Having and Using a Blender in Your Kitchen

Having a blender in the kitchen

If you are like me and enjoy your time cooking in the kitchen then you will understand the need for certain tools and equipment for the kitchen. One such item of equipment you may find yourself reaching for would be the blender or food processor.

Why do I need a food processor?

Having a blender in the kitchen will speed up so many tasks for you as with the correct selection your blender should be able to slice, dice and chop your vegetables. They are used to knead dough for bakers as well as mix up cake mixes. The blenders can also be used to make smoothies

Cutting, Slicing and Dicing

Your blender will invariably have an attachment head to facilitate the cutting, slicing and dicing of your vegetables. Most good blenders also have a feed tube with a pusher or feeder to insert the vegetables to be cut up. The blender will do this task for you in a matter of seconds. Doing this manually could take you up to five minutes to complete.

Kneading dough and mixing cake mix

There will be attachment heads that will be able to do these tasks for you. Leaving you time to be working on something else. Or you may be getting the next mix ready so go into the blender. The kneading attachments are also great at saving you time and also doing the labor in the kitchen while you enjoy the rest of your cooking.

Making Smoothies

Smoothies are gaining in popularity. One reason is the health aspect of smoothies and the other may be that a smoothie made with fruit and possibly some ice cream makes a tasty and refreshing drink. The smoothies are also a great way to get your nutrients and daily goodness into you in an easy and hassle free way. Body builders, runners and athletes will use a blender to mix and make their morning mix which they will take to enhance their performance.

There are many other reasons and requirements for you to need a blender in the kitchen. I hope you can see the benefits of having a blender at your disposal within the kitchen as they are a real asset to any kitchen. I personally have my favourite brand that I use in my kitchen, My main blender is a Cuisinart DLC 2011

However I also use a smartstick blender the Cuisinart csb 77 handheld blender as this is also a great little tool for the kitchen.

5 Tips to Choose Your Suitable Smoothie Blender

An electric blender is a fast and convenient cooking appliance. It very easily mixes, whips or purees ingredients to a smooth texture. It is well known for creating smoothies with milk, yogurt, fruit and vegetables. It can also add air in the blending process, making the mixture light and frothy.

Why Using Smoothie Blender Instead Of Juicer?

Jug smoothie blenders are easy to operate. You just simple throw in all your ingredients you like, give it a blitz, then pour your smoothie straight into a glass with no fuss. Unlike other juicers machine that made up of several parts that can cause more fuss to wash up, smoothie blenders are easy to clean. They have less part to disassemble for cleaning.

Blenders create healthy drinks. An amazing variety of wholesome foods can be prepared in a blender. Valuable nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants, are extracted from the ingredients during blending, and made easily available to our bodies. Unlike juicers, all the goodness and fiber from fruit and vegetable flesh is retained.

Useful Tips to Choose Your Suitable Smoothie Blender

There are many factors that determine which types of the many blenders out there is the correct blender for you. Investing in a good-quality blender will ensure that it is versatile, able to handle various types of ingredients, and you will enjoy it for many years without problems.

1. Check what you want to blend. Will you be crushing ice for drinks, making smoothies, blending soups and sauces, or just using your blender occasionally for milk shake? If you want to crush ice, a blender with a strong motor is a must.

2. Check the size of the blender's motor. You will need a powerful motor if you intend to blend ice cubes or other hard objects like nuts.

3. Check the flask capacity. If you intend to blend large quantities of ingredients, you will need a suitably large flask.

4. Check the blender easy to clean and reassemble. You will be less likely to use the appliance if cleaning is difficult or assembling is fiddly.

5. Check the blender safety features. Most of new model blenders have safety features such as safety locks where the power will be off if the cover are not locked properly.

No matter what model of smoothie blender you are choosing, make sure it fits in with the way you live. Invest a durable, high quality blender that offers strong motors and sharp blades. The quality of your blender could influence the quality of your food.

Find the Best & Affordable Blenders

Blenders are one of the most important equipments of any kitchen which are used to blend or mix ingredients or puree them. They are most commonly used for producing some other emulsions like cream soups and shakes etc. This excellent kitchen appliance is discovered by Stephen Poplawski in 1922. If anyone is unaware of what blender is all about then it is one of the small stationary electric appliances which is used to mix or blend various edible soft things. The function of the blender is to chop, to make puree and to grind the product. A blending and spinning blade was first placed right at the bottom of the jar by Stephen which was used to blend contains of the container. The very first blender by Stephen was used for preparing soda fountain drinks.

Further improvements in the Poplawaski's blender leaded to the most famous and commercial successful blender known as Waring Blender by Fred Osius. This blender was named after the most famed orchestra leader Fred Waring. This blender was able to blend the raw vegetables and convert it in the form of puree. It was made available for general public in the year 1937 and was estimated that one million blenders were sold by the year 1954.

The market is full packed with a range of blenders out of which Oster Blenders is the most preferred and trusted brand. The Oster Blenders include blenders of different models such as the Oster BPST02, Oster 6749, Vita Mix 1709 and many more.

Oster BPST02 is one of the most efficient and the most preferred blenders. It is preferred for its ability to prepare quality drinks and for sturdy and rugged design. It exhibits a motor of 0.5 horsepower which delivers maximum power output. The most remarkable feature of this blender is that it exhibits all metal drive which is able to transfer power from motor to blade.

Oster 6749 is another most efficient and affordable blender which comes with a package of jar, food processor and with a motor of 450 watts. This combo blender is available with a food processor attachment for saving a lot of space of your kitchen. The 450 watt motor of the blender is able to crush or blend any tough or hard elements. The transparent glass jar offers you a freedom to see how much amount of ingredient is blending. It also exhibits a dishwasher safe jar.

Vita Mix 1709 is another most efficient and popular blender which is known for its rugged design and durability. Due to all metal construction, it is one of the most efficient, fastest and powerful blenders which can be used at home. It purees and blends much quicker than any other food processors. Its performance sets it far apart from the rest of its type.

Cuisinart is one of the most popular names in the kitchen of United States as it offers a range of kitchen appliances. It offers some of the most unique styles of food preparation with the help of various attachments such as stainless steel slicing disc, separate blades for mixing and chopping, a dough blade and many more.

Options For Margarita Blenders - Review of Top Margaritaville Blender Models

The Margaritaville blender is a specialty of Jimmy Buffet himself. A Margarita blender features a classy two motors, one of the motors is used for shaving ice and the other one is used for blending. The blender has a 32 ounce glass jar that makes in one setting one to three drinks. The Margaritaville has more ups than downs. This one of kind blenders that makes restaurant quality shaved ice, is easy to use and clean, and also has pre-programmed drink settings.

Though one thing there is to make a person stand back and question this top of the line machine is the expense of a Margaritaville blender and the fact that it can seem lacking in recipes to the margarita enthusiast. Expense will however be no problem when taking in consideration of how easy this blender makes margaritas.

