Did you know that keeping a high quality blender in your kitchen could actually make you a better cook? Good tools mean that good cooking comes a lot easier, since you don't have to struggle with appliances and utensils that don't do what you want. That's what a good blender that'll stand up to a lot of use is an essential in the kitchen.
What do you want your blender to do?
First, think about what you want your blender to do. Will you be crushing ice for drinks, making smoothies, blending soups and sauces, or just using your blender to make the occasional milk shake? How you blend will affect your choice of appliances. For instance, people who only want to blend relatively liquid substances like soups and thin smoothies, and who'd like to be able to make a sauce in the pan will benefit from a high quality immersion blender. On the other hand, if you want to crush ice, a counter top blender with a strong motor is a must. Never use the wrong tool for a job. You'll spend too much effort on it, and you'll probably produce an inferior dish at the end.
Think about the motor
Blenders that are going to be called on to deal with hard objects must have a powerful motor. However, just looking at the box and purchasing the motor with the highest wattage doesn't work. Wattage merely tells you how much energy the appliance uses. Using this method, you could easily end up with an inefficient model that uses a lot of power and doesn't work well. A good design that helps the blender do its job is also important.
Glass or Plastic?
Countertop blenders should have a tapered jar. That's because this design encourages the contents of the blender to move steadily downward towards the whirling blades at the bottom. Anything you puree in a blender that uses this design will be free from unwanted chunks. Look for a heavy glass jar, too. While plastic is lighter and seems less breakable, it won't last. A few trips through the dishwasher or too much use and you'll find your plastic jar has stained and cracked.
Blender Controls
You should also think about your preferences when it comes to controls. While some people love blenders that offer a dial control, because it's easier to adjust, others like the way a button immediately responds. If you're buying a stick or immersion blender, make sure yours has a button that's hard to accidentally push, and be certain the blades are covered by a guard. That way, you won't accidentally create a dangerous situation.
No matter what model or style of blender you decide to use, make sure it fits in with the way you live. Look for durable, high quality machines that offer strong motors and sharp blades. The quality of your blender could influence the quality of your food.