What is a blender and what is it for? What is a blender? Immersion blender purpose

A blender is a small, fast assistant that can reduce the time for preparing an original dish by almost 30%, and in some cases by as much as 50-70%. Manufacturers of various household appliances provide a wide selection of blender models, the types of which are very diverse. What functions does this device perform, what is its help?

A blender is basically a mixing device. The name of this skillful gadget comes from English word Blender, which means mixer or mixer. Those who think that a blender is a device that can only be useful for whipping cocktails or grinding something into a puree are mistaken. Some types of blenders, thanks to special devices, can:

chop raw or boiled vegetables;
chop nuts coarsely or until crumbly, depending on the type of nozzle;
grind vegetables and fruits in mashed potatoes, both raw and boiled;
beat dough, cocktails, creams;
mix sauces;
cook soups, mashed potatoes;
chop greens.

This is only a small part of the possibilities that the blender will give to its owners.

Let's look at what blenders are than appliances different type differ from each other, what are their advantages and disadvantages.

hand blenders

A hand blender is a device that is an elongated handle with a plastic or metal leg with a small extension at the end for a nozzle in the form of knives. With the help of an elongated part, the device is immersed in a container with products, where it grinds, cuts or mixes, depending on the type of nozzle used. At the same time, he is held by the handle, on which there are buttons for controlling the unit.

Advantages of hand or immersion blenders:

small dimensions;
does not require installation;
easily disassembled for washing;
variety of nozzles and, as a result, an extended list of possibilities.

Flaws:

a hand-held blender has to be kept suspended during operation, while it is necessary to hold the start button all the time, which is quite inconvenient, especially if the model is completely metal, since such devices are heavier;
when used for 1 minute or more, hand fatigue appears;
grinds a small amount of products;
not suitable for making cocktails.

The functions of a blender of this type are quite diverse, in the presence of various kinds of nozzles.

What are the accessories for a hand blender:

special knife for chopping meat and vegetables;
specialized nozzles for dough;
various whisks for whipping;
a grate that grinds products.

This list does not represent the entire variety of auxiliary nozzles for a hand mixer. How more quantity functions are performed by the gadget, especially high cost he has. Therefore, when buying a unit, it is advisable to analyze the needs, as well as the features of the menu of a particular family, you may need a device only to turn food into puree.

Desktop or stationary blender

This type of mixer differs from the previous one not only in appearance, but also in part in functionality. Such an apparatus is a platform or base on which a glass-type container with built-in movable knives at the bottom is installed. The kit of some models of this device includes several bowls-glasses with different knives, the shape of which depends on what functions this container with a knife performs.

The advantages of this type of blender include:

when using this device, you do not need to hold it, it stands steadily on the surface;
a wide selection of models of any size with different volumes of bowls-glasses;
Perfectly mixes liquid dough, cocktails.

Among the shortcomings, users note the following qualities:

overall device, so the owners of small areas have a problem with storage and installation;
not chopping vegetables well enough.

We looked at the two main types of blenders that are on the market. Models of devices of these types can have various modifications that allow you to expand the functions of the device. So, some representatives of submersible devices are equipped with nozzles with the function of a meat grinder or chopping vegetables. And stationary models can be equipped with a special knife that will transform an ordinary appliance into a blender with an ice crushing function.

The most popular types and models of blenders on the market

The classification of blenders is not limited to the above two types. Based on these basic units, manufacturers create various models, which are endowed with certain functions. We have collected some types of devices into groups that are most common among users and highlighted the bright models that we found the most reviews on the network. So, let's see what happened.

Hand blenders without attachments

Scarlett SC series HB 42S08. A device that performs the functions of a conventional blender. It has only one speed of operation, but this is compensated by the pulse mode. With its light weight and compactness, the device has sufficient power of 500 watts. Users attribute its power and quality to the advantages of the device, as well as its low cost, which is about 1000 rubles. Among the shortcomings, the components of the device made of plastic, as well as a small number of speeds, are noted.
Bosch MSM series. A simple device that looks like expensive device, thanks to the design of the main body of the hand holder and the metal submersible leg. The device is equipped with a sharp four-bladed knife, which is of excellent quality. Just like the previous model, it has one speed and turbo mode. The power of the device is 600 W.