Top Three Best Selling Margarita Blenders

1. Margaritaville Battery Powered Frozen Concoction Maker

This Margaritaville Blender is battery operated and offers cordless operation. It has 18 volt pack and blends 80 drinks in one whole charge. Customer have rated it 5 stars on Amazon.com

2. Margaritaville Premium Frozen Concoction Maker

This Blender has four automatic pre-programmed drink cycles. It has front access controls and a drip free spout and was rated at 4 1/2 stars.

3. Margaritaville Frozen Beverage/ Margarita Maker

This Margaritaville has pre-programmed auto timing to ensure the consumer professional results every time. Blender is powder coated for many seasons of durability.

What to Look for in the Market of Margarita Blenders?

First, know what you want in a margarita blender. Here are some of the best Margaritaville blender reviews that you may consider among many others for your home or commercial property.

The Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker shaves ice and can blend up to 32 ounces of margarita. This Margaritaville blender has front access controls, a generous handle and a no worry drip free spout.

The next is the Margaritaville Bahamas 36 ounce Frozen Concoction Maker. This Margaritaville has 450 watts of power that blends up to as the name says 36 oz, no more and no less. This blender has a manual shave or blend option that is perfect for customized drinks.

If you need a Margaritaville blender for a big crowd, then the Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker is perfect for you. This blender has three 24 ounce blending jars that create 72 ounces of frozen drink per cycle. It's capable of making six plus frozen drinks like the margarita, daiquiris, pina coloda, mudslides, mojito and smoothies.

Overall, the price range for a Margaritaville blender is in the range of anywhere in between $75.00 to $300.00. Do not let this break the deal when it comes to buying this brand of blender, be the judge with some positive and negative reviews on this margarita blender.

Finding mostly positive reviews on the Margaritaville Blender, let's start with the good consumer reviews of this worthy product. One very enthusiast husband was quite skeptical at first, he claimed "My wife bought me one for Christmas, I was definitely skeptical at first, until my first party. My neighbors and I loved it!"

The Margaritaville blender also got good acclaim from a very happy couple and they did not hold back when they said they absolutely loved it and have made several fantastic frozen concoctions since purchasing the blender. However, there will always be one or two sour complains in a group of happy margarita lovers, one consumer complained sorrowfully about too many parts and the expense of the contraption before giving a couple of warning to not purchase this product.

Smoothie Blender Review

A smoothie blender has become one of the most sought after kitchen appliance, especially as summer approaches. The Back to Basics SM700 Signature II Blender is an exceptionally reliable example of these products. One purchaser recently commented that his only complaint is that the SM700 smoothie blender took much too long to be introduced.

Unlike many kitchen appliances, this blender is one you will want to keep on your counter. The 56 oz glass blending container simply begs for ingredients to be added and smoothie blending to begin. The SM700 blender is easy to use and reliable in producing the required results. It's 600 watt blending/700 watt pulsing motor increase the versatility and reliability of this smoothie blender.

If you like to experiment with various flavors and fruit, nut, and other additions, get out your cape and magic wand now. This blender will produce whatever it is that you desire. Improved technology provides ingredients from sticking to the powerful blades of the SM700 producing a true smoothie, without unwanted clumps of delicious smoothie ingredients.

There is no need to pour delightful smoothies from the SM700 blender receptacle. This smoothie blender is equipped with a spigot that will easily dispense your smoothie as well as a variety of other iced drinks with great ease. One purchaser of the SM700 blender had only praise as he shared the reason for his purchase. He was curious as to how well the blender might work in making slushies. He noted that his SM700 Smoothie blender worked just as well (if not better) than similar and much more expensive blenders.

Summer is certainly not the only time one might use a smoothie blender. Many recreational therapy departments in long term care facilities offer special treats throughout the year. Those departments who have invested in the SM700 blender have been pleased by the ease in use and the texture of the smoothies that is best received by the residents.

Several therapists have reported that once they familiarized themselves with the blender, they began to experiment with various textures, tastes and ingredients. Resident's families are grateful for the addition of the SM700 blender to the recreation therapy departments.

Pediatric departments have reported purchasing the SM700 blender for those children who have had tonsillectomies and who appreciate a cold and soothing drink before they are ready to return to solid foods. This information has reached adult post surgical units where blenders are now kept humming and creating nutritional, easy to swallow, drinks for those adults who have never forgotten some of the perks of being childlike!

A growing number of hospice organizations encourage family members who are providing care of a dying loved one, to rent one of their smoothie blenders for the use of easy to make and refreshing drinks. Although, as the dying who are days from death, generally do not want solid foods, many of them find the cool and easy to swallow smoothie refreshing.

There is little that a family member must do in order to make a smoothie and those hospices that provide smoothie blenders have often chosen the Sm700 for its ease of use and the quality of the smoothie this dependable and affordable smoothie blender. The SM 700 Smoothie Blender is the choice of individuals and institutions who want the most ease in making the perfect smoothie.

Cuisinart Blenders Offer Something For All Kitchens

Cuisinart blenders come in many shapes, sizes, and power settings. With all of the information you can be sure to find one to suit your needs and improves your kitchen.

Cuisinart blenders are indispensable in a kitchen. Since Cuisinart is well known, their reputation precedes them and they have a variety of blenders for you to choose from. Their choice of different blenders is outstanding and the quality is great.

In the early 1900's the blender was invented because doctors were recommending malted milk drinks to their patients for health reasons. Soda fountains were very quick to see that they could concoct wonderful ice cream treats so they needed blenders. In 1937 the rage was drinking cocktails so blenders were in demand and became a household name.

After you have made your decision to purchase a blender you must decide what you want to do with it. Are you are only interested in making a couple of smoothies occasionally or are you interested in a blender doing all the work for you except washing the dishes. You can also find a 12-speed blender.

When are you going to use your blender? Are you going to be making those awesome cocktails? Blenders can be used to liquefy most solids. If you are making salad dressings or mayonnaise a blender will do this quite handily and in short time. You can also puree your creamy soups. It is capable of mixing and pureeing any food. It will crush ice, blend, chop, slice, or shred food.

There is a blender food processor now available called the Multitasker. You will find many wonderful features to use and some people are using it as their main kitchen tool. Since it is high-powered it can perform tasks that others cannot do. The lower powered basic blenders need some liquid to work properly. With this liquid the solids can be pulled down to be processed.

Home appliances that look professional and have an array of features are the blenders that Cuisinart offers. User-friendly control panels with one button for crushing ice are some of the features. A feature that is very popular is the simple cleanup because many parts are dishwasher safe.

Your decision to buy one of the Cuisinart blenders will be a very good one no matter the size or the power of the one you choose. Cooks will be very happy with the style and the array of features. You love those things that are easy to use and the blenders fit that mold. You will certainly find a place for them in your kitchen. Unfortunately there is no dishwasher feature!

A Review of Countertop Blenders and Immersion Blenders

There are two types of blenders; countertop and immersion which are also called handhelds. There are obvious differences between these two types of appliances. Understanding some of the these basic differences will help you decide which one best suits your needs.

