How to choose a blender: everything you need to know before buying. Blender or mixer - which solves numerous kitchen tasks better Corded or cordless blender

When modern moms and dads were little, their own mothers and grandmothers had to spend a lot of time and effort grinding food for the little gourmet. First you had to boil the vegetables, then mash them with a masher, and then rub them through a sieve. At the same time, the vegetables had time to cool down, and my mother fell into despair. The blender copes with such a task in a matter of seconds!

What is the difference?

So, in essence, a blender is something between a mixer and a food processor, however, with one caveat. From the mixer, the blender received the ability to mix anything, and from the food processor, knives for chopping. Compared to a mixer, a definite advantage of a blender is that it can handle harder foods and even crush ice. But only mixers are equipped with hooks for mixing dough, so the blender can only handle a small amount of not too thick dough. A food processor, of course, can handle tasks as quickly as a blender, but it is too large and not every kitchen has room for it. However, even if it is stored assembled somewhere in a closet, taking it out every time just for the sake of preparing one puree will be a waste of time and effort.

Tips for using a blender

1) Before using a blender, all products must be cut into pieces, do not put whole fruits into it. It will take a few seconds, but the pieces will definitely not get stuck between the knives and the glass and will be better ground.

2) Blenders handle fewer ingredients and are better suited for making juices and smoothies.

3) Recipes that contain some amount of liquid (such as soups or sauces) are best suited for cooking in a blender.

4) Never fill the blender glass to the brim, otherwise its contents will end up on the table.

5) It is convenient if the blender bowl has a spout, which makes it easy to pour liquids.

6) If you need the functions of chopping nuts, garlic or crushing ice, then you need to purchase a blender with maximum power and metal attachments. The knife must be very strong.

There are different blenders...

Choosing a blender is not such an easy task. Today, there are submersible and stationary blenders with a variety of attachments, bowl volumes and powers.

1) Stationary blender, or, as it is also called, a blender-jug, a blender-glass, is designed so that the knives are placed at the bottom of a large glass container. With a stationary blender you can crush ice, whip cream, egg whites, cocktails, mix liquid and semi-liquid dough, prepare purees and sauces. The stationary blender has no attachments, except for one knife, unless you count another ice pick, which, it should be noted, is not included with all models. A blender is better than a mixer for making smoothies with soft fruits. Liquid and semi-liquid mixtures are most suitable for this device. It is not recommended to use a blender for processing onions, peppers and herbs. The crushed product scatters at high speed. But a blender can make mashed potatoes from boiled potatoes with the addition of butter and milk very quickly and well. Thanks to the spout, it is very convenient to pour the contents from the jug.

An important feature of stationary blenders is what the bowl is made of. There are two options: glass and plastic, both options have their pros and cons. The glass bowl will not be scratched by sharp edges when grinding solids or when crushing ice, but it may break easily. The plastic bowl may become scratched and cloudy during use, but it is more practical. Is it true, modern manufacturers, knowing about this feature, they began to produce top models blenders made of plastic, which does not lose transparency after long use, does not absorb odors and does not stain.

Basically, the capacity of the bowl is most often 1.5-2 liters. Think about what size blender would be more convenient for you to use. It is necessary to take into account that the total and useful volume of the jug are different things: the useful volume will be on average 300 ml less.

Stationary blenders can be equipped with an automatic cleaning function. In principle, it is not difficult to wash a blender, but there is a chance that in the process you will cut yourself with the sharp knives of the device. To protect yourself from injury, it is better to choose a blender with a self-cleaning function. In this case, after finishing the operation of the device, you just need to pour it into the bowl warm water and press the clear button. The nozzle will rotate and the water will rinse inner surface bowls and knives.

More technology - less effort! Hand blender Triblade HB724, Kenwood
5 functions in one blender: beat egg whites, puree soup, chop vegetables, chop meat, prepare mashed potatoes. Power: 700 W. Stainless steel attachment with three enlarged knives (Triblade). Unique nozzle of increased diameter for flat dishes. Unique attachment for making purees. Whisk for whipping made of stainless steel. 5 operating speeds + turbo mode. Rubberized handle and non-slip base. Can be washed in the dishwasher.
From RUB 3,590, Tekhnosila chain stores, MediaMarkt

Small, but daring! Blender Panasonic MX-101
New modern European design. Power: 400 W. 1250 ml glass container made in Japan. Large saber-shaped self-sharpening knives. 2 speeds + pulsation mode. Automatic circuit breaker to prevent motor burnout. Mill included.
From 2090 rub., www.panasoniceplaza.ru; chain stores MediaMarkt, M.Video, Eldorado

Two in one. Blender-steamer SCF870/22, Philips AVENT
Ideal for steaming fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. Dishes are steamed in their own juice, which preserves all the beneficial substances. To prepare the puree, simply turn the bowl over. All parts of the device that come into contact with food are made without the use of bisphenol-A. The kit includes a recipe booklet in which you will find 12 recipes from a professional pediatric nutritionist and psychologist for children of different ages. All parts of the device, except the electric motor unit, can be washed in the dishwasher.
From RUB 5,900, www.shop.philips.com

2) Immersion blender It looks like an iron or plastic “leg”, which, in turn, is lowered into a container in which something needs to be mixed. It will be indispensable if you have a baby, since we will spend a matter of minutes preparing baby purees and cereals. It is also very convenient if you need to do a small amount of work: it takes up little space and can work in any container.

