If perhaps you have never tried out a smoothie maker, you may not realise the tremendous benefits they offer for making healthy smoothies at home. The truth is that most blenders do not make smoothies as well as a purpose-designed machine. Another point to consider is that buying a purpose made machine will probably save you money because a machine that is not up to the job will soon need replacing if used to make smoothies regularly.
I have put together a list of points which I believe represent the most desirable features to look for when choosing a smoothie maker. Inevitably, there will be some things in my selection will not be as important for you. When you are compiling your own list, there may be other features that you want to add to my list. Either way, my ‘magnificent seven’ of features to look for will form the basis for your search for the perfect model!
1. Power. Look for a model with a good, powerful motor. If you want to be sure that your machine will prove reliable and not need replacing for a good long while, look for one with a motor of at least 500 watts if you are buying anything other than a single-serve machine. If you are looking for a machine with a large capacity mixing jug (around 1 1/2 litres), a motor of 700 watts or bigger is recommended. Cord storage is a neat feature that keeps everything tidy when the smoothie maker is not in use.
2. Speed. You will find it a huge advantage to buy a machine with more than one mixing speed. You probably will not gain anything by trying to find a machine that has more than five speed settings but choosing a machine that has a pulse feature will prove invaluable when you need extra power in short bursts.
3. Non-slip feet. This needs no explanation and you will find it invaluable to prevent the machine moving on the countertop whilst you are blending a smoothie.
4. A glass jug. Plastic scratches, so glass or very hard polycarbonate is much better. Scratched plastic has the potential to harbour bacteria, a glass jug can be efficiently cleaned in the dishwasher.
5. Easy clean parts. Taps and blades should be removable for ease of cleaning. Ideally, find a model with all dishwasher-safe parts.
6. A filter or strainer. For the most luxuriously smooth drinks possible, this is an indispensable feature as it removes any hard pips and seeds from the finished smoothies.
7. A model with a stirring stick. By choosing a model with a stirring stick you will be able to push any stray bits of fruit back down into the mixture without having to first take off the lid of the goblet or jug. Obviously, this process is done with the motor switched OFF!
If you take some time before you start shopping for your smoothie maker to make sure that you get the best possible model for your purposes. If you are absolutely sure what features you want, you will be in an excellent position to snap up a sale bargain if one presents itself. This will not only save you time whilst looking for the right model, it should help you save money as well.
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