Blenders are specially designed to whisk liquids (such as soup, tomato puree, milkshake) at very high speeds. They can also shred and grind solid foods (such as mashed potatoes, carrots, nuts, dry bread, etc.) and mix them with liquids. Blenders are our greatest helpers for mixing results that can’t be achieved by manpower. For example, if you only need a helper for this process, you can choose only a blender instead of multifunctional food processors that are for chopping and shredding.
Blender Functions
Smoothies aren’t the only reason to get a blender even though they are a huge part of our lives now. The main function of the blenders is thought to be crushing ice whether for the use at home or bar. You can prepare beverages like cocktails, milkshakes, and other frozen drinks. Liquifying and emulsifying softer food ingredients, such as yogurt and fruit, blenders produce a rather thick consistency and a smooth texture. Ideal for healthy, frozen desserts.
Speaking of healthy food, blenders are also great tools to make your own homemade butter, such as peanut and almond. If you like counting your carbs, you can make rice out of broccoli as a low carb side. You can also work with grains such as oatmeal flour, bread, and cookie crumbles. Tasty soups, homemade sauces are so easy to prepare with the help of the kitchen blenders.
Types of Blenders
a. Hand Blenders
b. Single-Serve/Jar Blenders
c. Countertop Blenders
d. Commercial Blenders
Hand Blenders
Also known as immersion, stick, or wand blenders, they don’t have a container of their own. They are suitable for homogenizing amounts that are too large to fit in the bowl of the mixer or that are too hot to pour safely into a bowl, like soups. Based on the needs of your space, you can choose a cordless or electric design. The chances of making a mess of the kitchen wouldn’t be a worry with hand blenders but holding them for some time can be quite tiresome. Although they are easy to clean and ideal for small and specific tasks, they have less area of use compared to the other blender types.
Single-Serve/Jar Blenders
Mainly used as smoothie or milkshake makers, they are also good for making batters such as omelet or pancake. It’s good to keep in mind that because of their power volume, you will be creating very liquid recipes with a smooth texture. Alongside the power they provide, their speed makes them an ideal time saver. Also, a literal lifesaver since the blades are inside the container as they work, preventing possible kitchen accidents. It should be noted that even though splashing the mixture wouldn’t be an issue, leaking is a common problem that is caused by the blade unit not being attached to the container properly.
Countertop Blenders
Not only powerful, but they also have a larger capacity compared to the previous blenders. Fit for big gatherings with a jug container most of the time, you don’t need to take another round to make the desired mixture. Containers come in all shapes and sizes and are made of all various materials. They are suitable to add almost any ingredient and get a smooth blend from it as most of them come with variable speeds from chopping to liquid puree. While they are convenient for a wide range of use, the size and the weight make it hard to move them around after use.
Commercial Blenders
They are similar to countertop blenders, except they are built for more professional and frequent work with their long-lasting durability and strength. Usually used at bars, they are designed to blend smoothies, frozen cocktails, and other beverages quickly.
Cool Blender Features
One of the best things about blenders that most of them come in different colors. They can match your kitchen aesthetic even if you can’t find a proper place to store them. If the storage is the issue, you are in luck because they also come in different shapes and sizes. Variable speed options will help you have the texture you want to achieve and the motor power plays a big part in that.
Single-serve models are ideal for a quick smoothie takeaway as the container is also a bottle. They are usually made of plastic but as the models change, the features change to. Plastic is easy to carry around and the least expensive model. However, they are also the least durable ones and prone to scratching which results in absorbing the smell of the material. Glass containers are durable and won’t discolor easily. Both models are see-through unlike stainless steel models but the upside of it apart from being the most durable model, that they keep the frozen mixture cold longer.
Blender, Jug or Jar?
The container’s size is as important as its type. Jug blenders are ideal if you want more capacity to make bigger portions of soups, smoothies, or cocktails to give examples. Jar blenders work with less space. Fit for single-serve, they are also suitable to preserve the mixture and take them to the gym or to work. It’s important to consider your area of use before choosing one over the other.
