The Perfect Blender: Cocktail blenders

A Kitchen aid blender is a stationary. This upright electrical device performs multipurpose tasks. It has a vessel in which ingredients are blended. At the top there is a cap to prevent ingredients from falling when blender is switched on. At the bottom there is a blade assembly, which can be removed for cleaning. The vessel is placed on base that contains a motor with controls. Many blenders have different speeds to meet the different needs of mixing. When the power is switched on motor rotates the blade assembly and the ingredients are mixed.

Some ingredients require liquid contents. For e.g. little amount of oil should be poured for mincing pesto to make it move around the jar and bring it in contact with the blade.

Difference between a food processor and a kitchen blender

Though Food Processors and Kitchen blenders work similarly there is a difference between the two:

• Kitchen aid blenders gives the varieties of liq uids and are also called liquidizers /liquefiers whereas Food processing machines mixes solid foods..
• These blenders grind fruit, blend drinks, soups and sauces.. Their blades move at a speed of 18000 revolutions per minute. Whereas a food processor has interchangeable blades and disks which helps in grating, shredding, kneading dough, and slicing. They move at one speed and are slower than blenders. Their pulse function gives greater control for cutting, kneading and chopping processes.

Types of blenders

There are different types of blenders like:

The immersion blender

The Immersion Blender is an electrical wand shaped appliance having a blender blade at the bottom. It is also called as Hand blade. It can be immersed in a tall glass to give a blended drink or a container of soup for right consistency. Its additional attachments include a mini chopper which helps to cut small amounts of vegetables, herbs, onions garlic.

The gas powered blender

It is a portable b lender, which is most suitable for camping, picnics etc.

Selecting a right blender

The selection of a blender depends on your need. The best blenders have features that perform various tasks whereas some may accomplish just one or two tasks.

Tips to consider before buying a blender

Capacity

The blenders come in all shapes and sizes and it depends on the quantity of liquid you need to blend. Generally, the capacity of blender is up-to one to three liters. It is always better to buy a bigger capacity blender if space is not a constraint.

Material

The most important thing to consider is to check the sturdiness of blender. The footing should be stable else the blender may topple down the table during the process. The best material to consider is Stainless steel blender. Containers can be of glass or plastic. Containers made of glass are heavier and sturdier than the ones made of plastic containers.

Attachments

With advancement and Improvements, blenders are equipped wit h multiple attachments to perform different functions. Before buying the blender you must check if the attachments are easy to detach and can be replaced.

Some blenders have an ice buttons to crush ice, and in some blenders there is a small opening at the top to add small amounts of ingredients while blending.

Wattage

The smaller food processor works at the power of 500 watts whereas larger blenders require 1200 watts. The blenders with high power are fast and its performance and results are better.

Important features and specifications

Some of their characteristic features are as follows:

• 2-Speed / 1HP Motor ensures smooth and quicker operation.
• Stainless steel cutting blades are durable.
• Metal-reinforced and vulcanized rubber coupling is designed for simple replacement.
• 64oz Blending container is enough to blend up to half gallon of drinks, soups or sauces.

Tips for using a blender

Important points to be kept in mind wh ile using blenders:

• You should operate your blender only on dry and flat surface.
• The retaining ring should be screwed securely at the bottom of the pitcher to avoid leakages.
• Ensure that ingredients are put into the pitcher and the lid is firmly placed over it.
• Bread crumbs, grated chocolate, diced vegetables, can be processed in a jiffy by using Pulse setting.
• While the kitchen blender is running you can add food through the secondary lid.

How to maintain a blender

Careful handling of kitchen blender will not only give a long life but also increase its reliability.

Some handy hints to maintain your blender

To give blender a long life blender should have cord storage space with lids to prevent the cord from being wet. Some blenders can be washed in dishwashers safely. Many of them have safety locks which prevents the machine from getting started without the lid.

Blenders are also coming along with whisks, beaters and attachments for cleaning baby bottles. You can clean the pitcher by using small quantity of dishwashing detergent in it and filing it halfway with water and then running the blender on low speed for just a few seconds.

• Rinse the kitchen blender thoroughly and then take it apart and dry the blades.
• When the blender is on do not insert your hand spatula or spoon.
• Lift the pitcher off the blender only after the motor has stopped.
• Always add liquid in blender before crushing ice.

These kitche n blenders or kitchen aid blenders have proved to be a blessing for house wives in general and particularly for working couples. Its proper care and maintenance will go a long way to give you the results you and your family desire.