Which blender model is better to choose and what characteristics are especially important?

Kitchen appliances greatly simplify the life of any housewife. But you need to be able to choose it correctly, because the stores offer many options that differ in price and functionality. The question often arises: which is better - a food processor or a blender, and which one to buy - submersible or stationary.

Advantages of a blender

The blender was invented a long time ago, almost a century ago. However, it was not widely used, since cooks preferred to chop and mix products by hand. We used the unit for preparing cocktails and blended champagne, for which it is necessary to mix several types of wine.

But the device was not forgotten. And in the 70s of the last century, a food processor was invented on its basis. This multifunctional appliance has been highly praised and has long held a leading position in the kitchen appliance market.

Nowadays, blenders are increasingly appearing in kitchens. The thing is that the number of adherents of a healthy lifestyle is increasing. In order to prepare a portion of a healthy cocktail, it is much more convenient to use a compact unit than a bulky food processor.

Not the least role was played by mothers who strive to feed their babies not with ready-made products from jars, but with soups and purees prepared with their own hands. After all, there is no doubt about the quality of such food.But small children eat little by little; grinding a small volume of product using a food processor is problematic. And hardly anyone wants to bother with gauze and a strainer, as they did before. A blender is perfect for this purpose.

Another advantage of the blender is that it is quite compact, which means it can easily find a place in a small kitchen. In addition, it is easy to care for, as it is easy to disassemble and wash. And some models even have a self-cleaning function.

Food processors also have advantages. They are more versatile as they have more features. Most blenders will not be able to grind raw meat or chop vegetables for salad. But they are great for cocktails, mousses and, of course, baby food. Therefore, before purchasing, you need to assess your needs.

Types of blenders

There are different models of blenders available in stores. You can choose an inexpensive option with a minimum of functions or purchase a more multitasking device. The price is influenced by the capabilities of the blender, equipment, power and quality of the materials from which it is made.

There are three types of units.

• Stationary. It stands on the table on a special stand, inside of which there is a motor, and on the body there are control buttons. On top there is a bowl with knives for chopping food.
• Submersible. It looks like a plastic or iron “leg” with a motor hidden in its handle. It is immersed in a container, which is where the name comes from.
• Combined. Combines the properties of both immersion and stationary blenders.

To decide which device is best to choose, you should study their features. Different models have their own advantages and disadvantages. You need to decide for what needs the blender will be used.

Features of a stationary blender

A stationary blender resembles a jug standing on a stand. It doesn’t take up much space, it depends on the volume of the bowl. It is very easy to use, although you should study the instructions first. The ingredients are placed in the container, the lid is closed and the button is pressed. The speed should be selected based on the products that need to be crushed. Then the unit will do everything itself, you can take a break from it and start preparing another dish. When the cocktail or puree is ready, they should be poured into an appropriate container and the blender should be washed. If the model has a self-cleaning function, then performing the procedure will not be difficult, and without the risk of cutting yourself with sharp knives.

The disadvantages of this type of device include limited functionality. Not all products can be ground in such blenders. They are best suited for mixing liquids such as cocktails. The unit also copes well with soft fruits and vegetables and beats egg whites perfectly. But it cannot be used for processing meat, as well as for chopping nuts and other hard products.

When choosing a stationary blender, you should pay attention to its technical characteristics, which affect the quality of work and length of use.

• The bowl can be made of glass or plastic. Glass is preferable - it will last longer. Plastic containers gradually change color, absorb odors, and it is not recommended to pour hot liquids into them. The disadvantages of glass include fragility. Plastic will not break, and it costs less. In addition, modern materials have increased wear resistance and can compete with glass.
• The volume of the container also matters. It can be very small, 0.5 liters, or reach 2 liters. If you need to prepare a smoothie in the morning for one person, then a small bowl will be enough. For a family of several people, you need to purchase something more spacious. It must be remembered that the jug cannot be filled to the brim, so the volume indicated by the manufacturer is reduced by approximately 100 ml.
• Another important characteristic is power. It ranges from 200 to 800 W, affecting the speed and quality of grinding. For large bowls, it is better to choose a higher power.

Modern devices usually have a self-cleaning function. It greatly simplifies its care, so you should make sure that the function is actually declared for the model you like.

What is an immersion blender

An immersion blender has its pros and cons. It is more compact than a stationary one, especially if the kit does not include special containers for grinding products. Any housewife will probably have some kind of dishes that are suitable for this purpose, which will save space. The “leg” itself can be stored in a kitchen drawer or hung on the wall on a special stand.

