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New Product Krups KB720 
The KB720 (about $150) is a powerful blender (1000 W) that uses electronic motor control to keep the noise level down. Now you won't have to turn up the music every time someone wants a margarita! |
Blenders
The blender has become a classic kitchen appliance and wedding present. With so many on the market, how can you choose? One of the most important things to consider is how you plan to use your blender. - If you're a smoothie nut and love to have one every morning, look for a blender that can handle a heavy workload. You might even want one that has a built-in spigot for easy dispensing.
- Do you want one just for the occasional margaritas and nachos party? You probably don't need a workhorse, but if you entertain large crowds, capacity is going to be important.
- If style is a selling point for you, you won't be disappointed, since a number of blenders elevate appliance styling to a new level. (Check out the Jenn-Air Attrezzi pictured below.)
- One downside of may blenders is noise level; fortunately some new products on the market, such as the Krups KB720, use new technology to quiet their motors.
As with most appliances that last a long time, buy the best one you can afford; a good blender can last for 20 years or more, which definitely gives you your money's worth. Happy blending!
Quick Picks
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Smoothie Operators
There are two main types of blender available: countertop and handheld. It is good to have both on hand, but if you are looking to just get one, this comparison will help you decide which suits your needs.
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Countertop Blenders
Useful for making smoothies, ice-based drinks (ie, margaritas), milkshakes, etc., but they can also be used for blending smooth soups and for puréeing ingredients for use in other recipes. (For more information on the differences between blenders and food processors, see Food Processors.) Check out the Jenn-Air Atrezzi blender pictured above.
Look for:
- Capacity: Usually hold between four and seven cups. Get the largest one that you can afford and that will fit in your kitchen; you won'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. Look for seven to 10 speeds, if you really want some variety.
- 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.
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Hand Blenders
Also known as immersion blenders ; mainly used for pureeing soups and sauces, although with a handful of included attachments they can be used for a wide variety of tasks including whisking and emulsifying salad dressings. Check out the Braun Multiquick Professional pictured above.
Look for:
- 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 extremely bent on having the best power.
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