If you’ve been thinking about starting a healthier lifestyle, it’s time to ditch the boxed and canned foods. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a multitude of fancy small kitchen appliances. The only one you need to start with is a blender. There are ways even those on a budget can enjoy fresh, homemade foods every day. A blender can do so much more than just blend ingredients for your favorite smoothie recipe. From soup to ice cream, there are plenty of ways to use the power of a blender in your kitchen. With dozens of models available at very affordable prices, there’s no reason it can’t be your go-to small appliance.
The Basics of Blenders
A blender sits on your countertop, powered electrically, mixes and makes food. A stainless steel blade is essentially the heart of your blender. The blade does the work of blending and pureeing. The blade is made of two pieces of flat steel that rotate at high various speeds based upon what setting you select. Blenders are a versatile small appliance staple for any kitchen and are used for a multitude of purposes. Homemade pizza sauce, homemade peanut butter, soups, dressings, sauces are just a few examples, among dozens, of what you can create easily with a blender. If you want to create items like ice cream and smoothies, you’ll need a high-speed blender to crush the frozen ingredients. If you’re just making pureed soups and sauces, then a low-speed blender will do just fine. Blenders come in different sizes and prices will vary depending upon features. For example, if you’re buying a blender just for drinks, the best size is the 24-ounce jar with an 8 or 16-ounce cup on top. This way, you have the option of making multiple shakes at once without having to refill the entire jar each time. Cleaning your blender should be easy since most are dishwasher safe on the top rack only! However, it’s always good to give your blender
Choosing the Right Blender for You
Not all blenders are created equal, which is why it’s important to choose the right one for your kitchen. If you’re cooking soups or making smoothies, you’ll want a blender with a wide main jar that has more capacity. If you have any special dietary needs, like being vegan or living gluten-free, there are blenders out there designed to fit those needs as well! There are plenty of options out there for blenders at all different price points. So how do you know what’s best for you? The first place to start is to determine your budget. When researching, we recommend you read reviews from reputable product review publications as well as pay attention to feedback that buyers leave after they have purchased and used their blender.
Getting Ready to Buy
Smartphone-enabled blenders seem to be quite mainstream these days. Also called “smart appliances” work with your smartphone to create customized menus or even send you notifications about ingredients that are running low. Some blenders are also equipped with a touchscreen, which allows for more control over blending options. If you’re ready to make the investment in a high-tech blender, these models may be worth looking into but it’s certainly not necessary if you’re purchasing your first one or want to stick to a budget. If you want an appliance that will stand up to heavy use and can blend anything from nuts to ice, you’ll want a powerful and heavy-duty blender. This type of blender is perfect for those who own or manage restaurants, cafes, and other food establishments because they can handle the intense demands of constant use. If space is limited in your kitchen, consider purchasing a personal-sized blender that comes with travel mugs or cups as well as a power base that plugs into an outlet. The newest models also feature larger cups and lids for easy filling and pouring, as well as removable blades for easy cleanup.
Care and Maintenance
Care and maintenance, over time, tend to extend the life of small kitchen appliances like blenders. After you purchase your blender, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to maintain it correctly. This will ensure the blender lasts as long as possible.
For instance, many blenders come with a cleaning brush that you should use to remove gunk from hard-to-reach areas. And if you want to keep your blender lasting longer, make sure not to overfill it with ingredients or put hot or boiling liquids into it. Blenders are made of glass and metal, so they can break more easily at higher temperatures. Plus, putting too much food in the blender means more parts are touching each other at one time, which may cause wear and tear over time. Blender jars are dishwasher safe so you simply rinse and place it in your dishwasher and of course, you can hand wash if you choose.
Important Safety Considerations
Blenders are a great tool for any kitchen, but safety is always the first concern. When you buy a blender, make sure it has rubber feet or some other nonslip feature to keep the blender in place while it’s running. This will save you from potential accidents with hot liquids. Make sure you read and follow all manufacturer safety guidelines. Be sure to use caution when handling sharp blades or hot liquids. Some blenders have safety features built-in that shut off automatically when they reach a certain temperature or if they’re overloaded with too many ingredients at once. These may be wise feature considerations prior to purchase.
Conclusion
The right blender can make all the difference when it comes to cooking your favorite dishes. Doing things by hand extends prep time beyond what most people care to take. One of the keys to meal prep efficiency is to do most of your prep in the morning. That way when mealtime arrives, you can simply do the necessary mixing to create your masterpiece! As long as you take good care of your blender, it should last you for years to come. If you end up purchasing one with all the bells and whistles, we recommend buying an extended warranty as they are generally under $10 and in the long run it may be money well spent.
