The blender has become a “must have” in every kitchen because it practically takes care of many of your blending tasks like mixing, chopping, and processing fruits and vegetables, crush and grind solids like ice and meat, and many more functions.

In fact, it can be considered as one of the necessities in anyone’s kitchen.

Checklist for buying a blender

Before you go shopping for a blender, you should consider what your need. If you need a blender for daily use, look for a model that could last for a long time despite constant use, otherwise a basic model will do for you.

Look for a blender size that fits your need. If you would be blending for commercial purposes or for several people, a blender with a bigger jar is commendable. However do not buy one that is too big or cumbersome.

Is it durable?

A blender with a heavy base that will not crack or chip spells stability. Choose a blender with either glass or stainless steel are ideal because these are easy to wash. It is also important for you to select a blender that will not crack when you decide to make hot soups instead of the usual cold drinks. A good blender meets your hot or cold requirements with ease.

Can it crush ice smoothly?

Choose blenders with motors powerful enough to crush ice without a hitch, otherwise if the motor is weak you may find yourself chipping ice with an ice pick. That means additional work. You should also check for a blender with a pulse option as this allows you to turn on the blender for short bursts. This is when you don’t like to over-crush your ice or over-process food.

Does it look appealing?

A blender is one kitchen gadget that is usually placed on a countertop so the color, design and style of your blender plays an important factor. Manufacturers anticipated this and came up with blenders not only in standard colors but with combinations and special finishes, too. Pick out a blender that would fit in with the theme of your kitchen.

Is it user friendly?

Look for a blender with removable blades because these are easy to clean. It is also convenient to remove and exchange with another blade to meet your different blending needs.

Does it have multiple functions?

Some blenders come with many attachments to meet your different blending needs. A good blender can perform several tasks like crushing ice, pureeing tomatoes, dicing vegetables, mixing batter and other functionalities. These are all doable with easy to change attachments.

Is the price right?

Blenders range in price from as low as $30 for a basic unit to $500 and even above for top of the line model. If you choose one with many features, you will have to pay for a higher price. It is important to know what you need so you can buy the appropriate blender.

Other things to look out for

• You can select blenders that come with dial controls, switches and touch pads because these are easier to clean compared to push buttons.
• Choose blenders with fewer parts so you will have less blender parts to clean after each use.
• Blenders that are backed with product warranties are usually reliable quality-wise.

Among the leading distributors of blenders in the market include Hamilton Beach, Black & Decker, Braun, Cuisinart, GE, KitchenAid, Krups, Proctor-Silex, Sharp, Oster, Sunbeam, Vita-Mix, and Waring, a product pioneer. Make a wise choice and enjoy years of blending satisfying drinks and food mixes.

Filed under: Blenders, Buying Guides