The blender has long been included in the mandatory list of kitchen tools for a housewife. With it, you can mix, grind, beat and grate various products, preparing them for certain dishes. The quality and volume of cooking will depend on many parameters, the main among which is the power of the blender, which determines the intensity of rotation of the working bodies of the device. But, of course, not only the power potential determines the effectiveness and ease of use of this technique, so the choice should be approached comprehensively. To begin with, it is worth in principle to find out what types of blenders exist.
Basic classification of appliances
First of all, it is worth separating stationary and submersible blender models. They differ in size, design, functionality and materials.
Start the review with a stationary blender as a traditional solution. Although it surpasses submersible counterparts in some operational parameters, the massiveness of the design and high cost do not allow such devices to occupy the first positions in sales. So, stationary devices have their own capacity, a unit with a motor and electronics, are characterized by impressive dimensions and high performance. The maximum power level of a stationary blender is in the range of 1500-1800 watts. As for the construction, the stationary base has a monolithic structure, a supporting platform with legs and a covering panel (plastic or glass). The device can be disassembled and can be changed in the configuration of functional parts.
It is also worth emphasizing the function of stationary blenders, which can purposefully work as grinders. For this, a special mode is provided, by means of which even from relatively hard fruits it is possible to prepare a homogeneous mass in the form of gruel. Powerful devices even cope with fine grinding of meat products if the knives reach the edges of the container.
Now you can move on to the submersible models. This is a compact device, usually made of metal, but the inclusion of plastic elements is also allowed. The operational nature is also determined by the power of the submersible blender, which averages 400-600 watts. With such a potential, it is possible to grind soft foods, but this is not the intended function of such devices. In working qualities, they are more like a mixercompact equipment, so they are more often used for whipping various mixtures. With all the concessions to stationary equipment, submersible models benefit from ease of use, maneuverability and portability. The battery is responsible for powering the appliance, so you don’t have to think about the length of the power cord if you need to move to the other end of the kitchen.
Classification of blenders by power
In a wide range of power ratings from 300 to 1500 W and more, you can find devices for every taste that can perform certain tasks better than other representatives of the segment. Conditionally, the following levels can be distinguished:
- Models with initial power ratings up to 300W. Actually, this is not the limit in terms of the minimum value of the power potential, since there are also devices for 200-250 watts. But the decrease in this characteristic already determines that the device belongs to a specialized segment. One way or another, the power of the 300 W submersible blender will allow it to be used for chopping and mixing soft vegetables and fruits, preparing baby food and smoothies. And most importantly, spend a minimum of time and effort on these procedures.
- 400-450W models. Medium level, which is sufficient for working with hard cheeses and meat products. In this category, various variations of turbo modes are already appearing, through which you can solve more complex tasks with a continuous workflow.
- 500-700W models. It will be possible to grind not only fruits and vegetables, but alsofrozen minced meat with ice. Consequently, the range of dishes available for cooking is also expanding - from mashed potatoes for children to pates, cocktails and smoothies.
- Models 1000W or more. Optimum power for a good blender that can handle a variety of attachment sizes to blend almost any ingredient. If we talk about modifications with potentials above 1500 W, then in terms of their capabilities they are close to food processors. This is a typical stationary form factor, the work in which is not so much focused on the quality of grinding, but on the ability to operate in a long mode at peak load.
Optimal blender power for home use
It is necessary to proceed from the dishes and, in general, the intensity of use of the device. It is one thing to prepare a cocktail of dairy ingredients once every few days, and another to grind porridge with nuts every day. In the first case, 300 W will be enough, and in the second - 600 W for cooking complex dishes. A 500-700 W machine will be a universal solution, which will allow you to work flexibly with an extensive list of products, ensuring delicate grinding. Also, do not ignore specialized segments in which devices for specific tasks are presented. For example, soup bowls with choppers and convenient bowls, like a professional blender, are being distributed today. What is the best power for such a device? Again, there is no point in too high performance, but with the usual soft ingredients, the same 500 watts will suffice. Another thing,if you plan to regularly cook soups with a volume of more than 1.5 liters, then it is better to add another 200-300 W for reliable operation of the device.
Features of professional models
In this case, it is necessary to rely not so much on the dishes being prepared, but on the pace of the workflow and the volume of products. For restaurants, they usually purchase stationary equipment with a load of up to 20-50 liters, which can be used for completely different tasks - it depends on the direction of the institution. The target dish can be a liquid soup, and a smoothie with ice and frozen foods. What power blender to choose, focusing on the versatility of use? If, nevertheless, the emphasis is on cocktails, then 1000-1500 W may be enough to serve the most “problematic” ingredients of this group. But for reputable restaurants that cover the full range of device capabilities, they often purchase professional 2000 W appliances. At the same time, one should not forget about the ergonomics of small-sized devices. The most rational solution might be to have one immersion blender for fast and low-power operations and one stationary unit for other more productive tasks.