Countertop Blenders

Countertop blenders have an electric motor in a base or housing upon which a jar or container is attached. The unit's motor powers the blades which are on top of the housing at the bottom of the container. Countertop blenders are more powerful than immersion units and are good at mixing and pureeing foods and liquids and chopping and crushing ice for drinks. These are the key attributes that shoppers should look for in a countertop blender.

Countertop blender's containers are made of glass, plastic, or stainless steel, and typically have a capacity of about 4 to 8 cups or 32 to 64 ounces. Glass containers are usually heavier and more stable than plastic ones. This means that the glass containers will be more stable, less shaky and also resistant to scratches. Plus, the glass allows you to see how the food is blending. Stainless steel containers are attractive but they obviously prevent you from seeing the blender in action.

Anywhere from 3 to 15 speeds are typically available on countertops. The speed controls can be touchpads, push buttons, dials and switches.

Immersion blenders

Immersion, or handheld, blenders are long, thin blenders that do not have their own container to blend food or liquid in. Instead, immersion blenders are held in your hand and placed into the food or drink that you are blending. Immersion blenders have rotating blades at the end of their shaft. Immersion blenders are used to puree, whip or chop foods and liquids in the separate containers that they are being cooked, simmered or mixed in.

Immersion blenders can be useful for mixing smoothies, milkshakes, and other powdered drinks. These blenders do not have the power, or number of watts, that countertop blenders do, thus, they cannot replace a countertop blender for chopping ice or mixing and pureeing several foods or ingredients. Immersion blenders are best at mixing foods and liquids that do not require a large amount of heavy ingredients to be blended together.

3 Kitchen Blender Problems You Can Fix Yourself

Over time, even the best kitchen blenders will start to show damage. This is especially true if you use your blender every day to make thick smoothies. Today, in our throw-away society we're quick to just trash a product at the first sign of a malfunction. Small appliances like blenders are usually not worth taking to a repair shop to have them fixed. But before you resign your blender to the landfill and buy a new one, there are several quick and easy repairs you can do yourself. Taking the time to do these checks to see if you can get your blender working again is certainly worth it.

Leaks

One of the most common problems you'll find with your kitchen blender is leaking. Even top rated blenders from blender reviews will start to have this problem eventually. The cause lies in the o-ring or gasket located in the bottom of the blender jar where the blade assembly and housing reside. Over time the rubber gasket starts to wear down. If your blender leaking comes from the glass jar and not the bottom, then there is likely a crack in the jar and you'll have to replace it. Bottom leaking though is likely the gasket. To inspect it, you'll need to unscrew the blade housing from the blender jar and pull out the rubber o-ring. Then you can just look for leaks and tears in the rubber of this ring. This part is easily replaceable and only costs a few dollars. You can find it online or at most home discount or appliance stores.

Faulty Blades

Another common problem with blenders will occur with the blades. In this case the engine will start to run, but the blades will turn too slowly. If this happens then the likely cause is something clogging the blade assembly area. You'll need to take the assembly apart and clean everything thoroughly with a scrub brush. There is probably a build-up of food slowing the blades. Soaking everything for a few hours in detergent will also help to dissolve any food particles or gunk that has built up over time. Be sure to check your owner's manual to make sure that this is OK to do for your particular blender brand. You may also want to add some white grease or WD-40 to the lower part of the blade assembly (not in any areas where you'll be putting food of course). If all of this fails to work, then you'll probably have to replace the whole assembly, which can also be purchased online or at most home appliance retailers.

Busted Buttons

One other issue you may have with your kitchen blender lies with the buttons or the control panel. Often buttons will get stuck. This is probably caused by food and drink getting down into the button area and causing them to jam up. Even if you are careful and clean the buttons and control panel thoroughly, over time, food particle will still accumulate. Many blender models will let you take off the control panel cover so that you can clean up behind this. You can use a toothbrush here to help you get down into all the crevices. Some blender models will also let you remove the screws on the bottom of the unit and pull out the lower housing area so that you can get to the buttons easier. Be sure to consult your owner's manual if you need to do this. Often all your blender needs is a good cleaning to get the buttons working again.

This information should help solve most common minor blender problems. Keep in mind that often a simple repair or replacement will save you the expense of having to get a new blender. It's also much better for the environment to repair something rather than to just throw it away.

Blendtec Blender Models: Total Blender Vs HP3A

Although I obviously feel it is money well spent, an investment into a high-performance blender is not one that should be made casually. I advise all prospective buyers to research their options as thoroughly as possible. And most do if for no other reason than the price points of the higher-end units. Unfortunately, selecting the right one is not the simplest of shopping experiences. Sorting the numerous manufacturers and corresponding models of super-blenders is one big challenge to overcome. An even greater one, in my opinion, is the abundance of conflicting information from different sources on the very same models. An online search for "Vitamix 5200," for instance, will yield countless sites offering the consumer everything from short general descriptions to lengthy, bullet-pointed feature, use, and specification lists. Visit more than a couple of them, though, and you'll be left wondering whether it contains a 1 ½, 2, or 2 ½ horsepower motor. One site says it comes with a co-polyester jar. Another claims it's polycarbonate. One reviewer will complain about having to use a tamper for all his recipes. Another will claim she never uses hers. A reconditioned Vitamix carries with it a five year warranty. Or is it seven?

When not demonstrating my blenders I spend most of my working hours answering email questions about them. One of the more common inquiries I receive is from those considering multiple models manufactured by Blender. Specifically, I'm asked about the differences between the Total Blender and the HP3A. With an abundance of misleading YouTube and erroneous reviews and product pages from some of the world's leading online retailers, I wonder little why confusion abounds amongst those trying to educate themselves prior to buying. To be certain, both are great machines. But there are minor differences in user interface and, perhaps, not-so minor purchasing considerations of which prospective buyers will want to make themselves aware.

Overview

Also known as the Blendtec Home Blender, the HP3A is a revision of the popular K-TEC Champ HP3 model introduced commercially by Blendtec's parent company in the mid-1990s. Originally designed for coffee and smoothie shops, it was the first high-performance blender on the market containing a microchip allowing for pre-programmed blending cycles. The transformation into the current HP3A model primarily involved a revision of this programming. The Total Blender was introduced in late 2004 as the company's first model designed specifically for home use. Also utilizing Smart-Touch Tec-nology™, it is considered by Blendtec to be the more user-friendly of the two machines.

Both the Total Blender and HP3A are made in Blendtec's Orem, Utah, manufacturing facility. Both contain the same 13 amp, 1560 watt motor and are available in identical motor base finishes in the FourSide, WildSide, and Combo container packages. Whereas the Total Blender is sold online directly through Blendtec or its authorized affiliates, the HP3A is available through dealers. When purchased through any of its authorized agents, both models carry a 7 year manufacturer's warranty. Recipe books and user manuals are included with both units as well.