Blender Tips
- Before starting the blender, make sure the lid is securely and properly on.
- If the mixture is too thick to your liking, add some liquid gradually to create a smoother texture.
- Solid and relatively bigger foods are required to be cut into small pieces. We don’t want the blender to heat up with extra hard work.
- Depending on the model you are using, don’t leave the blender unattended since the lid can fly off.
- Leave some room in the container, the mixture will take up more space while blending. There should not be any liquid or solid substance in the upper one-third of the container.
- If there is an air bubble or the mixture stops circulating, give it a break, and use a spatula to stir the ingredients then process again.
- Start processing it on the lowest speed setting, then increase volume as needed.
- While cleaning the blender, don’t ever soak the base in water to avoid the threat of electrical shock. A damp cloth, towel, or smooth sponge will suffice safely.
Best Kitchen Blender Brands and Reviews
You can see 7 kitchen blenders below which include our reviews. You can have a look to them and if you prefer, you can click to amazon.com to get details or buy one of them.
Ninja Professional Countertop Blender
Highly rated by consumer reports, you can use this model with two single-serve bottles that come with it, apart from the big container (72 ounce total crushing pitcher with two 16 ounce Nutri Ninja Cups, plus To-Go lids). Because of the big pitcher’s blades, it does a really good job of chopping food without blending them. The blender has 1100 watts of professional performance power with 3 speeds, pulse, and single-serve functions which definitely simplifies the usage.
Vitamix 5200 Blender
There is a reason why this is one of the most well-known blenders. With its variable speed control, you can easily adjust speed to achieve a variety of textures. The size and shape of the self-cleaning 64-ounce container are ideal for blending medium to large batches. With a small amount of dish soap and warm water, your blender can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds. Stainless steel blades aim to handle more solid food and guarantee to give you the same blending experience years later with its durability.
Vitamix 5200 Blender Vitamix 5200 Blender
Oster Blender | Pro 1200
The feature that makes this model amazing is that apart from its main glass jar, it includes a 24-ounces, smoothie cup that fits right onto the blades. The smoothie cup is made of BPA-free plastic. You can blend your smoothie right into your to-go cup. Having 7-speed settings, it gives you different texture options for the ingredients you will be blending. The dual direction technology of 6 blades ensures smooth textures.
Oster Blender | Pro 1200 Oster Blender | Pro 1200
Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick 500 Watt 9-Speed Immersion Multi-Purpose Hand Blender
There is a reason why this is one of the highest-rated hand blenders and we will tell you why. Mueller gets the work done efficiently by saving your arm trouble. It has a user-friendly grip that makes the experience more comfortable. The detachable blending arm with the fixed, ‘S’ shaped stainless steel blade locks into the motor body for easy operation. The motor is made of copper entirely which gives the blender a long, efficient life. The whisk and the milk frother attachments that come with it are BPA-free. Safe for your health and the environment.
Tenswall Portable Blender
If you like staying healthy at work, gym, or while traveling in general, this portable blender will be your best companion. It comes with two non-toxic straws that are environmentally friendly. You will be enjoying your 380ml of beverage with no chunks as its 6-blade design makes the best-homogenized drinks. With a 2000mAh of rechargeable battery, you can use any USB supported device to recharge the blender. 3 hours of recharge gives enough battery for 12 cups of drink. It’s advised to clean the blender soon since the food tends to stick and the blades are not removable.
Vitamix Explorian Blender E310
Chopping, grinding, heating, emulsion and of course blending, this model gives you everything you need in one piece! Apart from 10 different speed settings, it gives you a pulse option to make chunky sauces and vegetable soups with a thick texture. Hardened stainless steel blades are more than durable and guarantee to give you the same efficiency after years of use. All the self-cleaning 64-ounce container needs a drop of dish soap, warm water, and 30 seconds.
