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Blender purchasing advice: how to choose the right product
- The most important facts in brief
- Stand mixers chop food quickly and easily.
- A stand mixer consists of a base station, a container and a blade star.
- When buying a stand mixer, pay particular attention to the power of the appliance. It should be at least 650 watts.
- Functions such as the ice crush function or the smoothie function make the process much easier.
The useful kitchen helper
Our diet is particularly important in this day and age. It should be balanced and healthy, and since life is getting faster and faster, the preparation process should also be quick and easy. That is why it is impossible to imagine modern kitchens without a stand mixer. It enables healthy eating and makes the preparation of smoothies, soups and other delicious dishes or drinks easy and uncomplicated.
Who is a stand mixer suitable for?
Due to their versatility, stand mixers can be used in both private and gastronomic settings. Stand mixers are particularly suitable for people who want to eat healthily, as they quickly prepare healthy and tasty dishes and drinks. Athletes can also benefit from the blenders as they make it easy to make their own protein shakes. For mothers, the stand mixer is especially practical because you can use it to quickly and easily make healthy food for your babies. This way, you can be sure that your child is eating healthily and without food additives. A stand mixer is also great for vegans, as it makes it easy to prepare milk alternatives such as almond, cashew or oat milk.
The versatile way of chopping
A stand mixer is suitable for mixing and chopping ingredients such as fruit, vegetables, herbs and meat. Thanks to its versatile programmes, it is able to prepare a wide variety of foods. Soups, smoothies, cocktails, shakes and baby food can be easily prepared with it. Many of the latest blenders are even able to grind particularly hard ingredients such as ice cubes, coffee beans and nuts, as they are equipped with especially sturdy blades. Fruits can even be processed with this device, including the peel and seeds. Since the peel contains the most vitamins and minerals, dishes with it as an ingredient are particularly healthy.
The work process in the kitchen is particularly easy with a stand mixer, as all you have to do is put the ingredients in, close the container and connect the appliance to the power. Then you can turn all the ingredients into smoothies, milkshakes, soups or the like at the touch of a button. If desired, the ingredients can also just be blended and retain their shape. For example, you can prepare a delicious fruit salad in which the fruits are not chopped, but only mixed thoroughly.
A wide range of applications
Stand mixers can turn a wide variety of foods into soups, creams, smoothies, ice creams, cocktails, milkshakes or other delicious dishes. The following foods can be processed:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Ice cream
- Herbs
- Milk, cream, quark
- Butter
- Juices
Several kitchen helpers in one appliance
A helpful invention
The stand mixer is a 20th century invention. In 1922, tool developer Stephen Poplawski invented the device and patented it. At that time, it was mainly intended for use in restaurants and was mainly used to prepare soda drinks. In 1935, the inventor Fred Osius began to further develop the prototype of the stand mixer.
The power of the blender – how it works and how it is constructed
The construction of a stand mixer is essentially always the same: it consists of a base station, a blender jug and blades. However, depending on the manufacturer, price and intended use, the individual components may differ in detail.
The base
Every stand mixer has a solid base that houses the appliance’s electric motor, which has various operating levels. It has 300 to 1,500 watts or more, depending on the manufacturer, and can be operated via the control element, which is also part of the stand. Most stand mixers also have a display, which is also located there. This is used to select the speed of the blades and the blending programme. The power cable connection is also located in the stand.
The blender jug
The blender jug, into which the ingredients are placed, is located on the stand. It is made of either glass or plastic. The cone-like shape of the container and the notches on the outer walls allow the food to be processed to flow back into the centre so that it does not get stuck on the outer rim. Since the container is also transparent, you can keep an eye on the processing at all times. Some blenders also offer other utensils. Instead of blades, a mixing spoon, whisk or dough hook can be attached to the container, which can be used to easily mix or knead various ingredients. On top of the blender jar is the lid, which prevents the ingredients from splashing and also keeps them fresh.
The blades
At the bottom of the base is a blade star with three to six stainless steel blades. Depending on the model, it can be removed for easier cleaning. A coupling with the motor makes the knives rotate so that they mix, chop and cut the ingredients in the container. Depending on the speed selected and the model, they can rotate up to 30,000 times per minute. Some blenders come with different sets of blades that are adapted to the ingredients being processed. They contain blades with different shapes that can be changed as needed.
