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Blender in your kitchen
Blender is a kitchen appliance used to mix ingredients or puree food. The
term typically refers to a stationary, upright electrical device, which is to be
distinguished from a hand-powered or electric mixer that may be used for similar
purposes.
The blending container can be made of glass, plastic, or stainless steel, and often
has graduated markings for measuring purposes. At the top of the container is a
lid to prevent ingredients from escaping during operation. At the bottom is a blade
assembly, sometimes removable for cleaning purposes. In cases where the blades are
removable, the container should have an o-ring between the body of the container
and the base to seal the container and prevent the contents from leaking.
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The container rests upon a base that contains a motor for turning the blade assembly
and has controls on its surface. Most modern blenders offer a number of possible
speeds. Low-powered blenders require some liquid to be added for the blender to
operate correctly. This is because the liquid is used to move the solids around
the jar and bring it in contact with the blade as the "whirlpool" fluid movement
brings items from the top to the bottom. High-powered blenders are capable of milling
grains and crushing ice without such assistance.
 Another type of blender
is the immersion blender. This has no container of its own, but instead has a mixing
head with blades that can be immersed in a pot of soup, for example.
Some of the functions of blenders have been taken over by food processors. In particular,
thicker mixtures such as mayonnaise and hummus are easier to make in food processors.
Power - the higher the wattage, the more powerful the blender.
You will want a blender with at least 350 watts.
Capacity - most blenders range in size from 4 cups to 7 cups and
I would suggest you buy toward the larger size so you don't have to worry about
the blend overflowing the container. You'll find the large size especially helpful
when you are pureeing large quantities of soups and or sauces.
Speeds - Do you really need 15 speeds to blend something? I don't
think so. You really only need a fast, medium and slow speeds and the ability to
pulse which is often required in some recipes.
Design - You will pay more for a sleek design and you may want
that if you leave the blender on the counter, but if you store it in a cabinet and
only pull it out on occasion, don't pay up just for a space age looking design.
Pay more for better features like being able to remove the blades for cleaning,
an extra wide motor base to provide stability and a opening for adding ingredients
or letting steam out when blending hot soups. Really important is a tight fitting
lid.
Materials - Glass and stainless steel are you two best choices
when buying a blender. The advantage of glass is you can see what you are working
with and with stainless you don't have to worry about breakage. I prefer glass so
I can keep an eye on things. Plastic is ok and will be lighter than glass but after
a while, the plastic scratches and can shatter.
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