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- Five speeds plus pulse
- Large 58-ounce jug
- Heavy, doesn't "walk" across counter
- Potential durability issue with plastic drive gears
- Flimsy construction
- Burning plastic smell
Reviews indicate that the Braun PowerMax is adept at everything from making frozen margaritas to puréeing soups. It's also a bit quieter than other blenders in tests; however, owner reviews for its durability are more mixed. Many owners complain that the plastic drive gears are prone to breaking and that the unit's construction feels flimsy. Some also report a smell of burning plastic. Although Braun claims to have resolved this issue, owners say the problem remains. Compared to the Oster 6684 (*est. $40), the Braun PowerMax does not receive the best user evaluations.
We read professional reviews of the Braun PowerMax MX2050 blender in Consumer Reports and Cook's Illustrated, both of which perform detailed comparison tests. Good Housekeeping also reviews the MX2050 in a comparison test of 16 blenders, but doesn't detail its methodology. In addition, more than 100 owners have posted reviews of this blender to Amazon.com, Cooking.com and Epinions, which balance out the professional reviews and provide a good impression of real-world reliability.
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Our Sources
1. Cook's Illustrated MagazineDetails/Subscribe
In ice crushing, puréeing and smoothie-making tests, the Braun PowerMax MX2050 blender places second overall. It wasn't capable of blending peanuts into peanut butter, however. Editors praise the jar design.
Review: Sizing Up Souped-Up Blenders, Editors of Cook's Illustrated, July/August 2006
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports' editors have tested a huge number of blenders -- over 30 are included in its latest ratings chart. In hands-on tests, blenders are evaluated on their ability to crush ice, puree soup, make smoothies and blend icy drinks. The Braun PowerMax MX2050 is included in the ratings chart.
Review: Blenders, Editors of Consumer Reports, Updated Aug. 2007
3. Cook's Illustrated MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Cook's Illustrated testers also examine the Braun PowerMax MX2050 in an earlier report, where it is compared to other inexpensive blenders on its ability to make smoothies, puree soup and attempt to crush ice.
Review: Inexpensive Blenders, Editors of Cook's Illustrated, June 2005
4. Good HousekeepingDetails/Subscribe
Good Housekeeping's editors test 16 blenders and provide brief reviews of the four top performers. The Braun Power Max MX2050 performed the best in testing, is relatively quiet and has the largest capacity of the top four.
Review: The Best Blenders, Editors of Good Housekeeping, July 2007
5. Amazon.com
At Amazon.com, the PowerMax MX2050 blender receives over 125 reviews, resulting in 3.5 stars out of five. Although Braun claims that it redesigned the plastic teeth, which were the target of many complaints, many owners say that the problem remains unresolved. Owners who like this blender say that it's a good ice crusher that's easy to clean.
Review: Braun PowerMax MX2050 Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com
6. Epinions.com
The PowerMax has accumulated a couple of dozen owner-written reviews here, but the average rating is low. Several owners say that the gear teeth broke after weeks or months of use. Owners who like this blender say that it has a powerful motor and a heavy duty glass jar.
Review: Braun MX 2050 PowerMax 5-Speed Blender Reviews, Contributors to Epinions.com
