Choosing a stationary blender: principle of operation and technical specifications
The issue of choosing a stationary blender is relevant for those who want to equip a kitchen in a modern style.
This device is worthy of competition for the submersible variety, having received increased power and versatility.
There are several basic criteria that allow you to make the best choice, taking into account the needs and financial capabilities.
Content
What is a stationary blender, why is it needed and how does it work
In general, a blender is an electric, kitchen appliance for chopping, whipping and mixing various products. The stationary version is a bowl (jug) mounted on a stable base with a cutting, working element inside.
It is intended for the preparation of certain dishes without the direct participation of a person in the process. In other words, it is enough for the hostess to put the ingredients in the container, set the desired program and turn on the device. The process is carried out automatically.
The principle of the apparatus is as follows. At the base is an electric motor, the drive shaft of which is output vertically upward. A container is installed on the base (usually in the form of a jug or bowl) so that the motor shaft enters the container.
Blade knives or special nozzles are fixed on the shaft. Further, liquid or products of a different consistency are poured into the jug. When the electric motor is turned on, knives (nozzles) begin to rotate, which provide the necessary processing.
Comparison of different types
Another popular type of blender is the submersible variety. A submersible blender is a device in the form of a housing, inside of which there is an electric motor and gearbox. In its lower part, nozzles (corollas) are fixed on the shaft, rotating when the engine is turned on. A man holds the device in his hand and places a whisk in a container with the product on top.
The nozzle rotation speed is set, but the entire process is manually controlled by varying the immersion depth and exposure time. Thus, the main difference lies in the principle of action.
The submersible blender is manually controlled and introduced from above, and the stationary design provides automatic mode, and the working body is located at the bottom.
Device advantages
The choice of type of blender depends on the tasks set for it and the preferences of the hostess.
The advantages of such an apparatus include:
- Multifunctionality.The device helps to solve many problems in the preparation of products - cooking minced meat, dough, mashed potatoes, smoothies; grinding coffee beans; crushing ice pieces; making cocktails; whipping mixtures, etc. It is equipped with numerous nozzles.
- Using a stationary appliance, you can quickly cook the desired product in any volume, even in small quantities per 1 person.
- Compactness. The device does not take up much space, which simplifies storage and transportation.
- Fast and high quality product processing.
What is the difference from a hand blender?
Comparison of the main parameters of submersible and stationary blenders is carried out in the table:
Parameter | Hand blender | Stationary blender |
Power | 150-1300 watts | Up to 2.5 kW. The increased power allows to crush solid products |
Functionality | Grinding not very solid products, whipping, mixing | Grinding solid products (nuts, coffee, ice, etc.). Cooking liquid foods (e.g. mashed soup). Not suitable for whipping. |
Serving Size | Serving Size Hold in Hand | The minimum portion is limited to a volume of 200-250 ml. The maximum volume is determined by the size of the jug. May exceed 2 liters. |
Ease of use | The need to hold in the hand | Automatic cooking without direct human intervention. Possibility of programming the process. |
Dimensions | Compact size and light weight | Significant dimensions. Requires storage space |
Care | After use, only whisks that are easily removable are required. | Complete disassembly and washing after each use |
Reliability | Nozzles can fail if the product is hard. Significant Impact of Proper Use | Higher durability. The engine has increased reliability due to the cooling system. Automatic shutdown at overloads. |
Cost | Depends on power, but on average higher than for stationary models | Lower combined power-price. |
The choice of a blender type depends, first of all, on the quantity of processed products. Submersible models are more suitable for frequent cooking in small quantities. Stationary blenders are needed with a significant amount of food, the need to grind solid products, the desire to automate the process.
Criterias of choice
To select the optimal model of a stationary blender, it is necessary to carefully study the instructions for its use and technical specifications. They should be compared with real requirements and desires.
Device power
Stationary, household blenders are available with power from 0.2 to 2 kW. You can find both high-power machines - up to 2.5 kW, designed for grinding especially hard products, and professional blenders up to 3 kW. The most popular devices with a power of 0.6-0.8 kW, which are able to provide basic needs. For the preparation of soups and smoothies, 0.4-0.5 kW is enough. To knead the dough, you need a blender with a capacity of about 1 kW.
Mode of operation
An important parameter is the ability to control the speed of rotation of the knives. The simplest devices have 1 speed mode. For most kitchen problems, it is enough to be able to set 3-5 speeds. Low speed is needed to get large pieces, and mashed potatoes are cooked at maximum speed. Modern models can have installation up to 20 different speeds.
A good blender has the ability to set special operating modes:
- Turbo mode. It provides for maintaining maximum rotation speed. In this mode, it is convenient to achieve the optimal consistency of the product at the end of the processing process.
- Pulse mode. Rotation occurs only while holding the button. In this case, the pressure can be changed by pressing force.
When considering the speed criterion, attention should be paid to the method of regulation.The change in speed can occur smoothly or in steps.
Knives
These characteristics should be considered.:
- Number of knives - 1 or 2. Increasing the amount improves the quality and speed of grinding.
- The form - straight and curved knives. Mixing is improved with curved elements. The mass becomes more uniform.
- Material. The most reliable are stainless steel knives that do not corrode when processing any products.
Bowls
The capabilities of the blender largely depend on the volume of the bowl (jug). The device is selected according to the real needs of the family, but it is taken into account that the usable volume is 200-250 ml less than the total capacity. 1.5-2 liter bowls are popular, in which dishes are prepared for the whole family. For single users or using the device for preparing baby food, it is enough to have a capacity of 0.8-1 l.