Differences

From a practical usage standpoint, the two machines separate themselves via distinctly different control panels and user interfaces. The panel on the Total Blender consists of nine buttons, six of which are labeled with the specific functions each performs. These are known as "blend cycle" buttons. In total there are thirteen functions labeled across the six blend cycles. Additionally, two buttons allow the user to manually select any of the blender's ten speeds up and down, and the Pulse button will spin the blender's blades at medium-high speed for only as long as it is held depressed.

Every recipe in the book Blendtec includes with the Total Blender can be achieved by loading the correct ingredients into the container, locating the corresponding blend cycle button on the panel, and pressing it a single time. The machine will run for the proper length of time, as well as change speeds as necessary, before stopping itself after having performed the particular operation selected. Should the user wish to stop the blender while it is running on any of its pre-programmed or manual cycles, any of the blend cycle buttons on the panel will do so when pressed.

The interface on the HP3A involves a combination of the control panel, also containing nine buttons, and the blue LED screen just below it on the front of the blender. A Pulse button and Speed Up/Down buttons work just like those on the Total Blender. Twenty-five blend cycle settings are accessed by using the Select Cycle Menu button to choose one of five categories which appear digitally on the screen, then the Speed Up/Down buttons (which serve a dual purpose of navigating the cycle options), also appearing on the screen, within the category. Examples include "Ice Cream," "Granita," "Ice Cappuccino," "FullStrength™", and "Soup." To prepare a soup, for instance, after loading the container with the proper ingredients, the user would press the Select Cycle Menu two times to reach the "Whole Foods" category. Next he or she would press the Speed Up button four times to reach the "Soup" cycle, then press the Start/Stop button once to commence blending. In this example, various buttons must be pressed a total of seven times to prepare soup as opposed to one button one time with the Total Blender. Once a cycle starts, the HP3A, like the Total Blender, is programmed to change speeds as necessary during the blending operation to achieve the desired results and stop once this has been performed. The four remaining buttons on the panel are pre-set buttons which may be programmed with the user's choice of any of the aforementioned cycles.

The pre-programmed cycles on the HP3A are calculated specifically for those recipes that come in the book included with the machine. Following the recipe as called then navigating to and selecting the appropriate blend cycle will yield expected results. The further the user deviates from a recipe in terms of either ingredient ratios or the ingredients themselves, however, the more likely either experimentation with a different blend cycle or reliance on the manual controls will become necessary. It is for this reason that more experienced users of the machine will likely find themselves often bypassing the pre-programmed cycles, opting instead to manually control the machine via the Speed Up/Down buttons in order to achieve a desired result.

Purchasing Caveat

As mentioned earlier, online purchases of the Total Blender can be made only through Blendtec, itself, or one of its authorized affiliates. An order through either will always be finalized through the official checkout page at Blendtec.com, thus assuring customers of a genuine Blendtec unit carrying with it a complete manufacturer's warranty. Pricing on the Total Blender does not vary from Blendtec to its affiliates. The HP3A is available only through dealers, and online orders are placed through the dealer's individual site. Any HP3A sold from an authorized Blendtec dealer will also carry a complete manufacturer's warranty. The warranty is voided, however, should a unit be purchased from a non-authorized seller. For this reason, verifying the authorization status of the dealer should be of primary importance to anyone considering the purchase of an HP3A.

Blendtec's customer service team is available by phone or email to answer technical or operational questions about either the Total Blender or the HP3A. It also processes warranty-related issues for both models. Unit returns, however, are at the discretion of the dealer with the HP3A whereas Blendtec's return policy applies to the Total Blender. Purchased either from Blendtec or one of its authorized agents, owners of either model should feel confident they are in possession of one of - if not the - finest quality high-performance blenders on the market today.

What's The Best Cordless Drill? Sorry, There Isn't One

Let me bust the myth right up front, there is no best cordless drill. Sorry.

Due to the wide variety of materials to be drilled, the need for differing power capabilities, formats and usage patterns, a huge variety of different drill types exist today. I personally have walked out of the hardware store before, without a purchase, simply because the choices were overwhelming.

To simplify things, I have broken the cordless drill world down into six basic types of drill and several power levels; this should help you to better identify what you need for your particular usage:

Cordless Screwdrivers - These are smaller and typically lighter weight versions of the cordless drill. They typically operate on a lower voltage, typically under 10V, and have the least amount of torque. Excellent for light duty such as assembling furniture or replacing outlet covers.

Drill Driver - This is the tool that comes to mind for most people when cordless drills are mentioned. They are medium duty, usually 12V to 18V of power. These are the most versatile drill available, as they can do lighter work and can handle occasional serious DIY jobs.

Right Angle Drill - Right angle cordless drills are basically just another form of drill driver. These are designed for working in tight spaces. You will often see plumbers and electricians use these to drill between joists. A specialty tool.

Impact Driver - A bit larger than a drill driver in size, and generally with 18V to 36V of power. These provide considerably more torque and are useful for driving large lag screws or removing large nuts like lug-nuts on a vehicle. They are designed to accept sockets rather than drill bits.

Hammer Drill - These combine drilling with a hammering action to quickly break through masonry and concrete. They use a special bit and deliver thousands of blows per minute to smash through brick fast. Careful with these, the torque can injure your wrist if you don't use a secondary handle and the bit gets jammed.

Screw Gun - Another specialty drill. A screw gun will allow you to quickly and accurately drive screws to a desired depth when hanging drywall or building a deck. Some will even auto feed the screws for you.

Most homeowners and do-it-yourself-ers will be best served by a middle of the road, 12V-18V drill driver. The other types of drills are mainly for special situations, except for the cordless screwdriver.

If your budget is tight, I would go for a Black and Decker Cordless Drill Driver, or just get a sturdy cordless screwdriver and plan to upgrade later. I personally own a Dewalt 14.4V cordless drill driver and a Dewalt 7.2V cordless screwdriver. Between the two, they will handle any household or woodworking project I can throw at them, and I always have a fresh battery on the charger.

Learn About the Best Reciprocating Saws Uses and Blade Types Available

Versatility is One of its most attractive attributes of a reciprocating saw. There are a variety of different blades that can be fitted onto reciprocating saws, depending on what you need to do. You can fit them to cut wood or metal, for instance, and you can choose blades for a variety of thicknesses. Below we will take a look at some of the most common reciprocating saw uses.

Window Fitting

Thanks mainly to this tools convenient portability, construction experts usually use one when fitting or cutting out a window. One of the nice reciprocating saw uses is that it can be used in places that other saws can't reach. This means that if you're planning to do window work, you need to make sure you have a good reciprocating saw, preferably one with a long blade, before you begin.

Cutting Branches

The Reciprocating saw is powerful enough to cut through tree branches and even smaller tree trunks. With the right blade, you can cut through as much as 12 inches of wood. While pruning can also be done with a chainsaw or an axe, a reciprocating saw is safer than the former and much easier than the latter. Hand pruning is a serious waste of time when you consider the various tools available that can do the job much better with significantly higher speed. Again, portability is a major advantage here as well and enhances the list of all the various uses.

