Blend On-The-Go: The Best Portable Blender for Van Life
When it comes to portable blenders, we’re referring to a battery-operated device that’s designed to be compact and easy to transport. These blenders are typically designed to be used as an all-in-one unit, with the blending container attached to the motorized base and doubling as a drinking or pouring vessel. Most of these blenders are personal-sized and can hold up to 2 cups of liquid.
A good portable blender should be battery-powered, with options for backup charging such as a USB cable. The duration that the battery lasts without recharging or replacing the batteries varies significantly, so it’s important to find one that suits your needs. Whether you’re on the go in your car or on the beach, a portable blender should be equipped to hit the road with you easily in one piece.
Nomadic life has been gaining popularity in recent years. It refers to living in a van or RV and travelling from one place to another, often for extended periods. For those who choose to live this way, it can be a path full of adventure, freedom, and self-reliance. Whether you are living a nomadic lifestyle travelling around or you are stationary somewhere, having fantastic but compact gadgets is a must.
One of the challenges of nomad living is maintaining a healthy and balanced diet while on the road. It can be difficult to find healthy food options, and cooking in a small space can be a challenge. This is where a portable blender can come in handy. A portable blender is a small, lightweight blender that can be taken on the road, making it easy to prepare healthy and delicious smoothies, juices, and other blended drinks.
Whether you are a full-time van dweller or someone who enjoys travelling and exploring new places, a portable travel blender is a good tool to have. It allows you to easily prepare healthy and nutritious meals and drinks, no matter where you are. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a portable blender for van life and provide some tips for choosing the best one for your needs (check out our related post about fitness in small spaces).
Van Life and Portable Blenders
What is Van Life?
Van life refers to a nomadic lifestyle where individuals choose to live in a van or other mobile vehicle or camper. This lifestyle has gained popularity in recent years, with many people opting to live a simpler lifestyle on the road, travelling from place to place.
Van life can encompass a variety of lifestyles, including full-time RV living, travelling for work, or simply exploring the world on your own terms. It offers freedom, flexibility, and the ability to experience new places and cultures.
Why Use a Portable Blender?
For those living a nomadic lifestyle, a portable travel blender can be a valuable addition to their kitchen on wheels. With limited space and resources, a portable blender allows for quick and easy meal prep, making it a popular choice among tiny home dwellers.
The best portable blender for van life would need to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to pack and store in a van. They can be used to make smoothies, juices, and even soups, providing a healthy and convenient meal option while on the road.
Additionally, portable blenders are typically battery-powered or rechargeable, eliminating the need for a power source. This allows nomads to blend their favourite recipes anywhere, anytime.
Overall, a portable blender can be a good and useful tool for those living van life. It offers convenience, versatility, and healthy meal options while on the road.
Features to Look for in The Best Portable Blender for Van Life
A portable blender is a must-have appliance for anyone living tiny. It allows you to blend fresh fruits and vegetables on the go, making it easy to maintain a healthy diet while on the road. Here are some features to look for in a portable blender for tiny living:
Power Source
When choosing a portable blender, it is important to consider the power source. Some blenders require an electrical outlet, while others are battery-powered or USB-rechargeable. Battery-powered blenders are convenient for nomad living as they can be charged using a solar panel or the van’s battery. USB-rechargeable blenders are also a good option as they can be charged using a power bank or a USB port in the van.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the blender are important factors to consider when living the van life. A compact and lightweight blender is ideal as it takes up less space in the van and is easy to carry around. Look for a blender that is small enough to fit in a kitchen drawer or cabinet and light enough to carry in a backpack.
Blending Capacity
The capacity of the blender is another important factor to consider. A blender with a larger capacity is ideal for making smoothies or soups for multiple people. However, a smaller capacity blender is more suitable for individuals or couples. Look for a blender that has a capacity of at least 16 ounces, which is enough to make a single-serving smoothie.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the blender can be a hassle, especially when living in a van. Look for a blender that is easy to clean and does not require disassembling. A blender with detachable blades and dishwasher-safe parts can make cleaning a breeze. Not that many of us have access to a dishwasher, but it’s still relevant for those of us who do!
