The best blender for pesto is a must-have in your kitchen since it will get the job done quickly and easily. It’ll make mashing up ingredients way less of pain without any messes!
Pesto is an amazing Italian food sauce that can make any dish more delicious. Pesto may be green, but it comes with a touch of color to spice up your meal and brings the perfect taste you’re craving for!
It is important to consider the appropriate blender before trying out a recipe like pesto. A countertop or immersion hand-held device will allow you to blend and stir without making as much mess on your counters, stovetop, and other surfaces in proximity.
Keep reading the best blender for pesto review to be in the know before you make that purchase!
| Title | Buy | Image |
|---|---|---|
| TopNutriBullet ZNBF30400Z Blender | Check Price |  |
| Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender | Check Price |  |
| NutriBullet NBR-0601 Nutrient Extractor | Check Price |  |
| Ninja HB152 Foodi Heat-iQ Blender | Check Price |  |
| Vitamix Explorian Blender | Check Price |  |
| KitchenAid® K150 3 Speed Ice Crushing Blender | Check Price |  |
| Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender & Processor | Check Price |  |
| NutriBullet N12-1001 10pc Single Serve Blender | Check Price |  |
| Wantjoin Professional Blender | Check Price |  |
Use A Blender For Pesto? What’s Wrong With A Mortar And Pestle?
When it comes to the question of whether or not you should use a blender to make pesto, the only answer is: it depends.
I’m sure there are those out there who are vehemently opposed to this method, but I can’t stress enough the importance of personal preference in baking and cooking. If you’re not happy with how the pesto is turning out, don’t be afraid to switch things up!
My Experience Of Using A Blender For Making Pesto
I have a confession to make. I really like using my blender for making pesto.
That’s right, all of those little garlic cloves and pine nuts get crushed up by the whirring blades of death (jk) until they combine into a perfect texture with just the right amount of olive oil.
I’m not sure what it is about this method that makes me so happy, but something about watching everything come together in such an orderly fashion brings me joy and clarity.
I admit that I will still use a mortar and pestle for making small batches of this, but if I’m feeling industrious, I will just do it all in the blender. It feels like magic to me.
This is an especially great method when you have a large quantity of basil to clean up from your garden or CSA box. Pesto is best fresh, so at times like this, I find myself making a larger batch than usual.
In the past, I have pesto on hand to spread over crostini with eggs for breakfast or sometimes with a yummy sandwich. And when you have an abundance of basil, it’s usually around the time that tomatoes are getting ready to come into season, so you can turn your pesto into a sauce for pasta.
This is absolutely the best way to spend an afternoon in my opinion. I have been conscientious about buying a variety of blenders over the years. I’ve had everything from cheap KitchenAid blenders complete with food processor attachments, to one blender that worked so well, I switched to using it exclusively for about a year.
Different blenders have different textures depending on what you are blending, and the texture tends to change if you leave the food in the blender while it’s working.
While there is a learning curve that comes with each new blender, I would say that I have had pretty good luck making pesto with most of them.
Best Blender For Making Pesto
1. NutriBullet 1200 Watts Blender for Pesto
This is certainly the best blender for pesto as it can handle anything!
You will no longer have to worry about heated soups and sauces with the NutriBullet 1200 Watts Blender.
With three blending speeds, a pulse function, high-capacity pitcher for making multiple servings of your favorite creations for the whole family; this is an all-in-one kitchen appliance you need on hand when it comes time to cook up something tasty.
Get the nutrition you need, and enjoy every meal with the NutriBullet blender. The powerful 1200-watt motor lets you blend up to 30% more than other blenders, giving you smoothies, soups, sauces, and more in seconds.
It includes a high-performance blade that pulverizes tough ingredients like seeds and stems for better nutrient absorption.
The extra-large 64-ounce pitcher holds enough for several servings or to make multiple batches at once. A vented lid cap allows steam to escape while keeping out the dirt.
The compact design fits easily on your countertop or inside your cupboard. You will be able to enjoy fresh, nutritious foods every day with this powerful kitchen tool! And no NutriBullet device would be complete without nutrient extraction.
The pitcher’s redesigned blade and power base work together to make the superfood pesto’s your body craves, delivering key nutrients in every sip.
The NutriBullet NBR-0601 Nutrient Extractor can also be purchased with the Nutribullet 1200 watt blender.
Related Post: How To Make Pesto In Nutribullet
2. Vitamix E310 Explorian Professional Grade Blender
We know buying a Vitamix blender is an investment. But Vitamix blenders are designed to last, assisting you to purchase a dependable, not disposable appliance.
The Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender is the perfect blending machine for pesto.
The variable speed control feature gives you complete control over your blend, from a light puree to a heavy chop.
This 48-oz container can be used as a smaller batch size for single servings or larger batches for family meals.
