Guide to the choice of blender submersible and stationary type

A blender is an assistant who can provide you with fruit and vegetable smoothies, cream soups, sorbet, mousse, minced meat, whipped cream, ground coffee and crushed ice. In this article we will tell you how to choose a blender for the house and which device is best for you - stationary or submersible.

Which blender is better to choose, submersible or stationary?

In fact, the best blender is the one that best suits your needs. Let's look at each type in turn.

• Submersible blenders consist of a plastic or metal “handle” with an internal motor and a rotating nozzle (there may be several). Grinds, mixes and whips the immersion blender in any container (yours or the one attached to the device). Pros: compactness, mobility, the ability to handle small portions, the ability to independently change the position of the knife (as opposed to stationary models), versatility due to the presence of nozzles for different purposes. It turns out that one immersion blender can replace a food processor, coffee grinder, meat grinder, mixer, mashed potatoes for mashed potatoes, etc.

Minuses: the immersion blender needs to be kept (however, it is not so difficult, as the device works quickly); If handled carelessly, the contents of the container may splash. Who should choose an immersion blender: those who prepare cocktails / soups, most often from soft vegetables / fruits / berries, those who often need to prepare small portions (for example, fresh baby food for a child), owners small kitchens.

• Stationary blenders consist of a jug with a knife at the bottom and a base with a motor. Pros: the work of the blender almost does not require your participation; it is much more convenient to cook soups and drinks for several people at once, and then immediately pour them into glasses. The stationary blender is cheaper than the submersible one, it is easier to maintain, since most models have a self-cleaning function. Minuses: its main drawback is the inability to prepare small portions (most often the product should be more than 250 ml). In comparison with the immersion blender, the stationary device is more cumbersome. Who should choose a stationary blender: those who often prepare cocktails and smoothies, and in large quantities. For athletes, vegetarians and just people who adhere to a healthy lifestyle, this device is simply indispensable.

How to choose an immersion blender for home

Step 1. Power

Power is the first important selection criterion for a submersible blender. It can be 140-1200 watts. The more powerful the blender, the faster it works, the less chances it has to overheat and the more solid products it can process.

• To cope with most tasks, the immersion blender must have at least 450 W of power.
• If you want to prick ice with the help of a blender or to process complex products (eg meat or carrots), then you should purchase an appliance with a capacity of 600-800 W.

Step 2. Speeds and Modes

The immersion blender can have from 1 to 30 speeds. The more of them, the more accurately you can adjust the speed of rotation of the knife, depending on the hardness of the product, your target or the height of the tank (in low bowls, to avoid splashing, the products should be blended at a low speed).

• After all, the higher the speed, the more thoroughly and quickly the blender grinds, mixes and whips. But at low speeds the blender works better with hard and viscous products.

Thus, if, for example, you want to cook the most delicate pate, then cooked meat should be processed first at low speed, and then at the highest.

• In fact, blenders with a large set of speed limits are needed, perhaps, only by real cooks who cook according to complex recipes. Most users 5-8 speeds will be enough. For the simplest tasks suitable blender and with two speeds.

In addition to speeding, immersion blenders may have additional modes. So, almost all blenders have a turbo mode - maximum speed mode, which is useful to include at the end of work, in order to achieve a particularly uniform and delicate texture of the dish. Some blenders have an ice pick and pulse mode. Ice splitting is needed, in fact, for splitting ice and making cocktails, as well as processing solid foods, such as frozen fruits or nuts.

• Pulse mode is also necessary for the treatment of very hard products (including the same ice). But with him, the blender works with short pauses and only when you hold the button, so that the motor does not overheat. The speed in the pulse mode is regulated by the force of pressing the button, which is very convenient.

And one more thing: speed blender can switch smoothly or stepwise. The first option is somewhat more convenient.

Step 3. Nozzles and equipment

Most immersion blenders have three basic nozzles: a blender nozzle for grinding and blending, a beater whisk, and a chopper in a bowl. The presence of other attachments in a blender is a great advantage, because thanks to them the device becomes more functional. Let's take a closer look at each type of nozzle.