Durability
Whichever blending device you choose should be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of travel. Look for a blender that is made of high-quality materials and has a sturdy construction. A blender with a warranty can give you peace of mind and ensure that you are investing in a quality product.
Top Cordless Personal Blenders for Van Life
Living as a nomad on the road has never been easier with the latest portable blenders designed for van life. These blenders are perfect for those who want to blend on-the-go without the hassle of cords and plugs. Whether you want to make smoothies, protein shakes, or purees, these cordless personal blenders have got you covered. With their compact and lightweight design, they can easily fit into your backpack or luggage, making them a great addition to your van or RV gear. Here are some of the top cordless devices that you should consider for your next van adventure.
#1 Ninja Blast
The Ninja Blast is a cordless, handheld blender that packs a powerful punch. It features an 18-oz. vessel and Ninja’s BlastBlade™ Assembly, making it capable of blending frozen ingredients. The blender is rechargeable via USB-C and has a leak-proof design with an easy-open sip lid and carrying handle for on-the-go convenience. With a long-lasting battery, it can blend up to 15 times on a single charge and fits perfectly in car cup holders. Cleaning is a breeze with the dishwasher-safe sip lid and blending vessel or the blender’s self-clean function that takes only 30 seconds with water and a drop of dish soap.
Things we Love: Comes in 6 different colours, large cup size, dishwasher safe, fit’s in a vehicle cup holder!
Drawbacks: Too new and we haven’t been able to oder it because of being out of stock.
- Dimensions: 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 10.7″
- Cup Size: 18oz
- Battery Type: 7.4volt
- Charge Time: 2 hours
- Weight: 1.73lbs
- What’s in the Box: Device, Charging cable, recipe book, travel cup and lid
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Warranty: 60 day guarantee, 1 year limited warranty when you buy direct from Ninja, click here to go directly to Ninja.
#2 EvolutionX From Cuisinart
The EvolutionX™ Cordless Rechargeable Personal Blender is a versatile and portable option for those looking to blend smoothies, shakes, and soups, and on-the-go ice crushing. With a powerful 7.4 volt lithium-ion battery and the convenience of USB charging, you can enjoy full-size professional performance in a compact design. This blender is a great option for those who value efficiency and flexibility in their blending needs.
Things we love: Long-lasting rechargeable battery; crushes ice and frozen berries with no problem.
Drawback: Can’t use it when it’s charging/plugged in.
- Dimensions: 3.9″ x 3.5″ x 11.69″
- Cup Size:16oz
- Battery Type: 2 Lithium Ion 7.4v
- Charge Time: 2 Hours
- Run Time: 20 minutes
- Blades: UNKNOWN
- Weight: 2.21lbs
- What’s in the Box: Device, travel cup with lid
- Warranty: Limited 3 year
#3 Nutribullet Go
The NutriBullet GO is a convenient personal blender that operates on battery power, allowing you to blend smoothies and other beverages on-the-go. This blender is particularly useful for people who want to enjoy a healthy drink after a workout or during a busy day at work. Despite its budget-friendly price, the NutriBullet GO is well-designed and compact, making it easy to carry in most bags or backpacks. It comes with a 13-ounce jar and a lid equipped with a carrying strap, and while its components are durable, it’s important to note that they cannot be washed in a dishwasher. 4.1 out of 5 stars by 3,093 raters on Amazon
Things we love: Very quiet, comes in 4 colours, removable blades for easier cleaning.
Drawback: Won’t blend ice, has a 30 second blend cycle time.
- Dimensions: 7.52″ x 7.01″ x 4.06″
- Cup Size: 13oz
- Battery Type: 1 Lithium ion 70w
- Charge Time: 3 hours
- Run Time: 20 blending 30 second cycles
- Blades: 4 stainless steel removable blades
- Weight: 1.5lbs
- What’s in the Box: Device, Travel cup and lid, charging cord, user guide and recipes, blade cover for safety.
