Someone once gave you a blender, or did you buy yourself such a device, and now it just stands alone on the shelf, not even unpacked? You are not alone in this situation. Quite often, a blender ends up on the shelf because it’s simply not clear what to do with it. The puree can be crushed with a masher. You don’t have a child to cook food for him. You don't like cocktails. And he doesn’t seem to know how to do anything else. But that's not true.
In fact, a blender is a very functional device that really helps simplify the preparation of many standard dishes. He makes not only puree, but also minced meat, soup, pate, sauce and various mousses. You can also crush ice using this miracle device. And given that today there are many different models of these devices, you can use them to prepare a complete lunch or dinner. In addition, everyone will be able to choose exactly the unit that will be convenient and useful to them. In this article, we will carefully understand what blenders are needed for, what types of appliances exist, what are their pros and cons, and how to choose the ideal unit for your kitchen. So take out your blender, blow off the dust and read our article. We are sure that you simply will not be able to stop using it.
Blender Features
For the first time, a new technology appeared in the 30s of the last century, and it was used to produce carbonated water. Over time, its functions expanded and it became one of the main appliances in the kitchen. The following features of the blender are distinguished:
- ability to work with different types of products and perform a wide range of operations;
- combination of functions of a food processor, mixer and puree press;
- quickly disassembled and assembled, simple and easy to use;
- does not require a large number of attachments, as it is equipped with various knives;
- high speed and productivity;
- copes well with both small and large portions.
The first blender model appeared in the 30s.
History of creation
The inventor of the first blender is Stephen Poplawski, an American-born inventor. This happened in 1922. He created the device to mix carbon dioxide, syrup and water to produce carbonation. Poplawski's compatriot Fred Osius improved the idea in 1937 and proposed a new version of this device that could crush food. Swiss Roger Perinjaque created a hand-held version of the blender in 1950, which has become a must-have piece of equipment in the kitchens of professional chefs. It was then that the new household appliance began to become widespread throughout the world.
Types of devices
An immersion blender, equipped with a special device for mixing ingredients, which is lowered into the bowl and quickly copes with grinding. The main functions of the submersible model are chopping vegetables and fruits, preparing mixtures and purees.
Contains a variety of accessories: in addition to the handle itself with a motor, there are also replaceable attachments for the grater, various attachments with knives, a whisk for whipping, and a bowl for chopping.
The immersion blender is quite easy to use in the kitchen, easy to disassemble, and takes up a minimum amount of space. It works by continuously pressing the button, which implies constant presence and control of the work.
The immersion blender can be powered by a connection to the mains or by a built-in battery. When choosing the second option, you need to remember that such blenders can fail at the wrong moment, running out of charge and stopping working. But with this model it’s very easy to go on a picnic, where you can mix a cocktail or fruit puree without the help of an outlet.
Thanks to its power, a stationary blender can easily cope with stirring dough, chopping hard nuts and coffee beans, and crushing ice.
It consists of a main body, a built-in bowl and additional attachments, which are selected based on customer requests - graters, mixer hooks, ice crushers and others.
This species does not require constant monitoring. All you need to do is load the ingredients you need into the bowl, set the program, and you can get on with other things in the kitchen. The bowls in a stationary blender are often large; a small amount of product may simply remain on the walls of the device.
Types
To understand why a blender is needed, you need to find out what types there are. In total, today there are two options for electrical appliances:
The stationary type is equipped with a stand on which is installed a bowl with a lid for food with a knife inside and an electric motor located inside the body (more about the internal design - the device of a stationary blender).
With this model you can:
- beat egg whites to make sweet pastries;
- prepare milkshakes and sauces;
- make a variety of purees, including for young children;
- mix ingredients;
- knead batter;
- crush ice
This type of blender has proven itself well when creating liquid mixtures, but, unfortunately, it will be problematic to grind small amounts of food or herbs in it.
When compared with an immersion blender, we can note several of its positive qualities, such as the absence of the need to hold the device in your hand during operation (it will do everything on its own), you don’t have to wash it, most often the device is equipped with a self-cleaning function, which will avoid contact with sharp knives . The principle of the function is to pour warm water into the container of the device and turn it on for a short time.
The submersible high-speed type consists of one “leg” and a knife attachment. Most often, it comes with all sorts of additional attachments and bowls that allow you to not only mix liquid products in a few seconds, but also make purees, chop herbs, nuts and vegetables.