This blender is more suitable for grinding meat into minced meat, making breadcrumbs, and finely chopping vegetables and fruits. But it also has its drawbacks: you constantly have to hold the immersion blender in your hands - if there is a large amount of work to do, your hands may get tired. Just like a stand-up blender, an important characteristic of an immersion blender is what material the “leg” is made of. If it is plastic, then the blender will be much cheaper. But plastic should not be dipped into hot foods; for such purposes, look for a blender with a metal “leg.” Don't forget about the power and number of speeds. The more power, the faster the blender will complete the task, and your hands will not get tired.

The immersion blender may come with additional attachments (for example, an egg whisk and others). But it’s hardly worth giving preference to a blender that, compared to a similar one, has only one or two additional attachments. Think about it: perhaps this is that nice purchase bonus that you will never use.

Fast, simple and tasty!Blender Braun Multiquick MR 740cc
This cordless blender is battery powered and comes with a charger. In addition, if you want, you can use the device in energy saving mode. The all-metal design of the blender attachment ensures the device has a long service life. effective work. One battery charge is enough for twenty minutes of continuous operation - this is enough for puree soup, minced cutlets, sauce, and nut dessert. Important Feature The new cordless blender is that all attachments of the Braun Multiquick 5 multifunctional blender are suitable for it, thanks to which you can not only chop, beat and puree, but also cut, shred and even knead thick dough. Size: 100 x 97 x 50 cm.
From RUB 6,790, www.braun.ru; all major chain stores of household appliances.

Operational work. Blender Moulinex HAPTO DD407D42
Traditional hand blender with stainless steel finish. Power: 600 W. 2 speeds. Jug 1.5 l. Metal leg blender - and you puree the freshly boiled soup. Whisk - and you make cream for your favorite cake. Mini-mill - and you chop meat, onions and herbs for your stew.
RUB 3,299, chain stores “M.Video”, Media Markt, “Eldorado”

Convenient and practical! Blender Tefal Prep'line HB7131
Power: 700 W. 2 rotation speeds. Motor - “silence plus”. Ergonomic handle. Blender foot made of stainless steel. Button for quick and easy detachment of the blender attachment. Whisk attachment for whipping. Wall holder. Convenient storage cord with suction cup. Plastic measuring cup with a volume of 0.8 l.
2299 rubles, chain stores “M.Video”, MediaMarkt, “Eldorado”

A blender is a necessary assistant in the kitchen - if you need to mix, beat or chop something, and you don’t want to spend a lot of time on it, then a blender will do it in a couple of minutes. And that’s not all it’s capable of; with the help of additional attachments you can grind coffee, spices or other small products; cut vegetables into cubes; prepare thick dough or even remove air from food containers. This article was written with the support of the leading equipment supplier “TTT - Territory of Your Equipment”, whose assortment includes modern Kenwood blenders - upon purchase you receive a guarantee of quality and the best developments of the leading manufacturer of household and kitchen appliances Kenwood, which has been producing kitchen appliances since 1947 (over 70 years!).

The most popular blender is for preparing fruit and vegetable smoothies, cream soups, sauces, drinks, mousses, protein shakes, and baby food. It will also help whip cream, make minced meat, grind coffee or crush ice. A blender will be a very relevant gift for athletes and young parents - there will be no need, as before, to thoroughly grind baby food through a sieve, or mash it with a fork and a masher.

1. Select the type of device you need

Before deciding what type of blender you will buy, you need to decide what tasks you want it to perform and how often you plan to use the blender. Both the design features of the blender and the parameters of reliability and durability will depend on this.

Blenders, like any household appliances, are divided into blenders for home use, semi-professional and professional. Personal blenders are also included in a separate group.

Semi-professional and professional blenders This is a high-power technique that can easily handle large volumes of ice, nuts, etc. They are necessary for cafes, restaurants, that is, where constant, almost continuous use is planned. In all In other cases, regular home blenders are quite suitable. The group of personal blenders are compact, low-power devices that can be powered by a built-in battery; they are an option for young parents.

Behind design features Blenders are divided into stationary, submersible and combined.

Stationary blenders consist of two main parts: the base and the jug (bowl). The base represents the heart and brain of the electrical appliance. It contains an electric motor and blender control systems - control buttons, an electric motor speed control system, an overheating sensor (optional) and a sensor that monitors the correct installation of the jug and its lid - so that the contents of the blender do not end up on your ceiling and walls if you accidentally turn it on, for example, with the lid open. Basically, the base is made of plastic, less often of stainless steel.

The jug is a tall bowl with a knife at the bottom. It is made of plastic, plastic (composite material), glass or even stainless steel. Glass jugs are quite rare because they add to the cost of the blender, and at the same time they break well if accidentally dropped. But at the same time, they are not afraid of hot foods and do not darken over time, like plastic ones. Plastic jugs combine the advantages of the previous options - they are not fragile, do not darken, and are more resistant to temperatures. When choosing a blender, you need to pay attention to the maximum permissible temperature of the products loaded into it, and whether it can be washed in a dishwasher.

Low-power blenders with one attachment are called shakers. More advanced stationary blenders have one or more replaceable attachments. Replaceable can be both completely jugs (each jug has its own purpose) and only removable attachments (one jug). Replaceable jugs offer ease of use, although you will have to wash more dishes afterwards; and removable attachments benefit from compactness and ease of storage.