The shape of the bowl determines the appearance and stability.. In addition, an expanded base tank is easier to clean.
The material of the working capacity provides durability, but significantly affects the cost of the device. A reasonable alternative should be found. Economy class devices have plastic bowls. They are light and chemically inert, but are subject to abrasion and scratching.
Hot foods must not be placed in them.. Elegant and durable glass bowls. They are not afraid of hot ingredients, and the cooking process can be observed visually. The main disadvantage is fragility. High strength and reliability is ensured by metal (especially stainless steel). Limits application - increased price.
Housing
The bowl is installed on the base (housing), inside of which an electric motor is placed. The body material is subject to increased requirements for strength and durability. Modern plastic cases are made of impact-resistant plastic and have an attractive appearance. More reliable and durable metal cases, but they are much more expensive.
Nozzle set
Universal stationary blenders can have 3-4 nozzles and 2-3 bowls.
Most often, such standard equipment is provided.:
- Detachable knife on a plastic leg. The knife is used for mashed potatoes and work with vegetables.
- Evening party. It is designed to play the role of a mixer.
- Chopper. The most common option is a separate bowl with integrated knives. With its help, minced meat is prepared, root crops, nuts, onions, etc. are cut.
The increased number of nozzles and special bowls increases the functionality of the device.
Motor protection
Reliability of the device is provided by the system of protection against overheating and overvoltage. It will automatically turn off the device at high voltage. It is important to check the protection against overheating that occurs when braking knives, jamming the shaft and for other reasons. The system protects the motor from damage to the windings.
Control
Most stationary blenders are equipped with an electronic control system. The control unit has a knob for smooth or step change of speed and a button for setting modes.
Functions
Modern devices are able to perform various functions:
- Timer. With it, you can set the time interval of the device.
- Programming. The program contains several programs that automatically change and maintain rotation speed. With such a function, it is enough to press one button, and the blender will carry out the necessary operation. Standard programs: Blend (mixing), Smoothie (smoothie), Nut milk (making nut milk), Grind (grinding), Ice (crushing ice), Sauce (sauce), Soup (making soup), Sorbet (sorbet).
- Self cleaning function. It is absent in submersible blenders, but is typical for stationary structures. The device provides for washing the bowl inside when pouring warm water into it. Just press the appropriate button.
- Vacuum mixing. Some models have vacuum pumps that remove air from the bowl. This technology allows the maximum elimination of oxidative processes.
- Preheating. Special heating elements provide heating of the product and maintaining the desired temperature for a certain time.
Optional accessories
The convenience of servicing the blender is enhanced when it is equipped with additional accessories. It is advisable to have the following accessories: a measuring cup, a funnel for bulk ingredients and liquids, a pusher (spatula) made of silicone, a bag for filtering, a sports bottle (1-2 pieces), gaskets for knives. A tap can be a special element, through which you can pour a drink directly from the bowl.
TOP 3 best stationary blenders
Kitfort KT1342
This stationary blender has a power of 1.5 kW and a bowl volume of 2 liters. It provides smooth speed control.
The knife has 8 blades and is made of stainless steel.
The average price is 11,600 rubles.
pros
- strong metal case;
- multifunctionality;
- light weight (less than 6 kg);
- reliability and durability.
Minuses
- lack of turbo mode;
- plastic bowl design.
Bosch MMB 43G2
The power of the device is 0.7 kW. The volume of the bowl is 2.4 liters. There are all basic functions.
Number of speeds - 5.
Weight - 5.6 kg.
The average price is 6,200 rubles.
pros
- high-quality assembly, high reliability;
- glass bowl;
- software.
Minuses
- The case is made of plastic, but impact resistant material is used.
Kitfort KT1365
This is a 1 kW stationary blender. Includes bowls with a capacity of 0.5 and 0.7 liters. There are 3 nozzles. Weight - 3.4 kg. The appliance is ideal for preparing small portions of a cocktail, smoothie, baby and protein foods. High reliability and reliability. Consumers do not report significant flaws.
Blender has long been an indispensable assistant to the hostess in the kitchen. To select the optimal design, you must first determine the type of device. When buying a stationary model, you should rely on the main criteria. The right combination of parameters will allow you to purchase a device that is fully consistent with the needs and financial capabilities.
Useful video
From the video you will learn how to choose a high-quality stationary blender:
I believe that the most important thing in a stationary blender is power. I have two professional blenders, both from Rawmid: Dream Vitamin has a power of 2200 watts and Dream Classic BDC — 03, it has a power of 1500 watts. I like the first one more, without hesitation I can load the hardest products into it and I know that it can easily cope. For example, I grind horseradish roots with vegetables in a Vitamin blender, I don’t even need to cut them. But Classic sometimes slows down on carrots, which are much softer than horseradish, you have to add speed.
By the way, I completely agree with Olga. Power is the most important thing in blenders. Who will be pleased after taking the blender to get vegetables and fruits and cut them into smaller pieces if they are not grinded. Or, before loading products, grind them beforehand. There was such an experience with the old blender, I don’t want to)) Thanks))
Until recently, I had a blender from Soviet times. How did he help me out. But recently, I acquired a new modern stationary blender. I already have a submersible. But stationary is a completely different matter. It has a higher power and more functions. I even refused a coffee grinder and a meat grinder. I am satisfied with the volume of the bowl. Of course the price is decent, but saving on technology is not worth it.