Blender: what is it and how to use it? Types, main functions, operating rules

Let's try to figure out that this is a blender? The name of the kitchen appliance comes from the English term Blender (mixer). In fact, this device is intended for grinding products, preparing emulsions, whipping drinks, mousses and cocktails. The product is a combination of mixer and food processor. From the first analogue, it got the opportunity to mix the ingredients, and from the second - knife nozzles for grinding.

Submersible models

Next, consider a hand blender. What is it, will help to understand the following characteristics:

• It focuses on most household kitchen tasks;
• compact, able to grind small portions in various containers;
• many nozzles are supplied;
• during operation, the device is held in hands, careless handling is fraught with splashing of components.

Such a device is popular with consumers, because it allows you to replace almost a food processor. An additional advantage is the compact size, which allows transporting the unit without problems and storing it in a small kitchen, without occupying a usable area. In the set:

• device for crushing ice;
• nozzles for mashed potatoes, mousse, minced meat, dough;
• mixer, coffee grinder.

Stationary blender

What this adaptation is, we will consider further. This appliance is optimal for preparing soups and cocktails.

General characteristics:

• the device is focused on many tasks, including the preparation of liquids of various consistencies;
• during operation, you do not need to hold the device in your hands; practically no splashing of components is observed;
• Among the minuses, solid dimensions and the ability to cook exceptionally large portions are noted.

The described device is perfect for everyday use, as it does not require holding in hands during processing of products, it copes well with the preparation of mashed soups and smoothies, and does not spray liquid components.

Criterias of choice

The main parameter in this direction is power. This indicator varies in the range of 0.5-2.0 kW. The larger the specified characteristic, the faster the immersion version processes the products and less heat. With the help of this product, it is quite possible to crack ice, to make meat and bone mince.

0.5 kilowatts is enough to grind soft foods. To perform extended household tasks, an aggregate with a greater processing power will be required. As a nut cracker or an icebreaker, a device with a capacity of at least 700-800 watts is required. A device with a power index exceeding 1 kW is usually used by professional users and costs an order of magnitude more expensive than classic counterparts.

Speed ​​and operating modes

The home blender is equipped with a multi-speed mechanism. The more there are, the more accurate the unit will be configured in terms of processing products and achieving their uniformity. For standard household needs, an option with 2-3 speeds is quite enough. If the user puts the prerogative of flexible speed settings, it makes sense to pay attention to models with 6-8 modes.

The submersible type food chopper has useful additional functionality, expressed in the turbine rotation of the knives at maximum speed. This mode is usually activated at the end of processing components to achieve maximum mass uniformity. Pulse adjustment does not allow the device to overheat under excessive load (for example, during ice crushing). In this mode, the unit works quickly with frequent interruptions, while the speed is adjusted by pressing the power key.

Used nozzles and connection

A submersible type home blender is usually equipped with three types of nozzles: a mixer, chopper and whisk for whipping. These elements are enough to ensure the culinary process, from whipping egg whites to cooking minced meat.

Other useful tips:

1. The device for mashed potatoes allows you not to whip, but rub the potatoes at low speeds, which determines the airiness of the finished product.
2. Vacuum pump Thanks to this nozzle, it is possible to remove air from plastic and polyethylene containers, ensuring long-term storage of products.

Almost all types of blenders operate from the network, the cord length is about 1500 millimeters. As practice shows, this is a proven and reliable option. To service large kitchens and several work surfaces at the same time, modifications on batteries have been developed. Similar devices are also useful at a country picnic or cottage, where there is no electricity. The main disadvantage of the wireless unit is the short period of operation without recharging (no more than 30 minutes).

Power and speed modes

The power parameter is indicated in the instruction manual of the blender. This characteristic for stationary models ranges from 250-1500 watts. For cooking soups and smoothies, up to 600 watts is enough. Grinding of solid products (nuts, ice, berries) is best done on a device with a capacity of at least 0.7 kW, and as a dough mixer - from 1.0 kW and above.

Speed ​​modes in home blenders reach 20 positions. This allows you to achieve the optimal result in terms of grinding products. However, it is not worth overpaying for an additional number of speeds. Most of the kitchen and culinary tasks in the home kitchen are solved using 1-4 speed adjustment modes. Turbine and pulse ranges are relevant for those consumers who often use the device, and for processing a variety of products.

