Maintenance - For easy cleaning, look for one with a removable blade unit that's also dishwasher-safe. Some models also have a pulse setting, which is best for controlled blending - for example, when you want to chop a batch of vegetables without reducing them to soup. The more speeds there are, the more control you have.

Many sport a rotating dial to select your chosen speed while others have clearer, numerical settings. Speed settings - Most models have at least two settings. Some have a removable cap in the centre of the lid that allows you to add ingredients while it's blending.īut, be warned, prepare yourself for some splashing if you're adding ingredients this way. Jug lids - Many have a strainer built into the lid to filter out any lumps when pouring. Most glass jugs and some of the tougher plastic ones are also dishwasher-safe. Glass is generally sturdier and less likely to get scratched. Although some will recommend you don't add ingredients that exceed 40C. Jugs - Some models have thermo-resistant glass jugs for blending hot liquids, while others use BPA-free plastic. The multi-taskers can also do a fair few baking tasks, and often come with blending jug attachments, so if you’re looking to minimise the number of appliances you own but want to maximise the tools at your disposal, a food processor would serve you well. You’ll need this if you fancy trying your hand at pesto, for example. They also have a larger pouring jug attachment so more ingredients can be blended and then easily decanted.įood processors take things even further they boast sharper blades than blenders, meaning that as well as completing everything from pureeing to crushing ice, they are also adept at chopping finely and maintaining more texture.

The best models can handle everything from puréeing vegetables for soups and sauces, to chopping nuts, crushing ice and grinding spices with ease. Smoothie makers tend to be more compact, less powerful and have cup attachments designed to make one drink at a time.īlenders, meanwhile, can tackle a wider range of kitchen tasks. Both blenders and smoothie makers usually have a large base unit with several power settings or speeds to choose from.

Mix blender