- Powerful motor
- Timer
- Crushes ice well
- Cumbersome controls
- Reports of leaks
- Doesn't pour that well
The Cuisinart SmartPower CBT-500 earns mixed reviews in professional testing, and similar varied reports from consumers. On the plus side, professional reviews report that it performs fairly well, especially when crushing ice and making frozen drinks. However, consumers consistently complain that the Cuisinart CBT-500 leaks at the base, and professional testing confirms this. Both professionals and owners dislike the multi-button sequence for turning it on, and they complain that the stout jar makes pouring difficult. The Breville Ikon Hemisphere BBL600XL (*Est. $200) performs better in professional tests and gets higher ratings in user reviews.
We found comparison testing of many blender models at two professional review sites. The Wall Street Journal included the Cuisinart CBT-500 in its article that tests and compares five blenders, with a focus on frozen drinks. CNNMoney.com ranks the Cuisinart CBT-500 as the top pick of three, but testing details are meager and we don't learn how many models were included in the comparison. Owner feedback on long-term reliability can be found at Amazon.com, Epinions.com and Cooking.com.
| Cuisinart CBT-500 SmartPower 600-Watt Premier Power Blender, Brushed Stainless | |
(165 reviews) In Stock. |
|
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
The Cuisinart SmartPower CBT-500 is one of the 31 blenders tested and included in a ratings chart, which documents performance on puréeing soups, crushing ice and making frozen cocktails.
Review: Blenders to quench a summer thirst, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Updated Aug. 2007
2. Cook's Illustrated Magazine
Editors here compare the performance of eight blenders that claim to go beyond pedestrian blender tasks. Models are tested on their ability to make smoothies, crush ice and pulverize peanuts for homemade nut butters. The Cuisinart SmartPower CBT-500 is one of the blenders included in the test.
Review: Sizing Up Souped-Up Blenders, Editors of Cook's Illustrated magazine, July/Aug. 2006
3. The Wall Street Journal
Longtime reviewer Charles Passy includes five blenders in this test with a focus on ice crushing. The Cuisinart SmartPower CBT-500 is named the best value, but the wide-mouth glass jar makes pouring a challenge.
Review: Blenders Enter the Ice Age, Charles Passy, June 22, 2007
4. Amazon.com
At Amazon.com, the Cuisinart CBT-500 earns only 2.5 stars out of 5 in reviews from more than 60 customers. Owners complain of burning rubber smells, leakage from the base, and a too-wide spout that makes pouring difficult.
Review: Cuisinart SmartPower Premier 600-Watt Blenders, Contributors to Amazon.com
5. Epinions.com
More than two dozen reviewers contribute to the Cuisinart SmartPower CBT-500's average rating of just 2.5 out of 5 stars. Many owners complain that the blade assembly cracked within a short time of use or that the blender leaks at the base. Owners like the blender's aesthetics.
Review: Cuisinart SmartPower Premier CBT-500 Single-Speed Blender, Contributors to Epinions.com
6. CNNMoney.com
This short article covers three blenders, but testing details are sparse. The Cuisinart SmartPower CBT-500 is rated at the top, while the Oster Classic Beehive blender is the budget pick.
Review: A Crush of Powerful Blenders, Stephanie D. Smith, July 1, 2004
7. Cooking.com
About 10 owners rate the Cuisinart SmartPower CBT-500 very highly. One complains that it broke within a month.
Review: Brushed Stainless and Black Bar Blender, Contributors to Cooking.com
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