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Frequently Asked Questions
Home » Small Appliances » Blenders » Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat can I make in my blender?
Most people know the common uses of a blender, but the appliance is also far more versatile than most users know. To make milkshakes, use an ice or chop setting, and throw in milk, ice cream, and even a chopped banana. For baby food, add a small amount of liquid to a cup of fruit or veggies and puree it for fifteen seconds. Use the pulse setting to make bread or cracker crumbs, chopped vegetables, or grated chocolate. If you have an ice-crushing setting, crush your ice, but don’t forget to add a little water to protect the sides of your blender. Many people are using their blenders to make their own healthy fruit smoothies as well. In addition to these common uses, however, consider using your blender to puree soup, chop nuts, smooth out gravy, grind coffee beans, and blend pancake or waffle mix. In general, if you need to combine ingredients, you can do it in a blender.
What should I not put in my blender?
There are limits to the use of your blender. Mixers and food processors do similar jobs, so don’t get too attached to one appliance over the other. If you have more than four cups of food, for example, use the food processor rather than the blender. In addition, foods such as mashed potatoes should be made using a mixer rather than a blender.
Do not put especially hot liquids or foods into your blender, as the heat can damage the glass container. In addition, do not use your blender to knead dough, beat egg whites, or blend frozen foods. Above all, don’t place anything—especially your fingers—into your blender while the blades are moving—especially your fingers. If you have to reach into the blender, use a utensil (rubber or plastic rather than metal), and turn off the blender first.
What are the primarily differences between a traditional blender and a handheld blender?
Traditional blenders, which this article discusses, sit atop a power base on the countertop. In contrast, a handheld blender resembles a wand with a rotating blade. These handheld blenders have cheaper high-end models than do countertop blenders and range in price from $10 to $100. However, handheld blenders have less wattage and are thus less powerful than traditional blenders. In most cases, however, handheld blenders are not in competition with countertop models. Handheld blenders enable you to reach into a prepared container, such as a bulk container of mayonnaise, and blend ingredients while countertop blenders allow you to blend ingredients as you add them; you are in control from start to finish. You don’t necessarily need to choose one or the other, but in most cases, you will use a countertop blender far more often that you will a handheld blender.
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