Multifunctional hand blenders:

Hilton SMS The simplest model of multifunctional combine blenders, which comes with several molds for various types of cutting and shredding, a vacuum pump, storage bowls and a chopper. The device performs its basic functions well. The disadvantage that was noted by buyers is the short life of plastic constituent parts unit.
Philips model HR 1679. The blender model is equipped with additional accessories for grinding products in the form of cubes, plastics, and shredders. In addition, the package includes a small whisk and a glass. The device has a power of 800 watts. Very handy and versatile unit. Many users note the low strength of the whisk, according to reviews, this nozzle becomes unusable very quickly.
Vitek model VT 3404. Convenient powerful device equipped with a metal disc for shredding and grater. It is also equipped with a nozzle for processing products in the form of cubes, another measuring cup, as well as accessories for mixing sauces, dough, cream. The power of the device is 1000 W. In the list of disadvantages of the device is a short time of use, as it heats up quickly. Unprocessed foods are collected under the lid. A reliable and convenient multifunctional device that allows you to cook a large number of different salads and dishes.

The best representatives of desktop blenders

Polaris model PTB series 0204 G. Mixer with a bowl of almost one and a half liters and with a power of 600 watts. The knives of the device, made of high-strength steel, provide high-quality grinding and cutting of products. Some users note that this device, without a special knife, is able to make crushed ice.
Philips model HR 2166. This model is interesting for customers with a set of additional accessories in the form of a mill with protection against body damage, a special knife for chopping vegetables, herbs, and a stone filter that can be used to make juice. The only drawback, according to buyers, is the low power of the device, which is 600 watts.
KITFORT model KT 1301. Powerful unit 1000 W with 6 speeds. Thanks to this, it is able to quickly and easily grind even frozen foods. Among the advantages are a durable metal case and a glass jug, ease of use, as well as a digital display that displays information about the number of revolutions, mode and speed of operation. Among the shortcomings of this device - high level noise during operation and not very high quality assembly.

Lists of interesting and multifunctional devices of various types from different manufacturers are replenished almost every year. Already now, in addition to the mini-combine blender, buyers have the opportunity to purchase a blender with the function of a soup cooker or a blender-steamer. So even the most demanding hostess will be able to choose a device that will meet all her unusual needs.

The blender in the popularity rating of kitchen appliances occupies one of the leading positions. So what is a blender for? What functions can it perform? Is it so necessary and can it be fully and justifiably replaced by some other device?

Why you need a stationary blender

The stationary blender has the shape of a jug, which is mounted on a block with a motor; As a rule, these models work quite loudly. Why do you need a blender of this kind? The answer is simple: with a fairly compact size, it can almost completely replace a food processor.

With it, you can quickly and efficiently perform the following functions:

grind vegetables, fruits, meat, nuts, ice, etc.;
mix the ingredients into a single homogeneous mass;
prepare sauces and cocktails, mayonnaise, dressings of all kinds.

With the help of a classic stand blender, you can quickly prepare many gourmet dishes, since the functions of this type of blender are practically unlimited. Below are some of the available and delicious recipes with its use.

Several recipes for a stationary blender

Soup "Vichyssoise"

Ingredients:

broth (preferably chicken) - 1l;
fresh leek - 500 gr; onion- 1 PC.; green onion- 50 gr;
cream - 200 ml;
potatoes - 500 gr.

Cooking algorithm:

V butter fry leeks and onions;
add potatoes and broth to the frying, leave to cook for 20 minutes;
pour the soup into a blender, add chilled cream and beat thoroughly;
decorate the dish with green onions.

Pumpkin Cream Soup

Ingredients:

pumpkin - 1 kg;
garlic - head;
broth - 1l;
cream (fat-free) - 200 ml;
butter - 100 g;
bulb red;
brandy - 50 g.

Cooking algorithm:

fry onions with garlic;
add pumpkin pieces to the frying and cook for about 20 minutes; 5 minutes before readiness, pour in brandy and evaporate alcohol;
transfer the pumpkin to a blender, add the broth and cream, beat everything together.

