The sound of a noisy blender in the morning, or really any time, is hardly soothing. Fortunately, the best quiet blenders allow you to make your favorite recipes whenever you want — no ear plugs required. But while many brands claim to make quiet blenders, there are a few key things to look for when deciding which one is right for you.
First, remember that the term "quiet" is relative. A blender’s noise primarily comes from the motor base, blades, and the ingredients in the jar. If you blend ice or frozen fruit, expect more noise than if you blend soup. Since blender manufacturers rarely share decibel levels, I've combed the reviews to vet the blenders below on three criteria: performance, speed, and noise. While noise level should certainly be a factor, remember that the better and faster your blender breaks down ingredients, the less time you’ll have to run it.
Some quiet blenders have jars with special designs or double walls to muffle the sound. Others have enclosures to block out noise from the jar and blades. Aesthetically, these can look very distinct, so decide what design you prefer. While enclosures tend to work better (they physically block noise within a case, they can be a bit bulkier and are often more expensive.
No matter when your craving strikes, the best quiet blenders will help you make your favorite creations without fear of waking up the neighborhood. Read on for the three top quiet blender picks, below.