How to Compare Smoothie Machines
Smoothie machines may be marketed as smoothie makers or as blenders. They are appliances with high-powered motors, which are necessary to chop ice and mix thick drinks. They come in a variety of colors, styles, wattages and price ranges. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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Smoothie machine jars may be glass, plastic or stainless steel. Consider weight, ease of cleaning and visibility. Check to see if parts are dishwasher safe and if replacement parts are easy to obtain. Note that blades attached to the jar are harder to clean. Consider the machine's controls, which may be buttons, dials, digital touch pads or flip switches.
Functions
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A smoothie machine may have specialized functions including a pulse function that blends intermittently, an ice crusher function, and a spout at the base of the blender jar for easy dispensing. Note that this spout can clog with ice or fruit and can be difficult to clean. Many smoothie machines have other kitchen uses, such as chopping, blending and pureeing.
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Types
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Standard smoothie machines are heavy countertop blenders that hold family-size servings of whipped drinks. Personal machines take up little space and make one or two servings. Immersion or handheld blenders are small and come with no container or jar.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit blender with milk cocktail image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