Cream soup is usually served immediately after its preparation. Cream gives the consistency of the dish a special delicate texture, so their quality must be monitored so as not to spoil such a soup. You can decorate it with fresh herbs or a drop of sour cream.

So, why you need a blender of this type is understandable. With it, it is also very convenient to prepare milk, low-alcohol or alcoholic cocktails. In this case, the ingredients are placed in the blender carafe, ice is added and everything is crushed and mixed in seconds.

How to use an immersion blender

What is an immersion blender for? The functionality of such a blender is quite limited. In fact, you can only grind the ingredients and mix. These blender functions are indispensable in any kitchen, however, at least this is not enough for a multifunctional device, which any blender is positioned as.

To solve this problem, manufacturers began to equip basic version blender with additional blocks and nozzles, thanks to which cooking with such a blender has become even easier. So in many modern popular models you can see:

self-contained compartment with a sealed lid for especially hard products: the screw is actuated by the handle of the blender itself, from which the main nozzle is removed; you can crush ice in it, grind nuts into crumbs, grind coffee beans, cook minced meat;
insert - whisk: allows you to beat eggs, prepare dough, sauces for which an airy texture is important (these functions make it possible to replace the mixer with the device).

With the help of any immersion blender, you can quickly prepare puree for children (therefore, the question “why do you need a blender?” often worries young mothers): for example, cut apples (bananas, quince, grapes, kiwi) into pieces, pour them into a glass and chop with blender.

Similarly, you can prepare vegetable purees (you should not use such a blender for mashed potatoes, as it turns out to be sticky, unappetizing). To prepare meat purees, it is better to use a universal chopper (the same autonomous unit).

An immersion blender with such an addition is indispensable in the arsenal of any hostess who loves culinary experiments. With it, it is convenient to mix components of different textures, achieving a special taste of the dish. You can also use it, for example, for self-cooking:

breadcrumbs or any other breading;
chocolate chips;
vegetable or minced meat.

The immersion model does an excellent job with miniature doses of products, so it is convenient to use it to do, for example, decorative elements: sauces for decorating salads, sweet chocolate fillings, caramel masterpieces. If your device has a universal chopper, then you can cook several dishes or preparations almost in parallel: for example, vegetable puree for the child and breading for cutlets for him. This significantly saves time and effort of the hostess, and the cooking process is faster.

A blender is a multifunctional device that greatly simplifies the process of cooking. The functions of the blender are very diverse: making cocktails, minced meat, chopping vegetables, nuts, crushing ice, making puree soups, baby purees and much more. In fact, this handy little thing was quite able to replace such devices as a meat grinder, a food processor and even a mixer. However, you need to understand that there are a huge variety of blender models that differ in appearance, functionality, quality, and, of course, cost. This begs the question, how to choose a blender?

Types of blenders

To decide which blender is better to buy, it does not hurt to find out the main differences. different types blenders among themselves. It should be noted right away that choosing a blender to perform only the functions of a mixer or to knead the dough does not make any sense, since the mixer will cope with this task much better. The modern home appliance market offers so many different models that it can be quite difficult to decide which blender to choose right away. So, the types of blenders are as follows: stationary and submersible.

A stationary blender, or shaker as it is called in Europe, is designed mainly for crushing ice and mixing cocktails. Unlike a submersible, a stationary blender does not need to be held in your hands, so your hands will not get tired after a long time working with it. Most often, it costs less than an immersion blender, and also has a self-cleaning function. To do this, just pour warm water into the bowl and turn on the blender at full power, and then you just need to drain the contaminated water.

What should be considered when choosing a stationary blender? In addition to the standard parameters: power, dimensions and appearance- It is worth paying attention to the material and volume of the bowl. There are two types of bowls: glass and plastic. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages. So, for example, a glass bowl does not absorb odors and does not darken, but it is very difficult to replace it if it breaks. Plastic bowls, in turn, do not break, but it is not recommended to pour hot liquids into them. Cup sizes range from 500 ml to 2 liters, but since the cup cannot be filled completely, its actual volume is always 200 ml less. A smaller or larger bowl should be chosen according to the needs of your family.

