EmailHere's what reviews say about selecting a blender:
- Look for a pulse option. Testers generally like having a pulse button, which lets you turn on the blender for short bursts. This is helpful when you don't want to over-process ingredients and for crushing ice. For models with a switch, it's easy to flip the switch on and off for pulse.
- Look for a removable blade. Blenders with non-removable blades are harder to clean. Blenders with non-removable blades are less likely to leak, however.
- More than three speeds aren't necessary. Experts say that three well-differentiated speeds are enough.
- A high price doesn't guarantee performance. Some blenders costing as much as $200 receive low marks in professional tests, while some budget models get better reviews.
- Push buttons can be harder to clean. It can be next to impossible to clean the crevices between buttons. Dial controls, touchpads and switches are better options.
- Consider the container. Tapered jars funnel food down to the blades, yielding more uniform results. Plastic jars scratch, and scratches can become repositories for odor and stains. Glass jars are heavier and more stable. Polycarbonate pitchers, such as those on the Vita-Mix and some KitchenAid blenders, are shatterproof.
- Size and appearance might matter. Since many blenders remain on the counter, styling and colors that suit your kitchen may be a factor in selecting a blender. Also, some blenders are taller than others and may not fit under upper cabinets.
- Consider your usage. Are you buying a blender for the occasional margarita? Make sure the one you choose handles ice well. Are you eating mostly raw food and want to blend up several smoothies a day? Look at a heavy-duty model. If you plan to use the blender occasionally for medium-duty tasks, choose a "home" model or a budget pick.
Usage tips
Blenders can be noisy. One way to muffle the noise is to drape a kitchen towel over the top of your blender.
Although many blenders are labeled "dishwasher safe," experts recommend hand-washing whenever possible. That's because rubber gaskets in particular may shrink or warp in the dishwasher. You can quickly clean a blender by filling the jar halfway with hot water and adding a drop or two of dish soap. Run the blender for a minute, and then discard the water and rinse out the container.
Try not to overfill the jar, and leave room for ingredients to move around. Add ingredients one at a time, pulsing after each addition.