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- Owners like the covered keypad and weighted base, which keeps the blender in place during operation.
- Some owners say that the wide-mouth jar doesn't funnel ingredients to the blades.
In owner-written reviews, the KitchenAid UltraPower blender receives lower overall scores than other, comparable blenders. Some owners complain about the blade assembly, which they find dull. KitchenAid says that this makes for better ice crushing, but some owners argue that this prevents the blender from fully emulsifying ingredients. We also read a number of troubling reports about breaking plastic teeth. The ___ looks like a more reliable choice in this price class.
This blender, which has been on the market a long time, has been reviewed in Which? a British consumer magazine, Money magazine, and the Vegetarian Times. In addition, well over 100 owners have posted reviews of this blender to Amazon.com
Our Sources
1. Which.co.uk
Editors of the UK-based Which? magazine test 19 blenders for quality and durability. They prepare mayonnaise, purees, shakes and smoothies in each blender. Most of the blenders here are not available in the United States, but the KitchenAid Ultra Power 5-Speed blender is rated a best buy.
Review: Jug Blenders, Editors of Which.co.uk, Apr. 2006
2. Amazon.com
Sixty-nine owners have posted reviews of the KSB-5 to Amazon.com. The average rating is 3 stars (out of 5). Nearly as many owners give it 1 star as give it 5 stars. Some owners like the wide-bottomed jar and easy-to-clean touchpad. We also read numerous reports of breakage. Some users say that the blender jar doesn't funnel ingredients to the blades.
Review: Review of the KitchenAid KSB5 5-Speed Blender, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of February 2008
3. Epinions.com
This blender receives an average rating of 2 1/2 stars in 8 owner-written reviews. Although owners say that this blender is powerful and attractive, its rubber teeth in the base break easily.
Review: Reviews of the KitchenAid KSB5 5-Speed Blender, Contributors to Epinions.com, As of February 2008
4. Money MagazineDetails/Subscribe
This short article highlights three models, but testing details are few, and Stephanie Smith doesn't reveal how many models she tested. The KitchenAid KSB5 is earns second place overall.
Review: A Crush of Powerful Blenders, Stephanie D. Smith, Jul-04
5. Vegetarian TimesDetails/Subscribe
In this dated article, Anne Harrington tests five popular blenders that range widely in price. The Cuisinart SmartPower 7-Speed earns praise for its solid performance and versatility.
Review: Mix It Up, Anne Harrington, Aug. 2002
