Blender Buying Guide: Find the Best Blender for Your Kitchen

Are you seeking a high-quality blender to help you whip up delicious smoothies, soups, and sauces? Look only as far as our comprehensive blender buying guide. With so many different blenders on the market today, it can be overwhelming to try and choose the right one for your needs. However, by following our expert tips and recommendations, you can be sure you're investing in one of Australia's best blenders for smoothies and more.

Blenders have come a long way since their invention in the early 20th century. Initially used for making soda fountain drinks and milkshakes, blenders have become an essential kitchen appliance for any home cook or professional chef. Of course, not all blenders are created equal, so it's necessary to carefully consider a range of factors before making your purchase. For those looking to take their blending game to the next level, various essential blender add-ons are also available. From specialised blades for grinding nuts and seeds to larger containers for batch blending, these add-ons can help you get even more use out of your blender. So whether you're a smoothie lover, soup enthusiast, or simply looking for a versatile kitchen appliance, our blender buying guide has everything you need to make an informed decision. Let's dive in and find the perfect blender for you.

Quick Links

• Frequently Asked Questions
• What Are The Types of Blenders
• How to Choose Motor Power?
• What To Look For When Buying a Blender?
• How Long Should A Blender Last?
• Shop for the Best Blenders at Harris Scarfe, Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

How do blenders work?

Blenders use a motor to power a rotating blade that chops and blends ingredients in the container. The blade's speed and design create a vortex that pulls ingredients towards the blade, ensuring a consistent blend.

What are blenders used for?

Blenders are commonly used for blending, pureeing, or chopping ingredients for smoothies, soups, sauces, dips, and dressings. They can crush ice, make nut butter, and grind coffee or spices.

Which blenders are the best?

The best blender for you depends on your specific needs and budget. Some highly recommended brands at Harris Scarfe known for their quality and performance are Smith & Nobel, Russel Hobbs, and Breville.

What Are The Types of Blenders

When choosing a blender, there are a few different types to consider. Each type has unique features and benefits, so it's essential to consider your blending needs before selecting. Let's take a closer look at the three main types of blenders:

Countertop Blenders

Countertop blenders are the most traditional types designed to sit on your kitchen counter. They typically feature a sizable pitcher-style container holding several servings of blended ingredients at once. These blenders are great for making smoothies, soups, sauces, and other blended recipes that require a lot of volumes.

Some of the best blenders for smoothies in Australia are countertop blenders. They often come with powerful motors and multiple speed settings that easily blend even the toughest ingredients. Some popular countertop blenders at Harris Scarfe include the Smith & Nobel 7-piece 1000W Nutrient blender or the Ninja Nutri Pro blender. Additionally, many countertop blenders come with essential blender addons like specialised blades and larger containers that can help you get even more use out of your appliance.

Benefits of Countertop blenders:

• Large capacity
• Powerful motors and multiple speed settings
• Easy to pour pitcher style container

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Super Blenders And Bullet Blenders

For those who require heavy-duty blending, a high-performance blender, also known as a super blender, is the way to go. These appliances offer extra power and versatility, making them suitable for various blending tasks.

Here are some benefits of using a high-performance blender:

• Versatility: High-performance blenders like the Ninja Foodi Nutri Blend & Power mix can perform a range of tasks, such as crushing wet and dry ingredients, making nut butter, creating spice pastes, etc.
• Powerful: These blenders are extra powerful and can easily handle tough ingredients like kale. Some can even crush large amounts of ice into a snow-like appearance.
• Hot Soup: With blade friction alone, some high-performance blenders can create hot soup in around five minutes from entirely raw ingredients. We love the Healthy Choice 2-in-1 Hot & Cold blender for offering this functionality.
• Dry Jugs: Some super blenders have heavy-duty 'dry' jugs available to blend abrasive and hard foods without damaging your regular jar. Alternatively, you can buy a separate jug just for dry tasks.

Benefits of Bullet Blenders:

• Super powerful blending
• Compact size
• Versatile attachments and container sizes
• Fast blending

Immersion Blenders

These are also known as hand blenders or stick blenders. They are designed to be hand-held and immersed directly into your blending container. Immersion blenders are great for blending small quantities of ingredients, like making a single-serving smoothie or pureeing soup directly in the pot. They are also incredibly easy to clean. You can detach the blending wand from the motor and rinse it under the tap. While they may not have the same power as countertop blenders, immersion blenders are often more affordable and take up less storage space. A few popular options to consider include the Breville All-in-1 stick blender or the S&N Hand Blender Set.

Benefits of Immersion Blenders:

• Can be conveniently used straight in a pot or bowl
• Great for large quantities that would not fit in a bench top or bullet blender
• Easy to store
• Variety of attachments available

Personal Blenders and Compact Blenders

Personal blenders are a compact, portable option perfect for on-the-go blending. These blenders typically come with a small blending container that doubles as a travel cup, making it easy to blend up a smoothie or shake and take it with you on your daily commute or to the gym.