Warranty: 1 year limited warranty
#4 BlenderX
The BlenderX Portable Blender is a powerful cordless blender that uses stainless steel blades and a rechargeable battery, making it a great option for travel and outdoor activities. It has a strong motor that can last for a long time on a single charge, and it only has one speed for easy use. The blender comes with a travel case and single-serving cups, making it a versatile option for on-the-go blending. While the price is a bit higher compared to cheaper models, the quality of the BlenderX Portable Blender makes it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a durable and long-lasting travel blender.
Things we love: Large Capacity, travel bag,
Drawback: Non usb charging, expensive.
- Dimensions: 5.75″ x 5.75″ x 13″
- Cup Size: 20oz
- Battery Type: Lithium Ion
- Charge Time: 3.5hours
- Run Time: 20-30uses
- Blades: 4 Stainless Steel blades
- Dishwasher: Yes
- Weight: 4.62lbs
- What’s in the Box: Device, travel cup and lid, safety cover, waterproof travel bag.
- Warranty: 2 Year
#4 Blendjet
The BlendJet 2 is a portable single-serve drink blender that is lightweight, quiet, and sturdy, making it a great option for blending on the go. It has a battery-powered design that can break up ice cubes but can leave smoothies with a grainy texture when adding fruit or leafy greens. It comes in various colors and patterns, including Disney and Pixar-themed options, tie-dye, rainbow fade, and Lisa Frank Leopard, and while it’s easy to clean by hand, none of its parts are dishwasher-safe. The BlendJet 2’s color selection changes often, so it’s best to check their website for currently available options.
Things we love: Comes in a wide variety of colours!
- Dimensions: 9″x3″
- Cup Size: 16oz
- Battery Type: 5v
- Motor: 1000watt
- Charge Time: 1.5hours
- Run Time: 15 blends
- Blades: 6 stainless steel blades
- Dishwasher: No
- Weight: 1.34lbs
- What’s in the Box: Device, Jug with lid, usb-c charging cable, carry strap
- Warranty: 30 day return policy
#5 Cokunst
Although packing a blender in your suitcase may seem like overkill, the compact and portable design of this blender makes it easy to bring anywhere, according to Petrucci. Despite its affordable price, it still has six stainless steel blades, a 20,000 rpm motor, and a one-touch on-and-off feature for powerful blending. It is rechargeable via USB-C and has battery indicators on the base to prevent unexpected shutdowns. The blender also comes with a brush cleaner and is dishwasher safe.
- Dimensions: 3.9″ x 3.9″ x 9.4″
- Cup Size: 18oz
- Battery Type: 7.4volt
- Charge Time: 3-5 hours
- Run Time: 40 second cycles
- Blades: 6 stainless steel
- Dishwasher: Yes
- Weight: 1.22lbs
- What’s in the Box: Device, cup with lid, operator manual
- Warranty: 6 months
Top Corded Personal Blenders For Living Tiny
Hamilton Beach Personal Creations
The Hamilton Beach BPA-Free Personal Blender is a compact and affordable blender that comes in five different colors and costs less than $25. It includes a travel lid for easy transportation and fits into most car cup holders. Although it’s a simple machine with just one button, it’s best for blending softer fruits and vegetables rather than hard chunks of ice or frozen ingredients due to its low wattage. However, it still packs a punch for its size and is a great way to save money on fresh smoothies at home instead of going to an expensive smoothie shop.
I personally own this blender and it has worked fine for me. I bought it to take to work with me and now it lives in my camper van. It’s a really reasonable price point and it gets the job done.
Things we love: Reasonable price point.
- Drawback: Not overly powerful but can handle a bit of ice.
- Dimensions: 12.25 H x 3.5 W x 3.5 D
- Cup Size: 14oz
- Motor: 175watts
- Blades: Stainless Steel
- Dishwasher: Yes
- Weight: 1.68lbs
- What’s in the Box: Device, to go cup and lid.
- Warranty: 3 years
Ninja Nutri Blender Pro
The Ninja Nutri blender is a personal blender that’s great for making single-serve smoothies and protein shakes. It comes with a pair of 16-ounce jars and to-go lids, making it convenient to take your drink with you. The compact and simple design is top-rack dishwasher safe, but some say it requires continuous pushing on the jar to blend, which can be inconvenient.