An immersion blender is still more functional than a stationary one. With it, you can prepare a cocktail, chop vegetables right in the soup, grind meat into minced meat, and much more. In addition, due to the small dimensions of the blender itself and nozzles, it is much more convenient to store it. And in a family with small children, this thing is generally indispensable! The immersion blender is a mechanism with a long leg and a kind of "skirt" at the end, with inside which are the knives. Immersion blenders come with metal and plastic legs. While plastic-stem blenders are cheaper, they cannot be immersed in hot water, so a metal-stem blender is the way to go. Just like a stationary, submersible blender is different capacities. The power determines how quickly the blender will cope with its task. But as practice shows, a blender with a power of 600 watts is enough.

What functions does a blender perform

As a rule, the blender comes with several nozzles (except for especially economical models). Nozzles should also be chosen wisely. Why would you pay extra for attachments that you are unlikely to ever use? Standard fittings are:

Directly blender leg with knives. If the blender comes with other attachments, then the leg will be removable. This attachment is used to grind ingredients into a puree, so it is great for making baby food, porridges and puree soups, and it also does a great job of grinding cottage cheese for a cottage cheese casserole.
Chopper, or chopper - a container with a knife inside, which is driven by the main mechanism of the blender. Here you can grind cheese, nuts, onions, carrots, cook minced meat and much more. Products are crushed to the state of crumbs.
Corolla. In principle, this nozzle can completely replace the mixer, but, again, a mixer with two whisks will cope with the task much faster.
Vacuum pump. This nozzle is present in more expensive blender models. It can be used to suck air out of containers for better storage products.
In addition, the kit most often comes with a tall measuring cup for mixing cocktails and other liquids.

A separate group is to single out a blender with a dicing function, since similar models are found among both types of blenders. Such a blender can dice any boiled or raw food: carrots, cucumbers, potatoes, bananas, apples, etc. Agree, an indispensable thing when you need to prepare a whole assortment of beautifully diced salads before guests arrive. However, even here it is not always possible to guess with a choice. According to customer reviews, the following problems often arise: the cubes are too large, it is very inconvenient to wash, the chopper bowl cracks, the volume of the bowl is too small, etc.

One way or another, before choosing a blender, decide which blender is best for your family. Find out from the seller what functions the blender you are going to purchase performs, as well as its parameters, service life and energy consumption. Ask how other users of a particular model speak about it. And only when you are sure that it is best blender for you, decide to buy. After all, such a convenient, and by the way, quite an expensive thing, should not be just an element of decor. Good luck with your purchase!

It all depends on your tasks.

immersion blender

The immersion blender is more often chosen. vibrat-detiam.com.ua

Suitable for most household tasks.
Advantages: compactness, you can grind small portions in any containers, a lot of nozzles.
Flaws: you need to hold the blender in your hands, if you use it carelessly, you can splash products.

Such a blender is bought and used most often, because it is a real replacement for a food processor. Chopper, blender, whisk, puree attachment, vacuum pump allow you to make minced meat and dough, puree and smoothies, grind coffee, crush ice and do a bunch of other things. The device is easy to store small kitchen and transport from place to place.

Where to get it

Stationary blender

The stationary blender is optimal for making soups and smoothies. derekjohnsonnutrition.com

Suitable for preparation of liquids, but can cope with other tasks.
Advantages: does not require your direct participation, the products are not splashed.
Flaws: takes up more space, only large portions can be cooked.

Such a blender is ideal for lovers of smoothies, cocktails and, because, unlike a submersible, it does not splash liquids. The device is convenient to use frequently, day after day, as it does not need to be held in your hands when grinding food.

Where to get it

How to choose an immersion blender

1. Power

This is the main criterion. The power of the devices varies from 140 to 2,000 watts. The more powerful the immersion blender, the faster it processes food and less heat. powerful blender you can easily crush ice and make minced meat.

If you are going to grind mostly soft foods, up to 450 watts of power will suffice. If a blender is needed for most household tasks, take more watts.

If you need to frequently use the blender as a meat grinder, crush ice, or chop frozen vegetables, it is better to choose a 600-800 W model.

