Sooner or later, the question arises, how and which blender to choose for the home. In many ways, decision-making depends on individual needs, number of servings, frequency of use, etc. This article is intended to help make the right decision.
What varieties of blenders are available?
Most do not care which blender company to choose. People are interested in a simple device that could make mashed potatoes, sauces, smoothies and milkshakes, as well as crush ice. The last task of the basic model is not as good as high power blenders. Also, they often cannot cope with hard vegetables such as cabbage and celery.
High power blenders are always at the top of professional tests, but they are usually located at the top of the price scale. These are stationary models that are needed if it is necessary to grind grain into flour, mix hot ingredients, warm cold ones and get perfectly homogeneous puree. They also make salsa well, for which a uniform texture with pieces of vegetables is important. These high-quality devices can even replace a juicer.
Which blender is best for smoothie lovers? One-serving. These small devices are easy to use - just lay the ingredients, grind them, take out the cup and drink. Most of them include a non-spill mug, which you can take with you on the go. They are not very well suited for such difficult tasks as crushing ice, but they can cope perfectly with fruits, yogurt and other ingredients of milkshakes.
Multifunctional hand blenders are equipped with a variety of nozzles and accessories that can replace other kitchen appliances. Usually these are whisks and knives that chop nuts and vegetables well.
To prepare mashed potatoes and beat eggs, a simple hand blender is suitable.
Wireless models allow you to cook outside the kitchen - on a camping trip, on a picnic, on a boat or in a camper van. However, they are more expensive and not as powerful as wired ones, and their operating time is limited by the battery capacity.
Stationary blender: which is better to choose?
Each model must have the following:
- Tight cover. According to user reviews, some models get low ratings simply because they are not able to prevent splashing. In addition, the lid should be easy to put on and take off, and also suitable for washing in the dishwasher.
- Hole in the cover. Its presence facilitates the addition of ingredients for emulsions or cream soups.
- Stable base. Unstable or highly vibrating blenders, most likely, do not work as efficiently as possible, which means that they take more time to complete their work.
- Easy to clean. Some blenders have a mug of soapy water right after use, while others can be loaded directly into the dishwasher. Containers that need to be washed by hand should be avoided - there is a risk of cutting into sharp knives.
- Multifunctionality. Which blender is better to choose if it is necessary that he make cocktails or perform other solitary tasks? In this case, a cheap model with several settings is suitable. But if you want one device to perform a variety of mixing and grinding work, then you should buy the best blender you can afford.
- Good warranty. Since blenders are subject to heavy loads, a standard one-year warranty is required, but heavy-duty models are supported by the manufacturer much longer.
Hand blender: which one to choose, photo
The best models of this type should have the following distinctive features:
- Intuitive controls. Hand blenders should be equipped with buttons that are easy to press and hold. For safety reasons, some of them require constant pressure. For this reason, large ergonomic buttons are more convenient.
- Easy to clean. A well-designed blade guard will prevent food from getting stuck, and a removable washable shaft provides easy cleaning. Accessories must also be dishwasher safe.
- Convenient weight. According to experts, for submersible blenders, a weight of less than 1 kg is the best. Heavier models can quickly tire, although usually the time of their use does not exceed a minute.
- Ergonomic handle. Rubber stops are more comfortable, and a well-designed handle rests well in the hand.
- Availability of working capacity. Submersible models usually come with a standard narrow beaker designed to facilitate chopping of ingredients. If the capacity is large, you should make sure that the blender is compatible with other glasses, especially with a cocktail shaker.
What to understand before buying
Those who decide which blender is best to choose, according to the reviews of the owners, need to decide on such a number of issues.
Purpose of use. Which blender to choose for making a smoothie? No need to invest in a heavy duty model. A fairly inexpensive one-serving blender, or you can stop at a cheap stationary option. To perform many tasks, the best model is suitable. Which blender is better to choose a baker who makes flour or peanut butter? By far the most powerful.
How many servings do you need to cook? Full-sized blenders can hold from 1 to 2 liters. They are great for families and those who often have crowded parties. Single serving blenders hold 0.5 L or less and allow you to drink directly from the bowl in which the mixture was prepared.