The Ninja Nutri blender performs well for its intended use. It can blend fibrous ingredients like kale and create small batches of crushed ice. Additionally, it’s capable of making smooth and spreadable nut butter.
Compared to other bullet blenders like the Ninja Nutri Ninja Fit or the Ninja Nutri-Blender Plus, the Ninja Nutri blender produces significantly better smoothies and almond butter. However, it’s not as good at crushing ice, possibly due to its smaller and differently shaped jars. Nonetheless, it’s still possible to crush ice without liquid in the jar, unlike some personal blenders such as the NutriBullet Pro.
Things we love: It can make almond butter! Compact but powerful personal blender
- Dimensions: 13″ x 4.5″
- Cup Size: 16oz
- Motor: 1100watts
- Blades: 4 stainless steel
- Dishwasher: Yes
- Weight: 3.1lbs
- What’s in the Box: Device, 16oz blending cup and 2 serving cups with lids, recipe book, instruction manual.
- Warranty: 3 year limited warranty if purchased from Ninja kitchen.
Proctor Silex 51125
Enjoy creamy milkshakes and icy drinks with the Proctor-Silex Single-Serve Blender designed for your on-the-go living. This easy-to-use blender comes with a travel lid for convenience, allowing you to blend and go. The one-touch button gives you control over the consistency of your drink. You can drink directly from the blending jar once you remove it from the base, and the bottle fits easily into most car cup holders. With its classic design and consistent performance, the Proctor-Silex Single Serve Blender is perfect for small-batch blending, crushing ice, and frozen fruits, as well as whipping up dips and salad dressings.
Things we love: Price and size.
Drawback: Not built to last, some bad reviews.
- Dimensions: 9.7″ x 10.2″ x 30.5″
- Cup Size: 14oz
- Battery Type:
- Motor: 175W
- Charge Time: researching
- Run Time:
- Blades: UNKNOWN
- Weight: 1.68lbs
Best Budget Blender Options For Life On The Go
Hamilton Beach – Best Blend for The Buck
The Hamilton Beach® Blend Now™ Portable Travel Blender is a compact personal blender that allows you to blend wherever you go. It’s perfect for creating protein shakes, smoothies, dressings, sauces, and baby food. The shatterproof 16 oz. jar has a sip-through travel lid, making it leakproof and portable. You can recharge and blend with the included USB cable, and the status lights keep you informed of the blending cycle and battery level. It has six stainless steel blades and can blend up to 28 protein shakes on one full charge.
Best seller on Amazon.
Things we love: Comes in a wide variety of colours! Fits in most cupholders.
Drawback: Some reviews claim it’s not built to last, but it’s a price point that you can afford to replace it every few years.
- Dimensions: 9.1″x 3.3″x 3.3″
- Cup Size: 16oz
- Charge Time:
- Run Time: 28 shakes
- Blades: 6 stainless steel blades
- Dishwasher: Yes
- Weight: 1.5lbs
- What’s in the Box: Blender, 16 oz Travel Jar, Blade Guard, Travel Lid, USB Cord
- Warranty: 5 years when you buy direct from Hamilton beach.
Conclusion
Van life is a nomadic lifestyle that refers to travelling and living in a van or RV. It’s a growing trend that has attracted many people who want to live a simpler life and explore the world. Portable blenders have become a popular appliance among nomads, as they allow them to make healthy and delicious smoothies on the go.
When choosing the best portable blender for van life or any kind of tiny living, it’s important to consider factors such as size, weight, power, and battery life. A compact and lightweight blender that can be easily stored in a van is ideal. A powerful motor is also important for blending tough ingredients such as frozen fruits and vegetables. Battery power is also a crucial factor to consider, especially for those who spend a lot of time off the grid.
Overall, a portable blender is a great investment for anyone living tiny or anyone on the road. It allows them to enjoy healthy and refreshing smoothies, without the need for a bulky and expensive blender. With so many options available on the market, van lifers can easily find a blender that fits their needs and budget. The best portable blender for van life is going to be making an appearance on our Van life Gift list you can find here.
