How to Choose a Blender

A blender is one of those essential countertop appliances. Used for making smoothies, shakes and malts, it also comes in handy for pureeing, chopping and even crushing ice.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blenders

1. Measure the space where you plan to store your blender. Pay special attention to height.

2. 

   Decide on a metal or plastic base. Metal is more durable and keeps the appliance more steady when it is in use, but generally costs more.

3. 

   Choose a glass or plastic jar. Blenders with glass jars are generally more stable, but also more expensive. A glass jar is also quite a bit heavier than plastic.

4. 

   Check the number of settings available and decide which most closely fit your needs. A pulsing function is especially useful.

5. Look for special features on the lid that will make it possible to add ingredients while the blender is running.

6. Choose the color you want. Colors are generally available only if you choose a plastic base.

7. Study warranty and service options.

8. Before buying, read the manufacturer's instructions to be sure the blender has all the features you are looking for.

Tips & Warnings

• Blenders with push-button controls are notoriously difficult to clean. Check for special cleaning features that will make cleanup easier.

on 11/22/2005 Get familiar with all your blender buttons/functions and become comfortable using them. Spend time for this. Each blender function can help you make $50 to $350 worth of products over a year.

on 11/22/2005 We started making smoothies every day and our regular household blender quickly wore out. We purchased a "commercial grade" blender with over 1 hp of power and expect to get years of use out of it. So, if you plan to use it heavily, it pays to research the unit's power and pay a little more.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure it handles ice if you plan to make frozen margaritas.