Choosing a good blender for your home

The blender is an indispensable device in any kitchen. With it, you can grind food in seconds without using your own effort. Nevertheless, many housewives continue to use the old methods, resorting to the help of knives, graters and other kitchen utensils. Probably, the reason for this is the difficulties faced by buyers when buying household appliances.

In this article, you can learn how to choose a blender for your home in 2020 and not waste a lot of time and hard earned money. We hope you can easily decide for yourself which appliance is best for your kitchen, which will serve you for many years.

How blender works

One of the main roles in the functionality of the blender is played by a high-quality electric motor, thanks to which the second most important component, the knife, rotates at high speed. In devices of different power, knives can operate at a speed of 10,000-20,000 revolutions per minute. Regardless of the type of device, the essence of its operation remains the same: due to the rapid rotation of the knives, the products are cut and mixed. If the unit is equipped with additional attachments, then it can be used to beat the dough and perform many other actions.

When choosing a specific model, keep in mind that the knife must be mounted on high-strength plastic, this will increase the service life of the device even under severe loads!

Blender types

There are two main types of blenders - these are stationary models and submersible, and now we will analyze their advantages and disadvantages in more detail.

Stationary

A stationary blender is a container that is placed on a special station with an electric motor. To start using such a device, you need to load food into the container, set the settings (if required) and start the grinding process. We recommend choosing a stationary blender if you plan to use it for sauces, purees, smoothies, etc.

One of the main advantages is the independent operation of the device, in other words, you do not have to take part in the grinding process all the time. In addition, such models are less expensive, and most of them are equipped with a self-cleaning function, so housewives can spare themselves even this not the most pleasant procedure.

It is also required to mention some of the disadvantages of a stationary unit. The fact is that such models are never small and compact. They take up quite a lot of space and are also designed to handle large volumes. The device is not suitable for processing small portions, since the knife in such cases does not come into contact with the food, and the entire contents are simply smeared along the walls of the container.

Best stationary blenders of 2020:

• Kitfort KT-1301
• Braun JB 3060 Tribute
• VITEK VT-1474
• Philips HR 2874
• Bosch MMB 65G0M

Submersible

The submersible has a completely different design. It is an oblong handle with a motor, at the end of which there is a rotating knife. For chopping food, you can use the container supplied with the equipment or any other deep bowl, cup, saucepan, etc. You can choose a hand blender if you plan to process small portions. The main advantages are multifunctionality and compactness.

The downside of the submersible model is that it has to be kept all the time during the working process. In addition, grinding is accompanied by splashes flying in all directions.

Best hand blenders of 2020:

• Bosch MSM 6B700
• Braun MQ 735
• Bosch MSM 66050
• Scarlett SC-HB42M30
• Moulinex DD725
• REDMOND RFP-3906

Optimal power for comfortable work

There are products of various degrees of power on sale, so there is always plenty to choose from. There are models with a power of work from 200 to 1200 W. What device power should you choose? The range of opportunities provided by technology directly depends on this indicator:

• 200-500 W is enough for whipping cream, making pureed soups, cutting vegetables.
• 600-900W is a good blender designed for hard foods, ice, frozen vegetables, nuts.
• From 1000 W - a universal device capable of processing any food.

Advice, the higher the power of the appliance, the more possibilities it has - take this into account when buying, but do not forget that a large device is not suitable for preparing small portions (only applies to stationary blenders)!

Power type

It should be noted that stationary devices operate exclusively from the electrical network. With regard to submersible devices, in this case, two options are possible: wired and wireless power.

Wireless power refers to operating the device on battery power. The advantage of this connection mode is that you can significantly expand your working area, as well as get rid of such a drawback as a cord that is too short or interfering with work. Plus, you can take it with you to your dacha, to a picnic and to other places where there is no electricity.

However, you should be prepared for the fact that models with batteries are a little heavier. Among other things, they have a significantly limited duration of work. On average, the battery life is 20-30 minutes.

Weight and noise

As for the weight, this parameter is only relevant for the submersible unit, since the stationary unit always stands on the working surface. Different models weigh from 0.5 kg to 2.5 kg. It all depends on the estimated duration of the blender's operation, since customer reviews say that even though the weight of 2 kg seems insignificant, it will certainly make itself felt after half an hour of use.

Noise is a very important characteristic that can cause a lot of hassle. A stationary model is one thing: you can load food, turn on the device and go to another room. But it is impossible to hold a submersible device in your hands for a long time, which makes very loud sounds during operation. You should definitely test the product you like. If you are going to order it in an online store, do not be lazy to visit the nearest home appliance store and study the same or at least a similar model.

You must understand that the more powerful the device, the more noise it will make, while the cooking speed will also increase, and this is the main thing that worries modern housewives!

How to choose a stationary blender

Chopper volume

A chopper is a container into which ingredients are immersed, which are further processed. The choice is not particularly large, but the difference is still felt. The volume of the chopper can vary from 1 to 2 liters. Since the hand blender can be used with any suitable bowl, this parameter only applies to the stationary model.

