Photo by SMEG
For soups, smoothies and more, some of the smartest new blenders
When I was growing up and my mother was The Queen of the Kitchen, her Mixmaster blender ruled our culinary world. Pale pink with a huge, clear glass bowl, it commanded respect, and we were in awe of that big hulking thing, which took up a sizable chunk of real estate on the kitchen countertop. Whenever my mother used it, we paid attention.
My mom worked, so there wasn’t much time for elaborate schemes in the kitchen, although she did cook every day. And when it came to the Big Pink Blender, her repertoire was small but mighty: mostly for baking, almost always cheesecake and marble pound cake, when we had company, or over a holiday. She still has the Mixmaster. Although it’s been a long time since I’ve had her cheesecake—or any cheesecake!—to this day, I am flooded with childhood memories every time I see it.
Blenders now have many more bells and whistles than ever, and they still rule the culinary roost, for a different reason: There are so many wide and varied things they can do. A good blender almost takes on a life of its own in the kitchen. It can prep soups, smoothies, desserts and more, some with smart capabilities, enabling it to virtually program itself. Here are some of the best and the brightest.
Fine & Flawless
The KitchenAid High Performance Series Blender 3.0 is a master blender. The stainless steel blade (and motor) is powerful, and chops everything—from frozen fruit to nuts—to a fine and flawless consistency. With a variety of speeds and a solid construction, the KitchenAid High Performance Blender is a force to be reckoned with, and it’s super easy to clean! kitchenaid.com
The Mensa Blender
If the Blendtec Designer 725 took an IQ test, it might qualifyfor the Mensa Society. Plus, it’s very quiet, and features a 100-speed touch slider that you simply swipe to change speed. And it offers suggestions: When you hit the Soup Cycle, it will tell you, “also good for syrups and fondues,” which you may not have thought of, but will surely love. Comes with a thick safety blade and a BPA-free jar! blendtec.com
A Self-Motivator
The Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Blender is so smart it almost does your thinking for you! Three settings (for smoothies, hot soups and frozen desserts) adjust to your container size automatically, and program the blender to stop when it’s done. It chops everything—including ice and kale—flawlessly. Built-in wireless connectivity also allows Ascent series blenders to update and evolve with tech innovations. vitamix.com
Italian Style & Substance
The Italian-based SMEG is known for mid-century retro-look appliances like the SMEG 1950s Retro Blender, but there isnothing retro about the technology. SMEG collaborates withtop architects and designers on style, so the Retro Blender, insix colors with a BPA-free pitcher, not only looks fab on your countertop, it offers powerful blending and pulverizing—at a great price! smegusa.com
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