Smart appliances are gradually replacing traditional kitchen appliances such as meat grinders, whisks, pushers, etc. They are being replaced by modern technological devices with an automatic mode. Functional blenders have literally become the "right hand" of the hostess. They significantly speed up the cooking process and also save work space. There are various models in a wide range, differing in type, functionality, purpose, modes.
What is it: technical features and characteristics
If the kitchen is practically your second office, then there is a reason to "arm yourself" with ergonomic and efficient appliances that help you to cook efficiently and tasty. The blender is a new generation device: it grinds, whips, creates the perfect consistency of sauces, baby food, cocktails, smoothies and mousses. With such a product, it will not be a problem to grind ice cubes, nuts. You can reproduce the most complex restaurant menu recipe in minutes.
The blender becomes a good alternative to a hand mixer, food processor, meat grinder. You can choose a stationary or manual model. In the first case, you purchase a shaker consisting of a body and a removable part. There are knives, an electric motor.
The removable element is a capacious glass or plastic bowl in which you will grind various products. Most often, such a container has a gradation, so it will be convenient to pour it into portioned dishes, for example, cocktails.
According to reviews, housewives mostly prefer submersible blenders. They take up little space in the kitchen and are convenient for preparing small portions. They are especially popular among young housewives who have recently become mothers. Baby food, formula, cereals, fruit purees - cook exactly the dishes your kids like!
The advantages of modern blenders are:
- the ability to use ordinary dishes, and not special containers that come with the devices and you need to overpay for them;
- harvester, meat grinder and multicooker in one device;
- manual and automatic control option;
- wide functionality (pulse mode, models with overheating protection);
- a colossal set of attachments for preparing any dish, from mashed soups, sauces, to cocktails, baking fillings, desserts;
- affordable price;
- a choice of power from 200 to 2000 W.
When choosing an original blender, pay attention to the body materials. Household and electrical, plastic and metal, vacuum or planetary - each product has its own pros and cons and is suitable for specific purposes. The longest service life is shown by devices made of aluminum, metal. But glass models are less practical, unstable to shock. On the other hand, plastic and glass are more attractive than metal ones.
Speed control is also an important nuance. You can pick up a vertical device, rechargeable, which you can take with you on a trip, on vacation, on a business trip. The vacuum blender with convenient attachments deserves good reviews. There is a special vacuum packaging technology here. It allows you to preserve food for a long time, so for long trips, also look at this option.
The advantages of kitchen blenders are their ergonomics. They have practical containers, a convenient body that does not slip out of your hands, and protective covers. Manufacturers pay special attention to attachments, knives. This detail allows you to grind any products to a puree state. For example, whisks or mixer substitutes, whip any cream, help prepare cocktails.
Knives perfectly chop products for salad, chop meat, and also mix hard vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc. With blenders, you can easily refuse graters, combines. Minced meat, desserts, sauces, juices and more are now available with this attachment. Any blender is capable of a smooth consistency in just a couple of minutes!
Varieties and application
Often these models come with a bowl or bottle. A detailed description of the product can be read on the website of the store in which you make a purchase or read its instructions. The blender grinds absolutely any food: potatoes, tomatoes, creates vitamin complexes in the form of a smoothie, prepares a nutrient extractor.
Only a combine can also skillfully cope with the task of whipping egg whites. There is a huge assortment of collections of this technique. Someone will prefer models in the form of shakers, especially for juices, alcoholic beverages, for sauces, etc. Others buy a blender to prepare a healthy breakfast, fresh juice, baby fruit puree, etc. There is also a huge line of professional devices with a large number of attachments, universal functionality.
In addition to the stationary and hand blender, you can also "arm" the submersible model. This is a compact product in which the motor is in the handle, and various attachments are already attached to it. You can use absolutely any container for it. To grind food, it is enough to immerse the blender in a bowl or glass to create a healthy fresh juice, frying for first courses, etc. An important condition for the combined model is the selection of a container with high walls to avoid splashes, stains on furniture, clothes.
The advantage of such a device turned out to be its compact size, thanks to which you can store the product in the closet, put it on a special stand or hang it on the hook of a kitchen apron.
For the most discerning buyers, manufacturers have managed to invent a heated blender, steam blender, as well as a homogenizer model for household use. Such a device will allow you to cook not only mashed potatoes, crush, mix and whip various ingredients. It can also be used for solid foods. There are 5 interchangeable attachments, one of which is equipped with additional blade protection. Thus, you will avoid unwanted damage to the dishes (scratches, dents, etc.).
