How to Choose a Blender

A blender can be one of your most versatile kitchen appliances. Expensive isn't always better when it comes to blenders. Here are some guidelines for choosing a blender to best meet your needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a sturdy blender base.
   
   By selecting a blender with a wide, sturdy base, you can keep the blender from moving and vibrating on the countertop when you operate it at high speeds. Bases come in both metal and plastic. Metal tends to have more durability and stability although it may cost a bit more.

2. Get the right amount of power.
   
   If you plan on making smoothies or other drinks that require finely, crushed ice, you'll want to choose a blender that has the power to crush ice properly. Look for a model that has at least 350 watts of power. This should give you the freedom to quickly and effectively crush ice for fruit smoothies and iced coffee drinks. It's important not to use an inferior blender for making crushed ice drinks. You'll end up with big mounds of ice floating in liquid rather than the smooth, creamy texture you're looking for.

3. Choose the best jug.
   
   Less expensive blender models generally have glass jugs with the heavier glass ones reserved for higher end models. Glass jugs are more scratch resistant and have a longer life span although they can break if handled carelessly. They also tend to be quite heavy. Plastic jugs have a tendency to scratch over time and washing them in the dishwasher may shorten their life span.

4. Choose your settings.
   
   Although a wide range of speeds may give you more precision, multiple speeds are not necessary for most applications. One important feature to look for is a pulse option which will allow you to add quick pulses of power to get additional processing.

5. Should you get special features?
   
   One useful feature is a special lid that can be removed while the blender is running to add additional ingredients. You'll also want to consider how easy your blender will be to clean after each use. If you're going to clean your blender jug in the dishwasher, you may want to choose a glass jug since it can more readily withstand repeated runs through the dishwasher. A blender that has push button controls tends to be harder to clean than one with touch pads since debris tends to accumulate along the sides of the buttons which can be difficult to remove.

Tips & Warnings

• Read online reviews and do price comparisons at pricing search engines before making your purchase.

[Susanh]

on 2/11/2009 Good information Kristie, thanks!