BEST BLENDERS

HOW TO CHOOSE = When selecting which of these best blenders is for you, here are a few important things to look for. Testers liked having a pulse option, which lets you put the blender on in short bursts. This helps to not over-process the contents, and for crushing ice.
The unit should also have a removable blade for easy cleaning. Three speeds are enough, according to experts. Price is NOT an indicator of quality. It can be difficult to clean crevices between push buttons. Dial controls, switches and touch-pads are better.
When looking at the container, tapered jars funnel food down to the blades, giving more uniform results. Glass jars are heavier, more scratch-resistant, and more stable than plastic. Polycarbonate jars are shatterproof, but who drops a blender?
If you intend keeping the blender on the counter, make sure it will fit under the upper cabinets. Think about how you will use your blender. Daily use will demand a heavy-duty model. If you will only have occasional use, you can choose a cheaper model, but make sure it handles ice well.
THE REVIEWS = Ratings for the Oster Beehive were consistently positive. At about $60, it avoids many of the durability problems of more expensive models.
Of the best blenders reviewed, this one was named the “best general-use blender” and an excellent value. This unit has a 500-watt motor and a tapered, stain-resistant 40-ounce glass jar.
The Beehive has only two speeds, but if you mainly want to puree soups and make smoothies, this is a reliable, all-purpose blender that’s easy to use.
Other top performers include:
Best Budget Blender = Oster 6684 @ approx. $40.
Best for icy drinks = Breville Ikon Hemisphere BBL600XL @ $200.
Best Multifunction Blender = Vita-Mix 5200 @ approx. $450.
Best price found in Nov., ’09 and again in May, '10 = $59.95 @ Amazon.com
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