Frequency of use. How to choose a blender if a milkshake or soup will be prepared only occasionally? In this case, experts advise you to buy a good inexpensive model. But if the blender is used regularly, then a more durable and powerful option is best.
Storage. The standard distance between the kitchen worktop and cabinets is 45 cm. Most blenders are smaller, so they fit, but some may be taller (for example, the 52-cm Vitamix 5200). You should also consider the weight of the device if it will be stored in a cabinet. Heavy models are difficult to remove from the top shelf or lift from the bottom.
Should the blender match the decor? If so, color is an important consideration, especially if you plan to store the device on a countertop.
Are additional features needed? Some of them increase convenience and save time: a hole for adding ingredients and pre-programmed settings, such as crushing ice or making smoothies, allow you to press one button and leave - the blender will start and stop itself.
Oster Versa Pro Performance
When deciding which stationary blender to choose, you should pay attention to the mid-priced, but with the features of high-end models Oster Versa Pro Performance. According to experts and owners, it is almost in no way inferior to more expensive devices. A blender can perform tasks such as making walnut flour and butter, pesto, soups, sauces and cocktails, although not of such a uniform consistency as in the case of high-end models. According to experts, the device copes with coffee beans and makes mashed soups and milkshakes almost instantly.
Owners agree with the experts, noting that Versa easily chopped cabbage and spinach. Heavier ingredients, such as broccoli, are difficult. Some note that when processing these hard vegetables, a burning smell appears. Although this does not affect performance, it is better to use high-power models to grind large quantities of heavy products.
Oster Versa is very easy to use thanks to intuitive controls that eliminate guesswork about which settings to use. There are 3 operating modes - for cocktails, soups and sauces. There is also a speed control dial during a manual or pulse cycle, which is very popular with those who like to control the degree of grinding of products.
The bowl cannot be washed in the dishwasher, but it is easy to clean. It is enough to whip in a blender a little washing solution with hot water and rinse.
According to user reviews, the capacity of 1.9 liters is large enough, but for optimal performance it must be filled at least 25%. Despite complaints of a burnt smell, Versa is rated above most other blenders in this price class. True, some believe that numerous accessories only confuse the user, and many of them seem inconclusive.
The Oster Versa has a power of 1,400 watts, but it also comes in a less powerful (1,100 watts) and less expensive version of the BLSTVB-103. In addition to the standard capacity, the model is equipped with two smoothie cups and a 1.2 liter processor.
Vitamix 5200
Which blender is better to choose if you need a professional commercial-class device? These extremely versatile devices are capable of doing work much faster and with better results. They are extremely popular among those who make flour or peanut butter on their own. A blender in this price class can replace a food processor, a coffee grinder, a mill and a juicer. However, most do not need this, and the price in excess of 25 thousand rubles may be more than some want to pay.
The model that leads almost all the ratings of the best blenders and dominates among professional tests and user reviews is the Vitamix 5200 worth 30 thousand rubles. The device has 10 speeds, as well as settings for different modes. The only drawback is the high noise level, although for many the blender works no louder than others.
The general opinion - Vitamix copes with everything that gets into it. He easily turns nuts into butter, and grain into flour, kneads dough, grinds coffee and spices. He can not only work with hot ingredients, but also heats cold ones, in about 6 minutes he cooks soups and stews directly in a working container. Vitamix makes both traditional smoothies and “healthy” smoothies made from hard fruits and vegetables, before which most blenders pass.
The design of the device can be misleading. In this, it is clearly inferior to some modern blenders with buttons and LEDs. Experts say that retrostyle allows the device to work for a very long time. The manufacturer maintains its reputation with a 7-year warranty.
Cuisinart cpb-300
How to choose a blender, if first of all you need to prepare drinks with ice or smoothies? In this case, the one-serving option will quickly become your favorite kitchen appliance.
Although technically Cuisinart SmartPower CPB-300 is not designed for 1 serving, it allows you to make individual cocktails for all family members and take them with you to work or school. The set includes bowls with a volume of 950 and 250 ml, as well as a set of half-liter mugs. You can use both the traditional large bowl and make individual cocktails right in the mugs.
