Best Blender/Emulsifier

[JGDean]

I stupidly got rid of my 25 year old stainless dependable Osterizer Blender when all it really needed was a new blade. I then purchased the over-priced peice of junk Montel originally sold. It was extremely noisy and difficult to clean. I gave it to a friend and 2 months later it fried and now she wants to pay $60.00 (for shipping) for me to get a new motor. I suggested NO. So she doesn't have a blender and I have a cheapy That leaves chunks of ice and fruit in smoothies. If you haven't fallen asleep yet...

What is the best blender for home use?

[Silversage]

Canister type blender - VitaMix

Stick blender - Bamix

But both are $$$

[JGDean]

I was thinking Vitamix.

[Aunt Bea]

I use an old inexpensive Osterizer with a glass canister.

This is a good question for your local bartender!

[GLC]

Many years ago, I bought a Hamilton Beach commercial bar blender with glass container. The only control is a three-way switch: OFF, ON, and STAND BACK AND AVERT YOUR EYES. Can't kill it. They're about $100 now. I suppose it depends on how you use a blender. My need is real basic - I want to do a basic blending job and occasionally to crush ice.

[Andy M.]

Originally Posted by JGDean

...What is the best blender for home use?

On the surface, it's easy to recommend the most expensive blender as a foolproof solution that won't disappoint with its performance.

I think you should consider how and how much you use your blender. I use a blender occasionally to blend a sauce or similar when a stick blender is not the best choice. In the summertime, we may make some drinks with lots of ice. That's about it. I bought a $50 blender with a glass container about ten years ago and it continues to work like new.

On the other hand, if your blender would get heavy use on a daily basis making smoothies, crushing ice, etc, a more expensive and sturdier blender may be the way to go.

[visionviper]

Originally Posted by Andy M.

I think you should consider how and how much you use your blender. I use a blender occasionally to blend a sauce or similar when a stick blender is not the best choice. In the summertime, we may make some drinks with lots of ice. That's about it. I bought a $50 blender with a glass container about ten years ago and it continues to work like new.

On the other hand, if your blender would get heavy use on a daily basis making smoothies, crushing ice, etc, a more expensive and sturdier blender may be the way to go.

This is what I was thinking. Heavy use: get something like a VitaMix or Blendtec. Light or Moderate user: Something that's $50 or $100 will last you a long time and do everything you need it to do. I've actually been looking at possibly getting a new blender, so I will definitely following this thread.

HSN has a new Krups blender for $90 right now ($180 on Amazon). Can't say I really know how their blenders are, but it looks to be a good one. I can't find many reviews on the net about it though. I will say that their last blender model (the KB720) didn't fare too well.

Not entirely sure why I mentioned it in the first place. *scratches head*

[PrincessFiona60]

I could only find a Black and Decker with glass, it was about $60 and it is perfect for anything I've thrown at it, ice, crackers, bread, soup.

Personally, I like my immersion blender better and it gets a lot more use than the blender.

[gadzooks]

Vita Mix 5200 with wet and dry containers...$58+tax at a thrift store, new in the (opened) box. Braun 300 watt 2 speed immersion blender, $2+tax, used, same store, different day.

[visionviper]

Originally Posted by gadzooks

Vita Mix 5200 with wet and dry containers...$58+tax at a thrift store, new in the (opened) box. Braun 300 watt 2 speed immersion blender, $2+tax, used, same store, different day.

I want your thrift store. I've never had a find that good.

I think thing I want most in a blender is a blender with enough power/good design to not get a big air pocket when I am making my marinara sauce.