Cutting Pipes

Cutting through pipes, such as PVC pipes is another one of the common reciprocating saw uses, this is one of the more awkward tasks that you may have to do with a saw, requiring you to get into strange or uncomfortable positions or cut at less than totally natural angles. The beauty of a reciprocating saw lies in the way it can be used to cut in a variety of angles, minimizing the discomfort.

Creating Indentations for Wiring

Making indentation in the walls so you can put in wiring is another task perfect for a reciprocating saw. No matter what the wall is made of or what sort of indentation you need, there is a blade out there than can be fit onto a saw for that purpose. It's easily the best way to get wiring done, and you can do it anywhere on the wall with a minimum of awkwardness and strain.

Cutting Through Nails

Recipro saw uses include using metal-cutting blades that make it much easier to remove nails or pins that are otherwise going to prove difficult to get rid of. When doing demolition, a this saw can be used to slice through nail-filled wood relatively easily.

Cutting in Patterns

A recipro-saw doesn't just cut in straight lines-it also has the ability to cut in zig-zags or curved shapes that no other kind of saw can match.

The above list is anything but exhaustive. Perhaps the best way to summarize all of the uses is to say that it can cut through just about anything you want, so long as you use the proper blade at the right speed.

Reciprocating Saw Blades

Dimensions

Reciprocating saw blades can range in length from 2.5 to 12 inches. Know ahead of time how deep you want the cut to be, so you can choose the right length. A greater width reduces bending or wobbling. The thickness you want also depends on what you're planning to do: most tasks require a thickness of about.035 inches, while.05 inches is better for the really hard jobs.

Teeth per Inch

Recipro Saw blades can have as few as 3 or as many as 24 teeth per inch (TPI). A blade's TPI is one of its most important qualities, and greatly affects how the saw will cut. A lower TPI means faster, rougher cuts; higher TPIs are suited for slow, smooth cuts. Which one you want depends largely on the material you'll be using the blade on. When cutting metal, for example, you'll definitely need a blade with a high TPI. There are also "variable-pitch" reciprocating saw blades, which have more teeth in one section of the blade than another.

Material

Most blades are made out of one of four types of material:

Carbon steel: flexible, cheap, but easily worn out.

High-speed steel: more durable but less flexible than carbon steel.

Bi-metal: combines the advantages of carbon and high-speed steel and can last significantly longer than either.

Carbide grit: best used for materials such as fiberglass, ceramic tile, and cement board.

Since some blades are cheaper than others because they are less durable, think about what you need before you buy. If you plan on reusing the same blade again and again, it will be worth the price in the long run to purchase one that lasts a long time; if not, it might be wiser to pick the less expensive option.

Common Reciprocating Saw Blades

Four of the most common types of reciprocating saw blades are:

Course-tooth: designed to cut green wood.

Fine-tooth: for smooth cuts in wood, plastic, and hardboard.

Hack saw: for cutting metal up to 1/8 inch in thickness.

Knife: versatile design good for cutting materials such as cloth, leather, linoleum, and rubber.

In addition, there are many specialty blades made to perform more specific tasks.

Other Considerations

Some reciprocating saw blades require a little maintenance. Those designed to cut heavy materials should be regularly lubricated with oil.

One final thing to note is that some tools make it much easier than others to change out the blades. A saw with a key-less blade clamp will let you fit a new reciprocating saw blades with less time and effort than one without it, so that feature is something to look for if you anticipate frequent blade-changing.

How to Choose the Right Masonry Saw For Your Masonry Work?

Masonry work is a skilled profession where mistakes can be easily identified. In order to make professional clean cuts in masonry, you may require a good saw designed specifically for cutting stone, concrete, brick, ceramic tile or any type of stone. The type of saw you pick for your masonry work depends on certain factors: the type of stones you will be cutting, the size of the stones, the place of work, and the nature of the saw blade.

One must plan out the project to select the right masonry saw for your exact needs. There are several types of masonry saws in the market with different price ranges to choose from. If you are looking for the least expensive and affordable option then the tile cutter is the saw that will be suitable. A tile cutter functions by slicing and cracking the tile in two. Although an affordable option, it might be inappropriate for big projects.

When shopping for a masonry saw, you must go for the high frequency horsepower corresponding to your budget. More horsepower means more grinding power leading to faster jobs. Another important factor to consider while choosing the right masonry saw diamond blade is its depth capacity, as that determines the size of the blades you can employ. Just as with the high horsepower of the saw, you can greatly ease your burden and shorten the work time.

However, a wet tile saw can make life a bit easier. Wet saws are used for materials like granite and marble. For the materials that are extremely hard, not only do you rely on using wet blade, but a diamond blade. While that may sound strange to anyone who has never cut tile, marble or granite with Diamond Blades, have a relaxing type of quality. Diamond Blades are quite common and effectual for cutting jobs- cutting stones, concrete and tiles. A diamond saw blade is definitely the way to go if you intend to do a heavy job work with stone.

Coming back to the jobs that involve large cutting jobs, you must try to get something portable so that you do not have to burden yourself with non-durable saws. Masonry saws are often cordless and lightweight giving you the mobility that may sometimes needed for performing large scale masonry jobs. Masons use a special masonry saw for all their needs to cut stone. They cut stone with the help of masonry saw to make various shapes and sizes, and valuable pieces. If you need to cut through stone or brick, then masonry saw is all what you need.

The blades are almost as important as the saw itself. Because even though you have the right saw with the capability of cutting the tile you need, you still have the bad ugly cuts if you continue using wrong blade.

With this information in hand, you should be able to find the right tile saw. One must be prudent in selecting the correct size and quality blade for the material needed to cut. Employing something for a purpose other than what it is designed to do can interfere with the art of masonry.

Guide on Choosing the Right Miter Saw - The Manual or The Power Saw?

If you are into woodworking then the miter saw is the best for you! A miter saw is a tool that cuts accurately. It is known for framing corners. There are also two different kinds of miter saw that you can use like the manual miter saw and power miter saw. The difference of the two miter saws is that in the manual it comes up with rollers on a metal and with a miter box where you could make crosscuts on your woodwork.

On the other hand, the power miter satisfies and helps you create your work quicker and easier which is more accurate in creating crosscuts on your work. This tool is known to be useful especially with woodworkers. Some people think that using miter saws could be difficult and that it might be just another tool that you will have to keep in your garage.

Miter saws can be expensive depending on its types. The manual has lesser features than the power miter saw therefore it could be more expensive. The power miter saw comes up with different types. These are the standard, compound, sliding compound and dual compound. These are more expensive than the manual because they are known as a power tool that makes special cuts and is more portable. You also have to decide on what dimensions of the blade because miter saws come up with different blade sizes which is also a factor for the price of your miter saw to increase. The bigger the blade the more expensive it will cost you, but most of the time bigger blades have more uses than the smaller ones.

In choosing the right miter saw, you have to decide on whether you will buy the manual or the compound miter. You also have to compare its prices or on how much money are you willing to spend for a miter saw. You also have to pick which is more suitable and useful for your work. A manual or a standard miter saw would be helpful for you if you only intend to make simple cuts on your woodwork, while the compound is for more complex woodworks. For you to choose the right miter saw, you have to know its features.