A power of 1,000 watts or more indicates that the blender is most likely professional and can process all products. But such a device costs several times more.

2. Material of the case and elements

The main nozzle can be made of plastic or metal. kitchendecorium.ru

First of all, look at the material from which the main nozzle is made. Better if it is metal. This will allow you to process even very hot foods and liquids, not to be afraid for the safety of the blender in case of an accidental fall and to avoid frequent breakdowns. The metal nozzle is easier to care for, as it does not absorb odors and does not stain (for example, when grinding).

The blender body and other attachments may be plastic. This will not affect the functionality of the device. It is convenient if there are rubberized inserts on the plastic. So the blender will not slip out of your hands.

3. Speeds and modes

Usually only a few speeds are used, so it makes no sense to overpay. kitchendecorium.ru

An immersion blender can have from 1 to 30 speeds. The more speeds, the more precisely you can adjust the speed of rotation of the knife in order to avoid splashing, achieve the desired degree of grinding and beat the mass to a certain consistency.

If you want to get a reliable and simple device, it is better to stay on a blender with 1-2 speed modes. It will handle most tasks. If flexible speed setting is important to you, choose a device with 5-8 speeds - they are quite enough.

Immersion blenders have two more useful mode. Turbo mode allows you to rotate the knives at maximum speed. It can be included, for example, at the end of the processing of products in order to achieve uniformity.

The pulse mode does not allow the device to overheat when processing solid products, such as ice. In this mode, the knives rotate faster than usual, but with small interruptions. The speed is controlled by pressing the button.

4. Nozzles

Typically, an immersion blender has three main attachments: the blender itself, the whisk, and the chopper. With the main nozzle, you can puree foods in various containers, with a whisk - beat the proteins and knead the dough, and cook minced meat in the grinder.

For most people, three standard nozzles are enough.

Instead of mashing, use the masher attachment to grate the potatoes at low speed, which makes them fluffy instead of sticky.

Another useful attachment is a vacuum pump. It allows you to pump air out of bags and plastic containers so that food can be stored longer.

5. Power type

Most immersion blenders are mains powered and have a cord length of up to 1.5 m. This is a tried and true option.

If you have big kitchen and multiple work surfaces, you'll be more comfortable with a cordless blender. A device with a battery will also come in handy in the country when you cook on summer kitchen where there are no outlets.

The disadvantage of a blender with a battery is a short operating time: about 20-30 minutes.

How to choose a stationary blender

1. Power

The power of stationary blenders varies from 250 to 1,500 watts.

If you cook mainly soups and smoothies, 300-500 watts will be enough for you. 600W is enough for most tasks.

If you need to grind nuts, frozen and ice frequently, a 750-900 watt blender is a better choice. To knead the dough, a device with a power of at least 1,000 watts is useful.

2. Speeds and modes

Stationary blenders usually have 1 to 20 speeds. The presence of different speed modes is convenient. At low speed you can get large pieces, and at high speed you can achieve a puree consistency. However, overpaying for a lot of speeds is useless.

A stationary blender with 2-4 speeds will cope with most household tasks.

If you often use a blender and grind different products, other modes will come in handy: turbo and pulse. With the first you will get maximum speed, and with the second you will avoid overheating of the device.

3. Type and material of knives

A stationary blender can have one or two blades. The more knives, the faster you can chop food.

The shape of the knives are straight and curved. The latter mix the products more thoroughly. So choose them if you often need a homogeneous mass.

Stainless steel knives are not afraid of corrosion and will last for more than one year.

4. The volume and material of the bowl

The larger the bowl, the more food you can grind at a time. When choosing, it should be borne in mind that the usable volume is less than the nominal volume by about 200–300 ml.

In a bowl with a volume of 1.5–2 liters, it is convenient to cook soups for several people. A liter bowl is enough to prepare baby food.

Choose a bowl with a wide base. It's easier to wash it.

The bowl can be plastic, glass or metal.

Plastic bowls are light and comfortable, and blenders with them are usually cheaper than others. If you don't need to grind hot food often, you can choose this jug.

