How to Choose the Best Countertop Blender
3 min readIf you would like to make your very own milkshakes, frozen drinks, smoothies, and other healthy beverages, or soups, dips, dressings, and other delicious foods, then a countertop blender can definitely come in handy. Be sure to select one that can handle the amount of food that you plan on making and the power necessary for blending the kinds of foods that you would like to blend – a low watt blender will seriously limit the amounts of food that you can make. You will want to get a blender that is made out of durable materials, has stainless-steel blades and is easy to clean.
However, with all of the different brands, models, and types of countertop blenders that are available, it can be confusing to try to find the best one for your needs. In this guide, we will be covering all of the most important things you should look for and consider when shopping for a countertop blender.
Countertop Blender Types
This is the common type of blender that most of us are familiar with. They don’t come with a lot of fancy features or really powerful motors, but they are able to do tasks like frozen cocktails and crush ice. They are ideal for making frozen cocktails, milkshakes, and smoothies.
High-performance countertop blenders
These are frequently considered to be commercial-grade blenders. They have powerful motors that blend milkshakes and smoothies, but can also grind cheeses, grains, and nuts. These blenders also usually come with numerous high-tech features, like digital timers and preset programs.
Personal countertop blenders
These small benders make single servings. They work well for one person and for making beverages for on-the-go
Blades
Stainless steel is the best option for blenders. Usually, it is the most durable material and less likely to rust compared to other materials.
Capacity and Size
You need to consider what size will work best for your needs. High-performance blenders come with a large container that can hold as much as 80 ounces and are ideal for big families. Conventional blenders can hold from 56 to 64 ounces. Personal blenders hold from 8 to 24 ounces. These work best for small families or one to two individuals.
Motor wattage
Usually, the higher the motor’s wattage, the more versatile and powerful it will is.
300 – 400 Watts
If you are just planning on mixing milkshakes as well as other ingredients with a 300-400 wattage will be sufficient usually.
500 – 700 Watts
These blenders can easily handle making frozen cocktails and smoothies.
1,000+ Watts
These high-performance blenders are able to pulverize the hardest ingredients.
Pre-programmed settings
Countertop blenders might have settings for frozen cocktails, shakes, smoothies. You just press a button and it starts the cycle, selects the right speed and then stops automatically when the chosen program is finished.
Container design and material
Usually, countertop benders are made out of glass or plastic. Plastic containers are not prone to breaking or cracking and re lightweight. However, it has a tendency to absorb odors and stains easier than glass.
Glass containers do not usually soak up odors or stains, but may shatter, crack, or chip and are heavy.
It is also important for the blender to have a tight-fitting lid and wide mouth.
Controls
Blenders come with various kinds of controls, including push button, digital touchpad, and dial controls.
Speeds
Typically countertop blenders come with three speeds at least and up to sixteen. Having a graduated start-up feature that brings the blender slowly up to a higher speed may be helpful.
Cost
Countertop blenders are available at a number of different price points. They can range from $20 to $700.
High-performance countertop blenders usually cost from $400 to $700 and can blend, grind, and, juice. They are very durable.
Conventional blenders will cost from $20 to $200. For a quality blender that will be durable enough and a powerful enough motor, you will pay $60 to $100.
Personal blenders usually will cost from $20 to $60.
