Blenders Everywhere, How Do You Choose?

Picking out a blender, so many to choose from! The main issues to consider would be.

1.) What do you want to use it for, chopping nuts, pureeing, ice?

2.) What size do you need. Most blenders come in two sizes, a 32 oz. and a 40 oz., (3-4 cups) If you need to blend larger quantities , a food processor would be a better choice.

3.) How much power do you need? Blender's power (watts) come in anything from 290 watts to 450 watts.

4.) What construction would be best for my needs, glass, plastic, or stainless steel. Plastic is cheaper, lighter and is to prone to crack when adding hot foods and shouldn't be washed in the dishwasher. Glass is heavy, not a good choice for little kids, can crack when adding hot foods so make sure it is shatter resistant, glass can be washed in the dishwasher. Stainless is heavy and you can see through it to see what is going on. This is good for blending large batches of frozen drinks.

5.) The container shape needs to be taken in to consideration, some are easier to scrape the sides to get the food out.

6.) The lid can be an issue too. Some blenders have secondary lids in the center that can be remove to add additional items.

7.) Ease of cleaning. Make sure the bottom is removable to be cleaned easily. Be sure to pay attention when disassembling the blade and gasket for reassembly.

8.) Read product review at Epinions.

So taking all of this into consideration. Its time to buy a blender. I bought a Osterizer Slope Blender, glass jar, shatter resistant, 450 watts (I want to grind that ice!) 14 speed, blender. The cost was 39.99 bought at Target on April 18, 2000.

The glass container has graduated measurements on it. It is molded of hot and cold resistant material. A specially designed pouring lip makes it easy to pour out liquid. The bottom is removable, sometimes it is easier to spoon out thick food out the bottom.

The cover is self sealing, is made of vinyl which resists absorption of stains and food odors. In the center is a plastic feeder cap to add ingredients when blending.

The motor is a powerful 450 watt, multi speed motor that is "free floating" to reduce noise. The motor is completely enclosed.

The bottom does remove for cleaning and extracting food out the bottom. It has a high grade stainless steel agitator, a sealing ring, and a container bottom.

This Osterizer blender operates on a wide range of speeds (14) that can be used for two types of operation, continuous and controlled cycle blending, which is intermitted cycles of a couple seconds. This blender has a Pulse button but don't hold it down any longer than 2 seconds.

Cleaning is a snap, pour 3 cups of water and a little dishwasher liquid in the blender, blend, and pour out. Wash the outside of the container., lid and dry. Don't immerse the motor housing just wipe it off. The directions suggest not washing in the dishwasher, most likely because of the blend of materials making up the container.

Warranty, a one year limited warranty by Sunbeam Products Inc

This blender has functioned very well since we purchased it. Comparing it to other blender's we have had in the past it is sensational. I recommend it to everyone.