING: The 72-oz. Total Crushing Pitcher pulverizes ice to snow in seconds for creamy frozen drinks and smoothies with a powerful 2-plus horsepower motor. (64-oz. max liquid capacity).
  • FOOD PROCESSING: 8-cup food processor bowl provides perfect, even chopping and makes up to 2 pounds of dough in just 30 seconds.
  • 4 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: All 4 functions – Blend, Mix, Crush and Single-Serve – utilize 1500 watts of performance power to truly customize your drink-making experience.
  • ON-THE-GO CONVENIENCE: Two 16-oz. Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go Lids are perfect for creating personalized, nutrient-rich drinks to take on the go.
  • BLADES FOR ANY RECIPE: Stacked Blade Assembly for the pitcher, Dough Blade and Chopping Blade for the processor bowl, and Nutri Ninja Blades for single-serve cups.
Oster Blender | Pro 1200 with Glass Jar, 24-Ounce Smoothie Cup, Brushed Nickel
  • Smart settings technology and 7 speeds including 3 pre-programmed settings for the most common blender creations
  • Dual direction blade technology for extra blending power to chop and grind with precision extra wide 3.5” blade system allows ingredients to flow down into the blade easier for faster and smoother results
  • 1200 power watts and 900 watts of ice crushing power
  • 6 cup dishwasher safe Boroclass glass jar withstands thermal shock
  • Pulse feature for added control and precision; Featuring a 50% larger blade system (compared to previous Oster blender models) and patented dual direction blade technology that blends in forward and reverse motion
KitchenAid KSB1570SL 5-Speed Blender with 56-Ounce BPA-Free Pitcher - Silver
  • The Intelli-Speed Motor Control senses contents and maintains optimal speed to power through all ingredients
  • Stir, chop, mix, puree or liquefy. Pulse mode works with all speeds for staggered blending, while the crush ice feature pulses at precise intervals for optimal ice crushing results
  • The Soft Start Feature starts the motor at a slower speed to pull food into the blade then quickly increases to the selected speed setting
  • Steel-Reinforced Coupler provides direct, efficient power transfer from the motor directly to the blade for robust blending
  • The Clean-Touch Control Panel wipes clean easily
KitchenAid KSB1575ER 5-Speed Diamond Blender with 60-Ounce BPA-Free Pitcher - Empire Red
  • The diamond blending system ensures that all ingredients blend together quickly and efficiently.
  • The Intelli-Speed Motor Control senses contents and maintains optimal speed to power through all ingredients.Volts:120
  • Stir, chop, mix, puree or liquify. Pulse mode works with all speeds for staggered blending. Watts : 550. Hz : 60
  • The 60-oz. BPA-Free patented Diamond Pitcher design is shatter-, scratch- and stain-resistant and is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
  • The die-cast metal base is sturdy and the Clean-Touch control panel wipes clean easily.
Jamba Appliances 2.4 hp Blender with 64 oz Jar, Grey (58910)
  • Enjoy fresh, delicious smoothies, juices, and more
  • Powerful 2.4 peak HP motor propels blades to reach speeds over 210 mph
  • Infinite speed dial, 4 program settings, and pulse controls
  • Low-profile 64 oz. jar allows blender to fit comfortably under kitchen cabinet
  • Full-color recipe book with over 150 recipes included
NutriBullet NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System, Gray (600 Watts)
  • The Nutribullet is the fastest, easiest solution for making nutrient- packed smoothies. Load it up with your favorite whole foods like nuts, berries and spinach, then push, twist and blend your way to a healthier lifestyle.
  • Powerful 600-watt motor and refined nutrient-extraction blades blend whole foods into liquid fuel for your body - in seconds.
  • Included: (1) 600W motor base, (1) Extractor blade, (1) milling blade, (1) Handled cup, (1) 24 oz cup, (1) 18 oz cup, (1) cup ring, (1) cup ring with handle, (2) Stay-Fresh re-sealable lids and recipe book o Powerful stainless steel Extractor blades use Cyclonic action to break down tough ingredients. High-performance, BPA-free plastic cups are long lasting and Durable
  • Hassle-free cleaning - simply twist off the blade, rinse with soap and water, and put the cups in the top rack of the dishwasher. This item comes with a 1 year Limited warranty.
  • Note: Refer to user manual before use

You can also checkout the Oster website for more about the Oster MyBlend.

Still need MORE power?

Checkout the Waring Pro, a 3.5 horsepower behemoth!

Waring Pro MX1000R Professional 3.5-Horsepower Blender, Black
  • Professional grade 3.5 peak horsepower blender tackles smoothies, soups, and ice
  • Oversized, weighty base stays put during use
  • 64-ounce polycarbonate pitcher with integrated blades and nonslip handle
  • 2 speeds plus pulse action; 19 inches high; weighs 15 pounds
  • Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

Fitness, Health, Nutrition, Wealth!
-Matt


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