The Smeg Personal Blender and a NutriBullet are both excellent choices for single-serve smoothies, but they target completely different users. The Smeg is a premium, design-first appliance focused on its iconic retro aesthetic and high-quality feel, while the NutriBullet prioritizes powerful performance, practicality, and a much lower price point.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether the stylistic appeal of Smeg or the pure functional value of NutriBullet is right for your kitchen.
Smeg Personal Blender
Smeg's Personal Blender is designed for those who see their kitchen appliances as part of their home's decor. It packages reliable blending performance inside a chic, 1950s-inspired body, making it as much of a countertop statement piece as it is a functional tool for smoothies and shakes. It’s perfect for the style-conscious user who loves the brand's vintage aesthetic.
- What it is: A single-serve blender focused on high-end design, premium materials, and a retro aesthetic.
- Key features: Comes with two 600ml / 20 oz bottles made from Tritan Renew. Features a 250-watt motor optimized for smooth blends.
- Price: Around $170
- Style: Bold, retro, and vintage-inspired with rounded lines and a range of vibrant colors like cream, pastel blue, and red.
- Materials/Construction: Features a sturdy, high-quality molded plastic body, stainless steel blades, and durable, BPA-free Tritan Renew blending bottles.
- Pros: Unmatched retro style brightens up any countertop. High-quality materials and a solid feel. Easy to use with simple two-speed control. Complements other Smeg appliances seamlessly. The Tritan Renew bottles are extremely durable and well-designed.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than competitors. The motor is less powerful than many NutriBullet models. Taller and heavier, making it less portable. Limited to just a couple of speed settings.
The Smeg Personal Blender is ideal for someone who prioritizes aesthetics and wants a beautiful, well-made appliance that delivers good performance for daily smoothies without demanding intense blending power.
Shop this product: williams-sonoma.com/products/smeg-personal-blender/
NutriBullet Personal Blender
The NutriBullet has become the go-to name in the personal blender world for a reason: it offers powerful, reliable, and no-fuss blending at an affordable price. Focused on nutrient extraction and convenience, it uses powerful motors to effortlessly blend tough ingredients like seeds, frozen fruit, and nuts into smooth drinks. It's built for performance and speed for the health-conscious on-the-go user.
- What it is: A high-performance personal blender designed for quickly making nutrient-rich smoothies and shakes.
- Key features: Powerful motors (ranging from 600 to 1200 watts depending on model), patented nutrient-extraction blades, and simple twist-on operation. Comes with various cup sizes and lids for portability.
- Price: $50 to $150, depending on the model and accessory package.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and compact. The design is purely functional, intended to be efficient and easy to store.
- Materials/Construction: BPA-free plastic cups, stainless steel blades, and a durable plastic motor base.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. Very powerful motors can pulverize tough ingredients that less powerful blenders struggle with. Simple and fast one-touch operation. Compact and lightweight design is easy to store or take on the go. Widely available in major retail stores.
- Cons: A purely functional, utilitarian aesthetic that lacks design flair. Can be quite loud due to the powerful motor. Build materials are durable but don't feel as premium as Smeg's.
A NutriBullet is the right choice for anyone whose primary goal is blending performance, speed, and affordability, especially for those making daily green smoothies with fibrous or frozen ingredients.
Shop this product: nutribullet.com/p/nutribullet-pro-nb9-0901/
Smeg Personal Blender vs. NutriBullet Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The physical footprint of these blenders reflects their core purpose. The NutriBullet is designed to be as compact and unobtrusive as possible. Its slim profile and lightweight build make it perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even packing for travel. You can easily tuck it away in a cabinet when not in use.
In contrast, the Smeg is larger, taller, and heavier. It's built to have a 'presence' on the countertop rather than to be hidden away. While still a personal blender, its added weight and size give it a feeling of stability, but it's not an appliance you'd typically move around or take with you.
