Regular Blender Vs. Smoothie Blender
Traditional blenders and smoothie blenders may look similar, but there are several important differences in design. Before you go shopping for one of your own, familiarize yourself with the unique features of smoothie blenders. Does this Spark an idea?
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Smoothies
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Why would someone go out of their way to purchase a smoothie blender instead of a regular blender? The answer: smoothies.
A smoothie is a blended drink made with combinations of fruits, juices, yogurt and ice. The ingredients are mixed in a blender, producing a thick drink similar to a milkshake. Because smoothies are easy to make and highly nutritious, they have enjoyed decades of popularity.
Blenders
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A smoothie blender, also called a smoothie machine or smoothie maker, is simply a specialized blender. Blenders are often used for a variety of culinary functions like mixing and chopping. Unlike a traditional blender, smoothie makers have very few applications beyond mixing drinks.
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Parts of a Blender
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A traditional blender will have four main components, the pitcher, the lid, the blade assembly and the base.
The pitcher, sometimes called a canister or mixing chamber, is a glass or plastic container that functions much like a regular drink pitcher. Unlike a drink pitcher, this container is fitted with a tight-sealing lid on top and a spinning blade assembly on the bottom. When assembled, the pitcher and blade assembly fit into the base of the blender.
The base houses a powerful electric motor, and offers multiple speed settings allowing users to stir, mix, puree and liquefy. This motorized base connects to the blade assembly by means of a special drive gear, which spins the blade assembly in the pitcher.
Smoothie Blenders
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A smoothie maker is a specialized blender with the same basic components. But unlike a blender, which is designed for general kitchen use, the smoothie blender has only one function. As such, smoothie makers have been designed differently, with several distinct features.
The base uses a more powerful motor than its traditional counterpart, allowing it to better mix ice and frozen fruits. Unlike the traditional blender's eight to 16 speeds, most smoothie makers offer only three to five, since many mixing and chopping functions are not present.
The pitcher of a smoothie blender is shaped differently. Traditional blenders use a cylindrical pitcher, designed to accommodate larger food items. The smoothie blender instead uses a narrow cone shape which deposits ice onto the blade assembly instead of around it. This allows for faster ice crushing and blending.
The biggest departure from traditional blender design is the use of a cup holder and dispensing spout built into the pitcher. The spout, located at the bottom of the pitcher, allows you to fill a cup without lifting the pitcher assembly off of the base.
Purchasing Guide
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Smoothie blenders also differ from one model to the next. When purchasing one, there are a few key points to watch for to ensure that you get the best equipment for your money.
Always look for glass pitchers, not plastic. Though both will work, glass is less prone to scratching and won't pick up odors the way plastic does. Because they are scratch- and stain-resistant, glass pitchers are also easier to clean.
Shop with capacity in mind. A pitcher that is too small won't always hold enough. A larger pitcher will hold plenty, even if you don't always fill it.
Notice how the blade assembly attaches to the pitcher. If the fit is loose or awkward to attach, pick another model. A poor fit when it's new will only get worse with regular use.
Many cheaper units have plastic bases, which are not only less durable but are just as vulnerable to stains and smells as a plastic pitcher. Look for a unit with a metal base. It will never warp or break, and can be wiped clean.
Smoothie makers sell at prices ranging from $18 to $200. Models over $100 generally offer features that won't be used. Basic units with glass pitchers and metal bases run $40 to $90.
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