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    This model is no longer available or might have limited distribution.

    Blenders

    Blendtec Designer Series Wildside blender

    This Blendtec blender was very good in overall performance, and has

    • touchpad controls
    • plastic jar
    • 4.5 cup capacity
    • 15 claimed speeds
    • Dishwasher safe
    • a 7 yr warranty.

    About

    The Blendtec Designer Series Wildside is part of the Blender test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Blender models like the Designer Series Wildside are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

    Icy drinks (Smoothies): Smoothness and thickness of non-alcoholic pina coladas are determined using assorted sieve sizes. Blenders that do well for icy drinks also do well for smoothies.

    Convenience: Judgements on ease of cleaning and replacing blade; clarity of controls and jar markings; pouring ease; and jar weight, etc.

    Puree: How well the blender pureed raw ingredients into a soup.

    Results in the following chart are gathered from Consumer Reports’ 2018 Summer Survey of 24,544 full-sized blenders, owned by members who purchased a new machine between 2008 and 2018.

    Our predicted brand reliability ratings are based on a statistical model that estimates problem rates within the first 4 years of ownership, for full-sized blenders that are not covered by an extended warranty or service contract. We also adjust for the median frequency of use per month. The median number of days blenders are used is 2 to 3 days per month. Higher ratings are indicative of better reliability. Brands receiving a red or orange rating cannot be recommended by CR at this time.

    Our owner satisfaction ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their full-sized blender brand to friends and family.

    Predicted Reliability

    Black+Decker
    Blendtec
    Braun
    Breville
    Calphalon
    Cuisinart
    Hamilton Beach
    KitchenAid
    Ninja
    Oster
    Vitamix

    Source: Consumer Reports' 2018 Summer Survey

    Owner Satisfaction

    Black+Decker
    Blendtec
    Braun
    Breville
    Calphalon
    Cuisinart
    Hamilton Beach
    KitchenAid
    Ninja
    Oster
    Vitamix

    Source: Consumer Reports' 2018 Summer Survey

    Features

    Personal blender attachment Personal blender attachment A smaller blender jar/cup with own blade assembly. The performance of the personal blender can be found in the Personal Blenders category
    No
    Accessories Accessories Additional items either found in box or on the model.
    recipe book

    Specs

    Glass jar Glass jar Heavy and stable, can be put in the dishwasher, and don't get cloudy or stained.
    No
    Plastic jar Plastic jar Lighter and easier to handle than glass, but that makes them more likely to wobble or tip over.
    Yes
    Stainless-steel jar Stainless-steel jar Stylish, sturdy, lighter than glass, and often dishwasher-safe, but you can't see the contents.
    No
    Wattage Wattage How many watts each blender is. Some were converted from horse power or amps to watts.
    Capacity Capacity Capacity of the blender jar in cups
    Speeds Speeds The number of speed settings the model has.
    Weight (lbs.) Weight Weight of the jar, lid and base.
    8
    Pulse Pulse Identifies that the blender has a pulse feature, which provides the user with greater control during use and prevents overblending.
    Yes
    Removable blade Removable blade A blade that can be removed makes cleaning easier.
    No
    Controls Controls Indicates the type of controls the blender has.
    Touchpad
    Height (in.) Height The height of the blender.
    16
    Jar weight (lbs.) Jar weight Weight of the jar and lid.
    2
    Dimensions (in.) Dimensions The footprint of the blender
    7 x 10.4