Sooner or later, the question arises of how and which blender to choose for the home. Much of the decision will depend on individual needs, number of servings, frequency of use, etc. This article is designed to help you make the right decision.
What types of blenders are available?
Most people don't care which brand of blender to choose. People are interested in a simple device that could make purees, sauces, smoothies and milkshakes, as well as crush ice. For the latter task, entry-level models do not perform as well as high-powered blenders. They also often cannot handle tough vegetables such as cabbage and celery.
High power blenders always top the professional benchmarks, but they tend to be at the top of the price scale as well. These are stationary models that are needed if you need to grind grain into flour, mix hot ingredients, heat cold ingredients and get a perfectly homogeneous puree. They also make salsa well, for which an even texture with pieces of vegetables is important. Thesehigh quality devices can even replace a juicer.
Which blender is best for smoothie lovers? Single serving. These small devices are easy to use - just put the ingredients, grind them, remove the cup and drink. Most of them include a non-spill mug that you can take with you on the go. They're not great for heavy duty tasks like crushing ice, but they're great for fruit, yogurt, and other milkshake ingredients.
Multifunctional immersion blenders are equipped with a variety of nozzles and accessories that can replace other kitchen appliances. Usually these are whisks and knives that chop nuts and vegetables well.
A simple immersion blender will do for pureeing and beating eggs.
Wireless models allow you to cook outside the kitchen - on a camping trip, on a picnic, on a boat or in a camper. However, they are more expensive and not as powerful as wired ones, and their operating time is limited by battery capacity.
Stationary blender: which is better to choose?
Each model must have the following:
- Tight lid. According to user reviews, some models receive low ratings simply because they are not able to prevent splashing. In addition, the lid should be easy to put on and take off and be dishwasher safe.
- Hole in the lid. Its presence facilitates the addition of ingredients for emulsions or cream soups.
- Stable base. Unstable or vibrating blenders are more likely to not perform at their best, which means they take longer to do their job.
- Easy cleaning. Some blenders only need a cup of soapy water immediately after use, while others can be loaded straight into the dishwasher. Containers that need to be washed by hand should be avoided - there is a risk of cutting yourself on sharp knives.
- Multifunctionality. Which blender is better to choose if you need it to make cocktails or perform other single tasks? In this case, a cheap model with a few settings will do. But if you want one device to do a variety of mixing and grinding jobs, then you should buy the best blender you can afford.
- Good guarantee. Since blenders are subject to heavy loads, the standard one-year warranty is mandatory, but heavy-duty models are supported by the manufacturer for much longer.
Immersion blender: which one to choose, photo
The best models of this type should have the following distinguishing features:
- Intuitive controls. Immersion blenders should be equipped with buttons that are easy to press and hold. Some of them, for security reasons, require constant pressing. For this reason, large ergonomic buttons are more comfortable.
- Easy cleaning. The well-designed blade guard keeps food from getting stuck, and the removable, washable shaft ensures easy cleaning. Accessories must also be suitable fordishwasher safe.
- Comfortable weight. According to experts, for immersion blenders, less than 1 kg is the best. Heavier models can quickly tire, although they usually do not last more than a minute.
- Ergonomic handle. The rubber grips are more comfortable and the well-designed handle fits well in the hand.
- Availability of working capacity. Immersion models usually come with a standard narrow beaker designed to make it easier to grind ingredients. If the container is large, then you should make sure that the blender is compatible with other glasses, especially a cocktail shaker.
Things to know before buying
Those who decide which blender is better to choose, according to the reviews of the owners, need to decide on such a number of questions.
Purpose of use. Which blender to choose for making smoothies? There is no need to invest in a heavy duty model. An inexpensive single-portion blender is enough, or you can stop at a cheap stationary version. The best model is suitable for many tasks. Which blender is best for a baker who makes his own flour or nut butter? By far the most powerful.
How many servings should I cook? Full size blenders can hold 1 to 2 liters. They are great for families and those who often throw crowded parties. Single-portion blenders hold 0.5 liters or less and allow you to drink directly from the bowl that the blend was made in.