Confusing terms
The American term for a stand mixer is “blender”. In German, however, this word does not refer to the stand mixer found in a private kitchen, but only to the gastronomic stand mixers used for mixing cocktails or juices.
What you should look for when buying a stand mixer
Since there are now numerous stand mixers on the market, it is not easy to make a purchase decision. If you want to get something out of your appliance for a long time and get the maximum benefit from it for your diet, you should pay attention to the following things:
The power
Depending on what you want to use your stand mixer for, the power of the appliance must also be right. The wattage and the revolutions per minute are responsible for what ingredients the appliance can chop. For soft foods with little resistance, a motor with 500 watts is sufficient. But if you want to crush nuts or similar, the appliance should have at least 650 watts. For crushing ice cubes, the stand mixer even needs to reach 1,000 watts or more. Although you can also get the ice small with a weaker appliance, the process usually takes a long time and the ice cubes do not get much smaller.
The strength of the motor also affects the working process. With a stand mixer with a weak motor, the food to be processed must be poured in bit by bit. Most of these devices can only process small quantities. Stand mixers with motors of 650 watts or more can be filled directly and completely and then process the ingredients immediately. A device with a powerful motor also gets less warm and seals more slowly, which has a positive effect on the food inside as well as the life of the stand mixer.
The speed of the blade revolutions is also important as it determines the processing time. Devices with 10,000 to 20,000 revolutions per minute work quickly and effectively. For larger quantities or coarser ingredients, the appliance should have a rotation speed of at least 20,000 so that they are processed properly and quickly. Basically, the higher the number of revolutions, the finer and faster the stand mixer will chop the ingredients.
How many speed levels the stand mixer has varies depending on the manufacturer and model. If the blender is only to make drinks or smoothies, two to four speeds are usually sufficient. For blenders that are also intended for harder foods and are used to make different dishes, there are usually eight to ten different processing levels.
The material
The material of the blender jug is also important for the buyer. If the container is made of plastic, it is light and therefore easy to transport. In addition, stand mixers with plastic containers are cheaper than those made of glass or stainless steel. If you choose a stand mixer with a plastic blender jug, it is essential that it is free of bisphenol A (BPA) and has a corresponding label. Then the blender can also prepare hot drinks and food and is also suitable for the dishwasher.
What is BPA?
BPA is a chemical compound that plays an important role in the production of many plastics. However, it has a hormone-like effect in the body and is therefore suspected of having various negative effects on health. Study results showed, among other things, that BPA damages male fertility and promotes the growth of certain tumours.
Containers made of glass or stainless steel weigh and cost more than models made of plastic, but they are easier to clean and suitable for the dishwasher.
The capacity
Depending on how many servings you want to process with the stand mixer, you should choose a container of an appropriate size. For smoothies for one or two people, a container with a capacity of 0.5 litres is sufficient. But if you want to make dishes like soups, it should have a capacity of 1.5 litres. Here it depends both on how many people the blender is to process food for and on the type of food.
Handling
To get the most out of your stand mixer, it should be easy and effective to use. It is practical if the lid of the container has an opening for refilling. Also popular are different settings that allow you to choose the degree of chopping. The display should also be easy to operate. For easy maintenance, a dishwasher-safe container is a good choice, as you can clean it quickly and thoroughly.
The safety
The safety of the stand mixer is also an important factor. Rubber feet under the appliance ensure that it stays in place during operation. If you have children, it may be worth getting a stand mixer with a child lock. This prevents it from being switched on unintentionally. Many blenders also have an automatic shut-off function so that the appliance does not run for too long. This prevents it from overheating.
The volume
Basically, all stand mixers make noise, producing volumes in the range of 82 to 90 decibels. So they are louder than a hairdryer or a hoover. High-performance blenders in particular have powerful motors that generate a corresponding noise level. If you want to buy a particularly quiet blender, take a look at the product description. You won’t usually find a decibel rating there, but many manufacturers label low-noise blenders with name supplements such as “silent”. If there is no such indication, the blender is obviously not quiet enough to be advertised as such.
How expensive is a stand mixer?
