Mini smoothie blenders: varieties and secrets of choice
If we consider blenders designed for making smoothies and cocktails, it is worth considering options that mix the ingredients quite actively, while forming a homogeneous consistency. A great choice for making smoothies are mini blenders, which allow you to mix not only various fruits, but also solid ingredients such as ice. Let's take a closer look at the varieties and secrets of choosing mini-blenders for smoothies.
View overview
A mini smoothie blender is a piece of equipment that can operate both with a battery and with the mains. If we consider models with a battery, it should be noted that this option can be charged from a conventional power supply or a computer USB output.
The compact chopper is great for preparing not only smoothies, but also baby food. Quite often, such models come with a bottle, which allows you to take the device with you, going to a workout or visiting with a baby, where you can prepare a cooling smoothie or healthy baby food.
Today, mini blenders for making smoothies are represented by several varieties.
- Submersible. This option is great for grinding fruit, but it cannot thoroughly grind small pieces and seeds. The disadvantage of the submersible model is that if it is used carelessly, you can stain everything that is within a radius of three meters from it.
- Manual. This model includes a glass of small size.During operation of the device, the container is closed, which prevents spillage of liquid. But the disadvantage of such models is their rather small size. In such a blender, you can prepare only one serving of smoothies.
- Combined. Such a device combines the features of a submersible and manual type. It is characterized by versatility, because it includes a huge variety of nozzles. It is suitable for preparing various dishes, from cocktails to puree soup. The disadvantage of such equipment is the rather high cost.
Selection rules
Mini blenders are presented in a wide range, so before buying, you should familiarize yourself with the basic rules for choosing them. You should pay attention to several factors.
Appliance power
It should be understood that the higher the power of the equipment, the better the quality of the prepared smoothie or cocktail. A mini blender running at low speed will not be able to finely blend fruit. It can break quickly if it is used for a long time. The power of the blender should be at least 600 watts if you plan to grind solid ingredients. The most powerful options have power up to 2000 watts.
Availability of speeds
Power also affects the number of speeds of the mini-blender. To prepare a smoothie, the equipment must grind all the ingredients quite well, which is possible at high speeds. Initially, it is worth considering options that have at least two speeds. A mini blender with 12 speeds is the ideal solution. Some models have turbo and pulse speeds.
Bowl volume and material
Mini blenders have a small bowl volume. They can usually make just one serving of a smoothie or shake. It must be noted that a smoothie usually takes up a little more than half a glass.
The material from which the bowl is made can be varied. If you plan to grind solid ingredients, then the bowl must be strong. Glass is the best choice, but it can break on impact.
It should be noted that plastic bowls are inferior in quality as they darken rather quickly and absorb odors from the ingredients that are used to make the smoothie.
Availability of additional functions
Quite often, frozen fruits or ice are used to make smoothies. In this case an excellent solution would be the presence of an ice crushing function. The ability to self-clean equipment is also popular. With this function, you need to pour water into the bowl, turn on the device, and after a minute you can pour out the water, the device will be clean. Some models can be washed in dishwashers.
Equipment knives deserve special attention. Only high-quality parts made of durable steel guarantee a thorough crushing of ice and hard products.
Remember that you should not buy cheap equipment from unknown manufacturers. You will have to pay for quality.
How to clean and store?
Mini blenders are characterized by simplicity and convenience both in use and storage. If the blender is used only once a day, then all of its removable parts, such as knives, can be washed in the dishwasher. If the equipment is operated several times a day, then this advantage loses its importance, because the parts will have to be washed under a tap of water. Be sure to check the knives for food residue after washing.
The blender must be thoroughly dried before storage. Some models have a special stand or hanger for storage, which is convenient to use. This option will allow you to compactly fold the device and not lose small parts.
Next is a video review of the Kitfort KT-1313 blender.