• Blender head. Crushes and mixes, copes with most tasks: cooking cream soups, smoothies, cocktails, etc. Has a knife at the end and a dome covering it, which is designed to minimize splashing. Most often, the knife main nozzle can not be changed, but sometimes there are also models with removable knives for different purposes.

• Whisk for whipping. A whisk is needed for whipping cream, eggs, cream, mayonnaise, oil, kneading dough, etc. A blender whisk, like a mixer, can be drop-shaped (for liquid masses) or spiral (for thick masses). Most often, a blender has one whisk, but some models may have two mini whisk (see photo).

• Bowl chopper. It is a bowl with a blade leg installed in the center, which is actuated by connecting the handle in the bowl lid.

The bowl can have one universal knife for crushing or several replaceable. For example, a disk for cutting any soft products into slices, a grater for potatoes (in the photo) or a knife for chopping ice. The volume of the chopper can be 0.35 - 2.2 l.

• Grinder. Looks like a little bowl with a knife at the bottom. It is convenient to grind solid foods in a small amount, for example, black peas, coffee beans, garlic, sugar, etc. The volume of the mill can be as low as 0.05-0.7 l.
• Vacuum pump. Pumps out air from special vacuum containers (provided or additionally purchased separately), thanks to which the products are stored several times longer.
• Nozzle for mashed potatoes. It has a plastic, rather than a metal knife, which does not whisk, but rubs potatoes at low speed, making it easily turns it into a gentle and even mashed potatoes. This is a very useful addition to the blender, because its main nozzle turns the potato into a low-edible paste.

Step 4. Body material and nozzles

The body, both handles, and the main nozzle of the blender can be made of plastic or metal.

• It is desirable that the nozzle was metal, then you can immerse the blender even in a pot of boiling soup. Plastic can process only moderately hot and warm products, and it can break when dropped and wear over time.
• But the handle body material may well be plastic. Here you should be guided only by your taste, and, say, the kitchen interior. The main thing is that the handle has rubberized inserts so that you can hold it tight while the blender is running.

See also the material: Mixer Guide

Step 5. Wire / Battery

Most often, blenders have ordinary power supply cords up to 1.5 m in length. But if you want to be able to process products while moving freely around the house, say, to watch a child along the way, you should choose a wireless immersion blender. However, due to the battery, the immersion blender weighs more than usual, its battery life is not too long (20-30 minutes), and its capacity is less.

Next, we suggest to familiarize yourself with the following video with a review of the Bosch submersible blender and tips on choosing the device from the user.

How to choose a stationary blender (shaker)

Step 1. Power. The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a stationary blender is power. Most stationary blenders have a power of 500-900 W, but some home models have a power of 1200-1350 w.

• The higher the engine power, the better the blender. And at the same time - noisier and more expensive.

Powerful models from 750 to 900 W are capable of processing nuts, frozen fruit / berries, prick ice, making smoothies and thick consistency creams, often and for a long time. Models with a capacity of more than 1000 W are needed for whipping the dough. If you often prepare non-frozen soft fruits and vegetables, then you should not overpay for high power, and the 600 W blender will cope with most tasks.

Step 2. Knives. Knives - this is the most important detail after the motor blender. In the stationary device knives can be 1 or 2 (with crossed blades).

• The more blades the knife has, the faster the blender will grind food.

The forms of knives are very different, but in general they can be divided into curved and straight.

• Curved knives chop and mix products more carefully and evenly more than straight lines.

It is desirable that the knives were large, made from high quality and sturdy stainless steel.

Step 3. The volume of the jug. The size of the jug shows what the maximum amount of food you can cook at one time. Depending on your needs, you can choose a device with a capacity from 1 to 2 liters. Keep in mind that the useful volume of the bowl is less than the specified total volume of 200-300 ml.