Since stand mixers are available in a wide variety of sizes and with a wide variety of functions, the price depends on the buyer’s preference. Inexpensive stand mixers can be purchased for as little as 30 euros. However, these devices are also significantly smaller and less powerful than more expensive versions. They usually have a maximum capacity of one litre and often do not last very long. Stand mixers between 200 and 500 euros already offer more power and a higher capacity. The most expensive stand mixers usually have particularly large containers, a longer lifespan and more variety in the programme selection.
Helpful additional functions of a stand mixer
There are various practical functions that make a stand mixer particularly versatile. Not all stand mixers have these functions and not every consumer necessarily needs all the features. However, depending on what you want to use your blender for, such extra settings can make your work much easier.
The smoothie function
The smoothie function is part of the standard equipment of a blender. It makes smoothies particularly good and fast. It chops coarse pieces of fruit or vegetables and processes them into a velvety smoothie. This setting matches the processing time with the speed so that the smoothie has the right consistency and does not get too warm.
The pulse function
The pulse function makes the blades of the stand mixer rotate alternately slowly and quickly. This gives the appliance better results, especially with harder ingredients, as it chops the ingredients more evenly. In some stand mixers, this feature is called the “ice crush function” because it is good for crushing ice. However, with the pulse function you have to check yourself when the ice is completely crushed, whereas with the actual “ice crush function” it is indicated.
The Ice Crush function
This function is intended to process coarse ice cubes into small pieces. It ensures that the ice is not crushed continuously, but at intervals, so that it does not turn into water. Low appliance power means that the process takes a long time, water forms at the bottom of the container and the end result is mediocre. This is why most stand mixers with a power of over 1,000 watts have this function. The following applies: The faster the blades rotate, the smaller the ice will be.
The self-cleaning function
The self-cleaning function makes cleaning particularly convenient. It is not available on all stand mixers, but it is very practical. All you have to do is pour warm water with a little detergent into the container and close the lid. By pressing the button, the blades rotate and clean the appliance. Usually the button has to be pressed continuously, but the process only takes a few minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to clean the stand mixer again by hand afterwards so that no traces remain.
The different variants of the stand mixer
Not all stand mixers are the same. Depending on the ingredients you want to process, you can choose from different types of blenders. They differ mainly in their power, capacity, size and price.
The classic stand mixer
This classic variant of the blender is available in different sizes. The container usually has a capacity of one or two litres and is made of glass or plastic. The motor has more than 1,000 watts and so the appliance is also capable of processing a wide variety of foods. It can be used once or twice a day, but it does not last as long if used several times a day. Among the stand mixers, it belongs to the medium price range.
The smoothie maker
The name of this blender variant is somewhat misleading, as all stand mixers are capable of preparing smoothies. However, there are blenders that not only specialise in smoothies, but also process fruit peels and herbs well. A special smoothie blender is more compact than a standard blender and simpler in its function, as it offers fewer power levels. The container is often made of plastic and only holds one litre. It is therefore suitable for small quantities of smoothies, but not for larger quantities. On the other hand, it is cheaper and takes up less space than all other variants. This blender does not offer functions such as the ice-crush function, as it does not have enough power to process harder foods.
The high-performance blender
High-performance blenders are characterised by their high quality. They have a power of more than 1,000 watts, manage more than 2,300 revolutions per minute and are suitable for both everyday and professional use. They cost more than all other blenders, but are also more durable and versatile. A high-power blender has the most processing options, including the ice crush function and the smoothie function. The appliance also processes nuts or fibrous ingredients without difficulty. This blender is particularly suitable for several uses per day, as well as for professional gastronomy.
Which manufacturers offer stand mixers?
Stand mixers are offered by many different companies. The best-known manufacturers include WMF, Philips, Krups, Bosch, Küchenaid, Braun and Russel Hobbs. They offer both simple stand mixers and high-performance mixers.
How can I clean my stand mixer?
Most stand mixers are very easy to clean. Conveniently, only the container and the blades need to be cleaned; the base gets a few splashes at most and can therefore simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth. If you have a model with a dishwasher-safe blender jug, your dishwasher will do the cleaning. Some models also offer a self-cleaning programme so that the appliance cleans itself at the touch of a button. However, even without these benefits, you can easily clean the container. Rinse the container with warm water immediately after use and wipe the blender housing with a damp cloth. However, water must not get into the motor compartment, otherwise the motor may be damaged.