By quickly changing one attachment to another, secured with a lock on the motor part, you can beat eggs for further preparation of an omelet. This multi-functionality makes the device functional. The only drawback, or most likely a feature of the device, is the need to hold the blender in your hand while it is working.
Many manufacturers of professional equipment offer premium blenders with a special design. Such models are made of stainless steel or shockproof polycarbonate, which makes them more durable than household appliances. They are equipped with increased power and a larger bowl.
Characteristics of equipment
When considering the parameters of the equipment, it is important to decide what blender you need in your kitchen, and only then make a choice:
- power;
- number of speeds;
- volume and material of the bowl;
- cleaning and care;
- nozzles;
- nutrition;
- price.
Power. With the help of high-power models, you can make any dish without much difficulty chopping raw vegetables, beating eggs, or preparing a milkshake containing crushed ice. The low-power type will do an excellent job with the above tasks; it is suitable for mixing boiled vegetables, fruits and creating cocktails.
Today, the number of speeds on the unit varies from 2 to 5, which makes the operation of the device controlled by the owner of the blender. The kitchen appliance can also be equipped with a turbo mode, which increases the operating speed to the maximum possible speed for a short time.
The volume of the bowl on modern devices varies from one and a half to 2 liters. This is enough to use the device to make a little more than one liter of milkshake. But just don’t forget that there is also such a thing as a useful volume, which is 200-300 ml less than that declared by the manufacturer.
The bowl material can be either plastic or glass. Obviously, glass containers are more durable, they do not get scratched when grinding hard products, such as cereals, nuts, coffee, do not absorb odors, and do not stain. But at the same time, glass makes the blender more vulnerable; if you drop it, the bowl may break. A plastic container loses its transparency over time.
Care. Many stationary models, as noted above, are equipped with a self-cleaning system, which allows you to wash the unit quickly and efficiently, and the likelihood of cutting yourself on the knives is minimized.
Nozzles Today, numerous modern models are equipped with additional attachments, such as whisks for beating eggs and dough, a measuring cup with knives for chopping, and an attachment for crushing ice, with the help of which the functions of the blender are expanded to the functionality of a food processor.
Nutrition. Not long ago, manufacturers created wireless models that can operate on battery power. This know-how makes the device mobile; you can take it with you on the road or on a picnic. But you should pay attention to a significant drawback - the operating time of the product is limited to 20-30 minutes.
Price. Stationary blenders are inferior in functionality to immersion blenders, so the cost of the latter is slightly higher. This is understandable, since the device comes with more attachments and containers.
What is it needed for?
We present a list of tasks in the kitchen in which using a blender with various attachments will help you. We will not tell you how to use each, but will only list the possible options. Let us agree in the list to indicate applicability to an immersion blender with the sign (P), and for a stationary blender with the sign (C).
- Whisking is the most popular task. Use the whisk attachment included with the device (P).
- Grinding - a leg with a knife (P) or a container at the bottom of which also has a knife (P) (C) will help with this.
- Kneading the dough - use the hook attachment (P) (C). With its help, the dough mixes well and does not stick. This attachment is more convenient to work with immersion blenders.
- Ice crusher - useful when making drinks. Applicable to (P) and (S), but it is more convenient to work in (C).
- Making mashed potatoes - works in (P), in (C) it will not be “massaging”, but chopping potatoes.
Nozzle functionality
The number of additional attachments significantly increases the chef's capabilities. However, in most cases only:
- whisk;
- dough hook;
- chopper;
- Vacuum pump;
- device for crushing ice.
Kitchen blender kit.
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Main settings
When choosing a blender, you need to pay attention to the technical parameters. The functionality of the device will depend on their combination. The main characteristics are as follows:
- Power. Accordingly, the more powerful the device, the higher its performance. At 800 W or more, the blender is already capable of quickly grinding solid foods and even years. At 500 W it works with liquid and cooked mixtures.
- Bowl volume. 1 liter is considered optimal, but the more, the more convenient.
- Nozzle rotation speed. It is possible to select the blender speed mode switching. This allows you to adjust the processing time and bring the dish to the desired consistency.
- Material for making the bowl. Glass is more environmentally friendly, but it should be handled carefully. Plastic is more reliable and practical.
