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).
Shaker volume
The working volume of the shaker supplied with the device.
For more information about such containers, see "Shaker (travel bowl)". And on the one hand, the actual capacity of the shaker directly depends on the volume, on the other hand, its dimensions, as well as the requirements for engine power. However, in most models, this indicator ranges from 300 to 700 mL, less often up to 1 liter — these values are considered optimal, taking into account the specifics of the use of shakers.
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.
Pulse mode
In
pulse mode, the mixer motor does not work constantly, but with short pauses. This allows you to increase efficiency and avoid unnecessary load on the motor when processing particularly solid foods, such as frozen fruits or ice.
Shaker (travel bowl)
The number of travel shaker bowls supplied with the appliance.
These bowls are supplied exclusively with blenders of different types (see "Type of device"). A shaker is a capacity, most often in the form of a tall glass, which can be removed from the device, tightly closed and carried with you without fear of pouring the contents. In such capacities, two lids are usually used: a working lid with chopping knives (a bowl with such a lid is placed on the blender with the bottom up), and a “travel” lid, which can be equipped with a valve for easy drinking. Shakers are very popular among smoothie lovers: they allow you to prepare your favorite drink and take it with you without fiddling with pouring from a bowl to another capacity.