The Best Smoothie Maker for Busy Lifestyles: Literally Mix & Go!

Introduction:

In July 2018, we moved to Spain, and my husband started teaching English at an academy. His schedule was demanding, with long hours from the afternoon into the late evening and short breaks between 10 to 20 minutes. He needed a healthy, quick, and easy meal option to keep him going until his next meal. After considering various options, we decided smoothies (a smoothie maker) would be the ideal solution.

Smoothies are convenient, nutritious, and easy to consume on the go—perfect for a busy schedule.

What’s the Difference Between a Smoothie and a Milkshake?

If you’re wondering what sets a smoothie apart from a milkshake, here’s the key difference:

• • Milkshake – A creamy, dairy-based beverage traditionally made with milk, ice cream, and sometimes fruit, syrups, or sweeteners. Milkshakes are typically a dessert or treat rather than a nutritious option.
  • Smoothie – A blended drink primarily made from whole fruits, vegetables, and a liquid base such as water, milk, or plant-based alternatives. Smoothies are often used as meal replacements or energy boosters due to their higher fiber and nutrient content.

For more on the difference, check out this article.

The Quest for the Perfect Smoothie Maker

Living in a small Spanish village meant our local options for kitchen appliances were limited, so we turned to Amazon. After some research, we found the Russell Hobbs Explore Mix & Go Cool Mini Blender—a compact, easy-to-use blender that fit our needs perfectly.

Here’s why I love it:

• Easy to Use: Simply add your ingredients, attach the blade, and blend—no buttons needed!
• Compact Size: It’s perfect for small kitchens—no bulky equipment taking up space.
• BPA-Free & Dishwasher Safe: The bottles are safe for both you and the environment, and cleaning them is a breeze (most of the time!).
• Quality Build: The bottles are made of sturdy plastic, and the machine itself is solid and well-made.
• Freezeable Cool Tubes: Two freezeable cool tubes keep your smoothie cold for longer.
• Guarantee: Comes with a two-year guarantee for peace of mind.

The One Catch:

Although the Russell Hobbs Explore Mix & Go Cool Mini Blender is great overall, the bottles and lid can be a little tricky to clean. There are crevices that require a small bottle brush, but this is a minor inconvenience for such a fantastic product.

At €25.99 (with free shipping for Amazon Prime members), it’s an affordable option for any kitchen.

My Favorite Smoothie Recipe:

If you’re new to smoothies, here’s my go-to recipe that boosts energy and supports immunity. We have this nearly every day, and it’s both delicious and nutritious:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (we have almond milk)
• 1 cup water (or another cup of milk)
• 1 banana
• ½ an avocado (or a whole one if small)
• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds or chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
• 1 teaspoon maca powder
• 2–3 tablespoons oats
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or peanuts, or another nut of choice)
• Optional: Handful of berries

Directions:
Add all the ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts:

I’d love to hear about your favorite smoothie recipes! Drop them in the comments or send me your ideas. I’m always eager to try new, tasty versions.

For more on plant-based essentials, check out this Plant-Based Food Essentials post.