It should be borne in mind that it is impossible to load a blender with a chopper "to capacity", as this will adversely affect the operation of the motor. Thus, subtract 200-300 ml from the total volume of the bowl - this will be the useful volume, that is, the capacity of the container intended for work.

To select the optimal chopper volume, consider in advance what your expectations are from its operation:

• for baby formulas and processing various ingredients such as nuts, cheese, herbs and others, a 1 liter bowl is quite enough;
• for smoothies and cocktails, mashed soups, a larger blender bowl volume is required - at least 1.5-2 liters.

Number of speeds

In this technique, from 1 to 24 speeds can be provided. Switching between them occurs stepwise or smoothly. Also, some devices are equipped with a pulse mode - rotation at high speed with short pauses. Turbo mode adds the rotation speed to the maximum.

The advantage of multiple speeds is that you can choose the most comfortable mode for processing different products. What is the best blender to buy? Give preference to smooth shifting for more convenience. As for the optimal number of speeds, 5-8 is enough for home.

Choice of body material

The blender body can be made of plastic, glass or metal.

Plastic is a lightweight material and will cost a little less, but it scratches easily and loses its appearance over time.

The glass case is heavier but can handle hot food. In addition, it does not absorb odors, does not scratch and is more durable as long as it is not dropped.

The metal body does not have the disadvantages of previous materials, but its opacity does not allow monitoring the grinding process. It also raises the price tag of the appliance.

Equipment

Additional attachments may be supplied with the blender. The more there are, the more capabilities the device has. Nevertheless, the price / quality ratio will also be at the level.

An overview of the main components included with the blender:

• shredder with a lid - used for preparing minced meat, cutting vegetables, fruits and other products;
• whisk - replaces the mixer, serves for whipping cream, eggs, dough, creams;
• nozzles for slicing and shredding allow you to chop any vegetables and fruits, as well as cut them into cubes or slices;
• mill - grinds spices;
• nozzle for kneading dough.

How to choose a hand blender

Power

This is the main criterion for submersible models. Blender 400-450 W. copes with basic tasks with ease. However, for chopping ice, chopping meat and other solid products, you will need a power of 800 watts. It should be remembered that the more powerful the blender, the faster it will cope with the processing, while not overheating.

Speed ​​and modes

Modern hand blenders can have up to 30 speeds, but such models are more in demand among professionals. For home use, 5-8 is enough. Many housewives manage with two speeds. Gear shifting can be smooth or stepped. Many users note the convenience of the former.

Of the useful modes, one can distinguish turbo (rotation at maximum power) and pulse (fast rotation with pauses, used to crush solid products, such as ice).

Body and attachments material

The blender body can be metal or plastic. This does not really matter, except that it affects the price. But the presence of rubberized inserts on the handle significantly increases the convenience of its use.

Equipment

Typically, a hand blender has 3 types of attachments:

• blender attachment.You can use it to make mashed potatoes, smoothies, etc.;
• the whisk is designed for whipping whites, cream, kneading non-steep dough;
• minced meat can be cooked with a chopper.

In addition to the nozzles, the kit includes a measuring cup

Which company is better to choose a blender?

In the wide variety of these household appliances, we could not help but consider such a question as choosing the best blender company. Since the market now has a wide variety of manufacturers, it becomes difficult to find a good company. Our recommendations are very simple: choose well-known brands that have proven themselves with high-quality products:

• Bosch,
• Moulinex,
• Philips,
• Braun,
• VITEK.

This, of course, is not the entire list of popular and best manufacturers.

Blender care

The main care of your blender is to clean it after use. Of course, if there is a self-cleaning function, then no worries - pour water into the bowl and start the required mode. If there is no such function in the device, use the following expert tips and recommendations of experienced housewives:

1. Before use, carefully study the instructions - there are indicated all the subtleties of working with equipment, as well as the possibility of cleaning it in a dishwasher.
2. To wash plastic parts in the dishwasher, set a low temperature (up to 40 degrees) and do not use a thermo dryer.
3. All components of the device must be thoroughly washed and dried after use. At the same time, contact with water of that part of the device in which the motor is located is strictly prohibited.
4. Take regular breaks from the blender if you need to process large quantities of food - the motor is not designed for prolonged loads.
5. Use only dry or slightly damp cloth to clean the motor compartment.
6. First of all, liquid ingredients are added to the bowl and only then solid ingredients, since even the most powerful unit is quite difficult to cope with their grinding. Following this tip will help extend the life of your blender.
7. To clean the attachments from food debris, soak them in hot water and detergent, and then rinse with the special brush included in the set.

Conclusion

If earlier you refused to buy this incredibly useful assistant in the kitchen due to the fact that you did not know which blender to choose, now the problem is probably solved. An inexpensive, but good blender will greatly facilitate the cooking process, as well as save yourself the hassle and save a lot of time. You can also check out a detailed ranking of the best blenders of the year.