Blenders
The two types of blenders on the market are countertop 
and hand-held . If you have the space and money for both, you will certainly find uses for them. Countertop models are great for making thick beverages like smoothies, ice-based drinks (ie, margaritas), and milkshakes. They can also be used for blending smooth soups and for liquidizing ingredients for use in other recipes. Handheld blenders, also known as immersion blenders , are mainly used for liquidizing soups and sauces. However, some come with a number of attachments that allow them to be used for a wide variety of tasks including whisking and emulsifying salad dressings.
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Countertop Blenders - Capacity -- Usually hold between 1 and 2 litres. Better to get a larger one than you think you need, so that you don't have to worry about overflow.
- Power -- Look for 350 Watts and up. Higher wattage means more powerful blending.
- Speeds -- You probably don't need 15 speeds since ultimately the highest speeds on all models in the same power range will be about the same. A pulse button is a very handy feature. Try for 4-7 speeds, if you really want some variety. Most people are fine with slow, medium and fast.
- Design -- Unless you leave your blender out all the time, function should come before appearance. Look for blenders with a sturdy base, solid construction, and easy-to-clean parts. A good blender can last a long time if you care for it well. Be sure to buy one that's well built.
- Materials -- A plastic blending chamber is lighter and cheaper, but ultimately is not as sturdy or scratch-resistant as a glass chamber . Some blenders offer stainless steel chambers -- the downside is you can't see what you're blending.
- Cost -- The sleekest, most powerful blenders can cost over £100, but if you don't need the best model you might be able to find a good one for £50 or less.
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Hand Blenders - Power -- More watts means more power. Usually the higher powered models can do other things like chopping.
- Attachments -- Want more from your blender? Many hand blenders have attachments for whisking and chopping. Some can even finely mince herbs.
- Speeds -- Look for models with a pulse option and more than one speed.
- Safety -- Look for models that can be used, cleaned, and stored safely.
- Storage -- Some models come with hooks or wall brackets so that they can be easily stored off the countertop.
- Cleaning -- Are the parts dishwasher safe?
- Cordless -- Some people like the ease and convenience of moving around without a cumbersome cord while cooking. This can be useful if you don't mind recharging the battery and if you aren't bent on having the most power.
- Cost -- Expect to pay anywhere from £15 to £100 for one of these.
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International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Blenders Shopgids
