Hunting for the perfect blender?

Hunting for the perfect blender? Read on!

A blender is an integral part of a chef’s kitchen. Choosing the right one for you depends on a number of factors, including storage space and what functions you want it for.

Some key features to look out for when blender shopping? An internal storage drawer or separate storage box can be useful in keeping all the attachments and blades together.

Blender jugs and food processor bowls will differ in size, so opt for that which suits the amount you’ll need to process or blend.

A mini-processor bowl, which sits inside the main food processor bowl, and a separate grinder unit can be good add-ons for small loads.

Rubber feet on the motor unit will help keep it stable. And, a pulse function will provide short bursts of power, helping to distribute the load more evenly.

For making chips or vegetable strips, look for a model with a chipping blade. As well, there’s a reversible blade, which has a grating blade on one side and a slicing blade on the other – reducing the number of separate blades you need to store.

A beater or whisk disc attachment will whip cream and beat egg whites. Some models also come with a citrus juicer.

Here’s a sneak peek of some of the latest blender models on the market…

Sunbeam Café Series Blender (PB9500)

The Café Series Blender combines power and heavy-duty materials. Prepare fruit frappes and other blended frozen drinks and desserts in seconds. Or, blend ingredients for pastes and dips or puree soups and sauces to a perfect consistency. Features include a 1000 watt motor with a five-year guarantee, Smartcontrol technology that maintains RPM speed when under load, a two-litre square jug, stainless steel blade assembly, and variable speed control and pulse.

Sunbeam MultiBlender Electronic (PB7950)

The PB7950 comes with seven programmed blending functions. Its innovative, 1.6-litre, square, blending jug has also been pioneered by Sunbeam for consistent results. Other features include a 850 watt motor, high, low and pulse controls, a heavy duty, six-way, serrated stainless steel blade system, and detachable blades for easy cleaning.

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Hamilton Beach Commercial High Performance Food Blender (HBF600)

Hamilton Beach launched its brand new, variable-speed blender at the Fine Food show in Melbourne in September. Due to its variable speed control, the HBF600 can blend, chop, grind or puree the toughest food products. It is equipped with a powerful 3HP motor, which is covered by a two-year parts and labour warranty. The model is at the same price level as its sister blender, the TEMPEST (HBH650), which has a timer function rather than the variable speed – ideal for smoothies, frappes and any other blended, ice-based drink.

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Vorwerk Thermomix (TM 31)

The Thermomix is an advanced all-in-one food processor and cooker, featuring precise, powerful speed and temperature settings, allowing for smoother textures, better colour retention and a fast speed of execution. The speed is adjustable from 100 to 10,200rpm and the temperature from 37 to 114°C. The lowest settings are ideal for tempering chocolate, while at its top speed, it can mill flour from grain in 20 seconds. The rapid rotation and strength of the Solingen steel blade can crush the hardest foodstuff. (It’s even been known to make short work of an avocado pit!)

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Breville Professional 800 Collection Die Cast Blender (BBL800)

The BBL800’s secret is in its Kinetix blade and bowl system. The unique, extra wide blades – made from surgical grade stainless steel to stay sharp for longer – hug the bowl contour to minimise food traps. This is combined with a powerful 2000 watt, high torque motor and die cast construction. Other features include a two-litre jug, non-slip handle, and a two-year product warranty and five-year motor warranty.

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