What is blender for? What is a blender? The best representatives of desktop blenders

Blender - indispensable assistant in every housewife's kitchen. However, in order to enjoy his work, you need to choose it correctly. Knowing what types of blenders are and what each of them is intended for will help you make a choice.

Blenders according to their characteristics are divided into the following types:

• combined.

Do right choice the information below will help.

Submersible

These models are a handle to which a hemisphere-shaped nozzle is attached. At the end of it are knives. Such a blender can be sold both with a bowl (glass) for dipping and without it. Despite the fact that such a device is self-sufficient, when purchasing it, it is best to choose models that have additional nozzles.

The immersion blender is designed for chopping and mashing soft foods, such as boiled vegetables, meat, fish, etc. The material from which the nozzles are made also plays an important role. Metal or plastic: which one to choose? Of course, metal, because such models are much more practical to use (they can work with hot products) and have a long service life. The power of the device also plays an important role, because the higher it is, the easier it is to work with it.

Stationary

The device of these models includes a base (base) and a bowl, also called a jug. The principle of operation of this type of device is as follows: products are placed in the bowl, then it is installed on the base, closed with a lid and turned on. Used to make the bowl glass or plastic. It is preferable to opt for glass models, but they can easily break if not handled carefully. The disadvantages of plastic include its ability to darken and absorb odors. Although it all depends on it quality.

Also pay attention to the size of the bowl. It can be both very small, with a volume of 400 ml, and quite roomy - up to 2 liters.

The choice of volume depends on the purpose for which the device will be used. It is good to cook various cocktails and mashed soups in it (more about working functions: what can be done with a blender). This appliance is not intended for grinding dry products. Some stand blender models have a convenient self-cleaning function.

Choppers

Choppers are a bowl on which a handle is put on top. The knives located inside the bowl are directed in one direction, and on the handle there is a button that starts the blender. This type of device does an excellent job of grinding solid products. In it, meat easily turns into minced meat, and nuts into nut crumbs. The disadvantage of the device is time limit its use.

Combined models

The peculiarity of these models is that they combine the functions of a chopper and an immersion blender. Such models, as a rule, are additionally equipped with vacuum pump and whisk. They cost an order of magnitude more expensive than the above devices and are able to perform many kitchen tasks.

How else are blenders different?

We have considered what types of blenders are, but their differences do not end there. When buying, consider factors such as:

• the presence / absence of a network cable;
• number of speeds.

corded blender the best way suitable for home use, and for travel (hiking) it will be very useful wireless. It is, of course, not as powerful as a wired one, but it will do just fine with chopping fresh berries and soft fruits / vegetables.

Blenders have different number of speeds- from 2 to 30. The rule applies here: the more, the better, and for good reason, because choosing the appropriate speed allows you to quickly achieve the desired consistency of the dish. What number of speeds is optimal for the device is up to you.

When choosing a blender, the following recommendations should be observed:

1. Define purpose of use devices. This can be both the preparation of children's food, drinks, soups, and the grinding of products of various hardness.
2. Decide what is needed bowl volume. If you plan to cook for one child, then you can choose a model with a small bowl, and if for the whole family, then you will need a larger capacity (read also: is it possible to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for the whole family in a blender).
3. Presence/absence network cable . For home use, a corded blender is suitable, and for hiking and traveling, a cordless blender is suitable.
4. Quantity speeds. More of them makes the device more functional and faster.
5. Equipment. A large number of additional nozzles is only a plus, since there will be no need to purchase them separately.

Modern housewives cannot imagine their life without technological and functional kitchen appliances, which turns the boring process of cooking into an exciting culinary creativity. One of the important devices is a chopper, which combines a meat grinder and a mixer. So what is a blender? This Appliances, which allows you to easily chop onions and carrots, mix different ingredients, beat eggs or prepare dough for pancakes or pancakes, mousse or any other desserts.

