What is an immersion blender? An immersion blender is a hand held blender that operates without a container. An immersion blender has a mixing head, with rotating blades, that is immersed in a separate container to mix ingredients.

How does a blender work? A blender is powered by a small motor that is in the base or housing of the unit. The electric motor powers the blades that rapidly turn, chop and mix the ingredients.

How many blender speeds are needed? Really only three speeds, and a pulse button, are needed to properly blend ingredients. Slow medium and fast. The blender’s motor is not as finely tuned so as to differentiate between 10 or more speeds.

What is a pulse button? A pulse button, when pressed, moves the blender blades, and blends the ingredients in short bursts of power.

What is a blender’s capacity? Many blender containers hold about 4 to 8 cups of ingredients or 32 to 64 ounces.

How powerful a blender do I need? What are you likely to use a blender for? Making ice based drinks? To puree foods? Most people say a blender with at least 350 watts of power is needed. When in doubt, err on the more powerful side. This will give added flexibility and allow more experimentation with blender recipes.

Published 1/23/2010 12:00:00 AM

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