Editing Blender (section)

==Characteristics==
Different blenders have different functions and features but [[product testing]] indicates that many blenders, even the less expensive ones, are useful for meeting many consumer needs.<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013">{{cite web |url= http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/blenders/buying-guide.htm |title=Top Blender Ratings - Blender Buying Guide |author=Consumer Reports |work=consumerreports.org |date=November 2013 |access-date=7 March 2014}}</ref> Features which consumers consider when purchasing a blender include the following:
*large visible measurement marks<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/>
*ease of use<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/>
*low noise during usage<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/>
*power usage (typically 300–1000 watts)<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/>
*ease of cleaning<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/>
*option for quick "pulse" blending<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/>

===Countertop blenders===
[[Countertop]] blenders use a blending container of {{convert|1|to|2|L|USqt|0}} blending container made of [[glass]], [[plastic]], [[stainless steel]].<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/> Glass blenders are heavier and more stable.<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/> Plastic is prone to scratching and absorbing the smell of blended food.<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/> Stainless steel is preferred for its appearance, but limits visibility of the food as it is blended.<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/>

Countertop blenders typically offer 2–16 speed settings, but having more choices in speed settings is not an indication of increased utility for all users.<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/>

In cases where the blades are removable, the container should have an [[O-ring]] or [[gasket]] between the body of the container and the base to seal the container and prevent the contents from leaking. The blending container is generally shaped in a way that encourages material to circulate through the blades, rather than simply spinning around.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

The container rests upon a base that contains a motor for turning the blade assembly and has controls on its surface. Most modern blenders offer a number of possible speeds. Low-powered blenders require the addition of some liquid to operate correctly. In these blenders, the liquid helps move the solids around the jar, bringing them in contact with the blades. The blades create a whirlpool effect which moves solids from top to bottom, ensuring even contact with the blade. This creates a homogeneous mixture. High-powered blenders are capable of milling grains and crushing ice without such assistance.<ref>"Steel Blender Grinder." ''2Fumbe'', n.d. Accessed April 24, 2025.</ref>


===Immersion blenders===
{{main article | Immersion blender}}
[[File:Wand Blender.jpg|thumb|upright=.4|right|An immersion blender]]
The hand-held immersion blender, '''stick blender''', '''hand blender''' or '''wand blender''' has no container of its own, but instead has a mixing head with rotating blades that can be immersed in a container.<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/> Immersion blenders are convenient for homogenizing volumes that are too large to fit in the bowl of a stationary blender or as in the case of soups, are too hot to be safely poured into the bowl.<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/>

The operation of an immersion blender requires that the user hold down a switch for as long as the blades operate, which can be tiresome for the user.<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/>

Handheld blenders are particularly used for small and specific tasks but do not have as many uses as a countertop blender.<ref name="Consumer Reports 2013"/>