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For all the pros and cons of these appliances, head to our full feature on Blenders vs. juicers: what’s the difference? How do I clean a blender?
Just because you’re paying top dollar for a blender doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best performance, as our tests show. In fact, we’ve seen some blenders surpass those that are twice the price. What you’re looking for in a blender is ultimately a combination of power, consistency and stability. That way, the results will be effectively blended, with no lumps in sight. The brushed stainless steel finish, chunky red dial and squared-off stance all give the Wolf High-Performance Blender the appearance of a professional-grade kitchen appliance. Weighing nearly 16-lbs, it’s best thought of as a “set it and forget it” appliance that’s also never going to shuffle or shake uncontrollably under normal circumstances. Large pulse and start/stop buttons make for uncomplicated control, and Hamilton Beach simplifies additional options by dividing its control dial into two halves: the left half dedicated to the aforementioned programmed modes and the right half for adjusting variable speeds. A large red LED display takes the guesswork out of keeping tabs on elapsed time or time remaining, depending on selected setting. There’s a measuring cap for incorporating ingredients while mixing at lower speeds, and the lid includes an ergonomic grip that improves the chances you’ll remove it smoothly without splatter.Some blenders won’t perform as well as others. For instance, ingredients may not be blended consistently, with chunks potentially jammed under the blades. Others may fail to grip the countertop as they blend and begin to ‘walk’. While these faults are all relevant, remember that they can be reduced or even averted by having one of the best blenders. That’s why we put a range of models to the test — to find those that provide the best performance. We’ve found quiet models as well as those that feature a more compact design for storage. So, whatever your circumstances, we’ve got a recommendation. We also tested them by making a super berry smoothie with frozen fruits to determine the overall quality and effectiveness of the blender with icy lumps and its all-important blade. Tomato sauce has the ability to stain containers so we also assessed each blender on how easily we could clean away those red stains and lingering smells. When selecting the best blender for you, start by identifying the type of blender you need.Jug blenders feature a blade inside the plastic or glass receptacle, which spins when connected to the motor in the base units. As a result, they can blend in large quantities but are usually bulky. Bullet blenders are blenders with a single-serving jar shaped like a bullet. This jar is flipped upside-down to connect with the motor base, and you usually need to push the jar down to blend. Thanks to the generally included lip ring or to-go lid, you can drink directly from a bullet blender's jar. Although Magic Bullet and NutriBullet are the brands most associated with this design, several other manufacturers produce similarly shaped and sometimes even better-performing blenders. Speed settings Variable speeds give more blending control. Most blenders have at least two speeds, while some have programs designed for specific tasks, such as making milkshakes.
Speeds: The more speed settings available, the more user control a blender offers. Premium blenders may also offer preprogrammed options for tasks like smoothies, crushing ice, and pureeing that take the guesswork out of blending. Make sure you take advantage of these settings, otherwise you're making one of the 7 blender mistakes to avoid at all costs. Dishwasher-safe parts Washing up can be laborious, so look for a blender where the parts are dishwasher-safe. It's handy if the blade is removable, so it can be separated from the jug and thoroughly cleaned. Pros: Usually simpler to use. Blending cup is ideally sized for one portion, and doubles up as a travel mug - saving hassle and washing up.Mini blender cups Some jug blenders come with an extra smaller blending cup and lid as well as the standard blending container. Useful if you want to take your smoothie to work or the gym. But do you need a traditional jug blender or would a mini blender such as the Nutribullet suit you better? And what features are really useful to have?
Meanwhile, smoothie blenders, also known as personal blenders, come with a small plastic cup rather than a jug. Fill the cup with your ingredients, then attach the blade, flip the cup upside down and connect to the base. When the ingredients are blended to your liking, remove from the base, unscrew the blade, and screw on a to-go lid, then take your drink with you. Staying on top of cleaning your blender is vital if you want it to last as long as possible and if you want to avoid any nasty odors building up. You can place many blending jugs inside the dishwasher, but you can also clean them by adding warm water and dish soap to the blending jug, putting the lid on, and blending up the soapy solution. There are a few automatic blending programs on the speed dial. Like the Vitamix, it only comes with one jar, but you can buy a personal jar for smoothies from KitchenAid. The jar and lid are dishwasher-safe, but unfortunately, if you're cleaning them by hand, the lid and non-removable blades take some time to get completely clean.Looking for ideas for how to use your blender? See BBC Good Food's top smoothie recipes and soup recipes . They're no longer widely available. If you're looking for a convenient and speedy smoothie maker, a mini blender such as the Nutribullet may be a better choice, as we've found that the taps on smoothie makers tend to clog easily. Find out more about your rights when buying second-hand goods. How should I dispose of or recycle my old blender? Blender jug Plastic is lighter but can absorb odours and get scratched over time. Glass jugs are sturdier and look more upmarket, but can be very heavy when full. You'll pay more for high-quality plastics such as BPA-free Tritan, which is extra strong, light and looks like glass, but offers the best of both worlds.
With a basic blender, it's important you only use it for the things it was designed for. Trying to crush ice with a non-compatible blender can damage the blades and the container. And hot liquids, such as soup, should never be put into a blender that's not made for that purpose - it's dangerous and could damage your appliance.
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A second-hand blender may require maintenance, particularly if the rubber seals are damaged or if the blade is blunt from use. It's easy to replace these parts, but if the motor is worn from misuse you won't know this until it breaks. It should crush ice if it's been designed to do so. If it's ice-crushing compatible, it'll turn cubes into a fine snow. The Magimix Power Blender surrounded by ingredients to make a smoothie (Image credit: TechRadar) How to choose the best blender for you
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