From smoothies filled with red berries to spicy cold soups, there’s no denying that a blender has legitimately earned its place on any kitchen counter, as it can mix, puree, and emulsify food in minutes.
And yes, blenders can go a long way in making frozen cocktails and delicious smoothie bowls. However, this kitchen gadget also has remarkable nutritional benefits to boot, making it beneficial for your taste buds and your wallet.
In fact, research shows that whisking food in a soup can help increase satiety after meals, according to a May 2012 study published in The Journal of Nutrition.
Similarly, smoothie grapefruit juice had an advantage over grapefruit juice made in a juicer: the smoothie juice had significantly higher levels of beneficial phytonutrients compared to the other.
How does a blender work and what can it be used for?
A blender works using a high powered motor and a rotating blade to help liquefy the food. This allows the device to successfully crush and mix frozen food.
Whether it’s a portable blender that you can keep in your work bag or a countertop appliance that you can use over and over again, blenders are basically blenders as they can easily mix, puree, and emulsify food.
Use a blender to:
- Pureeing baby food
- Beat smoothies
- Blend the gazpacho and other cold soups
- Crushed ice
- Grind meat
- Mix sauces and marinades
- Chop vegetables
Some mixers have a cut or function, which processes the ingredients enough to break them down into small pieces without mixing them completely. If you are trying to cut vegetables in a blender, you should have a blender with a setting that allows it. Don’t press the smoothie button thinking you’re going to get chopped vegetables.
What is the difference between a blender and a food processor?
On the surface, food processors and blenders look so similar that they are almost interchangeable. However, in reality, both devices excel at different kitchen tasks, such as liquefaction and chopping.
Blenders have dull blades and are intended for liquid-based foods like soups, purees, and smoothies. On the other hand, food processors have sharp blades and are perfect for pulverizing onions and garlic, making creamy pesto, and breaking down hard ingredients like nuts and seeds.
Blender containers and accessories also differ from their food processor counterparts, as blender containers tend to be taller and contain a single blade.
A food processor, on the other hand, generally has interchangeable blades and discs. Some cut, while others grind, grind, and puree. Also, some processors have accessories that knead the dough and do other jobs. The bowl of a food processor is generally round.
So can you use a food processor as a blender?
Not quite. Food processors are intended for drier foods, while blenders are better suited for liquid-based foods with higher water content.
Although the functions of these two appliances can complement each other, they are not interchangeable. If you try to make a liquid based recipe in a food processor, the liquid is likely to spill, making it a very complicated endeavor.
How to choose the best blender and the best brands?
If you are wondering which type of blender will work best for your kitchen, we suggest a variety of different options to suit any budget.
Best for power and durability: Vitamix
If you want a powerful, well-built investment blender that will last a while, I advise you to look for brands like Vitamix because they make durable, easy-to-clean machines.
Vitamix is widely considered the best blender because it is powerful, well built, and easy to clean.
Best for a tight budget: Ninja Blender
If you are looking for a blender that doesn’t take up too much counter space, the popular Ninja Mega Kitchen System has a storage base.
The Ninja blender is also durable and affordable, making them ideal for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on household appliances.
Best for quick single-serving recipes: NutriBullet
If you’re looking for blenders that you can use on the go, I recommend investing in single-serving blenders that can be used for smoothies after the gym or on your busy day of the week.
NutriBullet has great units that are lightweight and space-saving. Plus, some of the models have stylish take-out containers, so you can put your ingredients in the night before and then just mix and go in the morning.
