The Ultimate Guide to the Best-Rated Blender

In a world where everyone wants more than a drink, blenders are fast becoming appliances of necessity in any modern kitchen. From making smoothies to crushing ice to pulsing vegetables, the uses of a blender are innumerable. Most brands come with ergonomic features and outstanding performance to help you get a perfect blend of food. In a bid to help you make an informed decision, here is a comprehensive guide to the best rated blender.

Top 3 Blenders Review

Before delving, into the types and buying guide, here is a look at the top 3 rated blenders and what they have to offer.

1. The Ninja Master Prep (QB900B)

Made by Ninja, a company that is synonymous with quality and excellent performance, the Master Prep boast of Patented Blade Technology that gives it the ability to crush snow, blend frozen fruits into velvety smoothies and evenly cut vegetables within seconds.

It features a 16 oz chopper bowl that lets you mix, chop, puree and dice consistently, and a 48 oz pitcher that ensures you achieve perfect frozen blending. In addition, this appliance comes with a 400 Watt Power Pod that swiftly toggles between the chopper bowl and pitcher making the it highly versatile. The one touch button on the Pod gives you total control and unswerving results every time you use this blender.

You don't have to worry about cleaning the machine while blending thanks to a wide, no-slip bases coupled with splash guards on the pitcher. To makes it even more convenient, the Master Prep comes with storage lids to keep your food fresh. All parts of this unit are easily removable and dishwasher safe, making the cleaning process a breeze.

2. The Magic Blend NutriBullet High Speed Blender

With well-thought features and specifications the NutriBullet is without doubt a top rate blender that will take your blending experience to the next level. Powered by a 600 watt motor, this machine can easily pulverize everything from fruits to vegetables to superfoods and protein shakes.

Made to be in line with the North America Electrical Standards, this the ideal blender for health conscious individuals. It is for those who want to make healthy and nutritious drinks that can help them fight disease, reduce joint pains and lose weight. The package comes with a pocket nutritionist and manual recipes to assist you on that front.

The NutriBulltet is compact in size, which makes it portable. It is also safe for kids and has a smooth texture that is appealing to the eye.In other words, this is the blender to buy if you want a healthy, fresh drink while on the go in a matter of seconds.

3. Cuisinart CSB-75BC Smart Stick 2-Speed Immersion Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome

Blending has never been easier thanks to the ergonomically designed Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender. With double blending speeds, this unit is designed to carry out an assortment of basic tasks. To activate it, all you have to do is press the Low, or High button depending on whether you want to pulse or blend.

The ease of operation has been this machine's main selling point more so when you consider all that is required to make smooth and full bodied recipe is a gentle up and down motion.

The Smart Stick is ideal for mixing and stirring all kinds of foods such as salads and sauces thereby extending its blending options. The handle offers a comfortable grip giving you enough control when blending. All parts are dishwasher safe and that by extension means ease of cleaning.

Types of Blender

There are two main types of blenders, namely

- Countertop Blenders - These generally have containers made of plastic, glass or stainless steel and have a capacity of 4 to 8 cups. Apart from mixing, they can chop, puree and crush ice. Most come with 16 speeds and have controls varying from programmable to dials to push buttons and flip switches. The Ninja Master Prep is an excellent example of a countertop blender.

- Handheld or Immersion Blenders - Just like the name suggests, these are handheld and are immersed in the food or drink you are preparing. Immersion blenders are ideal for mixing smoothies, powdered drinks and milkshakes. They are great for small tasks and come with blades and attachments that can be stored in drawers. A good example of an immersion blender is the Cuisinart Smart Stick.

How to Choose the Best Blender

A few factors come into play when choosing the best blender that will meet your blending needs including:

- Controls - Go for blenders that are programmable. Touchpads controls are not only easy to clean but eliminate guess work as well thus the best. Dial and push buttons are equally good as it is easy to change from one speed to the other.

- Customer Reviews - The best rated blender will attract positive customer reviews and high rankings. Be sure to go through customer reviews on online stores such as Amazon and hear what other have to say about the product.

Number of Speeds- The standard number of speeds is sixteen. Choose units that have will differentiated speeds for ease of use.

- Wattage - Most blenders will have a wattage of 300 to 1000 watts. While high wattage does not necessarily mean better performance, it makes a difference in immersion blenders than in countertops.

- Pulse Setting - Go for a unit that allows you to fine tune the blending time as this enables you to be more accurate on when to start and stop.

- Big Markings - Look for easy to read notches and the clearly visible measurement marks on the container.