Miter saws vary in brands, designs and also its blades. The blade guard which is known as a safety blade. A laser guard which serves as a guide of the portion you are about to cut. The shaft lock which helps you in changing the blades of your miter saw. Then the dust bag basically collects the dust of your woodwork. The electric brake is the most important features of your miter saw. The electric brake is one of its safety features which automatically shut down the blade in case of emergency. And lastly is the table extension where it balances and stops your wood.

Miter saw blades also have its different sizes and classifications which are classified into three.

1. The first one is the steel blades which are normally used for plywood and is the least expensive of the three.

2. Second is the high-speed blades which are used both in soft and hard concrete.

3. Third is the carbide-tipped which is the long-lasting and the most expensive of the three blades.

Those are the miter saws' common features and the kinds of blades that would give you a hint on what miter saw you need.

The manual miter saw are only used oftentimes by woodworkers in making frames and produces simpler cuts than that of the compound miter saws. The most portable power miter saw has a blade of eight (8) to twelve (12) inches. The power miter saws cut your woodwork in a certain motion and is against a fence where it produces an angle that is so precise.

Best Smoothie Blenders

Best Smoothie Blender for Great Tasting Smoothies

A blender, by definition of its features, will give you a superb blend of fruits and vegetables. To attain the best smoothie, you will need to purchase the best smoothie blender! There are many kinds of smoothie makers which fit into various budget slots. While mid range blenders that fall between $50 and $120 make outstanding smoothies, the best smoothie blender is one that is built to last, has a powerful motor and will crush frozen fruits.

Consistency Concerns

In order to zero in on a great smoothie blender, there are a few criteria that will have to be met. The smoothie blender has to meet these criteria to be considered the best. The most important aspect of a smoothie is its consistency. No one wants to drink lumpy fruits or vegetable chunks mildly processed with almost uncrushed ice. Delicious smoothies require at least 500 watts or more of power in the motor. A good smoothie blender will have a high powered motor with much more than 500 watts to offer. The idea is that frozen fruits, berries, vegetables, tofu, and ice cubes need to be crushed, pureed, and liquefied so that the final output is a creamy smooth smoothie with the best flavors.

Other Criteria

Choosing a blender with a sturdy base that is made of metal is another significant priority as this lends stability to the blender. You do not want the mixture toppling off due to lack of support. If you get one of the premium smoothie blenders then this will be a given.

Keeping the blender clean can be a challenge; the fact is that spillages are nearly inevitable while making a smoothie. A smoothie blender with buttons will make cleaning the equipment a frustrating and time consuming job. The best smoothie blender is one with a touch pad which can be easily wiped and cleaned and is impervious to damage because of water or liquid spills.

Top Quality Blender

The Vitamix 5000 or Vitamix 5200 fall in the category of top quality blenders as they are well built Uncut, frozen fruits can be decimated in these blenders. This blender can even devastate peanuts so thoroughly that you can make your own peanut butter. While this is a top of the line blender, you will have invested your money well as you won't need to buy a replacement for a long time. It will be one of the greatest health investments you have made and be an essential part of your kitchen appliances.

The Blendtec Total Blender is another choice that has been touted to be the best smoothie blender by users and critics alike. This blender packs a powerful punch with a motor that is powered with 1500 watts! With an electronic display that is easy to use and manipulate as well as a self timer and auto adjust function, you will have purchased a highly effective and convenient health solution which can be properly labeled as one of the better blenders.

Low Price Range

Other cheaper blenders that can be considered, are the Magic Bullet and the Oster Beehive. These are quality devices that allow you to make enough smoothies for one or two helpings though you cannot blend uncut frozen fruits in it. While a high end blender might be expensive, the best smoothie makers are without doubt cost effective and will be a part of your household for quite some time.

The Perfect Blend: A Brief History of the Blender

We all have one. We all use one from time to time- especially when we're craving our favorite frozen margarita recipe! What a simple machine it is; and yet, how complex. It's time to fire up the blender!

Have you ever given even a moment's thought as to how this marvelous machine came into existence? You might just want to get to your frozen margarita recipe, or some other delectable frozen drink. But take a moment to appreciate this amazing machine that turns margarita mix and ice into the perfect "frozen concoction!"

While we have no idea why anyone would want to use a blender for anything else, the best blenders for frozen drinks didn't really start out with that as their purpose at all. Yes, the blender is a margarita machine - but it's so much more...

History lesson: In 1922 Stephen Poplawski, owner of the Stevens Electric Company in Racine, Wisconsin, came up with the first prototype of today's blender. His invention was made possible through the prior efforts of two engineers, also from Racine - Chester Beach and Frederick Osius, and a master marketer, Louis Hamilton. (Are you putting the pieces together yet? Hamilton? Beach?) Yes, these were the founders of the Hamilton Beach Company.

Poplawski was the first to put spinning blades at the bottom of a container to create the very first blender. He used it to make malts and milkshakes, and he sold his invention to eager drug store owners for their soda fountain businesses. (Had there been tiki hut bars back then, no doubt they would've seen this as the best blender for frozen drinks - but I digress...)

In 1932, continuing to make improvements, Poplawski received patents for a machine that would reduce fruits and vegetables as well. So as you can see, the best blenders at the time were used for all sorts of things, as they are today.

Remember Frederick Osius of the Hamilton Beach Company? In 1937, Osius improved on Poplawski's blender and named it the Miracle Mixer. With the financial backing of Fred Waring, a former engineering student and then orchestra leader (Waring had always been fascinated by new inventions and gadgets), Osius renamed the product the Waring Blender. And just in case you never looked behind the bar, still today, the respected Waring blender is the preferred margarita machine in cocktail lounges and bars around the world.

Citing technical differences with Osius six months later, Fred Waring dissolved their partnership and went solo with his own company, the Waring Corporation. He introduced his own Waring Blender later that year at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago. With a retail price tag of $29.75, word spread quickly.

Fred Waring continued to tour with his band while pitching his blender to hotels, restaurants, bars, and high-end department stores along the way. The Waring brand gained national prominence through Fred's musical popularity, and his Waring Blender started to show up everywhere, having quickly taken its place among the best blenders on the market! Even hospitals adopted it for implementing complicated diets for their patients. Believe it or not, Dr. Jonas Salk used it while developing the Polio vaccine.

Sales of the Waring blender reached the one million mark by 1954; but while Fred Waring's blender was exceeding milestone after milestone, another brand, Oster, was also taking shape.

In 1946, John Oster (who had been marketing his hand-operated hair clipper) decided to diversify from barber equipment to small house electrical appliances and purchased Stevens Electric, the company started by Stephen Poplawski (who invented the original blender). Soon after, the first Osterizer® blender was introduced. It went on to compete favorably with Fred Waring's blender, appearing in many American brides' wish lists and kitchens. In 1960, the John Oster Manufacturing Company was purchased by the Sunbeam Corporation.