The pulse feature allows you to layer coarse chops with smooth purées for heartier recipes, like chunky salsas and thick vegetable soups. The hardened stainless-steel blades are designed to move at an ultra-high speed to efficiently chop through whole-food ingredients.
The compact design fits easily on your countertop or inside your cupboard, while the self-detecting removable blades make clean up a breeze.
If your blender needs cleaning, you can simply blend warm water and a drop of dish soap at your machine’s highest speed, and watch it self-clean in 60 seconds or less – no disassembly required.
Since the number-one reason, people buy a blender is to make smoothies or create soups and pestos, it’s important to get them right.
Whether you prefer an icy blend or a perfectly smooth puree, nutrition-packed with veggies or a light, fruity treat, Vitamix smoothies offer you a delicious, even blend in every sip. Y
ou can also get the Vitamix Mini-Tamper, 9.75 inches, and the Vitamix Blade Scraper Accessory.
The focused power of the complete blending system causes every component of the Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender to work together, creating swifter, smoother blends packed with flavor.
Make smoothies & juices, hot soups, flours & dough, nut butter, frozen desserts, batters, dressings & sauces, non-dairy milk, and more with this blender.
3. NutriBullet 600 watts Nutrient Extractor
The NutriBullet NBR-0601 is the fastest, easiest solution for making nutrient-packed smoothies.
This powerful 600-watt motor and refined extractor blades work together to break down whole fruits, vegetables, and superfoods into a delicious blend of nutrients and fiber.
The result is a nutrient-dense smoothie that’s packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients – all in just one minute!
The Blendin Flip Top to Go Lid with 24oz Tall Cup and the NutriBullet Cup & Blade Replacement Set goes perfectly together.
The NutriBullet NBR-0601 Extractor comes with one 24 oz cup, 1 extractor blade, 1 to-go lid, and 1 lip ring. It includes an instruction manual and recipe book.
The NutriBullet Extractor features the patented cyclonic action for maximum nutrient extraction.
This powerful machine can break down fruits, vegetables, seeds, and more into easily digestible juices that will help you feel better every day. It comes with BPA-Free cups. This blender is very easy to clean as well.
4. Ninja Foodi 1400 Watts Blender for Pesto
Ninja’s Hot & Cold Blender is the ultimate kitchen appliance for making drinks and smoothies.
You can make hot soups, dips, sauces, frozen drinks, smoothies, and more with ease. The high-speed Total Crushing blade pulverizes ice into snow in seconds.
The Auto-IQ Plus Heat sensor monitors the temperature to deliver the perfect blend every time. Its powerful motor crushes ice like no other blender on the market!
The blender’s precision heating element maintains optimal blending temperature for consistent results every time. With the touch of a button, you can even make healthy baby food right in your Ninja blender!
The Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender Cookbook for Beginners and the Ninja Hot & Cold Blender Cookbook 2020 is perfect for when you want to try out new recipes.
You can also cook proteins and veggies for flavorful soups and sauces and bring the spa, café, and bar menus home with the Ninja Foodi blender with heat-IQ.
The blender is a must-have for every home chef. The one-touch dedicated program means that you never have to worry about cleaning: just press the button and let it do all of the work!
You can also safely clean under blades with a cleaning brush since they are detachable. And if your ingredients need some help getting down toward the blade, then simply use its powerful suction cup feet – no more spills on your countertops or floors ever again!
5. Vitamix 64 oz Explorian Blender
There are ten variable speeds that you can choose from to refine every texture of your dish with culinary precision, whether it is a smooth purée or a hearty soup.
With this appliance, you’ll be able to layer coarse chops over smooth purées and vice versa for heartier recipes like chunky salsas and thick vegetable soups!
Vitamix blenders can easily blend all your ingredients together effortlessly and evenly without wasting time or effort. They also sport an elegant design that matches every style seamlessly, while fitting perfectly underneath many kitchens’ cabinetry units even if they’re on top shelves thanks to their slim profile size!
The Vitamix Explorian Blender is the perfect choice for those who want to start cooking with a Vitamix blender, or for those who are ready to upgrade their current model.
The hardened stainless steel blades will blend just about anything you throw at them and can chop ice into snow in seconds! Includes a cookbook with over 100 recipes from Vitamix and other well-known chefs.
The container and lid are dishwasher safe and BPA-Free. With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds and the Vitamix Blade Scraper Accessory and the Vitamix Classic Tamper allows for processing thick, dense ingredients.
6. KitchenAid Blender for Pesto
The KitchenAid® K150 Ice Crusher Blender is a powerful tool for blending, mixing, and crushing ice. This is also one of the most budget-friendly blenders for making pesto.
The 3 optimally designed speeds allow the user to choose the speed that best suits their needs. The Soft Start feature slowly brings the motor up to full power, while the Intelli-Speed motor automatically adjusts for any load or speed.
