How to Choose the Best Margarita Maker or Blender

Buying a margarita maker or blender shouldn't be as great a challenge as it is - but that's the joys of competition, I guess. Walk into any store or visit any website offering kitchen gadgets and you'll most certainly be faced with some difficult decisions. Read on to find out what you should be looking for when finding the best margarita maker for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. As I'm sure you'll have discovered by now, the price for margarita makers and blenders varies wildly: from $20 for a standard smoothie maker/blender to $13K for an industrial, specialist machine. Price is definitely a factor worth considering and could help you narrow down your choices. But - remember - it should never be *the* deciding factor.

2. Margaritas are best drunk with a friend (or three). Pay close attention to the amounts you'll be able to create at any given time with your chosen piece of equipment. Does this mean you'll be stuck at the maker for hours making margaritas for your guests at your next fiesta? Or does it mean you'll be enjoying the party? This is especially important for those looking with a lower budget.

3. Everyone likes their margaritas differently, so why not look for a maker with variable speed controls? This could allow you to vary the smoothness of the margarita for those who like theirs with a bit more bite. And - for ultimate smoothness - make sure you choose a margarita blender with an ultra-high speed.

4. Margarita making can be a numbers game - so what's yours? To find out - always check out your motor power. You'll be expecting a lot from this motor, such as producing ice shavings, so you'll need a robust motor with a decent capacity to get the job done without cracking under pressure.

5. To avoid having to use your blender as a cocktail shaker to get all of your ice chopped, look for a maker that has a reverse blending option. This can pull any ice down to the bottom and avoid you having to shake the machine.

6. If you're particularly sensitive to noise, consider a low-noise option. This is especially important with the higher powered machines out there.

7. Consider machines with pre-programmed drinks settings. These are the easiest way to get the best results - every time.

Tips & Warnings

• Margarita blenders at the higher end of the market ($75 plus) often are sold with the option of additional attachments (e.g. blades) so they can be used for a number of other purposes, such as milkshakes. It is definitely worth investigating this option if you're looking to increase the value of your new machine.

[missnye]

on 11/23/2009 very good article. Love Margaritas!