This functional device allows the hostess to crush ice, mash vegetables and fruits, and also make chopped meat. Previously, there was a food processor for these purposes, which was clumsy and took up a lot of space in the room. Modern companies produce many of the different models, which differ in different configurations, functionality and power.

Although the blender is enough modern device in the kitchen, it was first invented about 100 years ago in the distant 1922 by the talented Stephen Poplawski. This device was originally intended for mixing soda with sugar, while it looked like a huge bowl with an internal propeller. 13 years later, another master, Fred Osius, finalized the technique to the look that we are all now so familiar with.

What is a blender for - basic features

This device is functional because it can chop, puree, mix ingredients, crush ice, and also whip various liquids. Without this device modern days not a single housewife manages. Previously, women beat eggs on their own for a long time and tried to finely chop the food. Now no one thinks about what a blender is for. Its capabilities are not surprising to anyone.

The functionality of a blender depends entirely on its type and number of nozzles. Usually, the package of any device includes metal knives for cutting vegetables, fruits and vegetables, a whisk for beating eggs, a bowl for chopping, as well as shredders. Some models are equipped with a special metal hook that allows you to knead the dough for making pancakes, pancakes or pies. Many modern models have a workpiece vacuum pump. Depending on what you need a blender for, you need to select its power. It depends on the number of speeds of technology, varying in some devices from two to twelve. Another feature of many modern models is a turbo mode that allows the hostess to cook different dishes several times faster.

Main types and equipment

What is a blender? This is a simple and functional tool, as well as an indispensable thing in every home. Now in stores there are a huge number of a wide variety of models from major manufacturers - Braun, Bosch, Zelmer, Bork, Tefal, Redmond and Philips. All of them differ in size, design, appearance, functionality, configuration, and cost. Therefore, before choosing a particular model, the hostess must decide on her desires and capabilities.

There are two types of blenders - stationary and submersible. The first model can work independently, it is different large sizes and high power, therefore it is used for whipping creams and eggs, as well as kneading dough for pancakes, pancakes and pies. What is an immersion blender for? It is more compact and functional, but during operation it must be constantly held in hands. This technique is used to mix, grind and whip a small amount of ingredients. In addition, it does not take up much space on the shelves in the closet, so it is great for small apartments.

The blender in the popularity rating of kitchen appliances occupies one of the leading positions. So what is a blender for? What functions can it perform? Is it so necessary and can it be fully and justifiably replaced by some other device?

Why you need a stationary blender

The stationary blender has the shape of a jug, which is mounted on a block with a motor; As a rule, these models work quite loudly. Why do you need a blender of this kind? The answer is simple: with a fairly compact size, it can almost completely replace a food processor.

With it, you can quickly and efficiently perform the following functions:

• grind vegetables, fruits, meat, nuts, ice, etc.;
• mix the ingredients into a single homogeneous mass;
• prepare sauces and cocktails, mayonnaise, dressings of all kinds.

With the help of a classic stand blender, you can quickly prepare many gourmet dishes, since the functions of this type of blender are practically unlimited. Below are some of the available and delicious recipes with its use.

Several recipes for a stationary blender

Soup "Vichyssoise"

Ingredients:

• broth (preferably chicken) - 1l;
• fresh leek - 500 gr; onion- 1 PC.; green onion- 50 gr;
• cream - 200 ml;
• potatoes - 500 gr.

Cooking algorithm:

1. V butter fry leeks and onions;
2. add potatoes and broth to the frying, leave to cook for 20 minutes;
3. pour the soup into a blender, add chilled cream and beat thoroughly;
4. decorate the dish with green onions.

Pumpkin Cream Soup

Ingredients:

• pumpkin - 1 kg;
• garlic - head;
• broth - 1l;
• cream (fat-free) - 200 ml;
• butter - 100 g;
• bulb red;
• brandy - 50 g.

