Blenders

A blender is one of the single most useful appliances you can get for your kitchen, and there is a range of different things you can do with one that provides quick and easy meals, many of which are also very healthy. Similarly, a food processor is another small kitchen appliance that can make many of the same types of dishes if you use the blending attachments and also has a more versatile range of other functions.

Which is the best blender?

If you are keen on improving your health and fitness, then either appliance will help you to do precisely that by providing lots of easy ways to enjoy more fruits and vegetables  thereby increasing your intake of vitamins.

Of course, everyone knows that they can use a blender or food processor to make simple things like soup or smoothie, either of which has amazing health benefits. However, what they may be less aware of is the vast range of other things they can make with them and so might not be getting the most out of their kitchen appliances.

Blender Buyer Checklist

You are considering two blenders. The value is identical, so what type do you get? If you are planning to be assisting a family of 5 regularly, jar capacity could be the most vital characteristic to think about. However, a couple residing in a small condo might be more interested in just how much counter space their blender will probably need.

These are the basic blender functions you should think about before choosing one model over another.

• Look at the motor. Most blending and mixing jobs require a maximum of 400 or 500 watts unless you know you should have more power.
• Exactly what is the warranty like? High-end blenders quite often deliver a 7 to 10-year warranty. Just be sure you understand precisely what is included in the warranty, in particular, the motor.
• Understand the size, shape, and capacity of the blender jar. Does the blender jar have all of the features you require, or in case you are shopping on price, is it durable and minimally meeting your base requirements?
• Fully understand your space requirements. Evaluate the space you might have in your house where you will end up storing your blender. Write these numbers down whilst keeping them with you. The best deal blender buy in the world is wasted money in the event you can’t keep the machine where you have to.
• The number of parts that are machine washable? Getting a blender which is completely machine cleanable, except obviously for the motor, might mean spending a bit more money.
• Possible accessories need to be taken into account. Whether bought them now or later, knowing that your machine has accessories to make bread dough, creating soups and cereals, and doing other jobs is one thing you should know.
• To have an immersion blender, insist upon a minimum of 200 watts. These are the basic long, cylindrical, inexpensive blenders you stick right into a glass or jar for mixing and blending.
• Price should really be a significant consideration when planning on buying a personal blender. These compact machines usually only make 1 smoothie or juice drink each time and therefore are limited in wattage and versatility, so going low on the price is usually the best idea.
• Some blenders are really loud, others are relatively quiet. Check out the blenders you’re looking at to find out precisely how noisy they may be.

Vitamix 5200 Series Blender Review

The Vitamix organization continues to be producing high quality, high-performance blenders since 1921. Being around that long implies that Vitamix knows what they are doing once they make a blender. While new items constantly emerge for Vitamix as well as other blending companies, the 5200 model continues to be out for a long time. This is a workhorse of a machine, comes with high client satisfaction ratings on Amazon as well as other retail websites, and costs up to a few hundred dollars less than newer high-performance models that have the same features. Let’s take a close look.

Essential Elements of the Vitamix 5200 Series Blender

• Big 64 ounce blender jar
• Speed control change without stopping your blending
• Friction heat feature can take foods from cold to steaming hot in 6 minutes
• 1,200 watt, 2 horsepower motor
• Blender on motor measures 17″ tall by 8.75″ deep and 7.25″ wide

Exactly What Makes the Vitamix 5200 Series Blender a brilliant Purchase?

Some verified buyers on Amazon observed that even apple peels, as well as the smallest seeds, were crushed so fine they can not be noticed inside a smoothie. So whatever you choose to blend, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts or any other foods, this blender won’t leave massive pieces of food in your mixture.

The 5200 comes built with great features, just like a built-in cooling fan to ensure your motor doesn’t overheat. You get a big 64 ounce blender container that will serve a family of four to five easily, a spill-proof pouring feature along with a whole food recipe cookbook. Your blender purchase also includes a how to get started guide in both DVD and printed versions.

This Vitamix machine comes covered by a bumper-to-bumper 7 year warranty, and offers restaurant-quality mixing and blending in your own home. Whether you would like to make cold or hot soups, blend flour to make bread, mix a smoothie or create nut butters and ice creams, the Vitamix 5200 is equipped for the task.