- Material for making nozzles. Stainless steel devices are considered the best. Materials with antibacterial coating are also gaining popularity.
When purchasing, you should pay attention to the material of the blender, the volume of the bowl, power and rotation speed.
Additional Information! The more powerful the equipment, the higher the energy consumption. Therefore, if you plan to cook simple dishes, then it is better to give preference to the average parameters and not overpay for energy consumption.
Operating rules
If you want the device to work for a long time and perform its functions efficiently, you need to follow the instructions given in the user manual.
- The device must be assembled correctly and all parts must be secured. Make sure the blade is securely attached to the cup. The jug must be securely installed in the motorized base. An incorrectly assembled blender simply will not work. Sometimes loose parts can fly out and damage the device.
- The device must not be used for mixing non-food products. This may damage it irreversibly.
How to clean the device
After use, fill the carafe with warm water and add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent. Turn on the appliance and whisk until the carafe becomes completely foamy. First you need to make sure that the lid is tightly closed. If it comes off, there will be water everywhere! The soap mixture must be drained and the jug rinsed until completely clean.
Lemon helps to remove stains. The jug is filled with water with a few drops of detergent. Then coarsely chopped half a lemon is added. Everything is whipped for one minute. You can use vinegar instead of lemon. The effect will be the same.
To clean stubborn stains, it is better to use a rough sponge, steel wool, or a toothbrush. It all depends on the degree of contamination of the substance.
If the device is very dirty, you need to soak it overnight. To do this, make a mixture of baking soda (0.5 tbsp), vinegar (1 tbsp), detergent (5-10 drops). Pour the mixture into a decanter and leave for several hours. Then pour the contents into the sink and rinse the jug until completely clean. Additionally, you can rinse again with detergent under running water.
Invert the jug and place on a wire rack to dry. It must be allowed to dry completely, otherwise it will create an environment for bacteria to grow.
Cleaning the database
The base cannot be washed! It contains an electronic motor and a device control system. You need to take a sponge or towel, soak it in warm, soapy water and wipe all the places where food or liquid has been spilled.
The base must be cleaned immediately after using the device. Avoid allowing food and liquids to dry out.
To clean the control buttons, you need to use cotton swabs. They should be soaked in an alcohol solution. It will dissolve stuck particles and quickly evaporate.
Cleaning the Blades
The removable blades must be unscrewed from the bottom of the jug. Hand wash with hot water and soap. Then scrub with a sponge or toothbrush to remove any hard debris.
Fixed blades can be cleaned in a carafe. To do this, just pour hot water and add a few drops of polydent. It is a whitening and antibacterial agent.
The gasket must be washed, dried and lubricated with olive or vegetable oil.
Areas of use
The scope of application of the product is extensive. With its help you can prepare a wide range of dishes: mousses, puree soups, cocktails, pates and much more. For lovers of drinks and juices, the ice crushing function is useful. Simply freeze water and throw a few cubes into a blender.
Using a blender, you can grind various products, prepare purees, mousse, fresh juice, etc.
Useful tips and recommendations for choosing
As a rule, a blender is purchased more than once, so it is necessary to think through the nuances of its further use. When choosing, you should consider:
- what kind of food will be prepared using the appliance;
- how often do you plan to use the blender?
- how many people are in the family and whether there are small children among them;
- whether you plan to prepare desserts or only main courses;
- financial opportunities.
The Belender must be cleaned after each use.
With the help of a blender, you can delight yourself and your loved ones with delicious and varied culinary masterpieces. We hope that this article will be useful and will help you quickly decide on purchasing a device.
How to use
The use of a blender is limited to preparing kitchen dishes. Using the device to mix non-food additives may cause damage. The grinding element must be disassembled before use. The parts are thoroughly washed and inspected. The use of faulty or contaminated parts will shorten the life of the product and may spoil the food, making it unfit for consumption. Defective parts should be replaced.
After cleaning, the structure is assembled, and the required attachment is inserted into the leg, taking into account the recipe. Select a transparent bowl that will allow you to grind or blend the ingredients. Ingredients are loaded into it to the required level, from which a homogeneous mixture should be obtained.
The immersion model is not intended for grinding hard foods such as nuts, ice, shells, etc. It is also not recommended to grind semi-solid ingredients (for example, dried fruits or candied fruits). For such products, you need a grinder, which is sold separately and is a stationary device for grinding solid products into crumbs or powder.