Cooking algorithm:

1. fry onions with garlic;
2. add pumpkin pieces to the frying and cook for about 20 minutes; 5 minutes before readiness, pour in brandy and evaporate alcohol;
3. transfer the pumpkin to a blender, add the broth and cream, beat everything together.

Cream soup is usually served immediately after its preparation. Cream gives the consistency of the dish a special delicate texture, so their quality must be monitored so as not to spoil such a soup. You can decorate it with fresh herbs or a drop of sour cream.

So what is a blender for? of this type- It's clear. With it, it is also very convenient to prepare milk, low-alcohol or alcoholic cocktails. In this case, the ingredients are placed in the blender carafe, ice is added and everything is crushed and mixed in seconds.

How to use an immersion blender

What is an immersion blender for? The functionality of such a blender is quite limited. In fact, you can only grind the ingredients and mix. These blender functions are indispensable in any kitchen, however, at least this is not enough for a multifunctional device, which any blender is positioned as.

To solve this problem, manufacturers began to equip basic version blender additional blocks and nozzles, thanks to which cooking with such a blender has become even easier. So in many modern popular models you can see:

• self-contained compartment with a sealed lid for especially hard products: the screw is actuated by the handle of the blender itself, from which the main nozzle is removed; you can crush ice in it, grind nuts into crumbs, grind coffee beans, cook minced meat;
• insert - whisk: allows you to beat eggs, prepare dough, sauces for which an airy texture is important (these functions make it possible to replace the mixer with the device).

With the help of any immersion blender, you can quickly prepare puree for children (therefore, the question “why do you need a blender?” often worries young mothers): for example, cut apples (bananas, quince, grapes, kiwi) into pieces, pour them into a glass and chop with blender.

Similarly, you can prepare vegetable purees (you should not use such a blender for mashed potatoes, as it turns out to be sticky, unappetizing). To prepare meat purees, it is better to use a universal chopper (the same autonomous unit).

An immersion blender with such an addition is indispensable in the arsenal of any hostess who loves culinary experiments. With it, it is convenient to mix components of different textures, achieving a special taste of the dish. You can also use it, for example, for self-cooking:

• breadcrumbs or any other breading;
• chocolate chips;
• vegetable or minced meat.

The immersion model does an excellent job with miniature doses of products, so it is convenient to use it to do, for example, decorative elements: sauces for decorating salads, sweet chocolate fillings, caramel masterpieces. If your device has a universal chopper, then you can practically make several dishes or preparations in parallel: for example, vegetable puree for a child and breading for cutlets for him. This significantly saves time and effort of the hostess, and the cooking process is faster.

Before my son was born, my blender was gathering dust in the kitchen - I just didn't know what to do with it. It turned out that it greatly simplifies the preparation of dishes. I propose to figure out together what a blender is for and how to use it.

What is this

Recently, I realized the beauty of using kitchen appliances, namely, what is a blender. A blender is an indispensable electrical appliance designed for:

• grinding food;
• preparation of emulsions, puree;
• whipping drinks, mousses, etc.;
• as well as ice cubes.

You can not buy a mixer if there is a nozzle on the blender in the form of a whisk. What can be cooked with a blender:

Image	Dish
	Ground meat
	Puree
	Soup puree
	Pate
	Sauces
	Smoothies
	Cocktails and mousses

There are two options for blender models: manual and stationary. The market is full of various variations for any color and wallet. If you need a blender, then you can easily find the right device.

Advantages and disadvantages various kinds blenders:

Photo	Description
	Hand or immersion blender Price: from 800 rubles Advantages: many nozzles allow you to process almost all products - one blender will replace a meat grinder, a combine and other devices; the unit is easy to use - just press the button; nozzles can be used for cooking in any dishes. Flaws: some nozzles, such as a whisk in a blender, are quite difficult to wash off the remnants of viscous mixtures.
	Stationary blender Price: from 1000 rubles Advantages: tight bowl lid prevents splashing; models are stable and easy to use. The device has several modes, which allows you to cook a variety of dishes without any extra effort. Flaws: If the main bowl breaks, the blender cannot be used until a replacement is purchased.

