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Real Simple Rates Blenders

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Blenders
Blenders are one of those appliances that you might not use everyday, but when you do use them, you use them a lot. A barbecue on a hot summer day might require several batches of daiquiris or margaritas. A cold week in the middle of winter might have you pureeing thick, hearty soups every day. Or, you might love the convenience of using a blender to make a quick batch of waffle batter on a weekend morning. A good blender should be powerful, easy to use and easy to clean. In a recent issue of Real Simple magazine (June 2012), the road tested 52 different to narrow the field to the best of the best. If you find yourself in need of a new blender – as I am, at the time of writing this – their top picks just might be a handy shopping guide.

  • Best All Around: The KitchenAid 5 Speed Blender is Real Simple’s top pick. It’s powerful, quiet and compact. You can’t go wrong with this one, no matter what your blending needs are.
  • Best Budget: The Oster 12 Speed with Food Processor Attachment is the most affordable blender of the bunch, still packing the power of the pricier models. It’s not quiet, but the small food processor attachment makes this a 2-in-1 appliance, too.
  • Best Single Serve: The Cuisinart Compact Portable Blending/Chopping System is perfect for smoothie lovers. The has four 16-ounce cups that you can blend-and-go with, but also includes a large canister for times when you need to serve a crowd.
  • Best Immersion: The All-Clad Immersion Blender is best for pureeing things like soups and applesauce right in the pots you cook them in. It’s efficient and space saving.
  • Best Superpower: The Vitamix 5200 is quiet, fast and ultra-powerful. It ticks all the boxes, but comes with a hefty price tag. It can be well worth it if give your blenders serious workouts and want to ensure that they really hold up over time.

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7 Comments
  • Claris Leigh
    May 31, 2012

    i love my blender so much, especially during the summer!! smoothies, milkshakes, frozen lemonades – so vital for the summertime!

  • Stephanie P.
    May 31, 2012

    Well, I’m glad that KA was rated tops, as mine has certainly served me well, and matches nicely with my KA Food Processor and Stand Mixer. BUT I’m currently thinking of any way I can break it so I can get a Vitamix!

    And if you’re in the market, I think it’d be great to send your support to Cleveland, OH and Vitamix! They make HOT soup in 9 minutes for Pete’s sakes! 🙂

    Costco also has one for $500 that includes the $100 grain blade container. I wish it was the one that was coutertop cabinet (shorter container) height though or I’d buy it for sure.

  • I have the Ninja and LOVE it! I use it for everything!!!

  • Chris S.
    June 1, 2012

    Totally agree. Looked at other reviews last year and absolutely love my KitchenAid!!! It still amazes me how well it works and my kids never hesitate to use it. Very fun! Also love the container..1 piece. Absolute breeze of cleanup.

  • Amy Sherman
    June 3, 2012

    I have the VitaMix 5200 and I love it! I tested the Ninja and there is just no comparison. The velvety texture you get in soups and sauces in restaurants is easy to achieve with this fabulous blender. It IS pricey, but my local Costco often sells the 5200 for under $400.

  • Jennifer
    June 7, 2012

    A few years back we needed a blender, and we ended up buying a very well-rated (& affordable) blender – a $50 Braun. It has been a *wonderful* blender, taking everything I’ve thrown at it, including ice with ease! I love the glass container, as it doesn’t “hold” onto any unwanted flavors.
    BTW, the model we own is the Braun PowerBlend MX 2050, 525 W. Unfortunately, it’s more expensive now (~$75).
    Happy blending! : )
    (Note: I just looked online and the reviews aren’t very good. Perhaps their manufacturing quality has decreased since we bought ours. Hmm…)

  • Susie
    June 10, 2012

    We have a Breville, which is actually a two-in one machine (it can be a juicer or a blender) and it is the most amazing blender I have ever owned. (the juicer part is also rather impressive, but I have nothing to compare it to!).

    It has all these setting that do the pulsing for you, I never have to adjust the stuff inside as I did in my old blender and it eats ice in moments… as you can tell, I am impressed! Just thought I should mention it as Breville wasn’t mentioned!

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