Due to the ability of the laser-cut stainless-steel blades to finely grind almost any food, this can be used as a juicer. Simply add watery veggies like celery or cucumbers first, add a little water or perhaps a healthy liquid like coconut water or a plant-based milk, and after that, add your vegetables.

Among the neatest functions is the ability to alter your blending speed without first turning the device off. In the middle of a blend, simply turn the speed dial down or up to achieve an ideal speed for your thickness you are looking for. While a tamper is included for breaking up food products that collect or jam together, this is simply not a scenario that comes about too often using this machine.

The reason behind this is actually the circular jar as opposed to some square jars on more costly machines, where food may become stored in the corners. Overall an excellent device, to be found in black or white, supported by a company that stands behind a long warranty and a cost less than newer machines with similar features.

Ninja Professional Blender Review

When you have decided to get healthier diet choices, the Ninja Professional Blender can easily be a good accessory for any nutrition plan. Regardless if you are attempting to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet plan, this machine churns out creamy, delicious smoothies, which can be more nourishing than energy drinks. But why not consider the blender’s functionality, simplicity of use, and features?

Options that come with the Ninja Professional Blender

Ninja provides a multitude of blenders to accommodate different users. Their Ninja Professional Blenders are part of the Total Crushing TM Series, and there are two versions in this line to choose from. The BL660 features a 1,100 watt (or 1.48 HP) motor, one large pitcher; two single-serve cups with lids, the single-serve blade, and another stacked blade assembly. The NJ600 model doesn’t feature the 2 16oz to-go cups along with their single-serve blade assembly. Additionally, it includes a 1,000 watt (or 1.34 HP) motor. The main container for both blenders features a side handle and holds 72oz (9-cups) of fluid, which makes it a great choice for big sized servings. No matter the Ninja Professional blender you decide on, both models in this particular series will have these features.

• Multi-speed options

The Ninja Professional blenders offer as much as 3 blending speeds along with a pulse option. However, the BL660 version is the only one that has a single cup button for quickly blending the correct quantity of ingredients, which will easily fit into one of the to-go Nutri Ninja cups. The good thing is that you simply don’t need to guess which speed setting to make use of when blending different ingredients. The consumer manual includes a speed chart that lets users know which positioning to use for different types of ingredients.

• Total Crushing Technology Powered by Six Stacked Blades

As opposed to other blenders that have one rotating blade, the Ninja Professional machines have half a dozen. These six blades are piled along a vertical spindle, which makes sure that all ingredients within the container are processed uniformly. The top speed motor and cyclonic crushing blades enable fast functioning. You may also blend harsh ingredients like frozen fruits as well as ice cubes right into powdery snow quickly.

• Well-designed lock-on pitcher lid

The Ninja Professional blenders all include a skillfully designed lid for the pitcher. The motor is not going to turn on when the lid is not attached correctly. You need to match the arrow on the lid and the arrow around the pitcher handle. The lid also offers a pouring spout with flip cap for mess-free serving and it provides a grip with a quick-release button.

Can be the Ninja Professional Blender Worth Buying?

Generally, with regards to purchasing a blender, you’d probably assess whether a specific device meets your processing needs. However, the Ninja Professional Blender is flexible because it can make smoothies in large batches or single servings. As a result, deciding upon the factor for this unit comes down to your finances since most customers have mostly given it excellent reviews. On the whole, Ninja Professional blenders make a great choice should you be looking to spend just a little over or under $100 concerning the chosen model. Because of its large sized pitcher and powerful motor, this blender could even be utilized in a cafe or restaurant or any other commercial setting.

