How to Choose a Blender
How to choose a blender: Determine how much power you need
If you plan on making smoothies or other drinks that require finely, crushed ice, it’s important to select 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.
How to choose a blender: Glass versus plastic jug
Blender jugs generally come in either plastic or glass. 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 have the potential to break if mishandled. 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.
How to choose a blender: Choose a sturdy base
Select a blender that has a wide, sturdy base. This will 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 forms a heavier base on your counter top which may be more stable.
How to choose a blender: How many settings do you need?
Jug blenders come with a variety of speed settings range from two simple high and low speeds to multiple speeds. 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.
How to choose a blender: Special features
One useful feature is a special lid that can be removed while the blender is running to add additional ingredients. Most standard blenders have this feature. You’ll also want to determine how easy your blender will be to clean once you’ve used it. 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.
Before selecting your blender, be sure to read reviews online and visit some of the price comparison sites to get the best deal on your purchase. Choose wisely. A well chosen blender can be fun to operate and can give you incredible culinary diversity.
