Hey you. Yeah, you, posting #gains pics on Instagram.
Are you trying to get swole?
If you’re serious about getting ripped, what you eat is just as important as what you lift.
It’s especially important that you’re getting enough protein. When you push your muscles to the limit, they get damaged (fun fact: this is where the phrase “getting ripped” comes from).
Protein helps repair those tears, helping recovery and preventing long-term damage.
There’s a wide-variety of protein-rich food you can eat after a workout. But for most bodybuilders, the best source is protein shakes. Protein also helps you feel full for longer, which helps with weight-loss diets.
Protein shakes are engineered to provide your body with a carefully calculated blend of nutrients. They are specifically designed to aid in muscle recovery.
And they’re easy to eat. No forks, knives, or sitting required. But you will need one thing: a good blender.
Do I Really Need a Blender for Protein Shakes?
Depending on who you talk to, they might say you can skip a blender and use a shaker for your protein drinks. They’re easy to use, quiet, and most protein shakes don’t require blending.
Be that as it may, a blender allows you to get more out of your protein shakes.
Using a blender for protein shakes can speed up the mixing process, which is perfect for the bodybuilder on the go.
A blender will also allow you to use ice for a thicker texture. And if you want to play with flavors and nutrients, a blender makes it easy to add fruit and vegetables.
With all the cheap models on the market, finding the best blender for protein shakes can be difficult.
But in this article, we’ll show you what to look for so you can find the perfect blender for your needs.
Size
The first thing you should consider when looking at a blender is the size.
Consider if you’re using your blender to make a single serving of protein shakes, or if you’re making multiple servings to store for later or share with a workout partner.
Single-serve Blenders
If you are using the blender for protein shakes and not much else, a single-serve blender will allow you to make the exact portion you need at a time. Most of these blenders have very basic controls–you merely press down on the jar, and it blends.
Many single-serve blenders have a jar that serves double duty. After you are finished blending, you can remove the jar and drink right from it.
Since you don’t need to use another container, there’s less cleanup to deal with. And who doesn’t like that?
They’re also compact, so you can typically store them in the cabinet with your dishes.
Countertop Blenders
Let’s say you’re making more than one serving at a time–or if you want a blender that you can use for more than just protein shakes.
Even in a market filled with slick single-serves, countertop blenders are still a great choice.
Their larger containers allow you to make several servings at a time. You will, however, need to use separate containers to pour your protein shakes into.
They also require much more space than single-serve blenders. A countertop blender will require a dedicated spot in the pantry or in a mostly-empty cabinet.
If you don’t have much kitchen space, a countertop blender might be more hassle than it’s worth.
Power
You might think that every blender just whirrs until it breaks up all the ingredients. That’s all there is to it, right?
Wrong.
Each blender has a different wattage. The higher the wattage, the higher the power.
Typically, the most basic blenders start at 200W, and the most powerful have a stunning 1000W.
If you’re looking for a blender for protein shakes, you need high enough wattage to cut through the ice without much trouble. A 250W blender should do the trick, but you might want to go a little higher to really show that ice who’s boss.
Blades
The workhorse of any blender is the blade.
And while the basic mechanics of the blade is mostly the same, there are a number of different blade designs on the market.
Some blenders come equipped with a blade that is specially designed to crush ice. But if you are trying to use the same blender to finely puree a soup or salsa, you’d be better off with a flatter, sharper blade.
If you are primarily using your blender for protein shakes, you will probably be fine with the basic blades.
Add-ons, Features, and More
While all blenders…well…blend, some do a little more.
Some blender makers include add-on items like matching cups, extra blades (always a good idea), and recipe books.
While traditional blenders have a few buttons for different speeds, modern blenders are a little more advanced.
Some modern blenders include hi-tech LCD display screens and can be programmed to different speeds and times.
While you might think all blenders emit an inescapable cacophony of noise, some blenders even come with noise enclosures that keep the noise to a reasonable level.
Keep in mind that no blender is invincible, but many do include a manufacturer’s warranty. A warranty is a good sign of a company’s reputation.
Get the Right Blender for You
Every blender is different. When it comes down to it, only you can choose the right blender for your needs.
But, if you want a little help, we’d love to point you in the right direction.
Check out our picks for the best blenders, and get lifting!