Advantages of stationary blenders:

• when choosing, you are not limited by the maximum power of the device;
• some blenders have a very convenient self-cleaning function;
• After turning on the blender, it will do everything itself - no effort required. Although, from personal experience, I would like to note that the blender may stick a little when working (if, for example, you have a slippery, wet table), so periodically you need to hold it a little.

Flaws:

• cannot process small volumes - in most stationary blenders the minimum volume is limited to 250 milliliters.
• takes up a relatively large amount of space;
• limited number of attachments;
• I have to wash more dishes after use.

Using a stationary blender is quite easy - place the jug on the base, put it in necessary products, close the lid and turn on the device. In a minute you will receive the finished dish.

Submersible blenders consist of a base and replaceable attachments. The base has a cylindrical shape and must be held in your hand(s) when working. Therefore, it would be nice if it had rubberized inserts. The control system is located on the base. It includes a speed controller, “Start”, “Turbo”, “Pulse” buttons. Often the speed regulator is combined with the “Start” button - the speed changes depending on the force of pressing. The control system and operating modes may vary depending on the blender model. Replaceable nozzles are discussed below and are selected based on the current task.

Advantages immersion blenders:

• A large set of interchangeable attachments - changing attachments occurs “on the fly”, i.e. you can use several attachments for different purposes, quickly rearranging them.
• Mobility - you are not tied to a desk or other work surface. There are even models with a battery - you will not even depend on the presence of an outlet.
• Ability to work in any container with a flat bottom.
• No volume limitation (well, practically).

Flaws:

• May have insufficient power.
• There are some problems with processing large volumes.
• Immersion blenders are easier to miss and therefore break.

To use an immersion blender, you need to select the necessary attachment, connect it to the base, set the speed, turn on the blender and process the products (you can use the same container in which they are prepared). During operation, you can change attachments to perform different operations.

Combination blenders (mini-combines) They are a kind of hybrid of an immersion blender and a food processor. The base of such a device is identical to that of an immersion blender, except that a more powerful electric motor is used. There are also similar attachments for it. But there is some addition - a special stationary bowl with its own set of attachments, to which the base is connected. Thus, the functionality of the blender is significantly expanded - a mini-harvester replaces a blender, mixer, chopper and grater.

A mini-processor is significantly cheaper than a full-fledged food processor, and if you don’t set super-complicated tasks for it, it will be quite enough for everyday home use.

Advantages of a mini-harvester:

• multifunctionality;
• low price (compared to a food processor);
• practicality and compactness.

Flaws:

• periodically there is not enough power;
• not very large volumes of bowls.

2. Decide on the power of the blender

At the moment, blenders with a power of 140 W are produced. The more power, the more functions the device can perform.

• From 250 to 350 W - preparing baby purees, processing soft products.
• From 350 to 650 W - processing of soft products - whipped cream, nut butter, jams, smoothies, etc. You can prepare minced meat for cutlets, but this is not the same mass that is obtained as a result of processing in a meat grinder.
• From 650 to 1000 W - chopping ice and grinding coffee.
• Over 1000 W - they can easily process thick dough - with additional attachments.

As we see, a blender with a power of 600-750 W is the best choice for home use in terms of price/power ratio. But it all depends on the tasks you set for the blender you are purchasing.

3. Pay attention to the number of blender speeds

Low speeds are needed for making milkshakes and purees, medium speeds are needed for chopping nuts and vegetables, and high speeds are for making dough and minced meat.

Two speeds are the minimum set of speeds for a blender. For more comfortable work you need to have 5-7 speeds, this is enough to prepare most dishes. Moreover, in professional models there are more than 10 speed modes. There are also models with continuously variable speed control, which is a little more convenient.

There are several additional operating modes:

• Mode "Turbo"— turn on the blender at maximum rotation speed.
• Pulse mode(Pulse button) - the blender works periodically stopping/starting.

4. Familiarize yourself with the functionality of the blender attachment

• Pay attention to the blender blade. It is located in a jug - a stationary blender, or on a “leg” - in submersible version(blender attachment). It is very desirable that it is not simple (crosswise), and complex - with curved surfaces, the arrangement of several knives at different levels. This minimizes dead spots and ensures even churning.
  
  
• Whisk- a useful attachment that turns the blender into a mixer, this makes it easy to whip cream or whites, which cannot be done with a knife attachment. Basically, this attachment is made with one whisk, but there are models with two whisks. The whisk is only present in immersion blenders.
  
  
• - the knife (often the attachment itself) is made of plastic. If you have ever tried to make puree using a regular knife attachment, then you ended up with an inedible sticky mass. With this attachment, the puree will be airy and light.
  
  
• This attachment expands the functionality of the blender, turning it into a mini-harvester. It is a whole set of additional attachments (for the bowl): a chopper knife, a set of graters: large, fine, slices, a hash brown grater, and also an attachment for slicing into cubes. These attachments are also typical for stationary blenders with replaceable attachments. But the exact number of attachments depends on the blender model; some models only have a chopper knife.
  
  
• Vacuum pump- necessary for pumping air out of special containers. This method of storing food and dishes allows you to maintain long-term freshness, protects from foreign odors, and ensures the preservation of an attractive appearance.
• Ice crusher- crushing ice into crushed ice for preparing various drinks.
• Melnichka- is a small bowl with a special knife. Allows you to grind various bulk products - coffee, sugar, spices, etc.
• Shredder- chops (finely cuts) vegetables, fruits, some types of cheeses.

There are also various additional attachments: hook attachments for preparing dough; for slicing; for mixing, etc. If you need a specific attachment, you need to check before purchasing whether the blender you are purchasing will fit it.