• A blender with a large 1.5-2 l jug allows you to prepare mashed potatoes and cocktails for several people at once.
• A blender with a 1-liter jug ​​is suitable for making cocktails for two or three people and baby food.
• Some manufacturers also indicate the minimum weight of products that can grind a blender (most often it is 250 g / ml). If you load products of lesser weight / volume into the bowl, the device will simply not be able to grind them, but will only stain the bowl.

By the way, pay attention to the presence of a measuring scale on a jug. In addition, we advise you to choose a device with a jug with a wider, not narrow base.In a wide container it is more convenient to mix the contents, moreover it is more convenient to wash it.

Step 4. Base with motor block. When choosing a stationary blender, pay attention to the width and severity of its base. The larger and weightier it is, the more stable the device will be in operation. This is especially necessary when working at high speeds or processing solid products.

• Also for the stability of the base rubber feet or lining are needed. Let them be very small, as long as they are.
• Well, if the base will have a compartment for storing the cord (in the photo).

Step 5. Materials. Now you need to decide on the material of the device, both the jug and the base.

• The jug can be glass, plastic, metal or made from composite material. Plastic is good because it is lightweight, easy to use, reduces the cost of the device, but has the ability to scratch and it can not handle hot products (if it is not a special thermoplastic). The glass jug is heavier and therefore less convenient to handle, and it can also be broken. But it looks more beautiful, does not scratch, and most importantly - allows the processing of hot. The metal bowl is good for everyone, but it is opaque and increases the cost of the device. An ideal pitcher is a composite pitcher. It is lightweight, comfortable, durable, heat-resistant, the only negative is the high price. Whichever capacity you choose, make sure that it allows dishwasher safe.
• The base of the stationary blender can be made of plastic or stainless steel. Plastic models are cheaper and weigh less, but they are less impact resistant. Stainless steel appliances are more expensive, they are stronger, weigh more and therefore more stable. However, it cannot be said that the material of the base case gives any special advantages to the device, so choose based on your budget and taste. We add only that on black plastic and polished steel, fingerprints, dirt spots, and scratches are more noticeable.

Step 6. Speed. The speed of rotation of the knife - this is another criterion for choosing a stationary blender. Modern models can have from 1 to 20 speeds. Some devices have up to 30 speeds. Why blender so many different speeds? The fact is that the higher the speed of rotation of the knife, the faster and more thoroughly the blender crushes the product, but this is not always necessary. So, for example, if you need to grind something to a state of uniform mashed potatoes, then the product should be processed at the highest speed. If you need to get not large pieces chopped, it is better to start the device at low speed. Thus, the more speed programs a device has, the more types of products it can process.

• However, an ordinary blender with 4-6 speeds successfully cope with most tasks.

In addition to speed modes, the stationary blender can have a turbo mode and an impulsive mode.

• Turbo mode is a mode that chops products at the highest speed. It is better to include it at the very end of processing in order to achieve a homogeneous and tender consistency.
• Almost all models have a pulsed mode, and some even have only it. The feature of the pulse mode is that the knives rotate quickly and intensively, but with short pauses and only when the button is held down. Despite the speed and power of the motor during the processing of, say, the same ice, it does not overheat.

Step 7. Control Panel. The control panel is not the most important part of the device, but you should also pay attention to it. Blender with touch buttons easier to keep clean, but it will cost more. On the other hand, mechanical control (in the photo) is more convenient (especially in shifting gears) and more familiar to many.

Step 8. Additional bonuses. The pleasant bonuses of the blender include the presence of: a spout or a faucet for direct pouring of the product from the jug (on the photo), the overheating shutdown system, the self-cleaning system.

And finally, we offer to watch another video with useful information and a visual demonstration of stationary and immersion blenders.

(Rate the material! Already voted:27 average rating: 4,56 from 5)

Loading...

See also:

• Multivark selection guide
• 12 tips on choosing a bread machine for home
• How to choose the perfect coffee machine
• Juicer Step-by-Step Guide
• 6 factors you need to know before buying a microwave
• How to choose a dishwasher - getting ready to buy