A blender has long been on the list of kitchen tools for a housewife. With its help, you can mix, grind, whisk and rub various products, preparing them for certain dishes. The quality and volume of preparation will depend on many parameters, the main among which can be called the power of the blender, which determines the intensity of rotation of the working bodies of the device. But, of course, not only the power potential determines the efficiency and ease of use of this technique, so the choice should be approached comprehensively. For starters, it’s worth, in principle, figuring out what types of blenders exist.
Basic classification of appliances
First of all, it is worth separating stationary and immersion models of blenders. They differ in size, structural design, functionality and manufacturing materials.
It’s worth starting a review with a stationary blender as a traditional solution. Although it surpasses submersible analogues in some operational parameters, the massive construction and high cost do not allow such devices to occupy the first positions in sales. So, stationary devices have their own capacity, a unit with a motor and electronics, are characterized by impressive dimensions and high performance. The maximum power level of a stationary blender is in the range of 1500-1800 watts. As for the design, the stationary base has a monolithic structure, supporting a platform with legs and covering the panel (plastic or glass). The device can be disassembled and susceptible to changes in the configuration of functional parts.
It is also worth emphasizing the function of stationary blenders that can purposefully work as choppers. For this, a special mode is provided by which even a relatively solid fruit can be used to prepare a homogeneous mass in the form of gruel. Powerful devices even cope with fine grinding of meat products if the knives reach the edges of the container.
Now you can go to the submersible models. This is a compact device, usually made of metal, but the inclusion of plastic elements is allowed. The operational nature is also determined by the power of the submersible blender, which averages 400-600 watts. With such potential soft products can be grinded, but this is not the target function of such devices. In working qualities, they are more like a compact mixer technique, therefore they are more often used for whipping various mixtures. With all the concessions to stationary equipment, submersible models benefit from ease of use, maneuverability and portability. The battery is responsible for powering the device, so you can not think about the length of the power cord if you need to move to the other end of the kitchen.
Classification of blenders by power
In a wide range of power indicators from 300 to 1500 W or more, you can find devices for every taste that can perform certain tasks better than other representatives of the segment. Conventionally, the following levels can be distinguished:
- Models with initial power ratings of up to 300 watts. Actually, this is not the limit from the point of view of the minimum value of the power potential, since there are also devices for 200-250 watts. But a decrease in this characteristic already determines that the device belongs to a specialized segment. One way or another, the power of a 300 W submersible blender will allow it to be used for chopping and mixing soft vegetables and fruits, and preparing baby food and cocktails. And most importantly, spend a minimum of time and effort on these procedures.
- Models for 400-450 watts. The average level, which is enough to work with hard cheeses and meat products. In this category, various variations of turbo modes already appear, through which it is possible to solve more complex problems with a continuous workflow.
- Models for 500-700 watts. It will be possible to grind not only fruits with vegetables, but also frozen minced meat with ice. Consequently, the range of dishes available for cooking is expanding - from mashed potatoes for children to pies, cocktails and smoothies.
- Models for 1000 W and more. The optimal power for a good blender that can work with nozzles of various formats, grinding almost any ingredients. If we talk about modifications with potentials above 1500 watts, then in their capabilities they are close to food processors. This is a typical stationary form factor, the work in which is not so much focused on the quality of grinding, but on the ability to operate in continuous operation at peak load.
Optimum blender power for the home
It is necessary to proceed from dishes and in general the intensity of use of the device. It is one thing to make a cocktail of dairy ingredients once every few days, and another to grind cereal with nuts daily. In the first case, 300 watts will be enough, and in the second - 600 watts for cooking complex dishes. A universal solution will be a device for 500-700 watts, which will allow you to flexibly work with an extensive list of products, providing delicate grinding. Also, do not ignore specialized segments in which devices for specific tasks are presented. For example, today there are distributed cookers with grinders and convenient bowls, like a professional blender. What is the best power for such a device? Again, there is no sense in too high a performance, and with the usual soft ingredients, the same 500 watts is enough. Another thing, if you plan to regularly cook soups for a volume of more than 1.5 liters, it is better to add another 200-300 watts for the sure operation of the device.
Features of professional models
In this case, one should rely not so much on the prepared dishes as on the pace of the work process and the volume of products. For restaurants, they usually purchase stationary equipment with a loading of up to 20-50 liters, which can be used for completely different tasks - it depends on the orientation of the establishment. The target dish can be liquid soup or smoothies with ice and frozen foods. What blender power to choose, focusing on the versatility of use? If you still bet on cocktails, then 1000-1500 watts may be enough to serve the most “problematic” ingredients in this group. But for reputable restaurants that cover the full range of device capabilities, they often acquire professional 2000-W equipment. At the same time, one should not forget about the ergonomics of small-sized devices. The most rational solution may be the presence of one submersible blender for fast and low-cost power operations and one stationary unit for other more productive tasks.
