Before selecting the best kitchen blenders, we have to first determine what tasks we intend to do with the blender. Therefore choose a kitchen blender that offers the functions that you bought it for. Here are some suggestions to consider while selecting a blender:
Capacity
The kitchen blender’s capacity could range anywhere between 1-3 liters. If you have space, it could be advisable to get a bigger blender. But you first need to estimate how much food you plan to mix all at the same time. If you know that you would probably need to blend large quantities of ingredients all at once, do not buy the smaller blenders.
Materials
The materials, especially the footing, have to be sturdy. The footing must be so stable that the blender does not topple off the table while it is performing its required tasks and is filled with contents. The best material to be used is surely stainless steel. The containers, on the other hand, maybe of plastic or glass. Glass containers though more expensive and heavier than plastic ones, are sturdier.
How to choose a kitchen blender
Functions
Most kitchen blenders come with various attachments for different functions. To whip cream or to slice herbs, you may need to change attachments. If you need these cooking processes to be done regularly, ensure that the attachments are simply detachable and replaceable. Verify if these attachments have several sensitive components that could get damaged when they are improperly attached.
Wattage
Wattage could vary from 500 watts for the smaller kitchen blenders to 1200 watts for the larger ones. The ones having higher wattage perform their blending functions quickly and easily, though they cost more. Choosing a kitchen blender with varied speed and pulse actions helps you to mix various ingredients at different textures.
Safety
The blender has to be safely and easily cleaned and stored after use. Since most users leave their kitchen blenders on the countertop, ideally the blender should have cord storage spaces with lids so as to prevent the cord from becoming wet. Many kitchen blenders also come equipped with safety locks to prevent the engine from randomly starting. Some models are also termed dishwasher safe. Their containers can typically be opened both at the bottom and the top to help in the cleaning process.
Warranty
While selecting the best kitchen blender, protect your rights as a consumer, and check out the warranty.
Try the Blender before Buying It.
If you can’t, make sure that you can return it if it does not work as guaranteed. Some blenders, for example, promise to crush ice, but only melt it.
Tips for Using a Blender
Here are some handy tips on how to correctly and safely use a kitchen blender:
First, chose a flat, dry surface, on which you could operate your blender.
Then, put your kitchen blender together – that is, you first place the blades in the retaining ring, and then you set your gasket over the blades, inside the ring.
The retaining ring has to be screwed fast and securely to the bottom of the pitcher. This ring has to be seated correctly; otherwise, there will be a leak.
The pitcher must be set onto the base, and then the blender can be plugged in.
The ingredients must be then put into the pitcher, and the lid placed firmly over it.
Milkshakes and frozen drinks can be made by using the ice or the chop settings.
By adding a little liquid to a cup of vegetables or fruit, and then blending it in Puree setting for 15 settings, you can make baby food.
Bread crumbs, grated chocolate, diced vegetables, can be done in a jiffy by making use of the Pulse setting.
You can add food through the secondary lid, even while the kitchen blender is running.
If you have to blend any more than four cups of food, you would need to use a food processor.
To ensure that the pitcher remains seated on the motor while blending, put your hand on the lid.
How to Maintain a Blender
Correct and careful handling of your kitchen blender would go a long way in keeping it in good and working condition over a longer period of time. Here are some handy hints on how to maintain your blender:
First, clean the pitcher after using it. You can put a small quantity of dishwashing detergent in it, fill it halfway with enough water, put on the lid, and then run the blender on low speed for just a few seconds.
Rinse the kitchen blender fully and thoroughly, and then take it apart. Dry the blades.
To ensure longer life, you can hand wash the plastic pitcher, the gasket, and the blade assembly.
When the blades are in motion, do not stick a hand, a spatula, or a spoon in the blender.
Exercise caution while adding hot food to the kitchen blender- glass pitchers especially could crack.
Lift the pitcher off the blender, only after the motor has stopped.
You could cause damage to both containers and blades if you crush ice dry. So always add liquid while crushing ice.
We note therefore that kitchen blenders or the kitchen aid blender are here to stay. It has been designed to suit the needs of today’s busy individual and comes in various types- the gas-powered blender, the immersion blender, the hand blender – and is now an invaluable part of any kitchen equipment.