Run time - Most models have a maximum continuous running time of one or two minutes on manual mode - anything more than this could cause the motor to burn out. Those with pre-programmed functions may run for several minutes. If you’d prefer to do things manually, then this model has you covered there too. Six controls and three speed settings are included for even more cooking flexibility. Ninja Details This blender is excellent if you have a large household or want to make large quantities of mixtures in one go. The machine is also pretty tall, measuring 18.1 inches/ 46cm high. Consider a premium blender (like a Vitamix) if you'll be frequently making big quantities and/or working with dry ingredients like grains, coffee beans or spices. Top-of-the-line models feature the most powerful motors, excellent build quality (to drown out the noise of said motors), and an array of pre-programmed features. But unless you plan to use your blender regularly for a multitude of tasks, there's no reason to spend a lot of money on one.

Similarly, it took a minute to blend cooked ingredients into smooth soup and 6 mins 30 to blend and heat using the friction of its blades. A few pulses were all that was required to crush ice, and it cleaned easily after messy jobs by using water and washing-up liquid, with the mixture even reaching the lid for a thorough clean. Though the Vitamix Ascent scored a rare 5 stars during testing, it has been placed lower down on this list due to its astronomical RRP. If you love soups and want to enjoy healthy homemade meals, then buying a soup maker is definitely worth it. Soup makers are multi-functional kitchen appliances that not only make soups but also sauces and smoothies. They save you time and effort by automating the soup-making process, allowing you to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. The Mealio® Hot and Cold Blender is a great example of a soup maker and blender in one, with its 8 preset programs and auto clean setting, making it a versatile and convenient appliance to have in your kitchen. By investing in a soup maker, you can avoid unnecessary preservatives and additives found in store-bought soups and enjoy healthier and tastier homemade soups. With the added benefit of being able to make smoothies and sauces, a soup maker is a great investment for any home cook.

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The Ascent 2300i can be used to make your own butter (no churning by hand, yet all of the wow factor at your next dinner party), dips, nut butters, mayonnaise, non-dairy milks, hot soup from scratch without a pan in sight, bread and pasta dough, wholegrain flours, baby food and frozen desserts – essentially, almost anything you could make in a food processor. Most of the top regular and luxury blenders like Vitamix or Blendtec use the Eastman Tritan plastic container. This type of container is not only more durable but also doesn’t leach BPA or any other toxic chemicals. So, you can even put hot liquid in the plastic blender without compromising the health benefits of your blend. Final Thoughts: The controls are devilishly simple to get the hang of – there are five programmes at the push of a button, such as green smoothie, frozen dessert or soup (designed to heat up ingredients rather than blend already hot soup), plus a manual dial for ramping up through 12 speed settings and an LCD screen showing count up or count down times.

Ninja has equipped the HB150Uk with Auto-IQ technology. Featuring 10 intelligent programmes, you can achieve perfect results at the touch of a button. Combining pre-set pulse, pause and blend patterns, these options do the hard work for you. Choose from Smoothie, Dessert, Frozen Drinks, Milkshake, Smooth Soup, Chunky Soup, Jam, and Sauce. When the potatoes are nice and soft, you can mash them with a potato masher or for a creamy potato soup without chunks, use an immersion blender. Power: Generally, the higher the wattage the better—it’ll provide faster blending and reduce your food prep time. Do note, however, that while higher wattage gives a rough idea as to how powerful the motor is, it doesn’t always equate to a blender being a better all-around model. 500 watts is generally powerful enough for a blender that's expected to do the typical tasks. Best of Gift: Galanz Digital [GLCB60ES210A] Hot and Cold Blender Key Features: 1000 Watts blender output, 8 Preset Programs, Borosilicate glass jar, Neat touch controls, built-in timer, and heating element

Programmes and Features

We also found the pulse function handy for chopping up veg.Our only niggle is that the jug has a slightly smaller capacity than we're used to with other models, however, this means it's lightweight but still sturdy, which makes it more comfortable to use than some of the other blenders we've tested. If you want professional-style smoothies, Breville the Super Q is the option for you (also known as Sage the Super Q in the UK). This powerhouse blender wouldn't look out of place in a professional kitchen. It's also got a personal blending cup with a travel lid to make smoothies for when you're on the go.

Blenders can also be used for making a healthy drink on-the-go. Portable and one-cup blenders cater for this. You'll often find that they are also much easier to clean than the larger countertop blenders, simply because there are fewer components to it. But, anyway, here are a few selections that can help you choose the best Hot and Cold blender for your kitchen.

Enjoy the Delicious Results Every Time

Of course, having a lot of choices available to you means that it's easy to get lots in the weeds. To help you navigate all the options, we’ve applied our expertise to finding the best blenders out there right now, putting them through their paces to see which ones really deliver on what they say they can do.