Main bowl
The volume of the main bowl supplied with the device.
For more information about the main bowl, see "Capacities". And the amount of product that can be loaded into the device at a time directly depends on its volume. On the other hand, a capacious bowl has the appropriate dimensions and cost, and also puts forward increased requirements for engine power. Therefore, you should choose according to this parameter, taking into account real needs. And also you should consider that for stand mixers with a bowl, in most cases, the volume means the total size, and not the useful one. The bowl must be filled less than 2/3 during cooking (here it is already individual and you need to look at the instructions for the product).
Power
The rated power of the device, in fact, is the power of the engine installed in it.
The higher this indicator, the more performant this model is, the more suitable for “heavy” work and the more applications can be provided in the design. For example, in the case of mixers (see “Appliance type”), a power of up to 250 W is considered good for liquid products; for more solid tasks, like kneading tough dough, you should pay attention to more powerful models. Detailed recommendations on optimal power can be found in special sources.
Note that powerful devices are usually equipped with more durable nozzles that can withstand high loads.
Max. revolutions
The maximum speed of rotation of the working part of the nozzle, which the device can support. The maximum speed mode is designed for grinding and mixing solids. When the special “Turbo Mode” is activated, the maximum speed is switched on for a short time, which allows the blender/mixer to chop nuts, dried foods and much more. Additionally, the maximum speed is activated in the pulse mode, which is used for crushing ice.
Number of speeds
The number of speeds of rotation of the nozzles provided in the mixer / blender.
The presence of several speeds allows you to adjust the operating mode of the device to a particular situation. For example, a liquid omelet can be whipped at high speed, but it is better to choose a slower mode for kneading dough. The more speeds provided in the device, the more versatile it is, the more accurately it can be configured for a specific task. In simple household models, from 3 to 6 settings are usually provided, in the most advanced devices their number can reach two dozen.
Smooth speed control
A control that allows you to
smoothly change the speed of rotation of the mixer nozzles - for more precise adjustment of the speed and setting the optimal mode for different products. With step speed control, a situation may arise when a higher speed value is already too high, and a lower speed is not yet enough. Stepless control avoids such situations.
Turbo mode
Turbo mode allows you to significantly increase the speed of rotation of the mixer nozzles for a short time. In this way, unevenness in the whipped product can be quickly and efficiently eliminated, which is especially valuable at the end of whipping. However, note that the turbo mode can only be turned on for a short time, otherwise there is a risk of overheating of the motor.
PowerOff timer
A function that allows you to automatically turn off the device after a specified time. Provides additional convenience: the user does not need to constantly monitor the time, just set
the timer and the device will automatically stop working at the right time. This feature is especially true for soup-blenders (see "Type"), although it can also be found in more traditional blenders.
Pusher
The presence of a pusher in a countertop blender. Such an accessory allows for more thorough mixing through the top opening in the flask for refilling the ingredients by pushing the processed mass closer to the knives. Also, the
pusher will allow you to get rid of non-ground pieces adhering to the walls of the flask. In some models, it is made as a spatula, which is designed specifically for mixing.
Main bowl material
The substance that the jar of the countertop blender is made of (refer to "Device type"), or the material of the blender attachment (refer to "Nozzles"). The most widely used materials are:
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Plastic. Plastic is a popular choice for blender jars due to its low cost, lightweight, and sufficient strength for kitchen use. Its transparency allows for easy monitoring of the product being blended. However, plastic is prone to scratching, which can cloud the bowl and reduce the device's appearance. Scratches can occur from everyday use or rough cleaning with abrasive products.
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Glass. Glass blender jars are transparent and allow for easy monitoring of the contents. They are more resistant to scratches than plastic and do not lose transparency during use. Cleaning them harshly does not affect their transparency, and any cloudiness can be easily removed. However, glass is heavier, more expensive than plastic, and is more sensitive to impacts. A glass blender jar can break from a fall that plastic could withstand.
— Metal. Metal blender jars are durable and stylish, often surviving falls without damage. However, they are less convenient than plastic because their opaque walls make it difficult to observe the blending process. Metal is also more expensive than plastic, making it less commonly used, mainly in high-end devices.
