Types

You needn't spend a bundle to get a decent blender. Many of the models we tested, even the less-expensive ones, were competent at various tasks. Different types of blenders have different strengths, so choose one that suits your needs. The bottom line: Price, styling, or the word "professional" is no guarantee of excellent performance or durability.

Countertop blenders

In addition to mixing, puréeing and chopping, crushing ice for drinks is one of the key attributes that shoppers look for in a countertop blender, manufacturers say.

Containers are made of glass, plastic, or stainless steel, and have a capacity of about 5 to 8 cups. A glass container is heavier and more stable. In tests, the blenders with glass jugs tended to perform better because they didn't shake. Glass is also easier to keep clean. Plastic might scratch and is likely to absorb the smell of whatever is inside. Stainless steel might be attractive, but it prevents you from seeing how the blending is going.

Three to 16 speeds are the norm, but more is not necessarily better. Controls vary from programmable touchpads to push buttons, dials and flip switches.

Hamilton Beach and Oster account for more than 40 percent of countertop-blender sales. Other brands include Black & Decker, Braun, Cuisinart, GE, KitchenAid, Krups, Proctor-Silex, Sharp, Sunbeam, Vita-Mix, and Waring, a product pioneer.

Handheld/immersion blenders

Handheld, or immersion, blenders are long, thin appliances that you hold in your hand and submerge in the food or drink you’re preparing. The shaft has a long neck with blades at the end, so you can mix and chop food in the cooking container—say, purée soup vegetables right in the pot they simmer in.

Immersion blenders are also handy for mixing smoothies, milkshakes, and powdered drinks (although you do have to hold down a switch to keep the blades running, which can be tedious.)

While handheld blenders are great for a few tasks, they don’t replace a countertop blender or handheld mixer. But they're handy and many come with an assortment of blades and attachments, including a measuring beaker.

Multifunction machines

Manufacturers claim that multifunction machines are two appliances in one: a blender and a food processor. They’re more expensive than single-purpose blenders, but if you’re looking for versatility, two did well in our Ratings.

See also:

Mixers

Toasters

Coffeemakers

Wine chillers