This model is best suited for slicing soft foods (boiled vegetables, berries, fruits, meat, fish, butter, eggs, etc.) and mixing them with liquids (milk, cream, water, etc.). After loading the ingredients, the blender foot is immersed in the bowl. The required grinding mode is set, according to which the mixture will have a more solid or liquid consistency.
For what dishes is a blender indispensable?
Here we list a list of dishes that work exceptionally well with this device. And nothing else can replace it.
- Homemade mayonnaise
- Liver paste
- Hummus
- Minced meat for the little ones
- Vegetable puree
- Cream soups
- Fish pastes
- Chili jam
- Homemade ketchup
- Tkemali
- Dough for pancakes, pancakes, biscuit (any liquid)
- Butter creams for cakes
- Jam, berry jam
- Smoothie
- Milkshake
You see, the list is quite impressive. If you don’t have a blender, then many of the above-mentioned dishes need to be rubbed through a sieve, otherwise it won’t come out with the consistency you want. And wiping with your hands is not a pleasure for the faint of heart, to be honest. Especially when it comes to large volumes, for conservation, for example.
If you rub at least five kilos of berries through a sieve into jam at least once, then even without detailed explanations on our part, it will become extremely clear to you what a blender is needed for. To make life easier, that's what!
Advantages and disadvantages of blenders
Any household appliance, regardless of cost, size and functionality, finds both adherents and haters. Some people go crazy with the slow cooker, while others desperately need a deep fryer. But such a compact device as a blender stands aside and confidently holds its position of popularity among home and professional cooks of all countries. This is not surprising, since the capabilities of a typical device like the 24601-56 far exceed its size and cost.
Advantages of the devices:
- The simplest of them, like 22220-56 Explore, will flawlessly grind soft and hard products.
- Submersible beauties like the SHB4450WH can mix and beat just as well as a mixer.
- Multifunctional devices are ready to “outdo” conventional food processors in terms of the number of attachments and modes. As an example - HR1679/90 with a grater, shredder and dicing attachment.
- Even standard models like the ESB5700BK take up much less space than other kitchen appliances. They are easy to wash and store. And the HBX884QE even has a special stand for placing items that should always be at hand.
- Working with blenders is easy and simple. You need to chop, beat, mix - you can change the attachment in a second. And stationary devices, in addition, guarantee complete protection against splashing.
It is difficult to name the disadvantages of devices and disadvantages:
- The cup sizes of standard models are not designed for cooking huge amounts of food;
- manual devices will have to be held during the process;
- For creams and cakes it is better to have a mixer.
Knowing what blenders do makes your purchasing decision much easier. After all, this small-sized assistant will be useful for independent career gourmets, young parents, and smoothie lovers. The baby will help with first courses, desserts, and baby food. He can make the most delicious cocktails. The only thing you need to decide on is manual or stationary. If you need more functions, you should buy a submersible one. And if you don’t want to stand over the device all the time and only need chopping, it’s better to choose a stationary model.
Compare different types:
Model
TypeFeatures
Gorenje B800E | Stationary | 3 speeds |
Power 800 W | ||
Grinding all types of vegetables, fruits and meats | ||
Grind ice, nuts, coffee using the mill attachment | ||
Pulse mode | ||
Philips HR1679/90 | Submersible | Whipping |
Grinding | ||
Dicing | ||
Mixing | ||
Grater | ||
Turbo function | ||
Shredder | ||
Power 800 W | ||
Smooth speed control |
What can you do with an immersion and stationary blender?
Blenders are divided into two types: submersible and stationary. Using a stand blender is very simple. The design looks like a plastic platform with a built-in drive mechanism. The drive is responsible for turning the device on and off, and activating the knives inside the container. The knives are placed in a transparent plastic container that resembles a jug. The process of inserting products is carried out through the top, after which the lid is closed and the product is ready for use.
A stationary blender does not have additional attachments, but in some cases it may come with a special knife for crushing ice.
The device copes well with its intended tasks, and most importantly, it is of high quality and durable. Stationary equipment is considered simply ideal when preparing cocktails, however, it is necessary to chop products such as cheese, nuts and ice only if a special knife is included. Such an automatic household appliance has a huge advantage and that is its autonomy.
Particularly popular today is a stationary blender, which is characterized by convenience and practicality.
