What to Consider Before Buying a Blender
Blender Buying Guide
Let's be real, buying a blender isn't a complicated process. But before you run out and buy the first one you see, there are a few things you should consider first. With so many different brands, models, functions, attachments, and features out there, it can be hard to pick the best one for you. But with a bit of knowledge and research, you can find a blender that meets your needs so well that you might think it was custom-made for you.
What will you be using it for?
Are you looking to make your morning smoothies or do you need to blend large amounts of hard food to make baby food? The size and function of blenders vary depending on what they're meant for, so be sure you know what you'll need it to do before committing to one.
If you're looking to make yogurt-based smoothies & power drinks for one or two people, a personal blender would likely be all you need. But for larger tasks or fresh fruit smoothies, you may want to consider a conventional blender. If you are looking to make nut butter or hot soup, you may want to consider stepping up to a premium/high-performance blender.
What size is right for you?
Again, if you're only looking to blend personal smoothies, pick up a small personal blender to help save on storage and cleaning effort. But if you want to keep your blender options open, don't pick up anything too small.
Blenders vary in size from 2, to 6, to 14 cups, and only you can determine what size is best for you. Keep in mind that as a rule of thumb, the smaller the blender container, the less powerful the blender will be.
How advanced do you want it to be?
Some blenders are crazy simple, while others have buttons and functions galore. While it's exciting to get a ton of features, be realistic about whether or not you'll use them. Sometimes simpler is better.
Higher-end blenders offer a wide array of speeds, ice crushers, and countless special attachments for tasks such as food processing & grinding coffee. But remember, the more features you want, the more you can expect to spend.
Is ease of cleaning important to you?
Chances are that the more complex your blender is, the tougher it will be to clean. Look carefully at what components a blender has so you know what you're in for when it comes time to clean it.
Many models today have containers that are dishwasher safe, making it easier than ever to clean your blender. But remember that just because the container is dishwasher safe, doesn't mean that the lid, blades, or any other attachment are as well. Make sure to carefully read your owner's manual to avoid damaging any component of your blender.
How quickly would you like to blend food?
One thing that every blender owner wants is convenience, and there isn't anything convenient about waiting and waiting for it to do its thing. Aim for a model that can blend quickly, without leaving a ton of lumps.
Make sure to not only consider the size of the motor but also the features of the blender. For example, many higher-end models have built-in features for smoothies that will cycle through a sequence of functions in under a minute to ensure your smoothie is always perfect on the first try.
Is noise level important to you?
"But the noise level varies from model to model, how can I figure this out without buying?" Reading the user reviews of a blender you want can be super helpful for getting honest information that you might not find on the packaging. You may even be able to find videos of some models in operation, giving you an even better idea of the noise level.
Many modern blenders are built with noise levels in mind. Some higher-end models have a built-in sound shield that covers the entire container while blending to operate in near silence. Others are built with additional airflow and rubber-mounted components to help dampen noise while blending.
Wrap-up
Like anything, you get what you pay for. A really good, feature-rich blender will cost you, but think of it as an investment. If treated well, it can last for a long time, but honestly, there's nothing wrong with buying a simple, affordable blender if it suits your needs.
Choosing a blender isn't tough, but be sure to put some thought into it. If you end up with a blender you don't like or don't use, it'll just end up collecting dust on the countertop. Get what you need and get blending!