In addition, this blender can crush ice in less than 10 seconds*, achieving your ideal taste with every sip of your beverage. The asymmetric blade design maximizes cutting efficiency and minimizes wear on the rest of your machine.
7. Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender & Processor
Ninja’s Power Blender & Processor is the 3-in-1 blender that crushes, food processes, and makes dough. It is a good blender for pesto as well.
Its powerful 1400-peak-watt power-dense motor lets you do more than just blend. It can crush ice into snow in seconds for frozen drinks, chop veggies with ease, and create delicious homemade dough in minutes.
The 72 oz pitcher has a 64 oz max liquid capacity and comes with Total Crushing & Chopping Blade. The Power Blender & Processor Pitcher has 6 preset Auto-iQ programs for smoothies, frozen desserts, dips/sauces, doughs/muffins/cakes, soup/puree, and chop.
It has an innovative design with smart TORQUE variable speed control to start slow and ramp up as needed.
8. NutriBullet Pro Plus
Nutribullet Pro Plus is the most advanced and powerful NutriBullet to date. The new 1200-watt motor is twice as powerful as the NutriBullet 600-watt motor, giving you all the power you need for crushing ice, blending frozen fruit, and pulverizing whole foods in seconds.
With its hands-free auto-off feature, this appliance will automatically shut off after your cycle is complete so that you can safely store it away.
This unit comes with two comfort lip rings that are designed to fit all cups from the original NutriBullet system. It also includes two flip-top lids that can be used to blend directly into your travel cup or bowl. The 1200-watt base includes a high torque power base with cyclonic action to extract the maximum amount of nutrients and vitamins from ingredients.
9. Wantjoin Professional Soundproof Quiet Blender
This is the best blender for commercial use. The soundproof enclosure makes it perfect for restaurants, bars, and cafes.
The soundproof blender is the best choice for you for making pesto. It can mix, puree, and grind anything in a flash. You can make fresh fruit smoothies, juice, peanut butter, puddings, and more with this powerful mixer.
The unique design makes it easier to operate and clean than other blenders on the market. The automatic juicer function lets you quickly juice fruits and vegetables right into your glass or bowl so that you don’t have to wash another appliance afterward! This smart design allows you to remove the blade without removing any other parts of the machine.
It’s very convenient for users at home or in a restaurant. The new blender with soundproof function, the professional blender is designed to provide convenience and ease of use.
This quiet shield blender is fitted with an elegant red fuselage, a PC square big cup, unbreakable and thick sound insulation cover.
The bottom three-side circulating exhaust provides the freshest color for your kitchen while the stainless steel mirror panel comes in its unique design to give it that noble style you’ve always wanted!
With DIY speed control, the panel is set to speed control mode and you can freely switch between minimum and maximum. The device comes with 100 different speeds so no matter what your dish calls for – from crushed ice to pesto’s – it will work just right!
Best Blender For Pesto – Buying Guide
Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying the best blender for pesto –
1. Size matters
You want a blender that is able to handle as much food as possible without overloading the blender motor or breaking apart your pesto ingredients. I usually make my pesto in one large batch at a time, so this wasn’t an issue for me, but if you tend to make small batches and store them for later, you may find that smaller blenders work better for this purpose.
2. Easy to clean
If you don’t have the time or energy for a 10-minute cleaning session after making your pesto, it might be best to stick with a mortar and pestle instead. This is probably not so much of an issue if you make large batches.
3. Blades
I have found that a blender with strong blades is best for making pesto because of all the herbs and ingredients that need to be ground up, but if you are worried about this being too much work, a frozen basil pesto may be right up your alley.
4. Power
Hands down, my favorite blending appliance has a high-powered, 2.2 HP motor and three speeds plus pulse. It is able to do all of my blending needs with ease plus it can crush ice for a delicious summer treat!
Q & A
Pesto is usually made in a marble mortar with a wooden pestle. First, garlic and pine nuts are placed in the mortar and minimized to a cream, and then the washed and dried basil leaves are added with coarse salt and ground to a creamy consistency. Only then is a mix of Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino added to the mix.
The high cost of pine nuts makes pesto much more affordable to purchase than to make. You can even make it with sunflower seeds instead and bring the cost down considerably (especially if you have basil in your garden) if you want to make it worth making at home, but we just stick to purchasing it.
This is actually a difficult question to answer and really depends on your diet and requirements. On its own, pesto is fairly healthy. It consists of fresh basil, garlic, lemon, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Other than the Parmesan cheese, all those ingredients are extremely healthy on their own.
If the oil is emulsified in a food processor, these polyphenols get squeezed out and the liquid mix can turn bitter. But if you decide to mix it all in a food processor or blender and the pesto becomes bitter, it’s a pretty simple fix. Add a bit more salt and a bit of sugar until the bitterness is minimized.