How is the speed of the device determined?
Power is important to distinguish from the direct speed of movement of knives or other organs that perform cutting. The power potential of the blender will depend on the electric motor or battery, which will allow you to apply sufficient force at a given rotation speed. The maximum power will affect the quality of grinding, but the range of speed modes even in the class of equal devices (for example, at 500 watts) can be different. The speed range from 14,000 to 20,000 rpm is considered standard. That is, this is the number of rotations that the cutting parts of the device will do in 1 minute. Typically, a blender power of more than 1,500 W allows it to reach a maximum of 20,000 rpm. This value is considered optimal and sufficient to support most tasks. In this case, the lower spectrum matters. It is worth talking separately about how different speed modes change and affect the workflow.
Blender Modes
Do not consider the maximum speed as a mandatory and the best speed mode. He, for example, is not needed when mixing or shaking. Conversely, hard cutting will require the utmost capacity utilization. Moreover, the ability to adjust the number of revolutions can compensate for the lack of traction of the electric motor. For example, for a smoothie, the power of the blender should be 400-500 watts, so that you can cope with icy fruits. But if the device has 300 watts, but supports high torque, then at a high-speed maximum it will cope with this task. Another thing is that the quality of grinding will be imperfect.
The modern blender provides up to 30 speed modes, with each intended for specific dishes. In simple models, there can be 5, and 10 modes, which also determine the gradation by the intensity of the processing of products. The main problem of such devices is the impossibility of a smooth transition between modes, which affects the quality of individual operations. Conversely, a new generation of models provides for adaptive adjustment without switching steps. The speed will depend on the force pressing the control knob. What power should this type of blender have? At least 1000 W, since an additional load is required to convert the signal in the electrical circuit from the controls to the power unit.
Instructions for use
By the time of use, the blender should be checked for operability and integrity of the individual parts. Device control, as a rule, is carried out through a special panel with buttons, a timer, an indicator, and sometimes a programmer with a remote control. The following operating rules should be followed:
- Do not load excess food into the pan. Large fruits and vegetables are preferably cut into pieces.
- Hot work is excluded for most blenders.
- Fruit with seeds is also not allowed to be chopped.
- It is advisable to use products of equal hardness in one batch. For example, if the power of the blender is 300 watts, then you can process a cucumber and an apple at one high-speed mode, but for nuts it may take a different number of turns.
- If the optimum grinding mode for a particular product is unknown, then it is advisable to try starting from the minimum speed.
Blender Care
The device needs regular cleaning, and especially after each use session. After completion of work, the structure is disassembled and washed in parts under running water. Cleaning products should be used according to manufacturers' recommendations for specific materials - plastics, glass surfaces, metal parts, etc. If, for example, undesirable chemicals trigger corrosion processes on working bodies, then with a high probability this will soon affect blender power - on low-performance devices up to 500 W this is most noticeable. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out inspection of the functional parts of the motor base.
Top appliance manufacturers
The segment is quite dense. Manufacturers of different levels and specializations present their products in it. Based on user reviews, the best quality blenders are offered by German companies like Bosch and Braun. They have been represented in this niche for several years already and, thanks to their accumulated experience, successfully develop models that are attractive in terms of technological and functional content. What is the power of these manufacturers blenders? For 5 thousand rubles. decent options are offered Braun JB 3060 at 700 watts and Bosch MMB 42G1B at 800 watts. Moreover, it is important to note that, in comparison with the return of less famous blenders, the power of these devices is actually 15-20% higher even with identical nominal values. This is due precisely to the high quality of the applied technical filling.
In addition, good models are released by Philips. Its products are not inferior in terms of functionality, but they are cheaper and offer the same complete sets. If you need a completely budget device for the home, then it makes sense to contact Vitek. The VT-3407 W version may not boast the same build quality and accessories, but with a power of 700 W it will quite effectively perform the basic operations of preparing soups, cereals and cocktails.
Conclusion
The described characteristics of power and operational capabilities, of course, are not limited to the range of parameters for choosing a kitchen grinder. The form factor of the device, the presence of modern options and the configuration of the location of the knife elements will affect the same performance. Nevertheless, the basic criterion will still be the performance of the electric motor. For example, what is the power of the blender needed to cope with the most popular grinding and mixing operations? As practice shows, many cost indicators of 500-600 watts. Even this can be a lot if it is not planned to work with frozen foods, meat and nuts. As a last resort, as a margin, you can pay for a model for 1000 watts - and then the full range of capabilities of a household blender will be available.