Some of the best blenders in Consumer Reports tests offer impressive pureeing, grating and chopping. But if you use your blender mainly to make mixed drinks, then look for a model that aced our ice-crushing and icy-drink tests. Not all are up to the task. In fact, after testing the ice crushing claims of three models, we had to give them the cold shoulder.
Nuwave touts its new Multi-Purpose Twister Blender, $30, as a "magician in the kitchen." But its dismal ice crushing and lumpy results in our icy-drink tests proved to be less than magical. Hamilton Beach's Smoothie Start 56205, $40, was equally dismal at ice crushing despite its "patented Ice Sabre blades."
Oster claims that ice doesn't stand a chance with its Ice Shaving Blender BLSTET-C, $100, which includes an ice-shaving attachment. It turned ice into slush as expected. But using it to make icy drinks, as Oster suggests, means you'll have to switch back to the regular blender container and blade for mixing the ingredients. And simply using the blender portion, as we did with all models, yielded so-so icy drinks and poor ice crushing.
Whichever blender you're considering, think about the food you'll prepare in it. Also consider the container; plastic resists shattering, though glass is easier to keep clean and less likely to scratch, and won't absorb odors from food. And though more speeds may seem better, three well-spaced settings should serve most needs. To find the best performers, check the results of our latest blender tests.
Via: Three blenders that got iced in our tests