The presence of several containers makes the Cuisinart CPB-300 more universal than single-port models, and users respond well to its functional capabilities. You should not expect that it will work as high-end models. And since this is not a specialized option, with frequent use it will not be the best choice, as well as for performing complex tasks such as whipping cream or creating emulsions.
What makes the Cuisinart CPB-300 really stand out is its ease of use. All parts can be washed in a dishwasher. Mugs have lids with openings for drinking. This is ideal for straws, but tipping over can be a problem.
NutriBullet Pro 900
For those who are considering which blender to choose, reviews recommend the NutriBullet Pro 900. According to the latter, the model mixes smoothie ingredients very quickly (in just 12 seconds), providing a very uniform mix. NutriBullet seems stronger and more durable than other single-serving models.
Owners like the great power of such a compact device. The kit includes a 0.95 and 0.7 liter bowl, as well as a ring with a handle for smaller capacity and a universal cover.
Breville BSB510XL
If some people need a simple hand blender to make mashed soup or mashed potatoes, others would like to use their blenders to chop vegetables and nuts or make peanut butter. When deciding how to choose a hand blender, you should pay attention to the multifunctional version of Breville BSB510XL, which leads the ratings of professional tests and expert reviews, and is a favorite of its owners. It is extremely versatile, has 15 speeds, a bowl with a lid of 0.74 and 1.24 liters, a device for whipping.
Experts agree that this is the most powerful blender they have used. He quickly copes even with hard vegetables, ice and frozen fruits, whips eggs and cream well.
The blender has an ergonomic handle with a switch - instead of using one finger, the user squeezes the device with his whole hand. According to the owners, this makes working with the BSB510XL less tiring, although the large diameter of the handle causes some inconvenience, as does the 15-speed control switch, requiring the use of a second hand. Disconnecting the nozzle can be difficult for the same reason.
The Breville hand blender is shaped so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pan, scratching the surface and making work difficult. Experts like the 20 cm nozzle, the length of which is enough even for the deepest dishes. Cleaning is easy. It is enough to disconnect the nozzle and put everything except the part with the engine and the lid of the bowl into the dishwasher. The only real complaint is the large size of the blender, because it does not fit in some drawers and takes up a lot of space on the countertop.
Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75
Original submersible blenders were created for restaurants so that when preparing soups, sauces and gravy, it was not necessary to remove them from the pan, while providing a more uniform mixture than with manual whipping. In the end, the technology from a simple S-shaped blade on the handle turned into many nozzles and types of knives that can be used for various tasks and containers.
Which blender to choose in this case? Users like the Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75. This is a model with a removable knife and a capacity of 0.5 liters with two speeds of rotation, high and low. Cuisinart CSB-75 is one of the most popular hand blenders among both experts and users. It is easy to use and clean - the knives are removable, so they can be put in the dishwasher.
The blender perfectly prepares mashed potatoes, smoothies and other dishes that require chopping or whipping while they are hot. It is also popular with those who make baby food and mayonnaise. But it is not intended for heavy tasks. This is not the best choice for making peanut butter or smoothies made from hard vegetables (like cabbage). CSB-75 is durable and has no competitors in its price range (2 thousand rubles). Available in different colors. The blender can be stored on the countertop or in the drawer - it takes up a little space.
Cuisinart csb-300
What is the best choice for a self-powered submersible blender? Experts recommend the Cuisinart CSB-300. This is a universal 5-speed model with a lithium-ion battery, which provides 20 minutes of work on a single charge. The kit includes an electric knife for cutting meat or bread, a chopper for nuts, cheese and garlic, as well as a whisk for making meringues or whipped cream. User reviews are mixed: some say that it works great, while others do not like the uneven chopping of nuts. However, most like an electric knife.
The blender requires the use of two hands, because to turn it on, you need to simultaneously press 2 buttons: switch and lock. After that, you can take your finger away from the last, but you will have to use both hands to start the engine again if it is turned off. Some do not like it, but others do not bother. Most are satisfied with the battery life, ease of installation and removal of nozzles. Users are pleased with the elegant appearance of the stainless steel model.