Pros

• 10-pound heavy-duty design
• Handles enable easy handling of the pitcher
• Generously sized 72oz pitcher makes smoothies for the entire family
• It is possible to handily carry your smoothies in the Nutri Ninja cups when on the go
• Because the base has a storage compartment for the cord, this will make it less complicated to maintain your kitchen cabinet or countertop neat in the event the blender is not being used
• The decent selection of speed choices on this unit allow you to process an array of hard and soft ingredients
• See-through pitcher with calibrated scale removes the need for guesswork in regards measuring ingredients
• All plastic parts are BPA free, so that you don’t need to worry about toxic substances getting into drinks
• Six blade assembly and powerful motor bring professional blending capacity to your kitchen area
• All removable parts such as the blades (aside from the motor base) are dishwasher safe, allowing for easy cleanup

Top 5 Personal Size Blenders That Will Make Your Life Easier

Blenders never go out of style due to their ease, versatility, and speed. However, you might not want to use a full-size blender when you are merely making your morning breakfast smoothie. In this case, you can use a personal-size blender.

These come with a travel cup. This makes it easy to bring it with you during a busy morning. Or you can quickly transfer it to a cup of your choice. And you’ll appreciate the versatility of the personal size blender and the fact it saves you time in the mornings.

These personal size blenders are simple to use and create a wonderful smoothie that fits right into your clean eating lifestyle. Plus, it saves time from getting out the big blender.

Oster BLSTPB-WBL My Blend 250-Watt Blender with Travel Sport Bottle, Light Powder Blue

The handy Oster BLSTPB-WBL My Blend personal blender is a 250-watt blender coming in a multitude of fun colors, including the classic light power blue color. The blender and accompanying sports bottles are dishwasher safe and free of BPA plastic.

The personal blender comes with recipes for delicious smoothies and shakes. The sport bottle it comes with can be pulled right off the blender and brought with you for easy transport. It also includes one-touch blending for speed and ease. This blender retails about $20.

Hamilton Beach 51101BA Personal Blender with Travel Lid, Black

The affordable and effective Hamilton Beach 51101BA personal blender comes with a travel cup and lid, making it easy to blend and take the drink with you. Not only does this blender work with your clean eating shakes and smoothies, but you can also make salad dressing and marinade with all-natural ingredients and no preservatives.

It blends fast and comes with a 175-watt blending motor. It retails a budget-friendly at around $15.

BELLA 13586 12-Piece Rocket Blender, Stainless Steel and Black

The BELLA 13586 personal blender comes in a wide range of colors, from sleek stainless steel and black to fun colors like orange, green, and red. All plastic components are BPA-free and the dual-action blades make it perfect for slicing and grinding all those fruits and vegetables that will become part of your clean eating lifestyle.

Put in your favorite chopped fruit, yogurt and almond milk, and you have yourself a delicious and healthy smoothie. This blender retails about $20. There is also a shaker lid if you want to add any flavorings or seasonings to your blender.

Hamilton Beach 51102 Single-Serve Blender with 2 Jars and 2 Lids, White

Bring the Hamilton Beach 51102 single-serve blender bottle with you right after blending your cold smoothie. Add your ingredients, let the stainless steel blades cut through the chopped fruits and vegetables, then unscrew it and put it in your car.

The slim design fits in the majority of car drink holders and is easy to wash due to being dishwasher-safe. The neutral white color makes it a perfect addition to any kitchen style. Purchase the single-serve blender and get a total of 2 jars and lids for under $20.

Magic Bullet MBR-1701 17-Piece Express Mixing Set

Get more for your money when you spend a little more at around $40 for the Magic Bullet MBR-1701 blender! Which is a steal for this awesome blender.

This blender doesn’t just come with 1 or 2 cups and lids, but a total of 2 cups, 4 mugs, 2 vented lids and 2 sealed lids. It also contains a color recipe book and high-speeds for making salad dressings, shakes, blended coffee, baby food, and anything you like. All cups and mugs are dishwasher and microwave-safe. They can also be placed in the freezer.

As you can see the personal size blender won’t break the bank, but it a wise investment if you are going to be making smoothies. You will actually save money if you stop at the local coffee shop on your way to work or run errands. With these you just throw in the ingredients and blend for a healthy, vitamin-enriched drink!

Stock

Did you know, for example, that you could make your own stock? Here you put your leftover vegetable peel and bits of meat into a blender with lots of water and allow it to do its work. This is far quicker than the slow boiling technique usually used to make stock. This is a great way to avoid wasting your food and to add flavor to your meals, which will be much stronger than bought stock.