An even more important plus is that the immersion blender has advanced capabilities. It has more attachments, so some models can even replace a meat grinder. Using the unit, you can chop herbs, onions and garlic, whip egg whites or cream, and make delicious cocktails and smoothies.

The use of this device has its own characteristics.

• You need to hold it in your hands and constantly press the button. The process is organized this way for security reasons.
• If you need to process a large number of products or long beating is necessary to obtain the desired effect, then your hand simply gets tired.
• It is important to be careful when chopping and mixing hot foods. You should start work at low speed so as not to get burned by flying splashes. This does not apply to special bowls that are closed with lids.

Advice

The instructions for the selected blender model indicate whether its parts can be washed in the dishwasher. It is worth knowing that with this cleaning method the service life of the plastic bowl is reduced.

But you can use the blender in any container, not necessarily included in the kit. The main thing is that it is roomy enough. This will prevent the content from spilling. Also, this type of device is convenient for grinding ingredients even in small quantities until smooth, which is very much appreciated by mothers with small children.

If you have a question about how to choose an immersion blender, then you should pay attention to the following characteristics.

• The “leg” of the device can be made of plastic and stainless steel. The second option is preferable. Metal is more durable and less susceptible to damage. The plastic gradually darkens and may begin to smell unpleasant. There are reviews that after several years of active use, pieces may roll away from it.
• The higher the power, the less time the grinding process will take, which means the less your hand will get tired. It is not recommended to choose a device with a power of less than 400 W.
• Modern blenders usually have at least two speeds. But it’s better if there are more of them, since the optimal speed differs for different products.
• It’s good if the handle is rubberized: it doesn’t slip.

The versatility of an immersion blender depends on its configuration. The simplest and most inexpensive model has only a metal or plastic leg with two-bladed knives at the bottom. To simplify work in the kitchen, manufacturers offer various attachments. For example, a whisk for beating dough. True, it is unlikely to cope with thick dough; here you cannot do without a mixer. A special chopper bowl with a knife inside is used to chop onions or grind meat into minced meat. It is also convenient for crushing ice. There is also a vacuum pump for removing air from special food storage containers. This allows you to increase their shelf life.

There are cordless blenders. They allow you to move freely in the kitchen, moreover, they can be used even if there is no electricity. But they are heavier than regular ones, since the body contains batteries. They need to be charged from time to time, this process is quite lengthy. There is a risk of encountering a situation where you need to chop something, but the device has run out of charge.

If you know how to choose a device and what characteristics to pay attention to, you will be able to choose the most suitable model. If you need to purchase a not very expensive blender, it is better to save on the number of speeds and attachments than on the power and material of the stem.

Combined models

Combination blenders combine the advantages of both stationary and immersion models. They can be considered universal. The package includes a shaker, that is, a stationary device, an immersing leg and a grinding bowl. There are usually other attachments. Therefore, using the unit it is easy to prepare both a cocktail and minced meat.Its cost is slightly higher than other models, but it also has more functions.

Which brand of blender to choose

It is important to decide not only on the type of blender and equipment, but also on the manufacturer. After all, only a high-quality device will last a really long time and do the job well.

The following brands have the most positive reviews.

• There is no doubt about the quality of blenders from this German company. It offers models with many functions. The Multiquick series with stainless steel knives can be called especially successful. A variety of operating modes will allow you to mix a cocktail, finely chop vegetables or whip cream. The manufacturer also offers cordless blenders. Stationary models look very stylish and fit into any interior. They have durable bowls made of glass or good plastic.
• An international concern that produces a wide variety of equipment. The blenders produced by him are very light and powerful, your hand will not get tired during operation. The durable bowl of stationary models will withstand even high temperatures; any food will be crushed very quickly.
• Another German manufacturer offering reliable household appliances that are sure to last for many years. This brand produces the quietest models, equipped with special knives with four blades. They will quickly and accurately chop even hard foods. In addition, the manufacturer offers various attachments in the kit, including for crushing ice and nuts for chopping meat into minced meat, and even measuring cups. Cooking with such a device will be a real pleasure.

These three brands can be considered leaders in blender sales. But their price is appropriate.Equipment stores offer equipment from other brands that have also proven themselves well and are less expensive. These are Tefal, Moulinex, Kenwood, Vitek and others. You can choose models from these brands to suit every taste: from the simplest to the multifunctional.

A blender is useful in any kitchen. Which one to choose depends on your needs. Some people only need a daily smoothie, while others often prepare complex meals for a family of several people. You need to know what details to pay attention to in order to get high-quality equipment. Before purchasing, it is useful to study reviews about the model you like.