Can a budget blender really handle frozen fruit and ice?

Yes. Several budget blenders in our roundup crush ice and frozen fruit effectively. The key is motor wattage and blade design. Look for at least 700 watts (peak) and stainless steel blades with multiple cutting angles. The technique matters too: add liquid first, then frozen ingredients, and use the pulse function to break up large chunks before blending continuously. Budget blenders may take 30 to 60 seconds longer than premium models, but the end result is comparable.