Grow Your Own

This same process can also be used to make organic fertilizer for plants, which is fundamentally just broken down organic material. Here you can be less discriminatory too as you won’t have actually to taste what goes into your concoction. Anything then from vegetable peel to eggshells can go into your blender or food processor and then be sprinkled on your compost for the plants.
You can then use this to grow your own organic vegetables, which is one of the healthiest and most sustainable foods you can possibly eat!

Protein Shake

You can also try more complicated things. For example, if you currently spend a lot of money on a protein shake, then why not use a blender to whip up your own for half the price and start building muscle? Alternatively, why not make your own souffle or mousse for an exciting pudding that doesn’t involve too much work or time to create.
This is only a small sample of what can be done with these kitchen appliances, so don’t limit yourself to soups and smoothies. Furthermore, if you don’t already own a blender or food processor, then be sure to invest in one as soon as possible.

Green Smoothie Recipes

Pectin-Rich Digestive and Immune Boosting Smoothie

This pectin-rich digestive smoothie combines the nutritional power of immune boosting and digestion friendly foods such as kefir, pineapple, chamomile, apple, avocado and honey. With anti-inflammatory and gut soothing benefits, this is the perfect smoothie for boosting your digestive function or when you are feeling a little out of sorts.

Yield: 3 Servings
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients
• 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt or kefir
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 3/4 cup diced fresh pineapple
• 1 organic apple, diced
• 1/2 cup chamomile tea
• 1 teaspoon raw honey

Directions
In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until very smooth. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info Per Serving:
Calories: 260; Total Fat: 14.8 g; Carbs: 26.4 g; Dietary Fiber: 6.9 g; Sugars: 17.1 g; Protein: 9.3 g; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Sodium: 30 mg

Anti-Aging Smoothie

This delicious green smoothie delivers a berrylicious blast of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that get rid of wrinkle inducing free radicals and the omega-3s from the Brazil nuts and flax seeds plump up your skin giving it a youthful luster. The kale cuts the sweetness, but the flavors of the berries and orange juice really shine through.

Yield: 4 Servings
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients
• 2 cups frozen blueberries
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 1½ cups cold coconut water
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 Brazil nuts
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds

Directions
In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until very smooth. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info Per Serving:
Calories: 354; Total Fat: 29 g; Carbs: 23.9 g; Dietary Fiber: 5.5 g; Sugars: 13.1 g; Protein: 5.6 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 30 mg

Clear Skin Green Smoothie

This yummy smoothie for clear skin is bursting with healthy fats, antioxidants and the perfect mix of vitamins from avocado, kiwi, coconut oil and spirulina. The cucumber and coconut water hydrate your skin giving it a beautiful and clear glow. The veggies offer skin cleansing benefits that leave your skin looking and feeling fresh, smooth and glowing.

Yield: 3 Servings
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients
• ½ avocado
• 2 kiwifruit
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin coconut oil
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut water
• 1 small cucumber
• 1 organic carrot
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon spirulina powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh ground flaxseed
• 2 tablespoons hemp
• Stevia, optional

Directions
In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until very smooth. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info Per Serving:
Calories: 367; Total Fat: 31.4 g; Carbs: 22.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 7.8 g; Sugars: 10.3 g; Protein: 5.3 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 52 mg

Weight Loss Green Smoothie

Endowed with omega-3s and beta-carotene from the flax seed and carrots and healthy vitamins led by vitamin A and a great dose of dietary fiber, this green smoothie is the ultimate way to kick start your weight loss efforts. Drink a tall glass of our weight loss smoothie first thing in the morning to boost your metabolism.

Yield: 5 Servings
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup grapefruit
• ¼ cup orange
• ¼ cup pineapple
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
• ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 cup baby spinach
• ¼ head celery
• 1 cup chopped mint
• 3 carrots
• 2 apples

Directions
In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until very smooth. Serve over ice.

Nutritional Info Per Serving:
Calories: 175; Total Fat: 8.6 g; Carbs: 24.8 g; Dietary Fiber: 6.2 g; Sugars: 15.8 g; Protein: 2.9 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 65 mg