The easy-to-operate homogenizer blender has up to 5 speeds, ensuring quiet, efficient operation. For each operation, you can change the attachments: chop, chop, chop with a star blade and prepare cream soups, sauces with an S-shaped blade. Turning products into a creamy mixture, whipping milk, making dough will work thanks to a blade with blades, and a whisk will be needed if you are a fan of homemade mayonnaise, mousses, desserts.
With this "helper" you will be able to mix all kinds of ingredients from the refrigerator. Cooking for a large family has become much easier with the advent of such equipment in the house. Now you can successfully distribute the diet of all household members, especially if among them there are children, vegetarians, athletes who are on a diet and have a sweet tooth. For chopping and mixing products, you use a minimum of dishes, which means that you do not waste time washing it for a long time.
The unique functions of the blender successfully replace bulky kitchen appliances, such as a food processor, Soviet meat grinder, grater, etc. If your home menu often contains lentils, nuts, herbs, potatoes, meat dishes, then you definitely need to get such a nice little thing as a blender. With its help, cabbage is so easily chopped into a salad, almonds and hazelnuts are crushed, fresh juices and thick ice cream are created.
Submersible
The hand blender model is suitable for those housewives who do not need to prepare a large number of dishes. A kind of "magic wand" is mobile, easy to use and easy to clean. When choosing such a device, pay attention to the material from which the body is made, as well as the attachments. The latter can be with smooth or wavy edges, but always made of stainless steel. This property is useful if you are dealing with hot or solid foods, so that the elements do not deteriorate, do not bend.
Popular manufacturers of submersible products are Bosch, Phillips, Moulinex, Vitech, etc. The use of such models requires suitable containers (dishes) where you will place the ingredients. The submersible device perfectly grinds nuts, creates desserts, mousses, jams, thick in consistency.
They are very convenient to beat eggs, chop carrots, cabbage, cut vegetable or fruit "cubes" using various attachments. But for making a cocktail, it is better to stock up on a screw juicer or a stationary blender with legs, a special bowl.
Stationary
All models of stationary blenders consist of a bowl, a stand. The processing of products placed in a special durable container takes place in a matter of seconds. To a greater extent, such products are intended for the preparation of all kinds of liquids, drinks, mashed soups. They are incredibly convenient in the process of mixing, whipping ingredients.
The electrical power of this system sometimes reaches 800 W, and the speed - 15-16 modes. An important characteristic for a stationary blender is the material from which the body and the volume of the bowl are made. The latter indicator can vary from 0.5 to 2 liters.
If you choose a glass model, then get ready for possible external mechanical damage: chips, scratches. In this case, plastic is more suitable, but from the point of view of contact with food, glass blenders are much more environmentally friendly.
Since the main working element is the nozzle, look at their number. The more of them, the richer your home menu becomes. An equally important parameter is the presence of self-locking, the ability to split ice cubes, frozen fruits and vegetables, and a convenient control panel.
Combined
The versatile combination blender has become very popular in recent years. It combines all the advantages of stationary and submersible models. The product is equipped with a colossal number of attachments for whipping, chopping, cutting, splitting. There is also a vacuum pump here so that the thrifty housewife can safely prepare for winter, while preserving the nutritional value of the chopped products. The bowl volume of combination blenders usually starts at the 200 ml mark and above.
The device can be safely called the know-how of the century, because it belongs to the category of 3-in-1 appliances. This is a kind of your personal mini-harvester, mixer and juicer (or shaker). With its help, it is so easy to chop nuts, create protein and protein shakes, mix dough, compose desserts and creams for them.
Despite their high cost, they are almost the most purchased product. By replacing half of the kitchen appliances, reducing the time spent at the stove, the blender becomes your reliable "right hand".
You can also look at the compact chopper. It consists of a bowl, sharp knives. The main difference between such a device and a blender is a more efficient chopping of any food. You have only one button with which it turns out to adjust the consistency of chopping, chopping, shredding, etc.
The product copes excellently even with raw meat, raw vegetables. If blenders are designed for "gentle" cooking, then the chopper solves more "hard" tasks.
Wireless
Battery-powered models will certainly come in handy on the road, long trips, especially with children. If you do not want to depend on the time and place of your stay, "arm yourself" with such a useful device. It can be taken to the mountains, hiking and any place remote from civilization. By using a wireless device in your home, you will not depend on electricity or tangled wires. Mobile blenders are easy to transport and operate.
