6 Things to Consider When Buying a Blender
So you’re planning to buy a blender for your kitchen. It shouldn’t be rocket science—until you find yourself in a maze of brands, prices, specs, reviews, and features. Suddenly, breakfast is over and you still haven’t made that smoothie. To save you time and confusion, here are six essential things to keep in mind when shopping for a new blender.
1. Purpose and Frequency of Use
Yes, all blenders blend. But how often will you actually use it? If you only make the occasional smoothie or milkshake, you don’t need the most powerful machine out there. But if your kitchen sees regular soups, purees, juices, nut butters, or cocktails, it’s worth investing in a high-performance blender that can handle more demanding tasks.
2. Power, Horsepower, RPM—Do They Matter?
You’re buying a blender, not a racecar, but some basic understanding of its specs helps. Most descriptions include watts (W), horsepower (HP), RPMs (rotations per minute), and speed settings. For casual use, a 550W blender might be enough. But if you’re all about maximum power, you might want to consider a model with a robust 1800W motor.
3. Counter-to-Cabinet Clearance
In many kitchens, the vertical space between countertop and wall cabinets ranges between 38–45 cm. Some blenders—especially high-performance ones—can be as tall as 45 cm. If you plan to keep it on the counter, make sure to measure that space and leave at least 5 cm of clearance for safe and easy use.
4. Glass or Plastic Jar?
Trick question? Not quite. While “plastic” may sound like a turn-off, most major brands use durable, BPA-free plastic for a reason:
- It’s lighter than glass
- It’s more resistant to breaking
- It poses no health risk
On the other hand, a glass container adds an elegant touch. Both are valid choices—it’s just a matter of preference and practicality.
5. Style & Design
No kitchen is ever truly complete—there’s always a new gadget, color, or design trend around the corner. Choose a blender that not only functions well but also fits your kitchen’s aesthetic. If it’s stylish enough to show off to friends or post on social media, all the better!
6. Warranty Period
Generally, the more expensive the blender, the longer the warranty—and the better the performance. Treat your blender as a long-term investment. Look for solid warranty coverage so that your only worry over the next few years will be which recipe to try next.