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KitchenAid KSB650PK Blender |
By Tanja Kern, SHOP.COM For the Home Editor
Smoothies, soups and a quick pesto: a kitchen just isn't a chef-ready without a reliable blender. How much to spend depends on how often you plan to use this popular kitchen gadget. High-powered machines with loads of extra speeds are a plus if you do a lot of heavy blending. How many watts of power, the type of blade and container are other elements to consider. Mixed up about what to buy? Give these guidelines a whirl. |
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 | Power: Opt for a machine with 450 to 600 watts of power, which is strong enough to crush ice and puree fruits and vegetables. Lighter motors are best used to blend lighter liquids. |
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 | Container Plastic, glass or stainless steel?: Plastic is durable, kid-friendly and won't break or chip like glass, but it can pick up stains over time. Glass is sturdy and easy to clean. Stainless steel is a stylish option but doesn't allow you to see blending. |
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 | Blade: Look for stainless steel blades with several arms for quicker blending. Make sure they are removable so they can be placed in the dishwasher for simpler cleanup. |
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 | Controls: How many do you need? Some blenders make it easy with simple on and off switches. Others have a bevy of buttons, such as mix, puree, pulse. More options doesn't necessarily mean a blender is better. Recessed buttons, preferably behind a clear plastic cover, are some of the easiest to clean, and newer models have touchscreen controls. |
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 | Capacity: Most blenders hold between four and seven cups of liquid. Opt for a larger size if you use a blender to puree large batches of soup, iced drinks and sauces. |
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| Pulse: This blender button lets you fine-tune how much you want to blend a mixture. It provides an instant start and stop. |
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| Puree: To mash foods finely into liquid. |
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| Watts: Is the rate at which energy is generated and consumed. Higher watt blenders have more mixing power. |
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| Good Housekeeping says the state-of-the-art Cuisinart SmartPower 7-Speed Electronic Blender has sleek controls and a chrome finish. But it's not just a pretty face. With the ability to pulse on every speed, it's great for making salsa, guacamole, and other sides that call for precise chopping. |
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| Consumersearch.com says the Oster Beehive Blender blender holds up better than others. The Oster Beehive has a 500-watt motor and a tapered, stain-resistant 40-ounce glass jar that helps funnel food to the blades. The Beehive has just two speeds, but if you mainly want to puree soups and make smoothies, the Oster is a reliable, all-purpose home blender that's not overly complex. |
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| Oster is a market leader of blenders, offering the Fusion, Classic Beehive and Counterforms lines. New models feature touchpad controls, six-point blades and a reverse option. |
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| Hamilton Beach is the second market leader in blenders. Its Dual Wave Action Blender, which runs two blades for blending food in two single jars or a double-sized single jar. |
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| KitchenAid: This upscale line features easy-to-clean touchpad controls, electronic speed sensors and durable containers. KitchenAid blenders are available in a rainbow of colors to coordinate with any kitchen décor. |
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| Cuisinart: This mid-range and premium brand offers a variety of options, including models that double as a blender and a food processor. Depending on the model, Cuisinart offers blenders with LED displays, touchpad controls and push buttons. |
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| Waring: This brand markets workhorse blenders made of die-cast-metal bases and classic two-speed controls. |
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| Vita-Mix Vita-Mix blenders also work as food processors that make soups, dough and ice cream. It's a high-end brand sold by specialty retailers. |
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| $: Entry-level blenders are low in cost but not in function. Look for higher watts and durable construction. Try the Black and Decker 10-Speed Cyclone Blender |
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| $$: Mid-range models come with a variety of options and are robust assistants in the kitchen. Some models come with three to 16 controls. Try the Oster Fushion Blender |
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| $$$: High-end blenders mix power, durability and style. More expensive models may feature LED controls, are easy to clean and come in a rainbow of colors. Try the Sensio Bella Professional Blender |
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