Personal
You may also need a blender if you are pursuing your own personal goals. Compact, it can come in handy when going to the gym. Many are on protein diets, take supplements, and regularly buy powders, gels and formulas for proper diet before, during and after exercise. You can purchase a special portable mini blender and not be time dependent. You will consume the required amount of protein strictly according to the schedule.
If you are engaged in professional mountaineering, rock climbing, once a year conquering the peaks of the mountains or live on an island, then a battery-powered model will come in handy. When there is no time to look for an outlet, stay in hotels, bungalows and look for "civilization", it's time to buy a portable personal blender at an affordable price.
Creating delicious baby purees, milk mixtures, fresh juices, you can purchase a model with a mill for your child. It can also help you prepare healthy, puree-like foods. Mix fruits, berries, vegetables without any problems, create nutritious fresh mixes, pampering households with healthy food. Personal appliances are often fitted with lids to prevent splattering throughout the kitchen.
For baby food or a travel blender on a battery, they are often equipped with an additional straw and a hole in the bowl for it. Prepare quick juices and smoothies, and use the vessel itself as a drinking glass. The convenient shape of the container and ease of use is also suitable for athletes, students, people who prefer quick snacks. The dimensions of this glass are universal, suitable for all standard car cup holders.
Manufacturers have turned common household appliances into a portable gadget equipped with a display and automatic control mode. This is a great excuse to set up proper nutrition in any conditions.
Professional
If your culinary skills are close to being a chef, then it's time to get yourself a professional home blender model. This category is represented by such well-known brands as Vitamix, Blendtec, Tribest, JTC. Electric appliances are designed for high-quality chopping of food, creating amazing cocktails, whipping creams, drinks, ice picking. The power of professional devices is more than 950 watts. This is the best solution to how to turn ice into snow, squeeze fresh juice from raw vegetables and fruits in 10 seconds and prepare an amazing Italian sauce in a few minutes.
The power of such blenders often exceeds the 100 W mark and can reach 2000 W. Switching speeds varies from 7 to 20, and the number of programs and modes is not limited to 30.
The body of the models is most often polycarbonate, from which air helmets are made. This means that you should not worry about the safety and durability of the device. All knives are made from a special alloy that is beyond competition with elements in household blenders. Celery, coffee, a whole apple, raw food dishes, smoothies, ice cream - these are just a small part of what is "subject" to such an electrical appliance.
In them, the rotation speed of the knife must be at least 20,000 rpm. There is a wide range of professional blenders on the market, so you can choose any premium class brand to your taste and color.
Comparison and reviews of the most popular models
Numerous reviews on the network will help you make the right choice faster. You can also easily compare different manufacturers. The most popular and effective devices, according to the consumer, are American, French (Moulinex), German (Brown, Multiquick), Swiss, as well as a Russian-made blender (Bork, Vitek).
Some will like the quiet, quiet device, especially if there are newborn babies in the house. You can easily prepare healthy meals, cereals and vegetable purees while your child sleeps. According to reviews, the most convenient blender of the Delta Lux brand is able to prepare any drink in a matter of seconds with a power of only 400 watts. It is equipped with a strong triangular nozzle, a whisk and a chopper are included in the package.
Good manufacturing firms are Siemens, Bottle, Mystery. In a wide assortment they offer submersible, stationary and manual models. Production in Russia, Germany, as well as the Chinese market is literally filled with quality products at affordable prices. At the manufacturers Vitesse, Rowenta, Normann try to look for products with high power, numerous modes and programs.
Choosing quality blenders will make your life easier. In conditions of constant lack of time, mobility, models-shredders will help out. For example, the Samsung, Hotpoint-Ariston series has functional attachments for daily use, while Ultramax and Dex focus on the build quality and expensive body materials. Braun models are 30% lighter than their counterparts, and the Chinese market is 30% cheaper.
In the reviews, consumers strongly recommend paying attention to the properties, characteristics, cost and production of devices before buying. The most reliable Smoothie Maker can rival the number of blender programs from Kelli. Make your choice easier by trusting the reputation and quality of well-known brands of household and professional kitchen appliances.
Now you are a master of making any vegetable or fruit drink, filling for cakes, desserts, creating dough of the desired consistency, minced meat for French cutlets and exceptional chopping of herbs for soups.
With such a device, it is not scary to look into complex recipes of national dishes. You have never cooked so quickly and efficiently. The blender will be a profitable "investment", as well as an excuse to switch to a healthy diet.