While personal blenders may have different power or capacity than countertop blenders, they are a convenient option for those who only need to blend small quantities of ingredients. They are also great for those short on storage space, as they are often more compact and lightweight than other types of blenders. We highly recommend the Mix N Move Portable Blender for all your on-to-go blending needs.

Benefits of Personal Blenders:

• Compact and portable - perfect for work or gym
• Great for one person
• Lightweight
• Easy storage

How to Choose Motor Power?

Motor power is essential when purchasing a blender, as it can significantly affect performance. The motor powers the blades that blend the ingredients. The higher the motor power, the better the blending performance. Here's what you need to know:

• Motor power is measured in watts - a higher wattage means a more powerful motor.
• 300-600 watts of motor power is sufficient for regular household use.
• If you plan to use your blender for heavy-duty tasks, such as crushing ice or blending tough ingredients, look for a motor power of at least 1000 watts or more.
• Personal blenders usually have lower motor power, ranging from 200-300 watts, since they are designed for single-serving sizes and lighter blending tasks.
• High-performance blenders typically have the most powerful motors, ranging from 1200-2000 watts, making them suitable for heavy-duty blending tasks such as making nut butter or milling flour.
• When selecting the appropriate motor power for your blender, it is crucial to consider what you plan to use it for. A powerful motor can easily handle heavy-duty blending tasks. In contrast, a lower-powered motor is suitable for light blending functions. Whatever your needs, there is a personal or high-performance blender with motor power to match.

What To Look For When Buying a Blender?

When choosing the best blender for your needs, it's essential to consider the various features available. Here are some of the most critical elements to consider when purchasing a blender:

• Container Size: The container size matters, as it determines the quantity you can blend at once. The container size will vary depending on the type of blender, with countertop blenders having larger containers than personal or immersion blenders. Choose a container size that best suits your needs.
• Blade Material and Design: The blade material and design can affect the blender's performance. Stainless steel blades are the most common and durable; the design can vary depending on the blender. Some blades are designed to create a vortex to pull ingredients down. In contrast, others are serrated to crush ice or pulverise tough ingredients.
• Speed Settings: Speed settings allow you to control the blender's speed, giving you more control over the blending process. Look for a blender with multiple speed settings so you can adjust the speed to suit your needs.
• Pulse Function: A pulse function is a handy feature that allows the blending of ingredients in short bursts. This is ideal for tasks like chopping or creating a chunkier texture, as it gives you more control over the blending process.
• Programs and Pre-set Settings: Some blenders come with pre-set programs, such as smoothie or ice-crushing, making blending more effortless and efficient. Look for a blender with programs that match your needs.
• Noise Level: Blender noise can be a concern, particularly if you blend early in the morning or late at night. Look for a blender with a low noise level if this concerns you.
• Ease of Cleaning: Finally, consider how easy the blender is to clean. Look for a blender with a removable blade for easy cleaning and one with dishwasher-safe parts if possible.
• Price Range: Blenders vary significantly, from budget options to high-end models. Decide your budget before you start shopping, and look for a blender that offers the features you need at a price point that works for you.
• Brand Reputation: Consider the brand reputation when purchasing a blender. Shop brands with a history of producing quality products and providing excellent customer service. All blender brands available through Harris Scarfe offer quality and longevity and are available at fantastic prices.
• Warranty and Customer Support: A good warranty and customer support are important when purchasing a blender. Look for a blender covered under warranty for at least a year from a brand that has a responsive customer support team. Knowing you're covered if something goes wrong will give you peace of mind.

How Long Should A Blender Last?

The lifespan of a blender can vary depending on a range of factors, including frequency of use, maintenance, and quality of the blender. Generally speaking, a well-maintained blender lasts 5 to 10 years. However, it's common for high-end blenders to last even longer. In Australia, the lifespan of a blender can be impacted by the quality of the product and the usage frequency. If you use your blender regularly and for heavy-duty tasks, it's essential to invest in a high-quality blender that can easily handle these tasks. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and blade sharpening, can also extend the lifespan of your blender.

Shop for the Best Blenders at Harris Scarfe, Australia

If you're looking for the best blenders for smoothies, soups, nut butter or crushing ice - Harris Scarfe, Australia has you covered. Offering a wide range of products across varying capacities, motor power and functionalities - you'll be spoilt for choice while shopping for blenders at Harris Scarfe. Beyond blenders, you could also shop for a host of kitchen appliances and electrical appliances from the convenience of your home. Order online and opt for home delivery or choose a click-and-collect. Alternatively, you could visit your nearest Harris Scarfe outlet to browse and shop in person from our massive kitchen range. Happy shopping!