Through the years the best blenders and mixers have been refined, restyled and marketed by companies known for excellent small kitchen appliances: Hamilton Beach (including Proctor Silex), Waring, KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Breville, Braun, etc. Who knew that Stephen Poplawski's blender would turn into an indispensable item in today's cocktail bars, pubs, restaurants, and consumer kitchens? The ultimate margarita machine!

So now you know more about blenders than you ever wanted to. But remember... next time you enjoy your favorite frozen concoction, raise a glass to Poplawski. If not for him, your frozen margarita recipe might never hav been concocted!

Outdoor Kitchen Equipment - Luxury In Your Back Patio

High-quality outdoor kitchen equipment is exactly what you need to be able to cook well in your patio. There are all sorts of equipment available to buy, and many companies sell it, both online and in brick-and mortar stores. Luxury is the key.

For many people, the grill is still the most important part of an outdoor kitchen. Grills are available in several different configurations. There are simple gas grills, but few charcoal-only grills in patio kitchens. Most people opt for large, multi-fuel grills. There are dual-fuel models, which can cook with either natural gas or propane. Along with the gas, these giants can cook with charcoal and wood as well. Some outdoor kitchens have two big grills.

Weather-Proof Pizza Ovens

The cook will have even more options with a few other appliances. The cook-top cabinet is one piece of equipment for the kitchen. It allows you to cook side dishes, or even a one-dish meal for the whole family. Pizza ovens are a luxury in outdoor kitchen equipment that you might never consider. These ovens are designed to be fully weather-proof. You can also buy a full-sized oven for your patio kitchen. These are fairly new to the market, but if you have them, you can bake anything from a casserole to a cake. Lobster boil pits are good not only for cooking lobsters but also for crab, crayfish, and shrimp. You can also deep-fry in them. You can stir fry in wok cook tops.

Fridges And Other Cooling Equipment

Refrigerators are another important type of outdoor kitchen equipment. People who have outdoor kitchens like the elaborate gourmet refrigerators. These stainless steel wonders offer uniform temperature and are energy efficient. Their interiors are also done in stainless steel, and they have racks for chilling drinks glasses and mugs. If you prefer a smaller variety of refrigerator, there are the under-counter ones, too. These come in regular refrigerators, refrigerators with drawers or glass doors, or simple refrigerated drawers.

There is other cooling equipment available, too. Beverage storage is a big consideration in planning an outdoor kitchen. You can get outdoor wine chillers, keg tappers, and beverage centers which combine wine and soft drink storage with a keg tapper. Outdoor freezers can also be bought to store your food until you are ready to use it. There is one problem with outdoor refrigeration, though. If you get an ice maker, it might not work so well if you are in a very hot climate. The temperature in the area around the ice maker needs to be around 70 degrees if it is to work properly.

Weather-Tight Cabinets

Cabinets are important items of outdoor kitchen equipment. All the cabinets should be weather-tight. They should have some system to drain off water so that it does not stand on top of the cabinets or cabinet doors. If you want luxury and convenience, you will want all the specialty cabinets. There are special cabinets that have warming drawers so that you can preheat your plates. There are also cabinets with tilt-in trash cans and ones with cutting boards.

You can make your dreams of backyard entertaining come true with outdoor kitchen equipment. Figure out what you need and get the best deals. You should have no trouble finding everything you want.

Blenders: Different Styles and Their Uses in the Kitchen

There are so many blenders available these days and many people don't realise it. If you enjoy making quick and easy drinks of any kind, then you may have used a blender at some point in your life. I want to take a look at the various types of Hamilton Beach blenders that you can get as well as their uses in the kitchen.

Smoothie Blender - This type of blender is ideal for making smoothies and depending on your combination of ingredients it can be a healthy option. You can add your choice of fruit to make a tasty healthy shake or smoothie. Hamilton Beach has a range of smoothie blenders that are durable, have a high crush cycle and they are dishwasher safe.

Frozen Drink Blender - Hamilton Beach's frozen drink blender is durable and is strong enough to crush ice. That means that you can create interesting cocktails such as margaritas, daiquiris and pina coladas with ease. The blender is designed to pull the mixture to the bottom for an even distribution of crushed ice. This is a party blender that can be the star of any party or bar.

Food Chopper Blender - With this blender you have the option to either chop or blend food items and vegetables. Hamilton Beach food chopper blenders are manufactured with powerful blending blades as well as chopper blades to accommodate the two distinct functions. You can make soup, chop onions and much more.

Commercial Blender - If you require a professional blender as part of your restaurant catering equipment, then a commercial blender would be better. A Hamilton Beach commercial quality blender is durable and made to be used daily because of its three horsepower capacity. It can be used to make soup, grind nuts, blend vegetables and make sauces with ease.

Handheld Blender - This is ideal if you want to blend or mix your ingredients directly into the mixing bowl. It has an easy grip handle with attachments that can be removed and easily cleaned. Because it is handheld this gives you more room to manoeuver. Therefore it is suitable for whipping, mixing, blending and pureeing.

Multifunction Blenders - Then you get multifunction blenders that can blend almost anything. Hamilton Beach's multifunction blenders are made with powerful blades that can crush ice, chop vegetables, mix, dice and even puree. With its durability, power and versatility, this is the ultimate catering equipment to have.

Hamilton Beach Blenders come in a wide variety of options and innovative designs. It is renowned for its quality and reliability as well as for its product range's unprecedented performance. Whether you are a chef, restaurateur, caterer, bar tender or the home maker that likes entertaining friends and family, there is a blender that will suit your lifestyle needs.

Comparing the Best Personal Blenders on the Market

A personal blender is a must have for kitchen enthusiasts. This is because you will be able to perform numerous cooking tasks with it like making fresh juice, mixing cake & cookie ingredients, making smoothies, beating eggs, etc.

There are however various factors that must be considered when you want to purchase a blender because there are several models available. Each blender model that you will come across in the market will generally be different from the next in terms of features. Some features are nonetheless standard for all. The most important thing that you need to do is to assess your needs before making a purchase so that you may be able to buy the most appropriate machine.

It is also significant to take into consideration the reviews that past consumers of each model have left. This is because it will enable you to make a more informed decision since you will know exactly what to expect from the blender that you will end up buying. The features that each blender has provide an essential basis for you decision making process since no one really wants a machine that will break down only a few months after use. There are several brands available in the market but three of the most popular blenders are:

Vitamix

This is a well known brand when it comes to personal blenders and it offers you with the opportunity of upgrading when you require making more nut milks and smoothies. The Vitamix blender is very powerful since it has been fitted with a 2 HP motor. Moreover, it also comes with a relatively large jar which ensures that food stuff does not stick to the side when you are blending. Another advantage of this type of blender is that it also comes with a blending container that is dry hence comes in handy when you want to make homepage flour. It is also quieter and has a sturdy design in general.

There are several cons that come with the Vitamix nonetheless with the major one being the plastic container. Most people usually prefer glass to plastic. Its design is also quite in-attractive as well. Another con is that the blender is very expensive especially when you compare it to other models in the market which means you may not get the value for money paid.