Frequency of use. Which blender to choose if a milkshake or soup will be prepared only occasionally? In this case, experts advise to purchase a good inexpensive model. But if the blender is used regularly, then a more durable and powerful option is better.
Storage location. The standard distance between the kitchen worktop and cabinets is 45 cm. Most blenders are smaller so they will fit, but some may be taller (eg 52 cm Vitamix 5200). You should also consider the weight of the device if it will be stored in a cabinet. Heavy models are difficult to remove from the top shelf or lift from below.
Should the blender match the decor? If so, then color is an important consideration, especially if you plan to store your device on a countertop.
Are additional features needed? Some of them increase convenience and save time: an opening for adding ingredients and pre-programmed settings, such as crushing ice or making smoothies, allow you to press one button and go - the blender will start and stop by itself.
Oster Versa Pro Performance
When deciding which stand blender to choose, look for the mid-priced but feature-packed Oster Versa Pro Performance models. According to experts and owners, it is almost in no way inferior to more expensive devices. The blender can handle tasks such as making nut flours and butters, pestos, soups, sauces and smoothies, although not as smooth as incase of high-end models. According to experts, the machine is great for coffee beans and makes soups and milkshakes almost instantly.
Owners agree with the experts' assessment, noting that the Versa shreds tough kale and spinach with ease. Heavier ingredients like broccoli present a challenge. Some have commented that these tough vegetables produce a burnt smell when processed. Although this does not affect performance, it is better to use high capacity models for grinding large quantities of heavy products.
Oster Versa is super easy to use with intuitive controls that take the guesswork out of what settings to use. There are 3 operating modes - for cocktails, soups and sauces. There is also a speed dial for manual or pulsed cycles, which is very popular with those who like to control how finely chopped they are.
The bowl is not dishwasher safe, but it is easy to clean. All you have to do is mix some cleaning solution with hot water in a blender and rinse.
According to user feedback, the 1.9L capacity is quite large, but for optimal performance, it must be filled at least 25%. Despite complaints of a burnt smell, the Versa scores higher than most other blenders in this price class. True, some believe that numerous accessories only confuse the user, and many of them seem unconvincing.
Oster Versa has a power of 1400 watts, but it also comes in less powerful (1100W) and the less expensive BLSTVB-103 version. In addition to the standard capacity, the model comes with two smoothie cups and a 1.2L processor.
Vitamix 5200
Which is the best blender when you need a professional commercial grade device? These extremely versatile machines can get the job done much faster and with better results. They are extremely popular with those who make their own flour or nut butter. A blender in this price class can replace a food processor, coffee grinder, grinder and juicer. However, most do not need this, and the price in excess of 25 thousand rubles may be more than some are willing to pay.
The model that leads almost all the ratings of the best blenders and dominates among professional tests and user reviews - Vitamix 5200 worth 30 thousand rubles. The device has 10 speeds, as well as settings for different modes. The only drawback is the high noise level, although for many the blender is no louder than others.
General opinion - Vitamix copes with everything that gets into it. It easily turns nuts into butter and grains into flour, kneads dough, grinds coffee and spices. It not only can work with hot ingredients, but also warms up cold ones, cooks soups in about 6 minutes and stews right in the working container. Vitamix makes both traditional smoothies and "he althy" smoothies from hard fruits and vegetables, which most blenders succumb to.
Device design can be misleading. In thatit is clearly inferior to some modern blenders with buttons and LEDs. Experts say that the retro style allows the device to work for a very long time. The manufacturer backs up its reputation with a 7-year warranty.
Cuisinart CPB-300
Which blender to choose if you first need to prepare drinks with ice or smoothies? In this case, the one-serve version will quickly become the most beloved kitchen appliance.
Although not technically a 1-serving Cuisinart SmartPower CPB-300, it allows you to make personalized shakes for all family members to take with you to work or school. The set includes bowls with a volume of 950 and 250 ml, as well as a set of half-liter mugs. You can use it as a traditional large bowl, or make individual cocktails right in the mugs.