Application: 8 rules

Before using the blender, read the recommendations from the manufacturer in the "instruction manual" section - there you will learn about the features of the device and how each of the nozzles looks like.

How to Use a Hand Blender: 5 Important Rules

So, let's figure out what an immersion blender is for? This is a fairly multifunctional device - in the mixer you can prepare mashed potatoes, dough, creams, sauces and various drinks. Special nozzles will allow you to cut vegetables and fruits, grind ice, nuts, sugar and coffee, prepare minced meat of various consistencies.

How to use:

1. Prepare the motor, suitable attachment, mixing container and food.
2. Assemble the device following the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Load food into the bowl.
4. Plug the plug into the socket.
5. Choose the appropriate mode and act.

To avoid trouble follow simple rules then the blender will serve you long years and will become an indispensable assistant.

Image	Recommendations
	Rule 1 Most hand blenders come with a dedicated food bowl. If using the immersion blender in a different container, choose the deepest container.
	Rule 2 The processed products must cover the cutting part, otherwise the blender will not be able to beat anything.
	Rule 3 Watch the temperature of the product to be ground - it should not exceed 70 °C.
	Rule 4 Before chopping fruits and vegetables, get rid of the seeds, stalks and skins.
	Rule 5 Properly select nozzles for each product: Basic with knives- Designed for making purees and smoothies. Corolla- it is intended for preparation of the test, sauces, creams, cocktails. Chopper bowl- a mini-combine for mixing any products and cooking minced meat. There are also such attachments:

How to choose the most convenient blender and not overpay? Choose by options.

Photo: ves-market.ru

We will tell you about various types blenders - so you can choose which one is best for your kitchen. And we will try to answer the following questions in detail:

What is a blender for?

A blender is needed for grinding, mixing, whipping products.

These appliances are a cross between a food processor and a mixer. They got mixing capability from the mixer and chopping knives from the food processor.

Blenders are smaller and cheaper than food processors - however, they are designed for a small amount of products.

What does a blender do?

Compared to a mixer, a blender can handle harder foods and crush ice. But he can't beat air dough as well as a mixer does.

Photo: fashionhome.ru

You can also use it to prepare berry and fruit drinks, homemade mayonnaise, smoothies, ice cream cocktail, turn onions into gruel - for those who do not like it when onions float in soup and do many other tasty and healthy things. High power models are used for crushing ice and crushing nuts.

Types of blenders

There are two types of blenders - submersible (manual) and stationary. And the most convenient are combined models that combine the capabilities of both.

Immersion blenders (manual)

These devices are intended for grinding breadcrumbs, boiled and raw vegetables and herbs, preparing sauces and mashed potatoes, meat in small quantities. But it is better not to use a hand blender for cutting vegetables into salads, because the products will turn into porridge.

They are metallic or plastic case elongated shape, to which 2-bladed knives are fixed at one end. Such a blender is immersed in a container with products. Most manufacturers offer various additional attachments for their models, which significantly increase the functionality of the device.

Photo: nadavi.ru

Advantages

The ability to adjust the consistency of the dish - the uniformity of the consistency and the size of the grinding depend on the duration of the device.
- Easy to prepare small portions.
- Takes up little space during operation and storage.
- Easy Care.

Flaws

Cocktails are bad.
- Hard to crush nuts and ice.
- The device must be held in the hand during operation, while pressing the button. This can be difficult and takes time.

Blenders are not designed to work with thick dough, only with liquid. The device is not equipped with dough hooks.

Stationary blenders

Or bowl blenders. Such devices are suitable for preparing vegetable and fruit purees, batters, egg whites, smoothies, sauces, creams, puree soups, mixing cocktails, some models can handle ice crushing.