How is the device speed determined?
Power is important to distinguish from the sheer speed of the blades or other cutting elements. The power potential of the blender will depend on the electric motor or battery, which will allow you to apply sufficient force at a given speed of rotation. Maximumpower will affect the quality of grinding, but the range of speed modes even in the class of equal devices (for example, 500 W) can be different. The speed range from 14,000 to 20,000 rpm is considered standard. That is, this is the number of rotations that the cutting parts of the device will make in 1 minute. As a general rule, a blender with more than 1500 watts of power allows it to reach a maximum of 20,000 rpm. This value is considered optimal and sufficient for most tasks. In this case, the lower spectrum is also important. It is worth talking about how different speed modes change and affect the workflow.
Blender operation modes
Don't think of max RPM as the absolute best speed. It, for example, is not needed when mixing or shaking. Conversely, hard cutting will require the utmost capacity utilization. Moreover, the ability to adjust the number of revolutions can compensate for the lack of traction of the electric motor. For example, for smoothies, the power of the blender should be 400-500 watts in order to cope with iced fruits. But if the device has 300 watts, but maintains a high torque, then at a high-speed maximum it will cope with this task. Another thing is that the quality of grinding will not be ideal.
A modern blender has up to 30 speed settings, each designed for specific dishes. In simple models, there can be 5 or 10 modes, which also determine the intensity gradationproduct processing. The main problem of such devices is the impossibility of a smooth transition between modes, which affects the quality of individual operations. Conversely, the new generation of models provides for the presence of adaptive control without switching steps. The speed will depend on how hard you press the adjustment knob. How much power should a blender of this type have? At least 1000 watts, as additional load will be required to convert the signal in the electrical circuit from the controls to the power unit.
Rules for using the appliance
By the time of use, the blender must be checked for operability and integrity of individual parts. The device is usually controlled through a special panel with buttons, a timer, an indicator, and sometimes a programmer with a remote control. Further, the following operating rules should be observed:
- Do not overfill the work bowl. Large fruits and vegetables should preferably be cut into pieces.
- Hot handling is excluded for most blenders.
- Fruits with pits are also not allowed to be crushed.
- It is advisable to use products of the same degree of hardness in one load. For example, if the blender has a power of 300 W, then you can process a cucumber and an apple at the same speed, but nuts may require a different number of revolutions.
- If the optimal grinding mode for a particular product is unknown, then it is advisable to try, starting with the minimumrpm.
Blender care
The device needs to be cleaned regularly and especially after each use. After completion of work, the structure is disassembled and washed in parts under running water. Cleaning agents should be used according to the manufacturer's recommendations for specific materials - plastics, glass surfaces, metal parts, etc. If, for example, unwanted chemicals start corrosion processes on working bodies, then it is very likely that in the near future this will affect blender power - on low-performance devices up to 500 watts, this is most noticeable. Therefore, you should also inspect the functional parts of the motor base.
Best appliance manufacturers
The segment is quite dense. Manufacturers of different levels and specializations present their products there. Based on user reviews, the best quality blenders are offered by German companies like Bosch and Braun. They have been represented in this niche for several years now and, thanks to their accumulated experience, they successfully develop models that are attractive in terms of technological and functional content. How powerful are these blenders? For 5 thousand rubles. worthy options are offered Braun JB 3060 at 700 watts and Bosch MMB 42G1B at 800 watts. Moreover, it is important to note that, compared with the return of less famous blenders, the power of these devices is actually 15-20% higher even with identical nominal values. It has to do with the high quality.applied technical stuffing.
Besides, quite good models are produced by Philips. Its products are not inferior in terms of functionality, but are cheaper and offer the same kits. If you need a completely budget device for your home, then it makes sense to turn to Vitek. The VT-3407 W version may not boast the same build quality and components, but with a power of 700 W it will quite effectively perform the basic operations of making soups, cereals and cocktails.
Conclusion
The described characteristics of power and operational capabilities, of course, are not limited to the range of parameters for choosing a kitchen grinder. The same performance will be affected by the form factor of the device, the presence of modern options and the configuration of the location of the knife elements. Nevertheless, the performance of the electric motor will still remain the basic criterion. For example, how much power does a blender need to handle the most common chopping and blending operations? As practice shows, many manage with indicators of 500-600 watts. Even this can be a lot if you do not plan to work with frozen foods, meat and nuts. In extreme cases, as a reserve, you can pay extra for a 1000 W model - and then the full range of household blender capabilities will be at your disposal.