In other words, you don't need to hold it down or press a button to keep the grinding action going. Just press the power button and set the desired mode. The disadvantage is the large size of the product, which will require additional space in the kitchen to accommodate it.
An immersion blender is much easier to use and looks like a mixer. Unlike a mixer, a blender has one attachment in the form of a knife with an unusual shape. This equipment comes with a special container in which the products are crushed, mixed or shaken. As soon as everything is loaded into the container, the nozzle is lowered and the device is turned on.
The advantage of the design is quite obvious and this is:
- Compact dimensions;
- Light weight;
- Ease of use.
Immersion blenders can be used in a variety of containers that can fit the width of the attachment. This type of blender is used for making pureed soup, vegetable or fruit puree. This also significantly saves the amount of dishes that will have to be dirty when cooking.
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect, and even such a unit has its drawbacks:
- Low power relative to a stationary device.
- The absence of a lid to cover the container with food causes splashes to form when using a blender. This not only causes discomfort, but also spoils the ambiance of the kitchen and also requires a lot of cleaning work.
In general, any blender, regardless of type, model, type and even operating principle, is considered a very important invention. It is worth noting that it is used literally everywhere, and not only in homes, but also in cafes, restaurants and similar food preparation places. It is very important to use the device for its intended purpose, strictly following all recommendations from the manufacturer. This will help to significantly increase the service life, avoid breakage of the knife and the attachment itself, and carry out operation correctly and without contacting a specialist.
Professional devices
Premium-class blenders are designed for long-term use and active work with a large number of products. Shockproof stainless steel housing, sound insulation, bulky design - all this may be too inappropriate for an ordinary kitchen, but professional models have undoubted advantages.
Advantages of professional models
professional blenders for the kitchen are distinguished by their durability, the absence of the risk of breakage and malfunctions, and the high speed of food processing. Unlike household appliances, professional ones have different speed modes and several types of additional programs. At home, this is not always necessary , but when operating a bar or small cafe, it will certainly come in handy.
Advice: the price for professional blenders will be significantly higher than for conventional household appliances, but if there is a need for a device that will last for decades and cope with any task, you can think about purchasing it.
Famous brands
Brands such as Tefal, Philips, Moulinex, Bosch, Scarlett, Siemens, Ufesa, Braun are well-known manufacturers of these household appliances. The latter company even includes a collection of recipes with Russian dishes that can be prepared using their blender.
Bosch
This is a fairly well-known German company that has gained recognition from customers thanks to its high-quality, functional and durable products. The most popular among buyers are the immersion blenders of this manufacturer, although it also produces stationary models. Thanks to the abundance of attachments, a sharp knife and the possibility of cordless operation, these devices are simple and functional to use. Suitable for cutting food, chopping, mixing, shaking. Thanks to the high-quality raw materials used in the production of these blenders, their service life, according to reviews, is at least 5 years.
Vitek
Vitek is another fairly popular brand for the production of blenders and other household appliances for the home and kitchen. Low cost, wide range, durability and functionality - this is what is valued by supporters of this manufacturer, and therefore its products are in high demand.
All these brands today sell both stationary and immersion blenders, as well as multi-sets. Moreover, they all differ from each other not only in cost, but also in their components and functionality. There are also lesser-known manufacturers who also offer customers such products, and many of them can seriously compete with famous manufacturers, for example, Redmond, Scarlett, Kenwood and others.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the blender is one of the most popular and widely sold household appliances today. It performs many functions, is sold in a wide range, is easy to use and maintain, and most importantly, it can significantly facilitate kitchen work and turn it from a familiar routine into a creative process.
Braun
Braun blenders are not inferior in functionality to the two previously described blenders. Their functionality is sometimes not inferior to that of a conventional food processor, but they are cheaper and take up less space in the kitchen. A wide range of components and additional attachments allow you to chop, grind and beat products in the volumes you need in a short period of time. And all this without any extra effort.
What is the difference between a blender and other devices?
Yes, by and large, its function is to grind products. But, it does it completely differently than a mixer, meat grinder or food processor! It simultaneously grinds and whips, and at lightning speed.
If you grind meat in a meat grinder, even with the smallest mesh, the grind will still be coarser, and a blender simply breaks the food into a homogeneous mass. And due to this, the dishes are very tender and melt in the mouth, which is especially important for baby food and pates.