Blendtec

Blendtec blenders are very powerful and they offer you with an opportunity of blending the toughest of ingredients. This is owing to the fact that they are designed with blades (operated by a 3 HP motor) made from stainless steel hence have the capability of blending any ingredient regardless of the setting that you use. The blender does not produce a lot of noise so it comes in handy during late night cooking tasks since you will not disturb your neighbors. The 3 -year warranty that comes with the blender is also very beneficial.

Even though the Blendtec blender has numerous pros, there are also some cons all the same. For instance, the blender does not come with a glass container but a plastic one and it is not quite attractive hence cannot offer you with the beauty aspect that most consumers look for in blenders. The blender is also expensive but the price is nevertheless worth it because of the service that you will consequently receive from it.

Kitchenaid

Kitchenaid blenders are very powerful and you can use them when you want to mix tough ingredients. It has been designed with a 2 HP motor which means that you will be able to get the amount of power that you require at any point in time. There are also several models which means that you can choose the one that is most suitable for your particular needs. The blender is dishwasher safe which makes it very easy to clean.

There are several cons of the Kitchenaid blender with the major one being that it is very noisy. In addition, the lid of the blender also tends to change color rapidly especially when you are blending tomatoes frequently. When you use the blender at high speeds, the decanter can easily crack.

The capacity of the jar matters a lot since it will determine the amount of ingredients that can be blended at any given time. You should therefore ensure that you get the correct size so that you can be able to perform your cooking tasks in a simple manner.

On a final note, the price of the blender that you want to purchase also plays a significant role but you should know that these three brands are worth every dollar that you'll pay. Now that you have all the information that you need, go ahead and get that blender that you have been dreaming of and enjoy its service; you've earned it.

What Blender Should I Buy?

If you are in the market to buy a blender, you may be surprised by the amount of choices there are. There are immersion blenders, counter top blenders, blenders designed to crush ice, blenders just for smoothies, blenders that are also food processors, etc. It can be daunting to pick one out.

So how do you choose the right blender?

The first thing you need to decide is what you are planning to use the blender for. Do you simply want to blend drinks or make smoothies or make green smoothies? Will you be crushing ice with it? What about the capacity to grind grain or mix dough? Many blenders today are combination blenders / food processors - is this something you would like?

Next you should take a look at your budget. Since blenders can run from $20 to $500, there is quite a choice.

Once you know your budget and your basic use of the blender, you can narrow down your choices.

Another thing to look at is the capacity. There are single serve blenders which are great if you are living alone, but not necessarily what you want if you are hoping to make smoothies for your family. Most other blenders will be about 4 to 7 cups. Some like the Blendtec offer 3 quart capacity. I recommend a larger size so that you do not end up overflowing the container.

Next, look at the wattage. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the blender. If you want something blended very smooth, then you want more watts. Those who want a blender for green smoothies will want a powerful blender in order to break down the greens adequately.

Various designs offer various perks. Do the blades come out for cleaning? Does the lid fit tightly? Can you add ingredients while the blender is blending? These options may help you choose one blender over another.

Finally, take a look at the size and design. Will it be on your counter or in your cupboard? Take a look at the height to see if it will fit where you want it. Do you like the color?

Taking a look at these various options will help you choose the blender that is just right for you.

If you are looking for a recommendation, then I suggest you take a look at the Ninja 1100 Blender. This kitchen system is extremely versatile and has many great reviews. It can handle crushing ice, making green smoothies and mixing dough. It comes with two containers that give you the option of using it more like a blender or more like a food processor - depending on what you are making.

The Only Portable Blender You'll Ever Need

If you are looking for a mobile or portable blender, chances are you have embraced the healthy life, just like I did.

Blenders offer an all-inclusive solution to getting in your fruit and veggie intake as well as taking quick and easy healthy meals with you out of the house. However, how can you take the goodness and benefits of a blender when traveling or on vacation?

The answer is quite simple; get a portable blender, and it'll be the only one you will ever need.

Why you Should Get a Portable Blender

As suggested, a portable blender is what you need if you travel often, but it is equally a great option for use at home.

Some of the other reasons why you should consider getting portable blenders include:

Save on space - If you are staying in your college dorm or a small apartment, you will want one of these. Portable Blenders take up less space compared to conventional heavy duty ones.

Easy Travel - as suggested, they are highly portable, and you can carry them along when camping, road trips or longer trips.

Battery Operated - with mobile blenders, you have a choice of going for battery-operated blenders. What this means is that you can use the blender even in the absence of electricity.

Dual-Use Blending Jar - most portable blending machines come with dual-use blending jars, which also function as travel mugs.

How to Make Use of a Portable Blender

Now blenders have become synonymously attributed to smoothies because most people use them to whip them up as well as make fresh fruit juices.

A smoothie, which is a pureed blend of fresh fruit, vegetables, milk/yogurt, and water, offers an excellent nutritious meal to start up your day. However, smoothies can be taken as a meal any time of the day.

Depending on the wattage, you can also use mobile blenders to puree baby foods. Particular portables are designed to puree baby food and other meals, and you should go for these if your specific need is to puree food.

When talking about wattage, if you intend to blend up ice and frozen fruits, you are better off getting one with 250 watts or higher.

Pros of Portable Blenders over Conventional Heavy-Duty Blenders

So why should you get a portable blender over their traditional countertop counterparts?

Portability is the main reason to get a portable blender. The traditional heavy-duty types are often bulky, and they often stay confined on kitchen counter-tops.

Portables still offer high function in a much compact package. Depending on the brand and type, you can still juice, blend and puree using them.

They are best for making frozen drinks and smoothies while on-the-go.

With battery-operated, and also gas-powered, models, portables are the best option for use in places with electricity challenges or lack of power altogether.

The dual blender jug/travel mug comes in handy for travelers and campers who often want to keep the amount of luggage they carry to a minimum.

Considerations when Buying Portable Blenders

Now that you are sold on getting a portable blender, it is important to know what to consider when purchasing one to end up with the best one.

Size and Weight - if you are a camper of a backpacker, you will want to get one that is on the smaller and lighter side.

Battery/Gas Operated - likewise, campers and backpackers will want to go for battery-operated portables. However, most still come with cords for use where power is available. Gas operated models are also available, but they tend to be noisier, and not everyone takes too well to the smell of gas.

Wattage - portables tend to have lower wattages compared to their countertop counterparts. The lower wattage doesn't mean that you can't get a high-powered portable; get one with 250 watts and over for smoother consistency when using frozen fruits or ice.

Dual Blending Jar/ Travel Mug - make sure to go for a model with a blending jar that also functions as a travel mug. Noteworthy is that not all portables will offer this feature.

There you go, I am sure by now you are sold on getting a mobile or portable blender. It is excellent for travelers, anyone living in a small space, and will still offer great service for creating purees.

Bottom line is with a good portable blender, it will be the only blender you'll ever need.