Materials & Construction
Smeg's reputation for quality is evident in its material choices. The blender’s body has a premium, glossy finish and a substantial, durable feel that suggests longevity. The blending bottles are made from Tritan Renew, a high-quality, shatter-resistant material. It’s built like a smaller version of a high-end, full-sized appliance.
The NutriBullet’s construction is all about function and durability. The motor base and cups are made of strong, BPA-free plastics that can handle daily use and are dishwasher-safe. While it doesn't have the premium heft of the Smeg, its components are tough and designed to withstand the stress of a high-wattage motor.
Price & Value
This is the most significant point of difference. A Smeg Personal Blender typically costs around $170, placing it squarely in the premium appliance category. You're paying for the Italian design, brand prestige, and high-end materials.
NutriBullet models, on the other hand, offer incredible value, ranging from about $50 for a basic model to $150 for a more powerful version with more accessories. For a fraction of the price of the Smeg, you often get a more powerful motor capable of handling a wider range of ingredients. The NutriBullet unquestionably offers more blending power for your money.
Style & Versatility
Style is Smeg’s home turf. Its iconic 1950s aesthetic is a deliberate choice, designed to evoke nostalgia and elegance. With a range of beautiful colors, it serves as a piece of functional kitchen art. If you own or desire other Smeg products, it completes a cohesive, design-forward look.
The NutriBullet prioritizes a versatile, modern style that blends into any kitchen environment. Its simple, sleek lines and typically neutral color palette don't draw attention. It’s designed to be functional first and foremost - a tool rather than a decoration.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both blenders are great at what they do, but they are built for entirely different priorities.
Choose the Smeg Personal Blender if:
- Your kitchen aesthetic is a top priority, and you want appliances that act as decor.
- You already own other Smeg appliances and want a matching set.
- You're willing to pay a premium for high-quality materials and standout design.
- You primarily make standard smoothies with fresh fruit, protein powder, and liquids.
Choose the NutriBullet Personal Blender if:
- Performance and blending power are your main concerns.
- You're on a budget and want the best possible value for your money.
- You need to blend tough or fibrous ingredients like kale, nuts, and frozen fruit regularly.
- You value a compact, lightweight design that's easy to store or take with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Smeg Personal Blender and a NutriBullet?
The core difference is design versus performance. The Smeg is a premium, style-focused appliance with a beautiful retro look, while the NutriBullet is a budget-friendly powerhouse built for efficient, high-speed blending.
Which blender is more powerful?
In almost all cases, the NutriBullet is more powerful. Even basic NutriBullet models often start with 600-watt motors, while popular versions like the Pro have 900 watts or more. The Smeg Personal Blender has a 250-watt motor, which is sufficient for simple smoothies but less effective on tough ingredients.
Is the Smeg blender worth the extra money?
It depends on your priorities. If you value design, brand prestige, and are creating a specific kitchen aesthetic, the Smeg can absolutely be worth it. If your main concern is blending capability for the lowest price, a NutriBullet offers far better value.
Can a NutriBullet crush ice and frozen fruit?
Yes, most NutriBullet models are excellent at crushing ice and frozen fruit due to their powerful motors and blade design. Just be sure to add enough liquid to create a smooth vortex for blending.
Which brand is easier to clean?
Both are very easy to clean. Their cups/bottles and blade attachments are typically dishwasher-safe. For a quick clean, you can just rinse the parts immediately after use or blend a drop of dish soap with water in the cup.
Are the cups interchangeable between Smeg and NutriBullet?
No, the cups and blade assemblies are proprietary to each brand and cannot be used interchangeably. The threading and safety mechanisms are completely different.
Which is better for small kitchens?
The NutriBullet is the clear winner for small kitchens. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store in a cabinet or on a crowded countertop without taking up much space.
How long do these blenders last?
Both brands are known for durability. With proper care, either blender should last for years of regular use. Both typically come with a 1-year limited warranty.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