The availability of multiple containers makes the Cuisinart CPB-300 more versatile than single-serve models, and users speak highly of its functionality. Don't expect it to work like high end models. And since it's not a specialized option, it won't be the best choice for frequent use, nor for complex tasks like whipping cream or emulsifying.
What really sets the Cuisinart CPB-300 apart is its ease of use. All parts can be washed in the dishwasher. Mugs have lids with holes for drinking. This is ideal for straws, but tipping can be a problem.
NutriBullet Pro 900
For those who are thinking about which blender to choose, reviews recommendNutriBullet Pro 900. According to the latest model, the model mixes smoothie ingredients very quickly (in just 12 seconds), providing a very homogeneous mixture. NutriBullet appears to be stronger and more durable than other single serving models.
Owners love the power of such a compact device. Includes 0.95L and 0.7L bowl, as well as ring with handle for smaller capacity and universal lid.
Breville BSB510XL
While some want a simple immersion blender to make soup or mash potatoes, others would like to use their blenders to chop vegetables and nuts or make nut butter. When deciding which immersion blender to choose, the Breville BSB510XL is a feature-rich option that tops professional test ratings and expert reviews and is a favorite of its owners. It is extremely versatile, with 15 speeds, a 0.74L and 1.24L bowl with a lid, and a whisk attachment.
Experts agree that this is the most powerful blender they have ever used. It even handles tough vegetables, ice and frozen fruit quickly, and beats eggs and cream well.
The blender has an ergonomic handle with a switch - instead of using one finger, the user squeezes the device with his whole hand. This makes the BSB510XL less tiring, according to owners, although the large diameter of the knob is a nuisance to some, as is the 15-speed control switch that requires the use of a secondarms. Detaching the attachment can be difficult for the same reason.
The Breville immersion blender is shaped so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot, scratching the surface and making it difficult to work with. Experts like the 20 cm nozzle, which is long enough for even the deepest dishes. Cleaning is simple. It is enough to detach the nozzle and put everything except the motor part and the bowl lid into the dishwasher. The only real complaint is the large size of the blender as it won't fit in some drawers and takes up a lot of countertop space.
Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75
The original immersion blenders were designed for restaurants so that soups, sauces and gravies do not need to be removed from the pot while making a smoother blend than hand-blended blends. Eventually, the technology evolved from a simple S-blade on a handle to a variety of bits and types of knives that can be used for different tasks and capacities.
Which blender to choose in this case? Users love the Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75. This is a model with a removable knife and a 0.5L capacity with two rotation speeds, high and low. The Cuisinart CSB-75 is one of the most popular immersion blenders among experts and users alike. It is easy to use and clean - the knives are removable so they can be put in the dishwasher.
The blender is great for purees, smoothies and other foods that require chopping or whipping while hot. It is also popular with those who make baby food and mayonnaise. But it is not designed for heavy tasks. It's not the best choice for making nut butters or smoothies with tough vegetables (like kale). CSB-75 is durable and has no competitors in its price range (2 thousand rubles). Available in different colors. The blender can be stored on the countertop or in a drawer - it takes up little space.
Cuisinart CSB-300
Which is the best self-powered immersion blender? Experts recommend Cuisinart CSB-300. This is a versatile 5-speed model with a lithium-ion battery that provides 20 minutes of operation on a single charge. The kit includes an electric knife for cutting meat or bread, a grinder for nuts, cheese and garlic, as well as a whisk for making meringue or whipped cream. User reviews are mixed, with some saying it works great, while others don't like the uneven chopping of nuts. However, most people like an electric knife.
The blender requires the use of two hands, because to turn it on, you need to press 2 buttons at the same time: the switch and the lock. After that, you can remove your finger from the latter, but you will have to use both hands to start the engine again if it is turned off. Some people don't like it, but others don't care. Most are satisfied with the battery life, ease of installation and removal of attachments. Users are pleased with the elegant appearance of the stainless steel model.