Don't buy models with a huge number of attachments if you don't plan to use them.- you'll just waste your money. It’s better to take a model for which you can purchase additional attachments as needed. Also analyze what equipment you already have at home (coffee grinder, mixer), and what attachments you don’t need.

5. Pay attention to the material of the body and nozzles

The nozzles are made of plastic and stainless steel. But plastic nozzles are sensitive to temperature and break easily. Therefore, you need to give preference to stainless steel nozzles. They are durable, more resistant to falls, do not absorb odors, and are not afraid of temperature.

The body is also made of plastic and stainless steel. Here the choice of material is not so critical, but stainless steel is still better.

6. Additional selection options

Overheat sensor- a very useful function, it turns off the engine when it reaches a critical temperature. But it is better to follow the operating mode of the blender set by the manufacturer, and not allow it to turn off.

Self-cleaning function- relevant for stationary blenders. A little water is poured into the jug and self-cleaning is turned on, after which the blender is rinsed clean water. For immersion blenders, everything is much simpler - fill a little water into any container and turn on the blender in it, then rinse the attachment under the tap.

Engine noise - optimal models with noise up to 70 dB. There are special models with a noise reduction system, but they naturally cost more.

Steam function- relevant for young parents and vegetarians. Although I don’t see any particular convenience here.

Expensive blenders still have a number additional programs, the most common: milkshake, puree soup, sauce, minced meat, etc.

Pleasant benefits:

• stand;
• wall mounting;
• beaker.

7. Network VS battery

Most manufactured blenders are powered by 220 Volts and have a cord about 1.5 meters long. The longer this cord, the better - an extension cord is certainly good, but not very convenient. It’s a good idea to have a compartment for storing the cord in stationary models.

Models with a built-in battery have more weight and less power, and at the same time their autonomy is only 20-30 minutes, and the charge lasts 3-4 hours. So you should take such models if you know for sure that you need it.

8. Small but useful features when choosing a stationary model

9. Manufacturers and warranty

When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the duration of the warranty (at least a year) and at the same time, it is very desirable that there is service center In your city. It is also better to choose from famous manufacturers, such as: Kenwood, Bosh, Braun, Moulinex, Vitek, Redmond, Tefal, Philips. This will give you a guarantee of quality and timely warranty service (if you need it at all).

10. Read the instructions after purchase

In the instructions, the manufacturer describes safety precautions, as well as the operating mode of the device: operating and break times for the blender. Following these rules will extend the life of your device and help keep your fingers intact.

A blender is a miracle of modern technology, simply irreplaceable in a modern kitchen. This device will help you in a matter of minutes crush ice, nuts, prepare various cocktails, sauces, make minced meat, beat eggs into a fluffy foam and much more. It saves a lot of time, which is so important in the current hustle and bustle, and when preparing some dishes you simply cannot do without a blender! Today, there are a great many different models of blenders on the market, which differ not only in appearance, but also in cost. How to sort through such a variety and how to choose the right blender?

So, first, let’s decide what goals we are pursuing, what we expect from the device. If you just need to knead dough or beat eggs, then just buy a mixer. The blender operates at faster speeds and is capable of instantly crushing the hardest products, such as ice, nuts, etc., easily copes with preparing sauces, preparing minced meat, it is truly universal.

Stationary blender

A stationary blender (or shaker) is designed for chopping and crushing ice, nuts, cookies, mixing cocktails, beating eggs, chopping meat products, etc. It is very convenient to use, since you don’t need to hold it in your hands, you just need to put all the products in a container and press a button, it will do the rest itself. Also, you don’t even need to wash it, you just need to pour water into the container and turn on the device for a few seconds - self-cleaning occurs. Everything is simple, easy, convenient. The main disadvantage of such a blender is that it takes up a lot of space, but it is cheaper than an immersion blender.

Advantages:

1. No need to hold it in your hands (just press a button)
2. No need to wash (self-cleaning function)

Flaws:

1. Takes up more space.
2. You only need to grind in one container.
3. The whisk attachment is not used.

When choosing a stationary blender, you should pay attention Special attention the size of his bowl and to the one from what material it's made. Here they use either glass or plastic. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages.

Glass bowl, first of all, it is more expensive, but it does not darken over time, does not absorb odors, you can pour hot foods into it, but the main disadvantage is that it is easy to break.

Bowl made made of plastic, cheaper, does not break, but hot foods cannot be added to it, and over time it may darken, and besides, it also absorbs odors. Although in the latest models of blenders, the bowls are made of special plastic, which does not absorb odors and does not darken.

Please also pay attention to bowl volume, depending on the model, they range from 400-500 ml to 2 l. Decide before purchasing what volume you need. Please also note that the usable volume will be slightly smaller, about 200 ml of the total, because it is not recommended to completely fill the bowl, since when operating at high speeds, the products rise up.

Immersion blender

An immersion blender is something like a “stick” or “leg” that is lowered into a container. It is designed primarily for chopping: onions, crackers, raw and boiled vegetables, meat and other products can be easily and quickly chopped in this almighty device. Also, an immersion blender is indispensable when creating various purees, desserts, creams; in a matter of seconds you will prepare a lush dessert, mousse, cream, baby food. But you have to hold it in your hands all the time, so this blender is suitable for small volumes of products. The main advantage is that it takes up very little space and can be used in any container.