And even if you try to beat minced meat with a mixer, absolutely nothing will happen. The mixer will not beat the meat. And washing two appliances is much more energy-intensive than one blender!
In addition, as mentioned above, the blender whips very quickly. If you mix with a mixer for ten minutes, then using a blender will take one to two minutes. That is, saving time and electricity.
Cleaning a blender is also much faster than the above-mentioned household appliances. It does not need to be disassembled into many parts. Just twist the cutting part and just rinse.
But, with all its advantages, it cannot completely replace a meat grinder. You don’t always need the result that a blender gives – a homogeneous and pasty consistency. For example, for ordinary cutlets, a meat grinder is much better, since a coarser grind gives greater juiciness to the minced meat.
It’s also better to pound regular mashed potatoes by hand, and then beat with a mixer. If you use a blender, then for some reason it comes out sticky and not very tasty. Most likely, it has to do with the composition of the potatoes themselves.
But a mix of several types of vegetables turns out just great!
See also -
Tips for choosing a blender for your home
How to choose an immersion blender
When choosing a hand blender, you should first of all rely on:
- specifications;
- case design;
- build quality;
- price.
The higher these indicators, the more expensive the device will be. The best, according to purchase statistics and customer surveys, are models from Bosch, Philips, Braun, Scarlett and Moulinex. The cost of popular models ranges from 1500-7000 rubles. Depending on the company and country of manufacture.
Possibilities of additional attachments and unusual functions of blenders
Some of the representatives of the chopper devices have a much wider range of capabilities than the basic devices, depending on what attachments or additional components are included in the blender kit.
If you have different types of knives or a grinder, you can grind the following products in a stationary blender:
- chop ice;
- grind sugar into powder;
- nuts;
- berries;
- vegetables, fruits, boiled or raw;
- grind garlic, onion.
What can you prepare in this blender besides cocktails?
- A smoothie is a type of thick, cold drink that may contain vegetables, fruits, ice cream, ice, herbs, juices or nectars, milk, yogurt, kefir or water. The cooking principle is simple: all ingredients are placed in a jug, chopped using knives, and also mixed and whipped at the same time.
- Making sauces is a type of dressing served with vegetables, meat or fish. They are a homogeneous thick mass mixed from various ingredients. The typical and most common sauce is mayonnaise. To prepare the sauce, the finished products are placed in a bowl and mixed until smooth.
- Creams and pastes that can also be prepared in this type of blender.
- Knead the batter.
Some models of desktop blenders are equipped with functions unusual for devices of this type. Thus, some brands, such as Vitek, have launched the production of blenders, soup makers and steamers, which are already quite popular among buyers.
What does an immersion blender do besides grind food?
- Soup is puree or cream soup, which is especially convenient to make using an immersion device, since you don’t have to pour the workpiece from one bowl to another, but just mix and chop everything at once.
- Whip the cream.
- Knead the dough using the kneading hook attachment.
- Chop meat or grind into mince.
- Prepare salads using the dicing attachment.
- Shred vegetables using the shredder attachment.
- Prepare puree.
In fact, the list of dishes that a housewife can prepare using a blender is limited only by her imagination. Is it possible to beat meringue using a blender? The meringue whites should be whipped into a thick, dense foam. Based on this, not every ordinary device can cope with this task. Many models are equipped with a whisk, but their power is only enough to beat eggs for an omelet. Therefore, for dishes of this type you need a powerful device.
Submersible models
Blenders of this type are an elongated handle, vaguely reminiscent of a bat due to its diameter decreasing closer to the cutting elements, and is usually used for quickly chopping small volumes of soft fruits, vegetables, herbs, or preparing simple creams.
The basic configuration of a typical submersible modification of the device usually includes:
- Handle with cutting elements. It is with its help that the cutting speed, operating mode and other parameters are selected. It also contains a drive, thanks to which the knives begin to chop food;
- Graduated containers made of plastic or glass. Budget devices are usually supplied without it.
It should be noted that not all manufacturers indicate the key feature of submersible models, namely, that they work much better and of higher quality if whipping, chopping or cutting products is carried out with the addition of liquid. It simultaneously cools the cutting edges of the knives and acts as a lubricating agent, increasing both the speed and quality of operation of the device.
Proper care
But no matter how high-quality and expensive a blender is, it, like any other kitchen unit, needs proper care. All removable elements, attachments, whisks and handles must be washed with a sponge in warm water after each use.