They are a bowl fixed on a stand, at the bottom of which there are legs that give it stability. Electricity is supplied to the stand, control buttons are placed on it.

Photo: nadavi.ru

Advantages

The bowl has a spout that allows you to conveniently pour sauce or cocktails.
- Independent work. The blender stands on the table, it is not required to hold it in your hands. All you have to do is download the products and select the required speed.

Flaws

Doesn't cut vegetables well.
- It is inconvenient to cook small portions - the contents are smeared on the walls, and the knife does not reach the food.
- Takes up more storage space.

Combination blenders

Such blenders are also called mini-combines and combine the functionality of both stationary and submersible. This is a set of an immersion blender, a chopper, a measuring cup, a knife attachment in a closed container, a whisk for whipping and other attachments. Sometimes it is completed with additional capacity.

Combined blenders have all the features of submersible blenders (mixing and chopping vegetables, spices, nuts, mashing). Their functionality is expanded due to the presence of a whisk nozzle: now you can whip creams, cocktails, egg whites, semi-liquid dough. The presence of a large bowl and a special knife for crushing ice allows you to turn the device into a stationary blender with all its functions.

Photo: braunmarket.ru

The main difference from food processors is that combined blenders have fewer options. They do not squeeze juices - such a nozzle is not provided, they cannot cook minced meat. The device works with a small amount of products, so you should not expect help from them during summer harvesting. With them, it is impossible to cut vegetables for salads, they simply grind them into porridge.

And the main disadvantage is the price. Such a kit will cost, of course, more expensive than a conventional blender without additional features.

How to choose the right blender? We study the characteristics

Pay attention to the parameters that determine whether it will be convenient for you to cook something tasty with it.

Material

The bowls of stationary blenders are usually made of plastic or glass. Glass is more environmentally friendly, is not afraid of damage during the processing of solid products, but the jug can break if dropped. Plastic absorbs odors, can become cloudy and scratch over time from frequent washing you can't cook hot food in it. Manufacturers took into account the shortcomings of plastic bowls and began to use heavy-duty plastic, which is highly resistant to damage, it does not stain or become cloudy when cooked. As a rule, the body of immersion blenders is made of metal or plastic.
Nozzles are better to choose metal. They have higher strength and work with hot products.

Power

The functionality of the blender also depends on this parameter. Power mainly varies from 200 to 700 watts. The higher the power, the more possibilities the blender has. The low-power device works fine with soft vegetables and liquids, but there are problems with solid foods. A device with a power of 600-700 W is able to cope even with a crush of ice.

Number of speeds

The lower the power of the blender, the lower its speeds. Low-power appliances are equipped with 2-3 speeds, high-power blenders have 5-7 speeds, and some models can have up to 12-14. Different products are more convenient to grind at different speeds

In addition to the number of speeds, the devices provide options for turbo mode, smooth speed control and pulse mode.

Turbo mode is the operation of the blender at maximum power. When you press the "turbo" button, the device automatically switches to the highest power, even if before that it was at the minimum. The option is intended to give the maximum volume to whipped products.

In pulse mode, the blender works with periodic stops to monitor the condition of the products. After two or three seconds, the device starts working again. Pulse mode can extend the life of the blender - it will protect the motor from overheating.

bowl volume

Usually the capacity of the bowl is 1-2 liters. In the selection process, it must be taken into account that the difference between the useful and the total volume is approximately 200-300 ml. If you want to use the appliance for preparing drinks and smoothies or mixing cocktails, you should choose a larger volume. To prepare baby food, you can choose less capacious models of 0.3-0.6 liters.

Instrument care

It is very easy to disassemble the device, it can also be washed easily and quickly.

Some stationary blenders are equipped with a self-cleaning option. For washing, it is poured into the bowl warm water and the clear button is pressed. If the model does not provide this function, do not be upset. The submersible can be lowered into clean water and turn it on for a few seconds. The blender is easy to clean, the main thing is to be careful not to get hurt. And for safety reasons, you should not give it to children - the knives of the device are very sharp.

