Blenders aren’t complicated… until they are. One minute you’re after something to make smoothies. Next, you’re deep in a vortex of wattage comparisons, jar types, and mysterious blending presets that sound more like spacecraft commands than kitchen features.
At The Homestore, we help you bypass the marketing waffle and get straight to what actually matters: a blender that does what you need it to, fits your kitchen routine, and won’t sputter out mid-kale. Whether you’re making soup or margaritas, the right blender is the one that makes the job easier, not more confusing.
This guide is written specifically for NZ kitchens and buyers, featuring locally available models you can actually get your hands on. No wishlist imports or discontinued duds. Just real options, real pros and cons, and real support when you need it.
Let’s get stuck in.
Types of Blenders
Blenders might all aim to do the same thing, but how they do it (and how well they do it) is a different story. The best choice comes down to what you plan to use it for, and how much space, power, and flexibility you actually need.
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Countertop Blenders: This is your go-to if you want one machine that can handle most tasks. A good countertop blender will take on soups, smoothies, sauces, and even crush ice. They tend to come with larger jugs (1.5–2L), multiple speeds, and sturdy builds that stay put on your benchtop.
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Personal Blenders: Designed for convenience, these are ideal if you’re blending just for one. The blending jar usually doubles as a drinking cup, which means fewer dishes and faster clean-up.
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Immersion (Stick) Blenders: A compact, easy-to-clean option that works directly in your pot or bowl. Great for blending soups, sauces, and baby food without transferring to another jug. Some models come with attachments for chopping or whisking.
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High-Speed Blenders: These are the heavy lifters of the blender world. Brands like Vitamix sit in this space with motors that can crush nuts, grind seeds, and even heat soup through sheer speed.
What to Consider When Choosing
Even within the same price bracket, there are big differences in build quality, ease of use, and long-term reliability. Here’s what to weigh up before you commit.
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Motor Power: This is key if you’re planning to blend anything tougher than a banana. Under 500 watts is fine for basic shakes, but if you want a smoothie blender that handles kale or frozen berries, aim for at least 800–1000 watts. Blenders in the high-speed blender NZ range can top 1500 watts, offering serious performance for nut butters, whole fruits, and raw veg.
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Blade Quality: Blades need to be up to the task, especially if you’re working with harder ingredients. Look for hardened stainless steel or multi-layered designs that pull ingredients down into the vortex, not just spin them around the jug. Cheap blades dull fast and struggle with consistency.
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Jug Material and Size: Glass jugs feel premium and resist staining, but are heavier and more fragile. BPA-free plastic is more common and practical, though it can wear with time. Tritan plastic is a reliable middle ground as it’s clear, tough, and long-lasting. As for size, anything over 1.5L is ideal for families, while 600ml to 1L suits smaller households or personal use.
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Speed Settings and Presets: Presets can be helpful if they’re well-designed. Common ones include smoothie, soup, ice crush, and self-clean. More importantly, look for adjustable speed settings. Having more control makes all the difference when you're switching between blending berries and mixing pancake batter.
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Noise Levels: All blenders make noise, but some are definitely more disruptive than others. Models with sound insulation or rubber bases tend to be quieter. If you’re an early riser or blending in a shared home, noise might be more than just a minor detail.
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Ease of Cleaning: A blender that’s a pain to clean is one that ends up gathering dust. Look for wide openings, smooth control panels, and dishwasher-safe parts. Bonus points if the model includes a self-clean function (a quick blitz with water and detergent does wonders).
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Warranty and Local Support: Some cheaper imports offer little to no after-sales service, leaving you stuck if anything breaks. Always check that your blender comes with a NZ-backed warranty and accessible support. At The Homestore, we only carry brands with solid local service, so if anything does go wrong, you’re covered.
Brand Comparisons
Not all blenders are created with the same priorities in mind. Some focus on raw performance, others on style and versatility. To help narrow things down, we’ve compared three of the top brands available at The Homestore.