It is not recommended to use hard metal brushes; they can scratch the bowl and the metal of the knives, which will reduce their useful life.
Before storing the device, it should be thoroughly dried. This will avoid unpleasant odors and mold formation.
If any malfunctions occur, it is highly undesirable to try to fix them with your own hands. It is best to contact a branded repair shop, and if there is none, then a good repair shop.
And finally, I would like to say that a blender in the kitchen is not just a whim, but a necessary luxury. It speeds up and greatly facilitates the cooking process, is simple and easy to use, and, depending on the specific model, is also very functional. You should not save on its purchase and it is better to give preference to well-known manufacturers who have earned their name with quality goods. After all, you are getting yourself an assistant for many years.
Methods of application
A kitchen blender is definitely needed in the kitchen, because it is a real treasure for any housewife. It makes the job easier and significantly reduces the cooking time for most dishes. The submersible device is designed for beating, stirring, chopping and grinding. Of course, first of all, young mothers will be able to appreciate all the delights of this device. As soon as they start feeding their baby, they need to turn all the products into the most homogeneous and fluffy porridge. This is a rather labor-intensive process, given that children can eat up to six times a day, and their menu must be varied. Therefore, mothers simply cannot do without a blender. It is needed for pureeing all kinds of fruits, vegetables and meat.
Another very convenient way to use a blender is to beat egg whites. All housewives know firsthand how difficult this process is. And sometimes even very great efforts do not give the desired result. Yes, and the hand falls off after some time while whipping it all up. But for a blender, a lush and stable protein mass is a mere trifle. Thanks to this unit, you can prepare any, even the most complex cream, and meringue will no longer be a problem. In addition, a whisk is convenient for mixing different fillings for cakes.
If you like to make homemade preserves, then a blender will become your faithful assistant. He will carefully process all the necessary vegetables, fruits and berries. And your jams, for example, will become the same as those made by famous chefs.
And preparing pate will no longer be so long and laborious. Just threw the liver into a blender. Whoosh! And everything is ready.
In addition, it is very useful if you need to grind cereals, nuts, coffee beans or spices.
But remember that you must give the device a rest during such operations. It works for 1 minute, rests for 1 minute.
In addition, blenders will help you in preparing pureed soups, mousses, curd desserts, baking dough and many other dishes. And it only takes a few minutes to make the perfect puree if you have the right attachment.
Precautions during operation
Take safety precautions when working with blenders. They will protect your health and preserve the functionality of your equipment for a long time:
Do not place hot foods in the blender jar. This could melt it and overload the motor.
When loading products, pay attention to the labels. There should not be too many or too few ingredients in the bowl - choose the golden mean.
- When chopping fruits, pay special attention to the absence of seeds. They can seriously damage the engine and the equipment will fail.
- Do not open the bowl while the mechanism is running. Wait until it stops completely and only then add the desired ingredients.
- If you need to puree foods that are too hard, such as roots, add some liquid (water, cream, or other recipe liquids) to the bowl.
- Crush ice and frozen foods with extreme caution. And in inexpensive and low-power models it is better not to load them at all. Grind coffee, beans, and crackers only in special mills, if they are included in the set.
Note. There are no strict rules for grinding products before putting them into a blender. Cut into medium-sized pieces and your chosen attachment will do the rest for you.
Repair of equipment
As a rule, in a blender the problem appears in the knives, which can break or become dull. In this regard, it is most convenient to purchase a new knife of the same model, since consumables for this equipment are available in sufficient quantities in specialized stores. Sharpening a blender blade with your own hands is a difficult task. An inexperienced person should not take on this matter. Moreover, the cutting element is inexpensive.
In many devices, the knife is removable, so changing it will not be a problem. In blenders where the cutting element is built into the container, you will need to spend time dismantling it.
Attention! Before unscrewing, the knife must be wrapped in a towel to prevent injury.
Sometimes particles of crushed products get into the lid of the blender container, which causes an unpleasant odor, liquid accumulates here and mold forms. In some cases, equipment fails for this reason.
To repair, you need to disassemble the lid and clean everything that has accumulated inside. How to disassemble the structure, you need to look at the operating instructions, but remember, there is non-dismountable equipment. After cleaning, all parts are washed, dried and reassembled in reverse order.