Blenders

Blender drinks are festive and refreshing. But before you make a drink you have to choose the right blender for it.

Blenders are available in several different colors and options because that's one of the appliances consumers are most likely to leave on the countertop. Crushing ice is one of the key attributes that you should look in a blender. That's also the hardest thing that blender needs to do.

For a good blender you want to have 3 to 16 speeds. The power ranges from 350 to 500 watts. Manufacturers claim that higher wattage translates into better performance, but not necessarily. Some 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. The blenders with glass jugs tended to perform better because they don'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.

Also, if a blender has a wide mouth it makes loading food and washing it lot easier than those with the smaller once. Touchpad controls should be easy to clean. A blade that's permanently attached to the container is harder to clean than a removable blade.

Now that you picked the right blender for you, those frozen drinks are going to be so easy to make.

Considerations for all small appliances:

• Determine your cooking needs and wants - both current and future. Is your family growing or growing up and moving out? Are you interested in increasing your culinary endeavors? Are you wishing to simplify and reduce time in the kitchen?
  
  
• Evaluate your kitchen counter space. Where are you going to put all those new small appliances?
  
  
• Check the height of the appliance compared to the height of your cabinets.
  Appliances that mount under the cabinet are available.
  
  
• Decide on the color of your new small appliance.
  
  
• Determine the appliance capacity. The number of speeds and settings on an appliance usually increases with the size of the machine. Those who have large families or like to entertain may choose to buy larger appliances.
  
  
• Decide whether you want corded or cordless appliances.
  

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