Safety

Some manufacturers equip their appliances with a special option to automatically shut off if the blender is not properly assembled. This feature helps prolong the life of the blender and prevents it from spoiling.

Price

Immersion blenders Sinbo, Scarlett, Supra, Maxwell, etc. cost from 300 rubles. Inexpensive models do not have additional nozzles, their power varies from 170 to 250 watts.

The simplest stationary blenders cost from 500 rubles.

Popular models from Braun, Philips, Bosch, etc. cost from 1700 to 5000 rubles. Combined blenders of this price category are more convenient and functional to use, therefore they are more popular.

Choosing the right fittings

Blender attachments deserve special attention. The more nozzles - the more opportunities the device has - but the model is also more expensive. Therefore, before the final choice, you should think about whether all the nozzles will come in handy.

Photo: unit.ru

Nozzle for cutting. Easily copes with slicing fruits or hard vegetables, cutting cabbage, thinly slicing mushrooms. With it, it is convenient to chop onions - everything is done so quickly that there is no specific smell.

Nozzle blender. It is used for making sauces and purees, it does an excellent job of making mayonnaise. Helps to prepare pureed meals for the baby from fruits and vegetables. Copes with chopping greens and nuts, mixing cocktails.

Whisk attachment. The blender is used as a mixer - it helps to knead the dough, whip cream or proteins, it is convenient in the process of preparing various desserts.

Nozzle for shredding. Helps to shred, finely chop carrots, beets, apples, cabbage and hard cheeses.

vacuum system. Helps to keep food fresh for a long time or quickly marinate them. By using vacuum pump air is evacuated from the container, as a result a vacuum is created. To marinate kebabs, it is enough to pour the marinade over the meat placed in the container, close the lid, pump out the air - and after 30-40 minutes you can start cooking. The pump is a nozzle that helps to create a vacuum in the special containers included in the kit. Containers can be purchased separately. You can put any products in them, close the lid tightly and use a pump to pump air out of the container, creating a vacuum space. Some containers have a calendar on the lid where you can mark the date the product was sealed. This allows you to control the degree of freshness of the product.

What is the best blender to buy? We make a decision

Before deciding which blender to buy, try to answer the question - why do you need a blender?

If the family has a baby - choose a hand blender. Meals for the baby should be freshly prepared, which means that you need a serving of 100-200 ml of puree. This task is best handled by a blender on a leg.

Remember that there are also special models that are designed exclusively for preparing baby food, such as the PhilipsAvent Steam Blender.

If you cook vegetables, sauces - for these purposes it is also better to choose an immersion blender. In addition, it is more versatile - if necessary, you can put it in any pan, a device with a metal leg - even in a hot one. And the amount of food being cooked is not limited by the volume of the bowl. If you want to buy an immersion blender, then you should check if it is comfortable in your hand, if it is not very heavy, if you can get the switch buttons during operation.

Love fruit drinks and smoothies? Making juices with ice? Do you bake cakes with nut filling? Then it is better to buy a stationary blender - it will be more convenient for you. When buying, you should pay attention to the presence of a handle and spout on the jug, stability. It is worth checking the length of the power cord - whether it will reach the outlet. Using a blender will be more comfortable if there are clear large marks on the jug.

In general, the more features, the higher the cost. Decide first what type of blender you want and then look at the features that matter most to you. You also need to take into account the benefits of some accessories that can save you buying another appliance later.

The device must be powerful enough to meet your needs. For blending sauces, condiments, desserts, 300 watts is enough, but if you want to mix ice-cold drinks, you will need a blender with at least 500 watts.

The instrument must have at least three speeds.
The blade is more reliable of stainless steel.
Try whether it is convenient for you to operate the device (especially important for models in which the button must be held down during operation).
Well, when there is a pulse mode.

Choose the right blender - and a skilled assistant will be added to your kitchen!