It is important to pay attention to What material is the “leg” of the device made of?, made of metal or plastic. Metal more expensive, but durable, it can be used to work with hot products, plastic on the other hand, it is cheaper, but it cannot be put into hot conditions, especially since over time it darkens and absorbs the smell, and most importantly, it wears out faster. So it’s better not to save money here, but to buy a blender with a metal “leg”.

Advantages of an immersion blender:

1. Takes up little space.
2. Can be used in any container.
3. Affordable price.

Flaws:

1. Needs to be held in your hands.
2. Designed for small volumes of crushed products.

When choosing immersion blender is worth paying attention to and by number of speeds, and its power. The greater its power, the faster it chops everything, so less time is required, and your hands do not have time to get tired. Please also pay attention to the available number of speeds: the more there are, the more convenient it is to choose desired speed for each product and adjust it during operation, which is very convenient, but the more speeds, the more expensive the device.

They often come with an immersion blender. various nozzles, with which he turns into a food processor.

Types of blender attachments

Blender attachments are as follows: main types:

1. Knives. This is an indispensable attachment; you can use it to chop and mix any product. This function is just a gift for those who have small children, because in a matter of seconds you can prepare any baby food.
2. whisk. This attachment is ideal for beating eggs, cream, sour cream; it can easily break up lumps of dough (for pancake lovers), and you can whip up puree to make it airy.
3. Bowl with double knife. This attachment is ideal for cutting and chopping vegetables, meat, etc.
4. Vacuum pump. This nozzle is capable of pumping out air from a container with products, and they will be stored much longer; special containers are also included with this nozzle.
5. Melnichka bears little resemblance to a regular nozzle. It is a bowl with a knife at the bottom. It can be used to grind small portions, as well as nuts, sugar, ice, coffee and other solid foods.
6. Multifunctional nozzle consists of a bowl and several chopper knives. This bowl transforms the blender into a food processor that can handle crushing ice, chopping and slicing any food item.

Nozzle material

Blender attachments can be:

• metal;
• plastic.

Here you can immediately give preference to metal nozzles, they are more durable, they can be immersed in hot water, they look much more attractive, their only drawback is that they are more expensive. Plastic nozzles cheaper, but otherwise full of disadvantages: fragile, easy to break, afraid of heat, stains appear on them over time, they absorb odors. So if your budget allows, then, without hesitation, choose metal attachments.

Blender power

The power of immersion blenders ranges from 140 W to 1200 W. What does this mean what power is better to choose? It all depends on what you will be grinding. So, if you need to chop frozen vegetables or meat, then a blender with a power of less than 250 W simply cannot cope with it, it requires power from 250 W to 600 W, in general, to work with solid products, including ice, you need a power of at least 400 W.

The power of the blender also determines how quickly it will cope with a given job: naturally, the higher the power, the faster and easier it will complete a certain task. But the power 300-400 W It will be quite enough for ordinary household chores, unless you decide to crush ice with it or use it as a meat grinder.

Blender speed and mode

Usually in immersion blenders the number of speeds is varies from 1 to 24, and they switch either smoothly or stepwise. Smooth gear shifting more convenient than stepped, you can easily select the desired speed and also very easily change it. With help pulse mode You can adjust the speed of the blender by pressing the button, which is very convenient in practice. The presence of speeds is very convenient for working with products, for example, you can start at a low speed, then increase it, and at the end switch to a low speed again: it all depends on what you are cooking.

Blender power type

Typically, most blenders are powered from the network using a wire, but not so long ago wireless ones also appeared, on batteries. What's better? In principle, the only difference is convenience, because a wired blender is tied to one place where there should be an outlet, and the cord is not very long, so if you have an outlet far away, or you need to work with it in different places in the house, then choose a battery-powered one . The battery life of a charged battery is up to 30 minutes, and it takes 3-4 hours to charge, however, it is worth mentioning that such blenders are a little more expensive, and they are heavier and have less power. But if there is no outlet nearby, then a cordless blender is an ideal option.

Best blenders 2016

To make it easier to navigate the huge variety of models, we have compiled for you a rating of the best blenders of 2015-2016.

An excellent blender in terms of price and quality. Distinctive feature– wave-shaped immersion nozzle, which means that the product will not splash during operation. The chopper allows you to freely crush a decent amount of food, be it nuts, herbs, onions or meat. In addition, the blender comes with a whisk attachment so you can prepare delicate desserts, mayonnaise or dough. There is also a turbo mode at your service, and for additional convenience, the attachments are detached by pressing two buttons.

The thermal glass from which the blender bowl is made allows you to prepare hot dishes. Its triangular shape allows the product to be crushed to move vertically and horizontally, thanks to which it is possible to achieve best result. Five speeds, turbo mode, high power and reliable steel blender blades will allow you to quickly cope with any task. For added comfort and safety, rubber feet are provided to prevent the shaker from sliding on the table while working.

This device has all the functions that are assigned to a blender. It can quickly grind almost any product, beat it thanks to the whisk, and for convenience the device is equipped with a measuring cup with a lid. In addition, this model provides a very useful function in some cases – ice crushing.

For a fairly low price you get a real food processor. This blender is equipped with a multifunctional bowl, attachments for stirring heavy dough, attachments for beating eggs, a pusher, as well as a coarse and fine grater, a knife for cutting slices, an adapter for attachments, and a disk for interchangeable knives. One speed is compensated here by a pulse mode. The high power, durability of steel blades and versatility of this blender will make this model an indispensable assistant in the kitchen.

