Looking for the best blender for making nice cream or banana ice cream? Having made nearly 100 batches of banana ice cream, I’ve figured out which blenders work well for the task and which ones fall flat.
Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick summary of the products we recommend.
Product Name | Grade |
Vitamix Professional Series 750 | A+ |
Vitamix 5200 | A+ |
Nutribullet Pro 900 | A+ |
Blendtec Total Blender Classic | A+ |
Vitamix E310 Explorian | A+ |
Best Blenders for Banana Ice Cream
Click the links above to check them out or keep reading for the full guide…
Why I Picked These Blenders
I picked these blenders because I have personal experience making banana ice cream in the blenders themselves or slightly different sister models. Between myself and my immediate family, we currently own a Vitamix, Blendtec two different Nutribullets a bunch of NInja blenders — learn more about those on our best Ninja blender article. That’s not counting blenders that we no longer have or gave away.
Long story short, I’ve made tons of banana ice cream (probably well over 75 batches in my lifetime). I’ve done it in a bunch of different blender brands so I know what works well and what doesn’t.
Read Also: Best Blender for Making Nut Butter
What is Ice Cream? (Two Ways to Make It)
Banana ice cream is technically a frozen dessert consisting of100% bananas and nothing else. The idea is to freeze the bananas and then pulverize them into a smooth mixture.
The starch from the banana creates a creamy texture that’s surprisingly similar to ice cream. Add a few dairy-free chocolate chips with some coconut flakes and you’ve got a delicious treat.
However, you can make banana ice cream with a splash of non-dairy milk to give it a little bit of a thinner texture.
I’ve made it both ways
so you can see the difference below…
Here’s a photo of my latest batch of banana ice cream using a splash of soy milk. I made it in my Nutribullet 900!
This batch actually has some cacao nibs and powder which is why it’s got a darker tint.
A “softer” version of banana ice cream made in my Nutribullet. It has a splash of soy milk and some cacao powder and nibs. It’s still the perfect texture to eat with a spoon.
Compare this to a batch that I made in my Vitamix using the tamper without soy milk.
This batch was made with my Vitamix and is quite a bit thicker than the Nutribullet version. Oddly enough, I happen to like the Nutribullet version better.
As you can see, using 100% bananas makes it quite a bit thicker. However, the flavors can be quite overpowering.
In my opinion, banana ice cream doesn’t always have to be 100% banana. I actually prefer adding a splash of soy milk and vanilla extract for extra flavor and to help things blend easier if I’m not using my Vitamix.
It still comes out super thick and creamy — perfect for eating with a spoon.
Related Article: Best Blender for Almond Milk
What is a Tamper and Why It’s Ideal
A tamper is a blender accessory that’s used to push ingredients into the blades. As you blend solid ingredients, the blades can actually push them off into the side, so that they don’t come in easy contact with the ingredients.
This happens more when you have solid mixtures that don’t get “sucked in” to the blending vortex.
Here’s a photo of me using a tamper in my Vitamix. The bananas quickly get mashed and blended into soft serve as they keep getting pushed into the blades.
Using the tamper makes sure that the bananas make it to the blades rather than getting caught around them.
If you’re making banana ice cream with 100% bananas, then you’re dealing with all solids. A tamper will ensure that it pulverizes smoothly and consistently so you’re not mixing and re-blending chunks.
Read Next: Best Blender with Tamper
Why Dull Blades Are Important
If you have sharp blades, you’re basically going to “chop” the bananas. This isn’t what you want.
You want the combination of dull blades and a powerful motor to “smash” the bananas to give them that texture of soft serve.
Additionally, sharp blades will dull over time anyway. If the motor on the blender wasn’t powerful enough to work with sharp blades when they dull it’s going to be an issue.
Important Tips
If you’re having issues making banana ice cream, there are two things you can do to make the process go easier:
- Be sure to slice the bananas into coins before freezing, this will make them easier to handle by the blender.
- Allow them to defrost slightly before blending so they aren’t rock solid. You won’t have to do that with any of these blenders, it’s a good thing to know.
Here are my coin-shaped bananas straight out of the freezer. I cut them up and then keep them in a Ziploc. As you can see they get a bit discolored, but it’s fine!
Blenders to Make Nice Cream Reviewed
Vitamix Professional Series 750
Not only will the Vitamix 750 be a great nice cream blender, but it will pretty much make everything else you throw at it. I’m a Vitamix fanatic as I’ve owned and used one for the past five years. They really are worth the hype.
If you’re looking for more options, you may also check out our article on the best Vitamix alternative.
Read Also: Top 3 Best Blenders for Making Cauliflower Rice
What I Love
- High Power: Not only is it well designed, but the 750 has a lot of power behind it (2,2-peak hp). It’s going to make quick work of any food you can think of. Frozen bananas are almost too easy for it.
- Tamper: Using the tamper to push your bananas into the blades will ensure that your ice cream is smooth and thoroughly blended.
- Low Profile Container: Even though the container (64 oz), it’s made to be lower than the original versions of the Vitamix which had a bit of trouble fitting under kitchen cabinets.
- Variable Speeds: If you’re making a smoothie and want to throw in some cacao nibs, you may not want them to get liquefied. Variable speeds mean that you can do a soft chop and dice as well as completely pulverize ingredients.
- Make Hot Soup: The friction of the blades and the venting container mean that you can make hot soup within the machine. No need to puree and move to the stove. I use this function all the time for warm vegan cheese sauces and fondues.
