Important features Blenders
Three to 16 speeds are the norm; power ratings range from about 300 to 500 or so watts. Manufacturers claim that higher wattage translates into better performance, but in our recent tests, lower-wattage models often outperformed beefier ones, turning out icy drinks faster and leaving them smoother in consistency. Three well-differentiated speeds are adequate; a dozen or more that are hard to distinguish from one another are overkill.
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 may scratch and is likely to absorb the smell of whatever is inside. Stainless-steel looks good, but prevents you from seeing how the blending is going.
A wide mouth makes loading food and washing easier; big and easy-to-read markings help you measure more accurately. A pulse setting lets you fine-tune blending time. Touchpad controls are easy to wipe clean. A blade that's permanently attached to the container (typical of the Warings) is harder to clean than a removable blade.
Three to 16 speeds are the norm; power ratings range from about 300 to 500 or so watts. Manufacturers claim that higher wattage translates into better performance, but in our recent tests, lower-wattage models often outperformed beefier ones, turning out icy drinks faster and leaving them smoother in consistency. Three well-differentiated speeds are adequate; a dozen or more that are hard to distinguish from one another are overkill.
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 may scratch and is likely to absorb the smell of whatever is inside. Stainless-steel looks good, but prevents you from seeing how the blending is going.
A wide mouth makes loading food and washing easier; big and easy-to-read markings help you measure more accurately. A pulse setting lets you fine-tune blending time. Touchpad controls are easy to wipe clean. A blade that's permanently attached to the container (typical of the Warings) is harder to clean than a removable blade.