This blender is reminiscent of a professional device in both its appearance and functions. This is a real beast! It allows you to quickly and efficiently grind everything: from nuts and coffee to meat. There is an ice crushing function, and the bowl is made of tempered glass, will remain safe and sound during any manipulation. When blending, you can add liquid ingredients simply while the blender is running. In addition, this blender will delight its owner with smart, convenient electronic controls and a pulse mode.

Finally

Before choosing and purchasing a blender, we strongly recommend that you clearly define what exactly you need it for. A lot depends on this: power, number of attachments, type of blender. Don't rush into models that come with countless attachments or those that have outrageous power - if you don't plan to use all these functions and features, then you will simply be wasting your money. We hope that we have helped you at least a little in deciding how to choose a blender and which ones best models blenders presented today. Happy shopping!

A blender is the assistant that can provide you with fruit and vegetable smoothies, cream soups, sorbets, mousses, minced meat, whipped cream, ground coffee and crushed ice. In this material we will tell you how to choose a blender for your home and which device is better for you - stationary or immersion.

Which blender is better to choose, immersion or stationary?

In fact, the best blender is the one that best suits your needs. Let's look at each type in turn.

• Immersion blenders consist of a plastic or metal “handle” with an internal motor and a rotating attachment (there may be several of them). Grinds, mixes and beats with an immersion blender in any container (yours or the one included with the device). Pros: compactness, mobility, ability to process small portions, ability to independently change the position of the knife (unlike stationary models), versatility due to the presence of attachments for different purposes. It turns out that one immersion blender can replace a food processor, coffee grinder, meat grinder, mixer, puree masher, etc.

Carrots, cut into shavings and slices using additional nozzle immersion blender

Cons: the immersion blender needs to be held (however, this is not so difficult, since the device works quickly); If handled carelessly, the contents of the container may splash. Who should choose an immersion blender: those who prepare cocktails/soups most often from soft vegetables/fruits/berries, those who often need to prepare small portions (for example, fresh baby food for a child), those who have .

• Stationary blenders consist of a jug with a knife at the bottom and a base with a motor. Pros: the operation of the blender requires almost no participation from you; It is much more convenient to prepare soups and drinks for several people at once, and then immediately pour them into glasses. A stationary blender is cheaper than an immersion blender and is easier to care for, since most models have a self-cleaning function. Cons: its main drawback is the inability to prepare small portions (most often the volume of the product should be more than 250 ml). Compared to an immersion blender, a stationary machine is more bulky. Who should choose a stationary blender: for those who often prepare cocktails and smoothies, and in large quantities. For athletes, vegetarians and just people who adhere to healthy image This device is simply irreplaceable in life.

How to choose an immersion blender for your home

Step 1. Power

Power is the first most important criterion for choosing an immersion blender. It can be 140-1200 W. The more powerful the blender, the faster it works, the less likely it is to overheat, and the more solid foods it can handle.

• To handle most tasks, an immersion blender should have at least 450 watts of power.
• If you want to crush ice with a blender or process complex products (for example, meat or carrots), then you should purchase a device with a power of 600-800 W.

Step 2: Speeds and Modes

An immersion blender can have from 1 to 30 speeds. The more of them, the more accurately you can adjust the speed of rotation of the knife depending on the hardness of the product, your purpose or the height of the container (in low bowls, to avoid splashing, blend products at low speed).

• After all, the higher the speed, the more thoroughly and quickly the blender chops, mixes and beats. But at low speeds, the blender works better with hard and viscous products.

Thus, if, for example, you want to prepare the most tender pate, then the boiled meat should be processed first at low speed, and then at the highest speed.

• In fact, blenders with a wide range of speed settings are perhaps only needed by real chefs who prepare complex recipes. For most users, 5-8 speeds will be sufficient. A blender with two speeds is suitable for performing simple tasks.

In addition to a set of speeds, immersion blenders may have additional modes. So, almost all blenders have a turbo mode - mode maximum speed, which is useful to turn on at the end of work to achieve especially uniform and delicate consistency dishes. Some blenders have an Ice Chop and a Pulse mode. Ice crushing is needed, in fact, for crushing ice and making cocktails, as well as processing hard products, such as frozen fruits or nuts.

• The pulse mode is also necessary for processing particularly hard products (including ice). But with it, the blender works with short pauses and only when the button is held down, so the motor does not overheat. The speed in pulse mode is adjusted by pressing the button, which is very convenient.

And one more point: the blender speeds can be switched smoothly or stepwise. The first option is somewhat more convenient.

Step 3. Attachments and equipment

Most hand blenders have three basic attachments: a blender attachment for chopping and blending, a whisk attachment for whisking, and a chopper in a bowl. The presence of other attachments for the blender is a big advantage, because thanks to them the device becomes more functional. Let's take a closer look at each type of nozzle.

• Blender attachment. Grinds and mixes, copes with most tasks: preparing cream soups, smoothies, cocktails, etc. It has a knife at the end and a dome covering it, which is designed to minimize splashing. Most often, the knife of the main attachment cannot be changed, but sometimes there are models with removable knives for different purposes.

Main blender attachment Steba MX 21 with a set of interchangeable blades

• Whisk for whipping. A whisk is needed for whipping cream, eggs, cream, mayonnaise, butter, kneading dough, etc. The whisk of a blender, like that of a mixer, can be drop-shaped (for liquid masses) or spiral (for thick masses). Most often, a blender has one whisk, but some models may have two mini whisks (pictured).