Knives and bowl

The functions of a blender are performed by one or two knives. In the second case, the processing time of the loaded material is reduced. The shape of the working elements is straight or curved. Recent modifications are ground and mixed thoroughly. Stainless steel knives last longer and more reliably, because they are not afraid of corrosion.

The bowl of the device in question is made of metal, plastic or glass. The easiest and cheapest are plastic containers. Such a jug is suitable for home and infrequent use. The glass model is not scratched, it allows the processing of hot products, but is subject to mechanical deformation. The metal option is the most expensive. The disadvantages include the opacity of the bowl, which makes it impossible to observe the grinding process.

Operation of submersible devices

The number of components that can be processed with such a device is usually limited by the amount of utensils used. In order to avoid spraying the prepared mixture, the container should have a sufficient depth. What can you cook with a hand blender? Almost all dishes that require a homogeneous mass, including soups, mashed potatoes, cocktails, mousses, smoothies and the like.

Do not overload the device, forcing it to process a large number of ingredients at the same time. Otherwise, the unit may not overheat and fail. For prolonged use, short breaks should be made every 20-30 minutes (more detailed information is available in the instruction manual). After use, wash and dry wipe the working element and nozzles to it.

Stationary blender. Production material

Description of the stationary blender should first begin with the hull. It can be made of plastic or metal. In the latter case, the material is much more resistant to hot liquids and products with high heat treatment. The metal base makes it possible to grind the hottest components. Moreover, the specified version is more environmentally friendly and easier to maintain. Often the case of the unit in modern design is made of plastic. The addition of rubberized inserts on the handles and the bottom makes it easy to carry and load devices.

Rules for using stationary models

It is not recommended to fill the cup until “refusal”. The height margin should be about 20-30 millimeters. These rules for safe operation of the blender allow you to extend the life of the device, ensuring uniform and quick processing of products.

Before the main process, the ingredients should be cut, since whole vegetables or fruits are difficult to chop, overloading the device. It is better to recycle the required amount in several runs in metered portions than all the components in one go. If the bowl is made of plastic - do not grind hot foods. In the process, you need to periodically shake the device so that the ingredients are more thoroughly mixed in the bowl.

Stationary modifications are not intended for crumbling solid dry products (crackers, nuts, greens). Garlic and onions are preferably processed with the addition of several tablespoons of water.

Recommendations

Considered kitchen appliances are equipped with a plastic or metal case. The second version is more reliable and more expensive. When purchasing the unit, the following recommendations of users and specialists should be taken into account:

1. When choosing a submersible or stationary model, consider the main tasks.
2. Storage and use of stationary modifications requires the presence of additional free space.
3. The hand blender handles most household tasks, while being compact and versatile.
4. The complexity and the number of operations of the device depend on the power parameter.
5. The feature of the knives and the variety of speed modes makes it possible to accelerate the processing of products with a homogeneous mass.
6. First of all, you should focus on the material for the manufacture of work items, not the case.

Redmond Blenders

The equipment from this manufacturer is popular in the domestic market, it is characterized by high build quality, functionality and reasonable price. Consider the characteristics of several modifications from this brand.

The RHB-2941 model perfectly combines a mixer, blender and chopper, has a beautiful design, is additionally equipped with a whisk for whipping. Specifications:

• power - 1.3 kW;
• number of speeds - two;
• case / immersion element material - plastic / metal;
• width - 60 mm;
• weight - 770 g;
• Features - measuring cup, chopper, whipping option, turbine mode;
• Estimated cost - from 2.2 thousand rubles.

Distinctive features of this model is the presence of an S-shaped knife, protection against current and anti-slip base. The turnover is 9-16 thousand rotations per minute, the cable length is 1300 mm, the volume of the bowl is 0.5 l.

Modifications RHB-2908 and RHB-SB-2932

The Redmond RHB-2908 blender is made of environmentally friendly raw materials, has a high power parameter and low noise level. The advantages of this model include the mechanical type of control, the ergonomics of the case and the high quality of the working knives.

Parameters:

• power indicator - from 0.75 to 1.2 kW;
• case material - plastic / metal;
• number of speeds - five;
• width / depth - 65/65 mm;
• the presence of turbo mode, chopper, measuring tank and whisk for whipping.

Other advantages include consumer protection against overheating, the cord length is 1400 mm, the tip of metal knives. Among the minuses - tight button presses and poor maintainability.

