I tested more than a dozen blenders in Brooklyn, including from Vitamix and Breville for budget, size, mulch factor, speed and whether they had plastic or glass jars

• In the UK? Check out Filter UK’s top-rated blenders here

There are few breakfasts that feel as healthy and refreshing as the ever-mutable smoothie. You can make them virtuous, with lots of greens and nut milk, or luscious, with full-fat dairy and cocoa powder – but in order to make a good one, you need a really good blender.

And while smoothies are the classic use for a blender, these appliances can do so much more; a truly great blender is a kitchen workhorse that can make your morning smoothie, your afternoon dip, your evening soup and even a frozen drink if you’re feeling frisky.

Best overall blender:
Breville Fresh & Furious

Very best blender (luxury):
Vitamix 5200

Best glass blender (also best for ice crushing):
KitchenAid Pure Power Blender with Glass Jar

Best glass blender under $100:
Hamilton Beach Smoothie Start Glass Blender

Best compact personal blender:
The Beast Mega 1200 Plus

Best blender for quick smoothies:
Nutribullet Pro 900

The most plastic-free blender:
Oster Classic Series Heritage Blender with Glass Jar

Other blenders we tested:
What’s OK and what to avoid

How we test blenders:
And our mission at the Filter US

Blender features you should look for:
Figuring out your needs

How to clean a blender:
A few small tips to help