SAN ANTONIO – Blenders are must-have kitchen appliances, and some of the newer ones seen in stores are bigger, bulkier and pricier high-horsepower machines. But are the more expensive appliances worth the investment?
A good blender can be a handy and versatile kitchen machine. Consumer Reports tested several to see their ice crushing abilities and piña colada and soup-making skills.
“If you’re making soup in the winter or margaritas in the summer, we want to know: Can this blender handle the task?” said Kimberly Janeway, with Consumer Reports.
Prices can vary a lot. Consumer Reports’ tests included blenders that cost as little as $40 to more than $600. And not only are some of the price tags big. Some of the blenders take up quite a bit of counter space.
The $180 Dash blender Consumer Reports tested might not even fit in your kitchen cabinet. And the $500 Kitchenaid blender tested weighs 21 pounds and takes up precious space. Both can turn out an icy drink or puree a nice soup. But neither made Consumer Reports’ recommended list.
The Vitamix Turboblend 3-speed blender also didn’t make the list.
“We have yet to see any of the blenders outperform the top scoring Vitamix Professional, which has been at the top for quite some time,” Janeway said.
That Vitamix will set you back $650. For much less money, Consumer Reports said you should consider buying the Electrolux Expressionist for $170. Consumer Reports calls it a durable multitasker and can handle soups and margaritas.
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