Vitamix Blenders in NZ
If you’re after professional-grade performance, Vitamix blender NZ models are in a league of their own.
Top models like the Vitamix A2300i, or the premium A3500i feature smart technology, variable speed control, and enough grunt to handle anything from frozen fruit to dense doughs. Many include self-detect containers and built-in timers for precision blending, plus a Pulse function for chunkier results.
The more affordable Explorian E310 is also available, offering the same motor strength with a simpler interface, which is ideal for those wanting Vitamix quality without the full price tag.
KitchenAid Blenders in NZ
KitchenAid blender models offer a solid middle ground between power, style, and everyday usability. If you're looking for something reliable and attractive that won’t dominate your kitchen or your budget, KitchenAid delivers.
The KitchenAid K400 is the hero here, and it’s available in a wide range of colours at The Homestore—from Matte Black to Empire Red. It features a 3-part blending system, ribbed BPA-free jug for consistent blending, and preset options for smoothies, ice crushing, and self-cleaning.
Another great option is the KitchenAid Cordless Go Personal Blender, perfect for on-the-go smoothies or small-space kitchens. It’s lightweight, rechargeable, and built for quick blends without the bulk of a full-size unit.
Magimix Blenders in NZ
Made in France and known for quiet performance, Magimix blender models bring efficiency and durability to the bench without shouting about it. These are great for anyone who wants a no-fuss, do-it-all blender with smart features built in.
The Magimix Blendermix Power Blender 4 and larger 5XL are both available at The Homestore in a choice of finishes. Each comes with pre-set programmes for smoothies, soups, frozen desserts, and ice, plus a manual mode for more control. With a 30-year motor guarantee and simple touch-button controls, these machines are built to last with minimal maintenance.
Budget Guide
At The Homestore, we offer quality across every price point, from everyday essentials to performance-level machines.
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Entry-Level (Under $200 NZD): This tier includes compact options like the KitchenAid Cordless Go Personal Blender or the Cuisinart Cordless Personal Blender, ideal for smoothies, quick shakes, or smaller kitchens. These blenders are lightweight and portable, but not designed for heavy-duty use or fibrous ingredients. Theyre best for: occasional blending, students, or those with limited space.
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Mid-Range ($200–$600 NZD): This is where performance and versatility start to shine. Models like the KitchenAid K400 and Magimix Blendermix live here, offering excellent power, smart presets, and durable materials. These blenders handle a wide range of kitchen tasks with ease and are best for everyday use, families, or anyone wanting more than the basics.
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Premium Tier ($600+ NZD): At this level, you’ll find high-performance blenders like the A2300i, and the top-tier A3500i. These machines are built for daily use over many years, with powerful motors, intelligent features, and long warranties. They’re best for serious home cooks, frequent users, or those replacing multiple appliances with one reliable unit.
Tips for Buying in NZ
Buying a blender in NZ is about more than picking the right brand — it’s about making sure it works for your kitchen and your lifestyle. One key tip? Buy from a retailer that offers local support, not just drop-shipped boxes.
At The Homestore, all our blenders come with genuine NZ warranties, so you can shop with confidence. You can also visit our physical store to see models like the Vitamix A2300i, KitchenAid K400, and Magimix Power Blender in person.
We also run regular seasonal sales, bundle offers, and limited-edition colour drops (especially with KitchenAid), so it’s worth checking back or subscribing to stay in the loop. Our team is always happy to talk through the options and help match you with something that suits how you actually cook.
Find the Right Fit for Your Kitchen
We’ve curated a range that covers every style, budget, and level of experience. If you're not sure which model suits you best, our team is always here to help. We know the machines inside out and can recommend something that makes sense for your space, not just your search history.
Explore our full blender collection online, or pop in-store for a closer look. Got questions? Get in touch — we’re happy to help you find a blender that earns its place on the bench.
