Types of blenders
While work top models are the traditional design of blenders, hand held models
are more recent additions.
Crushing ice is one of the most common tasks that a blender is used for.
The traditional carafe blender has been performing this task efficiently for
years. A blender can make easy work of whipping up soups, sauces, purees, smoothies, and many food prep tasks.
Blender carafes and capacity
Capacity of the blender refers to the size of
the blender carafe, or jar. This capacity may vary from one liter to three liters.
Carafes may be made of plastic, glass or stainless steel. Glass carafes are heavy and sturdy, but more expensive than their plastic counterparts.
Glass carafes need to be handled with extreme care. Both
glass and plastic carafes allow you monitor the blending process. People who find traditional glass too heavy can now find lightweight glass versions. Hate seeing your fingerprints on the jar? Get a fingerprint-resistant
finish.
Unbreakable and scratch resistant plastic jars provide a durable alternative to glass, but they can absorb the smell of
pungent foods.
Carafes made of stainless steel are considered the sturdiest and last for a long time, though the blending process is not visible.
Most blender carafes have a capacity of 5 to 8 cups.
However, it is not advisable to fill the blender jar with more than three-fourths
of its capacity.
Blender construction
Look at the material used for making
the blender body and the carafes. The footing of the blender should be especially
sturdy and stable, to ensure that there is no toppling over during
the blending process. Stainless steel footings are generally considered the
sturdiest.
Blender features
Blenders are used for a variety of purposes in the kitchen -
a blender’s functions could range from whipping cream, making smoothies, blending
ingredients for a soup, to tough jobs like crushing ice and milling grain. Some blenders have an ice crushing
button that switches it on to ice crushing mode.
Some blender carafes come with small openings at the top, fitted with removable
lids to facilitate the addition of water or other ingredients while blending.
Several blenders on the market come with food processor attachments. Such combination blenders have the potential to address most of your blending and food processing needs.
Some safety features ensure a total stoppage of blade movement if the jar lid is not
properly placed.
Blender power
Blenders come with a wattage of around 300-500 watts for
small blenders, to around 1200 watts for larger models. The 300 to 500 watt power range is appropriate for typical household tasks. Speed settings can vary from model to model, but the number of settings usually ranges from three to sixteen. Most people find that three speeds are more than sufficient for most tasks.
Blender speed controls
Blenders with touchpad controls are easy to keep clean, since they are flush with the body of the blender. Some models
offer programmed settings for saving prep time.
Push button controls allow changes between
different speeds with a single button. However, these push button panels are more difficult to keep clean.
Some blenders have dials to move from one speed to another. Dials are easy to operate
and clean.
Some models feature switches to change time and speed settings, though this tends to limit the number of speed options.
Price ranges for blenders
Handheld blenders from manufacturers like Faberware, Toastmaster,
Cuisinart, Back To Basics, and Braun can be bought for $11-$30. Speed variation could range from a single setting up to eighteen. A few manufacturers like Hamilton Beach also make work top blenders in
this price range.
Top names like Braun, Hamilton Beach, Oster, Cuisinart, Back to Basics and
Black & Decker make work-top models for customers shopping in the $35-$50 price
range. These generally have a capacity ranging from 40 oz
to 56 oz. The speed settings can vary from two to eighteen, along with additional features
like a 'pulse' mode. A few powerful hand blenders are also available.
Oster, Cuisinart, Braun, Hamilton Beach, and Emerson make work top models that cost
$50-$60. Carafes with larger capacities are the hallmark of this price range.
Powerful motors that
can tackle most tough tasks can be found for $70-$100. Waring, Cuisinart,
KitchenAid, Oster and Hamilton Beach are among the leaders in this category.
Large blenders with capacities ranging from 60oz upwards can be purchased for
$125-$175. Multiple jars, extra attachments, and sleek looks are included
for $200 and up. Look for Waring, Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Oster, Vitamix and Hamilton Beach.
Top Blender Manufacturers