Appliance | Power range (W) | Power average (W) | Other details |
Smoothie maker | 700-2400 | 1175 | Uses all ingredients |
Juicer | 150-1350 | 377 | Leaves waste pulp |
Blender | 350-2400 | 1195 | Uses all ingredients |
(This table was created using data from the BBC Good Food appliance reviews.)
Power (W) is a measurement of how much energy something can transfer per second. As the table above shows, the average juicer is much less powerful than a blender or smoothie maker. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that it uses less energy to make a smoothie, because it might take a lot longer - or be unable - to crush harder ingredients such as ice or carrot.
There's no clear answer to how much energy it takes to make a smoothie using these three different types of appliance. The best way to evaluate which is better for the environment is to check the energy efficiency of the specific model you are using. In the UK, energy efficiency is rated from A+++ to G, with A+++ being the best. The more energy efficient a device is, the less energy it will waste, and the more eco-friendly the smoothie will be.
Bibliography
Gilbert, A., '7 of the best juicers to buy in 2020', BBC Good Food (2020), accessed at: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/review/best-juicers
Lawson, A., 'The best smoothie makers for blitzing blended drinks', BBC Good Food (2020), accessed at: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/review/best-bullet-blenders
Rattle, K., '10 best blenders on test', BBC Good Food (2020), accessed at: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/test-five-best-blenders