Testing blenders involves more than just making smoothies and crushing ice. In order to determine the capabilities of each model, tests were conducted using different types of ingredients. One test involved crushing ice cubes to assess chopping power, with the recommended blenders performing well in this category. Another test focused on making fruit smoothies, which tests the speed and consistency of the blender. Most blenders were able to handle frozen ingredients well, but some left large chunks of fruit unblended.
Dry ingredients were also tested, such as grinding almond pieces into fine flour. While most blenders were able to accomplish this task in around 10 to 20 pulses, the Hamilton Beach model yielded coarser results. Making nut butter was a different story, as most blenders are not designed for long running times required for processing nut butter. Only one Vitamix model showed signs of progress toward almond butter, while others simply whirred the dry ingredients without achieving a good consistency. For those set on making nut butter, a model with an included processing kit or a separate food processor is recommended.
In another test, blenders were used to shred an 8-ounce block of cheese. Some models had design limitations that made it difficult to fit the cheese block into the blender, while others handled the task with ease. The NutriBullet, Ninja, Instant Pot, Breville Super Q, and Hurom Hexa were able to grate the cheese block in less than five pulses. Additionally, pancake batter was tested to measure how easily the blender can mix wet and dry ingredients.
Overall, the testing of blenders involved a variety of recipes and ingredients to assess the capabilities of each model. From crushing ice to making smoothies, grinding dry ingredients, shredding cheese, and mixing batter, these tests revealed how well each blender performs in different scenarios. Some blenders excelled in certain tasks, while others fell short. For those looking to make nut butter, a blender with special features or a separate food processor may be necessary. The tests highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of each blender, helping consumers make an informed decision when choosing a blender for their kitchen.
