Blenders and Mixers

Conventional countertop blenders are useful for crushing ice, but also for pureeing vegetables and making dips and salsa. Hand-held blenders are called ‘immersion’ blenders and have a swirling blade at the bottom. These are perfect for pureeing soups. They avoid having to transfer liquids to a food processor or countertop blender.

Hand mixers are good for mixing cake ingredients, whipping cream, mashing potatoes and beating eggs. To avoid messes, use a high-rimmed bowl and move the mixer in circles in the bowl. When buying a hand mixer, make sure it isn’t too heavy to hold. Some models come in a heavy-duty stand.

Blenders and mixers are designed only for liquids or for soft foods cut into very small pieces.

Safety Considerations—Blenders

• Read the owner’s manual before using the blender.
• Never turn on a blender unless the lid is securely in place.
• Never reach into a blender while it is plugged in!
• Do not fill a blender too full. The contents need room to move.
• Never put hot items in a blender. The mixing causes additional warming and expansion, which can make the lid fly off.
• Use only one hand to clean inside a blender.
• Follow the rules for knife safety when handling the sharp blades.
• Look for a blender that has a blade ejector button.

Safety Considerations—Mixers

• Read the owner’s manual before using the mixer.
• Unplug the mixer before reaching for the beaters or into the bowl.
• Wait for the beaters to stop moving before raising the mixer out of the bowl.