• Chopper bowl. It is a bowl with a bladed leg installed in the center, which is operated by connecting a handle in the bowl lid.

The blender chopper is most often used to prepare minced meat.

The bowl can have one universal knife for chopping or several replaceable ones. For example, a disc for cutting any soft foods into slices, a potato grater (pictured) or an ice knife. The volume of the chopper bowl can be 0.35 - 2.2 liters.

• Melnichka. It looks like a small bowl with a knife at the bottom. It is convenient to grind hard products in small quantity, for example, black peas, coffee beans, garlic, sugar, etc. The volume of the mill can be only 0.05 - 0.7 liters.
• Vacuum pump. Pumps out air from special vacuum containers (provided in the kit or purchased separately), thanks to which the products are stored in them several times longer.
• It has a plastic rather than metal blade that does not whip, but grates the potatoes at low speed, making it easy to turn them into a tender and uniform puree. This is a very useful addition to the blender, because its main attachment turns potatoes into an inedible paste.

Step 4. Material of the body and nozzles

The body, both the handle and the main blender attachment can be made of plastic or metal.

• It is advisable that the nozzle be metal, then you can immerse the blender even in a pan of boiling soup. Plastic can only handle moderately hot and warm foods, besides, it can break if dropped and wear out over time.
• But the material of the pen body may well be plastic. Here you should focus only on your taste, and, say, the interior of the kitchen. The main thing is that the handle has rubberized inserts so that you can hold it firmly while the blender is operating.

Step 5: Wire/Battery

Most often, blenders have ordinary power cords up to 1.5 m long. But if you want to be able to process food while moving freely around the house, say, to keep an eye on your child, then you should choose a cordless immersion blender. True, due to the battery, the immersion blender weighs more than usual, its time battery life not too long (20-30 minutes), and its power is less.

How to choose a stationary blender (shaker)

Step 1. Power. The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a stationary blender is power. Most stationary blenders have a power of 500-900 W, but some home models have a power of 1200-1350 W.

• The higher the engine power, the better blender. And at the same time - noisier and more expensive.

Powerful models from 750 to 900 W are capable of processing nuts, frozen fruits/berries, crushing ice, preparing smoothies and thick creams well, for a long time and often. Models with a power of more than 1000 W are needed for beating dough. If you most often prepare non-frozen soft fruits and vegetables, then you shouldn’t overpay for high power, and a 600 W blender will cope with most tasks.

Step 2. Knives. Knives are the most important part of a blender after the motor. In a stationary device there can be 1 or 2 knives (with crossed blades).

• The more blades the knife has, the faster the blender will chop food.

Knives come in a variety of shapes, but in general they can be divided into curved and straight.

• Curved knives chop and mix food more thoroughly and evenly than straight ones.

It is desirable that the knives be large, made of high-quality and strong stainless steel.

Step 3. Volume of the jug. The size of the jug indicates the maximum amount of food you can prepare at one time. Depending on your needs, you can choose a device with a capacity of 1 to 2 liters. Keep in mind that the usable volume of the bowl is 200-300 ml less than the indicated total volume.

• A blender with a large 1.5-2 liter jug ​​allows you to prepare pureed soups and cocktails for several people at once.
• A blender with a 1-liter jug ​​is suitable for making cocktails for two to three people and baby food.
• Some manufacturers also indicate the minimum weight of products that a blender can grind (most often this is 250 g/ml). If you load products of smaller weight/volume into the bowl, the device simply will not be able to chop them, but will only dirty the bowl.

By the way, pay attention to the presence of a measuring scale on the jug. In addition, we recommend choosing an appliance with a jug with a wider base rather than a narrow one. In a wide container it is more convenient to mix the contents, and it is also easier to wash.

Step 4. Base with motor block. When choosing a stationary blender, pay attention to the width and heaviness of its base. The larger and heavier it is, the more stable the device will be in operation. This is especially necessary when working at high speeds or processing solid products.

• Rubber feet or pads are also needed to ensure stability of the base. Let them be very small, the main thing is that they exist.
• It would be good if the base had a compartment for storing the cord (pictured).

Step 5. Materials. Now you need to decide on the material of the device, both the jug and the base.

• The jug can be glass, plastic, metal or made from composite material. Plastic is good because it is lightweight, easy to handle, reduces the cost of the device, but it tends to scratch and hot products cannot be processed in it (unless it is a special thermoplastic). A glass jug is heavier and therefore less convenient to handle, in addition, it can be broken. But it looks more beautiful, does not scratch, and most importantly, it can be processed hot. A metal bowl is good for everyone, but it is opaque and greatly increases the cost of the device. The ideal jug is a jug made of composite material. It is light, comfortable, durable, heat-resistant, the only negative is the high price. Whatever container you choose for your blender, make sure it allows...
• The base of a stationary blender can be made of plastic or stainless steel. Plastic models are cheaper and weigh less, but they are less impact resistant. Stainless steel appliances are more expensive, they are stronger, weigh more and are therefore more stable. However, it cannot be said that the material of the base case provides any special advantages to the device, so choose based on your budget and taste. Let us only add that on black plastic and polished steel fingerprints, dirt stains, and scratches are more noticeable.

