Why buy a Hand Blender?
Maybe you are considering purchasing a hand blender? Perhaps you have heard about hand blenders, but are unsure of their benefits? Either way, this guide will provide some basic information on the uses of hand blenders, and advise you what to look for when purchasing one.
What is a Hand Blender?
A hand blender is a kitchen appliance that is used to blend ingredients. Unlike a regular blender or a food processor – where the ingredients are put into a removable mixing bowl, a hand blender is handheld, with the ingredients staying in a regular bowl. The hand blender is then turned on, activating the blades, and is physically moved around the bowl, blending and pureeing the food as it goes. As well as increased portability, the main advantage hand blenders have over conventional blenders is the ease in which they can be cleaned.
Most home hand blenders have a shaft of around 10-12 inches. Professional models can be up to double in size, and have more powerful motors.
What to Look for when Purchasing a Hand Blender
The first thing you should consider when making a purchase is what you will use the hand blender for. More expensive versions have higher powered motors, which can cut through dry vegetables a lot easier than cheaper models. The way to compare the power is by looking at the wattage. You will find that top-end hand blenders can produce upwards of 400 watts of power. A cheap hand blender may only produce 100-200 watts of power – this is fine for mixing shakes, batters and drinks, but may struggle with more solid foods.
User friendliness can be a big issue. Some hand blenders have contoured handles for extra grip and comfort. Cheaper models may have a simple on/off setting, while more expensive items sometimes offer a range of speed settings, offering you more flexibility and control depending on what you are blending.
Size is another factor. The length of the hand blender shaft can vary between around 10 and 20 inches. You should bear this in mind if you only have limited storage space. If you are really stuck for space look for a hand blender which has a hanging hook at the end. It can then be hung up in a cupboard when not in use.
It is also worth checking the cord length. If you have a large kitchen but limited plug sockets, then a 5ft or 10ft long cord may be a necessity.
You should also consider what extras come with the product. Better hand blenders often come with more than one attachment, such as a whisk, and also often come with their own mixing bowl.
If you plan to use the hand blender on a regular basis you should also look at the length of the warranty included on it. One year should be included as standard, but the cheapest models may only have six months or less.
The best thing to do when purchasing a hand blender is think about your requirements and shop around to get the best product to suit your needs, at the right price.
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