- Warranty: Comes with a 7 year Vitamix warranty that can’t be beaten. I can personally vouch for the professionalism of their service as I’ve had mine undergo a few minor repairs. They didn’t even make me pay for shipping.
- Pre-Programmed Settings: Unlike the older Vitamix models, you can make a smoothie and walk away with the pre-programmed settings. If you know the recipe, there’s no need to babysit blends. If you go into a professional smoothie shop, you’ll often see them using these settings on their blenders.
What’s Lacking
- Pricing: This bad boy tends to run pretty high in price. Most people aren’t going to be able to afford it on a whim.
- Bulky: If you live in a small apartment you simply might not have the room for it despite the low-profile container. It’s also annoying to use a big blender like this for smaller batches of things.
Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200 is the perfect nice cream blender if you’re on a budget. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
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What I Love
- All Function No Frills: Has all the power of the Vitamix 750 without some of the stuff that you don’t need. It has variable speeds, tamper, great blades, and hot soup capabilities. What else could you possibly ask for in a blender?
- Alternative Option for Less: The 5200 tends to be priced a fair bit cheaper than the 750. This makes it a more budget-friendly blending powerhouse.
- Warranty: It still has the standard 7-year Vitamix warranty that I’ve already personally vouched for.
There’s not much else to say about the 5200, because most of it’s been covered in the 750 section.
The only major thing it lacks is the pre-programmed settings, but that’s more of a luxury than a necessity. If you need a guide on the best blender for hot liquids, check our list if you’re looking to buy one. If you’ve enjoyed the unique and spice-laden pleasure of Indian cuisine before, you might be looking for a way to bring it into your own household to enjoy more often. Check out our list for the best blender for Indian cooking.
What’s Lacking
- Tall Container: Unlike the 750, it has a taller container which isn’t ideal for low cabinets.
Nutribullet Pro 900
I know what you’re thinking, how can a Nutribullet make banana ice cream…It’s not powerful enough! I won’t lie to you, it doesn’t make it as perfectly traditional as the Vitamix. You do need to add a little liquid — just a splash.
But honestly, I make banana ice cream in my Nutribullet all the time because I’m too lazy to get out the Vitamix. It’s a good size and powerful enough to get the ingredients really smooth with just a little bit of liquid.
Want to read detailed reviews for Nutribullets? Check out this guide for the best Nutribullet options.
Further Reading: Best Blender for RV
What I Love
- Small and Easy to Store: The Nutribullet is so light compared to a big blender. Taking it out isn’t a big commitment and it doesn’t take up a lot of space in the sink or on the counter. If you’re short on space, this is something you should heavily consider.
- Affordable: It’s a much lower-tier blender than a Vitamix, so naturally it tends to run a bit cheaper. This is good because it means people on a budget can also enjoy banana ice cream!
- Tons of Accessories: It’s got handles, lids, rims, tops, and cups that are easy to drink out of. Literally, everything you need for making stuff on the go if you want.
- Eat From the Cup: I oftentimes eat my banana ice cream right out of the cup of my Nutribullet. You can do the same! No need to clean a blender and extra bowl!
- Short Warranty:
- Not “Perfect” Banana Ice Cream:
Blendtec Total Blender Classic
Blendtec’s are awesome. As I already mentioned, there’s one in my family and I’ve made plenty of batches of banana ice cream with it. My brother owns a Total Blender so I always use it when I’m over at his place.
The only issue is that it doesn’t come with the Twister Jar which is the Blendtec’s equivalent to the Vitamix tamper. If you do get the Twister Jar, doing banana ice cream is an absolute piece of cake!
Related Article: Best Blenders for Baking
What I Love
- Extremely Powerful: Blendtec’s are by far the most powerful blenders with 3-HP motors. Anything with even a little liquid will get sucked into the vortex and blended into a silky smooth heavenly concoction.
- Great Warranty: Blendtec has the same or similar warranty compared to the Vitamix. My brother has utilized his warranty several times and customer support has been great. On one occasion they sent him a completely new blender base just based on how it sounded over the phone, it was that easy.
- Lots of Functionality:
- Variable Speeds: You get complete control over the final texture of your blend.
- Dishwasher Safe Jar: Some Vitamix jars aren’t even dishwasher safe, but the Blendtec jar is. Not that it’s hard to clean without it. Just use warm soapy water and blend when you’re done using it.
If you’d like to learn more about this blender, you can read my Blendtec Total Blender review.
Vitamix E310 Explorian
If you don’t want to get one of the bigger counter-top blenders, the Explorian is a great alternative. It’s got everything you need for banana ice cream and so much more.
It was one of our top picks in our Vitamix 6500 review and comparison.
There’s not much to say about this blender, other than that it’s a mini version of the Vitamix 5200.
Expect it to tackle banana ice cream with ease, along with hot soup and pretty much any blended creation. It’s got…
- Tons of power (2-HP)
- Tamper for keeping the ingredients in the blades
- Variable speed controls
- Dishwasher-safe container (unlike other Vitamix containers)
If this Vitamix meets your budget – I’d highly recommend it.
What’s Lacking
- Sizing: It’s got less capacity than the other Vitamix blenders, but this could be good if you only make things for one.
- Warranty: A bit shorter warranty than the regular Vitamix 7-year, but still extremely solid.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!