The glass bowl is more wear-resistant, scratch-resistant and allows you to process hot ingredients. However, such a jug is easy to break.

Buyer's checklist

It is impossible to say unequivocally which blender is better - submersible or stationary. Choose the one that suits your needs.
In a stationary blender, it is more convenient to prepare large volumes of liquids, but when stored, it takes up a lot of space.
The immersion blender is more compact and will cope with most household tasks, as it allows you to use various attachments.
The more powerful the device, the more challenging tasks it can perform.
High-speed modes allow you to adjust the speed of rotation of the knives and achieve mass uniformity.
The body material is not as important as the material of the elements. When choosing an immersion blender, pay attention to the main nozzle, and when choosing a stationary blender, pay attention to the bowl.

Blender - indispensable assistant in every housewife's kitchen. However, in order to enjoy his work, you need to choose it correctly. Knowing what types of blenders are and what each of them is intended for will help you make a choice.

Blenders according to their characteristics are divided into the following types:

combined.

Do right choice the information below will help.

Submersible

These models are a handle to which a hemisphere-shaped nozzle is attached. At the end of it are knives. Such a blender can be sold both with a bowl (glass) for dipping and without it. Despite the fact that such a device is self-sufficient, when purchasing it, it is best to choose models that have additional nozzles.

The immersion blender is designed for chopping and mashing soft foods, such as boiled vegetables, meat, fish, etc. The material from which the nozzles are made also plays an important role. Metal or plastic: which one to choose? Of course, metal, because such models are much more practical to use (they can work with hot products) and have a long service life. The power of the device also plays an important role, because the higher it is, the easier it is to work with it.

Stationary

The device of these models includes a base (base) and a bowl, also called a jug. The principle of operation of this type of device is as follows: products are placed in the bowl, then it is installed on the base, closed with a lid and turned on. Used to make the bowl glass or plastic. It is preferable to opt for glass models, but they can easily break if not handled carefully. The disadvantages of plastic include its ability to darken and absorb odors. Although it all depends on it quality.

Also pay attention to the size of the bowl. It can be both very small, with a volume of 400 ml, and quite roomy - up to 2 liters.

The choice of volume depends on the purpose for which the device will be used. It is good to cook various cocktails and mashed soups in it (more about working functions: what can be done with a blender). This appliance is not intended for grinding dry products. Some stand blender models have a convenient self-cleaning function.

Choppers

Choppers are a bowl on which a handle is put on top. The knives located inside the bowl are directed in one direction, and on the handle there is a button that starts the blender. This type of device does an excellent job of grinding solid products. In it, meat easily turns into minced meat, and nuts into nut crumbs. The disadvantage of the device is time limit its use.

Combined models

The peculiarity of these models is that they combine the functions of a chopper and an immersion blender. Such models, as a rule, are additionally equipped with vacuum pump and whisk. They cost an order of magnitude more expensive than the above devices and are able to perform many kitchen tasks.

How else are blenders different?

We have considered what types of blenders are, but their differences do not end there. When buying, consider factors such as:

the presence / absence of a network cable;
number of speeds.

corded blender the best way suitable for home use, and for travel (hiking) it will be very useful wireless. It is, of course, not as powerful as a wired one, but it will do just fine with chopping fresh berries and soft fruits / vegetables.

Blenders have different number of speeds- from 2 to 30. The rule applies here: the more, the better, and for good reason, because choosing the appropriate speed allows you to quickly achieve the desired consistency of the dish. What number of speeds is optimal for the device is up to you.

When choosing a blender, the following recommendations should be observed:

Define purpose of use devices. This can be both the preparation of children's food, drinks, soups, and the grinding of products of various hardness.
Decide what is needed bowl volume. If you plan to cook for one child, then you can choose a model with a small bowl, and if for the whole family, then you will need a larger capacity (read also: is it possible to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for the whole family in a blender).
Presence/absence network cable. For home use, a corded blender is suitable, and for hiking and traveling, a cordless blender is suitable.
Quantity speeds. More of them makes the device more functional and faster.
Equipment. A large number of additional nozzles is only a plus, since there will be no need to purchase them separately.