Types of Blenders: Comparison, Pros & Cons

Types of Blenders: Comparison, Pros & Cons

There are a number of blenders on the market these days, each with their own subtle differences, which can play an important part in your decision making.

Here, we look at the different types of blenders and give some indication as to what they are, what the pros and cons are and also a comparison between the various types of blenders.

 

What types of blenders are there?

Selecting your preferred blender ultimately depends on what you need as your end product.

It is important to consider the frequency of use, the types of material you are blending and the quantity of ingredients needed at one time when selecting the perfect blender for your needs.

If you're using your blender to create perfect smoothies, then you might be looking for a more powerful blender, but if you simply want a traditional blender to make soups or baby food, then the best blender for you maybe something more simple.

There are 4 main types of blenders on the market, each with their own unique characteristics, pros and cons. These are:

 

Immersion Blenders/Stick blenders

Immersion blenders, also known as a stick blender are ideal for soups and hot liquids. They are easy to handle, with the ability to place them into the pot when cooking. They are also great for making protein shakes and mixing powdered milk.

They are a great budget solution to blending, whilst also being easy to clean and dishwasher proof.

 

Pros of immersion blenders

Using an immersion blender is a quick and easy choice of blender to use within the home. It’s ability to be used during the cooking process and placed directly into the liquid reduces the chances of scalding as it can be done before the liquid becomes too hot.

They are also convenient for storage as they use up very little room and can be easily cleaned. Most immersion blenders are dishwasher safe too, which makes them even more convenient to clean and use.

 

Cons of immersion blenders

Stick blenders have the blade exposed so there is a need to be careful when using. Additionally, pressure must be maintained in order that the blender works effectively. Although this type of blender is pretty effective at creating pureed food such as instant baby food, if you're looking for a very smooth finish, then this is unlikely to be the blender for you.

 

Personal blenders/single serve blenders

Personal blenders or single serve blenders are great for creating smoothies. A single serve blender is perfect for a quick solution and is also the ideal portable blender, it can be taken with you wherever you go.

They're most suited to very liquid recipes but single serve blenders (also known sometimes as bullet blenders) can also be used for baby food.

A great example of a personal blender is the Tribest PBG-5001-A Glass Vacuum Blender, which offers variable speed and stainless steel blades to make for easy cleaning.

 

Pros of personal blenders

Perhaps the most beneficial advantage of a personal blender is that they can turn out a fresh smoothie or juice in a very quick time. They blend smoothie ingredients at a very high speed, so no waiting around for the perfect outcome. They also take up very little counter space.

You're also protected from the blender blades as they are contained within the bullet blender, so no likelihood of accidents and therefore great to use with kids.

 

Cons of personal blenders

There are many forms of personal blenders on the market, however not all of them have the requisite power to create a lump free smoothie. Leaking can also be an issue as the space is much smaller, so any lack of tightness when closing the blender can see the contents spread everywhere.

 

Kitchen blenders/Countertop blenders

As the name suggests, kitchen blenders (also known as a countertop blender) are those most commonly found in most domestic kitchens. They usually sit on the countertop and comprise of a blender jar with a lid to prevent the contents from spreading everywhere.

They have a fairly good capacity of up to 2 litres, so are ideal for making substantial quantities of smoothies or fresh juice. Unlike other less powerful blenders, most countertop blenders have the necessary power to act as an ice crush or to mix a sticky dough.

A great introduction to a countertop blender is the Greenis FGR-8830 Smart Power Blender, complete with bluetooth and smartphone control. It's the perfect model for those with little time, whereby you can set your own programs in order to produce fast and effective results.

 

Pros of kitchen blenders

Many countertop blenders have the ability to mix efficiently. They are versatile and can blend just about anything from ice and frozen fruit to blended food.

They're also a good option for making large batches due to their capacity. The mix of variable speeds and a powerful chopping blade leads to a powerful blender.

 

Cons of kitchen blenders

Unlike personal or immersion blenders, kitchen blenders are bulky and can take up a lot of room in your kitchen or on your countertop.

Kitchen blenders vary but there is always a danger that you can blend a foreign object by accident. Often a spoon or spatular can be left in blender jars without noticing and can cause permanent damage to your blender.

They're also pretty difficult to clean, although many modern countertop blenders are suitable for dishwashers.

 

Commercial blenders

A commercial blender is the perfect solution to those looking to utilize a powerful machine in a commercial setting. Their power lends themselves to being able to blend a variety of different items at high speed, including crushing ice and smoothie ingredients.

They're a heavy duty blender, so they have the necessary capacity to create the larger quantities required for commercial premises such as bars and restaurants. Models such as the Greenis FGR-8800 Commercial Vacuum Blender W/ Brushless DC Motor have a number of individual benefits that make them perfect for commercial use including 7 preset programs and intuitive touch control.

 

Pros of commercial blenders

Perhaps the biggest advantage of commercial blenders is that they are highly powerful, they can blend just about anything. From soft cooked pumpkin to cake batter, they have the capacity and strength to blend smoothly and perfectly.

They're also not strictly limited to commercial use, particularly if you are consistently making large batches of produce, so you don't necessarily need a commercial venture in order to invest in one!

Their size and capacity means that you can produce large batches, with the ability to be used multiple times per day without affecting performance.

 

Cons of commercial blenders

Perhaps the biggest drawback of commercial blenders are that they are expensive. If you're an infrequent user of blenders, then perhaps a lower budget personal blender or countertop blender may be more suitable.

Their bulk also makes them awkward to clean, they can be difficult to fit in a dishwasher and the large capacity means that there are plenty of areas that are difficult to get to.

Their size also means that they're difficult to store. They can take up a lot of countertop surface and therefore are not suitable for most domestic kitchens.

 

What foods are suitable for each type of blender?

The type of blender that you choose can ultimately depend on what you are looking to blend. If your regularly crush ice and frozen fruit, then you'll want a blender with more power, but if it's simple blending and you aren't too fussed about consistency, then other blenders may be suitable for you.

• Stick blenders are ideal for soups, hot liquids and to blend powdered milk drinks
• Single serve or personal blenders are designed for smoothies but can also be used for pureed food or even batter mix.
• A kitchen blender is the right blender for anything from juices through to cake mix.
• A commercial blender can blend just about anything! It can blend big chunks of food, nuts or chunky smoothie ingredients.

If you're looking to road test different types of blenders, it's probably best to start with an immersion blender or personal blender and then work your way up to more powerful blenders.

 

What type of blender should I buy?

As with any purchase, much depends on your requirements, how much you need to produce at one time and what sort of budget you have. Each type of blender varies in their cost, power and capacity. Inevitably, the higher the power and capacity, the more expensive the model. However, if you are serious about blending and utilize them regularly for a variety of purposes then perhaps it is worth an investment.

Whatever you choose, Extreme Wellness Supply has a wide range of blenders to choose from, so that you can see for yourself what is available on the market.