Blenders are essential kitchen appliances, but they can be expensive. There are many types of blenders available, with some being larger than others and more expensive. These blenders are also extremely versatile and can be used to make nearly any recipe you desire. Consumer Reports has tested several types of blenders, and found a number of excellent models. These blenders work well for making smoothies or soups, as well as making margaritas.
Consumer Reports test more than 50 blenders
Blenders can be used to make many different types of frozen drinks and fruit smoothies. Consumer Reports tested 50 blenders in order to choose the best. Many of them cost under $50, but some are more expensive.
The order of your ingredients will impact the quality and taste of your smoothie. Add liquid first, as this will create a vortex in the blender and pull down all other ingredients. Next, you can add soft foods.
They have received Excellent ratings from CR's icy/smoothies and purée tests
Blenders can be used for a variety tasks including pureeing frozen fruits and making soups. Consumer reports tested the appliances in several ways, including making ice and pureeing. The overall test score for these appliances was Excellent, with some models earning Outstanding ratings.
It is important to understand which ingredients should be added first before you make a smoothie. Start with the liquid and then add the soft, making sure that everything is well combined.
They have Very Good ratings in reliability and satisfaction
Consumer Reports rates the majority of blenders as Very Good for Reliability, but only a small number are awarded the highest rating for satisfaction. Vitamix (the top-rated full size blender) and Wolf (the Wolf) received Excellent ratings in terms of reliability and satisfaction. Other brands such as Oster, Breville and Hamilton Beach received Excellent ratings for reliability.
The Vitamix blender, for instance, earns high marks for producing delicious frozen drinks and purees. The Vitamix blender's chopping attachment is comparable to larger food processors. It also earns Very Good ratings in reliability and customer satisfaction. Consumer Reports also rates Vitamix blenders among the most reliable, although they cost about $500.
They are extremely affordable
Blenders can be used to make soups, blend nuts into butter, or create dressings, salsas, or other kitchen gadgets. The versatility of these devices makes them as useful as a microwave or stovetop. You can choose from a range of models to suit your needs.
If you're on a tight budget, you can pick up a personal blender for about $75 or less. These models have smaller capacity and less power, but are great for making soups or smoothies. They're not a good choice for blending dense ingredients, such as nuts. An immersion blender can be purchased, which is used to puree soups and other liquids. Immersion blenders can last up to a decade and cost less than $50.