1. If you're trying to decide between a blender and a food processor, at first glance it may seem that a multi-tasking food processor is the better bargain. However, many food processors cannot handle large amounts of liquid well, and crushing ice can be hard on their blades. If you make a lot of soups, smoothies, or frozen drinks, a stainless steel blender is the best way to go.
2. If you enjoy serving frozen drinks at parties, but find them tedious to make with a Magic Bullet blender, consider a margarita machine. Margarita machines can make a variety of frozen drinks quickly and in large amounts, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with friends.
3. A higher number of speed options on an Oster blender is not always an indication of superior quality. The more speed options a kitchen blender has, the more insignificant the difference from one speed to another. Experts say that three well differentiated speeds are enough to meet most household kitchen needs.
4. Style counts! A Back to Basics blender typically spends way more time on the counter than parked out of sight in a cabinet. There are many styles and colors to choose from, so invest some time in looking for something that not only meets your needs, but complements your kitchen's decor and your own personal taste.
5. A hand blender can be a lifesaver in the kitchen. Hand blenders are handheld, portable, and easy to store and use. Instead of trying to pour items into a KitchenAid blender little by little, you can blend everything right in the original pot or bowl, eliminating mess and saving time.
6. It's a good idea to think about the pros and cons of the different kitchen blender carafe material options. A plastic blender is cheap, lightweight, and durable, but it can stain, retain odor, and scratch. A glass blender does not pose these problems, but a glass blender can chip and break. A stainless steel blender is expensive, but in most cases it's the best option.
7. How easily a Vita Mix blender can be cleaned should be a factor in making a decision on which one to buy. The carafe should be easily disassembled with no narrow sections in the bottom. The base should be simple to wipe down, with no crevices where spills can accumulate.
8. A Cuisinart blender may come with easy-clean speed settings, but most can be cleaned by filling the carafe with hot water and a little dish soap and running the Cuisinart blender for a minute. Be sure to rinse the carafe thoroughly after doing this to avoid accumulating soap residue.
9. The recommended power for a regular kitchen blender is 350 watts. This is a sufficient amount for performing everyday cooking-related tasks, but if you are going to crush ice or make frozen drinks on a regular basis, you may want to invest in a more powerful commerical blender.
10. If you enjoy an occasional milkshake but don't have use for a kitchen blender, a single-serving drink mixer may be just the right choice. A smoothie maker is excellent for smoothies right in the cup, allowing for less mess and no waste.
