Blender Features

(516 Words)
A blender may be a relatively inexpensive and commonplace small kitchen appliance, but it can provide an essential function in your kitchen. Moreover, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers or AHAM, and as published by the Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, blenders are estimated to be used 293 times per year.
Blenders range greatly in features and cost, and getting one that will do what you need it to do for your culinary endeavors makes sense. Think about all of the available features and options when making your choice. This includes comparison shopping and reading blender reviews such as those found at Good Housekeeping.
One blender feature you may want to look for in one is a wide mouth. You will be able to put in food easier and may avoid having to chop the food before you put it in. This can also be helpful when you’re washing the blender.
Also consider how many speed settings the blender has. Most blenders offer anywhere between 3 to 16 speeds, per Consumer Reports. Having more can be very helpful and give you more options when blending. When you get to the top of the range however, you may not see much of a difference. You can also look for a blender that has a pulse setting; when you push this, the machine will immediately start or stop.
You should also look at the controls that come with the blender. Many people prefer a blender that has a touch pad because they are very easy to clean. You can also look for one that has programmable controls. Some people prefer push buttons because they make it easier to change speeds, but they can be harder to clean. Other options include a dial setting or a flip switch.
Blenders range in wattage between 300 and 1,500 watts. Furthermore, Three Actions Project claims blender use of a 1,490 watts blender amounts to 23.8 watts per day. Keep in mind design does play a role in the effectiveness of a blender, and that greater wattage does not necessarily mean it will perform better.
Some blenders come with an attached blade, but this may not be a feature that you need or even want. It may be more difficult to clean the blade when it is attached. Thus, consider this if you are considering a model that has this feature. Additional blender reviews, such as those provided by Consumer Reports, provide further insight into the effectiveness of blender features.
Blenders also vary very much in the look that they have. You can find one that is stainless steel and has a much more sleek and sophisticated look. The outside look may not influence how well they work, but you may like the look of it better in your kitchen. You might want to match your large kitchen appliances.
There are many things to consider when choosing a blender. Evaluate the features of the different blenders you are interested in to find the one that will best meet your needs.