Step 6. Speeds. Blade rotation speed is another criterion for choosing a stationary blender. Modern models can have from 1 to 20 speed modes. Some devices have up to 30 speeds. Why does a blender need so many different speed settings? The fact is that the higher the rotation speed of the knife, the faster and more thoroughly the blender grinds the product, but this is not always necessary. So, for example, if you need to grind something into a homogeneous puree, then you should process the product at the highest speed. If you need to get smaller pieces, it is better to run the device at low speed. Thus, the more speed programs the device has, the more types of products it can process.

• However, an ordinary blender with 4-6 speeds will successfully cope with most tasks.

Speed ​​controller

In addition to speed modes, a stationary blender can have a turbo mode and an impulsive mode.

• Turbo mode is a mode that grinds food at the highest speed. It is better to include it at the very end of processing to achieve a homogeneous and delicate consistency.
• Almost all models have a pulse mode, and some even have only it. The peculiarity of the pulse mode is that the knives rotate quickly and intensely, but with short pauses and only when the button is held down. Despite the speed and power of the motor while processing, say, ice, it does not overheat.

Step 7. Control Panel. The control panel is not the best an important part device, but it is also worth paying attention to. A blender with touch buttons is easier to keep clean, but it will cost more. On the other hand, mechanical control (pictured) is more convenient (especially when changing gears) and is more familiar to many.

Step 8. Additional bonuses. Pleasant bonuses of the blender include the presence of: a spout or tap for direct dispensing of the product from the jug (pictured), a shutdown system for overheating, and a self-cleaning system.

And finally, we suggest watching another video from useful information and a visual demonstration of stationary and immersion blenders.

The blender is a little multi-functional wizard that has made it easier for women to work in the kitchen. Smoothies, cream soup, purees for children, airy dough for pancakes, pates - a compact submersible machine can handle this perfectly. The stationary unit has enough power to turn meat into tender minced meat, chop ice for cocktails, cut or grate vegetables (if you have the necessary attachment) and much more.

But, like any technology, the blender is equipped with a fragile mechanism, and if you use it incorrectly, you will soon return to your old friend the grater.

Greens at room temperature

The metal blades of a blender can easily turn fiber-rich greens into brown mush. To save rich color, freeze the greens, and after 5 minutes add them to the blender - this is what the chefs advise.

Fibrous vegetables with hard stems

We're talking celery, broccoli, cauliflower, tough salad greens. Believe me, even modern super-powerful high-speed blenders cannot cope with the fibers, and even if they do, you will be removing the residue from the knives for the next half hour.

Frozen fruit

Who doesn't love energizing fruit drinks? As long as they're fresh, knives do a great job cutting through the tender pulp, but what if you only have frozen fruit? Some people are so confident in the power of the blender that they throw frozen fruit into the bowl. It's good if you get a sorbet... In the worst case, the blades will break or become dull, and the glass (or plastic) of the container will crack. Remove the food from the freezer in advance and leave it for half an hour.

Hard grains and nuts

Only truly desperate housewives will stop grinding coffee beans, beans, mung beans or cocoa beans in a blender. To grind hard products, it is better to use a good coffee grinder with a powerful motor and reinforced blades.

Products with strong aroma

The smell of garlic, the bitterness of chili peppers and onions can be absorbed into rubber seal and ruin the taste of the product you are mixing. You may have noticed that raw garlic in the blender jar overnight, even after two or three rinses, still leaves a subtle aroma. A morning cocktail with strawberries and piquant garlic is unlikely to please your taste.

Too little or too much liquid

When the blender works with solid products, you need to add a little water. This must be done carefully to avoid engine surge or water splashing out. The proportions must be correct. Not enough liquid - the blender will create lumps, too much - the blades will not come into contact with the product.

Bones

Professional cooks say that inexperienced cooks often make this mistake. When adding chicken or fish to a blender to make mince for meatballs or fish pies, it is important to make sure there are no bones in the meat. Household harvesters are different from industrial ones - even small bones are too much for them.

Meat

The perfect dish has layers of flavors and textures. Meat ground in a blender has a consistency that only kids will like. Of course, if you are preparing complementary foods for a baby, then a blender is a real savior for a young mother. But for juicy tender cutlets with a crispy crust, you only need a meat grinder.

Tools

Avoid putting any tools or small kitchen utensils into the blender while it is running: plastic, glass or wooden mortars are not suitable for pushing food pieces - they will crack and break easily. If you need to lightly stir the puree while the blender is running, use a metal spoon.

Sun-dried tomatoes

Unless you have a high-performance, high-speed blender, never try to puree sun-dried tomatoes; their tough skins will stick to the blades. If you still need sun-dried tomatoes, for example for sauce, soak them in water until they soften.

Tomato sauce

Potato

We think more than one housewife regretted that she tried to prepare mashed potatoes in a blender... Any starchy vegetables cannot be crushed at high speeds: the starch turns into a viscous paste, the mashed potatoes become sticky and tasteless. IN modern models There is a special attachment for potatoes.

Hot liquid

When preparing puree soup, do not pour soup that has not yet cooled into the bowl. Steam in a confined space can explode the lid: not only will the liquid fly around the kitchen, there is a risk of serious burns.

Dough

No self-respecting baker would make pie dough in a blender. Its texture will be hard and unsaturated with oxygen. An exception is batter for pancakes or pancakes.

Ginger

Do not put fresh or dried ginger in the blender. What will happen? Not a mush, but a solid lump of fibers. It is better to finely chop or grate it.

Bulk ingredients

If you put flour, sugar or cake mix into a blender, the powdery ingredients will stick to the sides of the bowl as you blend. It is better to add them to the liquid base through the hole in the lid and slow down.