The RHB-SB-2932 version has compact dimensions, perfectly copes with the tasks stated by the manufacturer. The device is equipped with an ergonomic handle, a mechanical type of control, an original design. In addition to functionality, the unit will delight owners with design, will become an additional decoration of the kitchen interior.

Specifications:

• power indicator - 0.9 kW;
• material for the body / immersion part - plastic / metal;
• weight - 750 g;
• bowl depth - 60 mm;
• the presence of a chopper and a measuring cup.

Among the features of the apparatus, a four-blade knife with titanium coating, a temperature limiter and a whisk, which is not designed for kneading the dough, are noted.

RHB-SB-2930 and RHB-M2900 Series

Many people wonder about which company to choose a blender for home. Users recommend paying attention to the Redmond RHB-SB-2930 model. This unit is included in the category of "premium", has a streamlined configuration, the presence of backlighting and improved functionality, thanks to a wide range of speed modes.

Technical indicators:

• power - 1.35 kW;
• case / work element - plastic / metal;
• width - 50 mm;
• weight - 1980 g;
• there is a whipper, chopper and turbo mode;
• number of speeds - five;
• price - from 5.2 thousand rubles.

Among the pluses are revs up to 1600 rpm, electronic motor protection, five-leaf knives in alloy steel. Disadvantages - high noise, lack of ice breaking option.

Modification RHB-M2900 is additionally equipped with a coffee grinder and a travel bottle with a glass. Owners will appreciate the high build quality, low noise, excellent performance and reasonable price (from 4.3 thousand rubles).

Parameters:

• power indicator - 0.35 kW;
• skeleton / immersion part - plastic / metal;
• the number of speeds is two;
• bowl depth - 165 mm;
• mass - 1500 g;
• the presence of a pulse mode and a grinder.

Pluses - the capacity of the bowl is one liter, the presence of a coffee grinder, anti-vibration rubber legs, engine blocking when improperly assembled. Cons - no whisk, low power.

Redmond Versions RSB-CBM-3400 and RFP-3950

What is a blender in the interior? To understand this nuance will allow the modification of the premium RHB-CBM-3400. It has a beautiful design, equipped with backlight for keys. The machine is designed for many operations, including chopping ice, processing nuts and berries. The model is compact, additionally equipped with a book with illustrated recipes.

Specifications:

• power parameter - 1.2 kW;
• case / working element - glass / metal;
• number of speeds - three;
• weight - 4500 g;
• the presence of a pulse mode and a grinder;
• cost - from 8.9 thousand rubles.

The advantages include the first category of protection against current, revs up to 2 thousand rotations per minute, a controller of improper assembly and overheating. Cons - a short cord and high noise when processing ice.

The RFP-3950 version also belongs to the “premium” category, it has an excellent design and a lot of additional functionality (shredder, mixer, grater). The model is easy to assemble and install, does not take up much space, has a low noise level. The blender is equipped with an anti-slip coating on the bottom, after use it is transformed into a convenient lid for the bowl.

Main characteristics:

• power - 1.0 kW;
• skeleton / work element - plastic / metal;
• the number of speeds is one;
• width / depth - 365/265 mm;
• weight - 4000 g;
• the presence of a whisk for whipping and chopper;
• cost - from 5.7 thousand rubles.

Among the pluses are speed of 1300 rotations per minute, bowl capacity (1.4 l), knife versatility and multifunctionality. Among the shortcomings are the lack of additional modes.

Rating models

Depending on what you need a blender in the house, you should be repelled when choosing a suitable modification. The rating table below from Redmond will help you with this.

Care and Cleaning

In order not to think after several uses on how to fix the blender, it is necessary to follow certain operating rules. After work, wash and dry the unit. You need to connect it to the power supply with an acceptable voltage (this indicator is indicated in the instructions for use). Also, do not overload the device, giving it a rest during a long working process.

Some stationary versions are equipped with an automatic cleaning function. After completion of work, such units are filled with warm water, after which they activate the process by pressing the “Clean” button. In this case, the nozzle will spin, and the liquid will rinse the inside of the bowl and the working element. It is not difficult to wash the device yourself, but there is a risk of injury from sharp knives.

Total

Among the variety of manufactured kitchen appliances, a blender stands apart. This is not surprising, since it combines several units at the same time. At the same time, the device is characterized by small dimensions and weight. Submersible models practically do not require storage space, but they have all the functions of a blender and a food processor. Using this device, you can prepare the basis for a huge number of dishes, from soups to cocktails and desserts.