Features Any Blender Ought To Have

Blenders come with various features that include attachments and accessories. Blenders are further classified on the basis of usage. Some blenders are only used for cocktails and some are used for grinding and some for smoothies. Depending on the type of blender the features and specifications are determined. The main feature that varies in these different types of blenders is the blades, motor and jars. When buying a blender look for the features of the device to determine if it is the right one for you.

High technology blenders come with digital keypad controls. They are easy to clean and maintain, but can be pretty expensive. Other regular blenders come with a flip switch on the side or buttons on the base that can be easily operated.

Some blenders categorize the controls based on the speed (for example; 1, 2, 3, and 4). Others have controls based on the purpose (for instance; smooth, puree, chop, grate). Blenders that have controls based on speeds are usually more affordable and offer basic functionality. Blenders that are categorized based on functions are typically multi-purpose devices.

The motor power of the blender plays a very important role in the functionality of the device. The more powerful the motor, the more efficient the blender will be. However, a powerful motor also translates to a noisy blender. Generally, you will find the motor with the following wattage:

The price of the blender mainly depends on the power. Typically a countertop blender with 500 watts is enough for everyday use. They have the power for normal day to day kitchen usage.

Do not always let the power be a deciding factor. A blender with very high wattage can end up being noisy too. A 500 watts blender is equally capable of crushing ice as a 1000 watts blender.

If you are going in for a countertop blender, the looks of the machine also matters. It should match with the other kitchen appliances that you already own. Apart from the color and the body there are other things to consider as well.

The containers come in various materials like glass, steel and plastic. Glass and plastic jars are prone to damages and breakage. A steel jar is always a safe bet. Some glass jars are very sturdy and they can keep the weight of the blender stable. When you grind hard ingredients like nuts and spices, the blender tends to become unstable. Steel and glass jars keep the blender fixed to the countertop regardless.

If you opt for a blender with plastic jar, make sure the jar is BPA-free. This will ensure that toxins from the plastic will never contaminate food you place in the jar.

The capacity of the blender depends on the size of the jars. Typically, most jars can hold 4 to 7 cups of ingredients. If you go in for smaller jars, they may get overloaded and start overflowing. Having an assortment of jars is always advisable.

Most blenders have 2 to 4 different speed levels. You need not have 20 different speed levels unless it is for a commercial purpose. For everyday use a blender with fast, medium and slow speeds, possibly an additional Pulse option, will do the job just fine.

If the blender has pulse, nothing like it. It will help you get the desired consistency using the pulse option.

A blender should be easy to maintain. Cleaning and washing of blenders can be challenging if the blades are not easy to operate. Get a dishwasher friendly blender. Most countertop blenders with glass jars are easy to maintain. The containers can be easily cleaned in a dishwasher. Blenders with chrome and hard plastic finish can easily be wiped and maintained clean.

The higher the wattage of the blender, the more power it will consume. Different wattages serve different purposes.

In the next section, we tackle questions such as how many speeds, what settings to look at and how to use different speeds and settings. Read the Control And Settings Too Matter, Next!