Blenders can be found in most kitchens these days. Whether full-size or mini-sized, these appliances are often used to make morning smoothies and mix sauces and dips. They can combine ingredients in a matter of seconds to a smooth, flavourful consistency. However, while there is plenty of power behind the engine, there are certain things that are even The best blenders It should not mix.
Believe it or not, even blenders have limits on what they can and cannot mix. And you should be aware of those components that will not only cause a conflict – they can actually damage the blender itself, leading to expensive repairs. Some can be a safety hazard, which is why you should pay attention to what you mix. If you’re interested in learning more, we’ve put together a list of 11 things you should never put in a blender, so your blender will last for years to come.
Don’t make the mistake of a blender and juicer – check this out Juicer vs blender For more instructions on this topic.
1. Frozen foods
Always take care when mixing frozen foods, especially when using large frozen ingredients. This can be so difficult to mix that it can damage the components of the machine. For example, I broke my rubber grip on the underside of the blades when I tried to blend frozen spinach. As a result, the blades could no longer rotate and I needed to replace the part.
Always give larger ingredients enough time to dissolve before trying to mix them. Smaller items, like frozen fruit, should do fine in a powerful blender. Although keep in mind that still-frozen ingredients won’t tend to blend as well. Therefore, we recommend giving the fruit time to wilt, whatever the case.
2. Hot liquids
While using blenders to mix homemade soups, always keep hot liquids away from this appliance. When we say hot, we’re referring to liquids hot enough to release steam, typically 176 degrees Fahrenheit or higher—but, you should always refer to your manual for specific instructions on the maximum temperature. Make sure your blender is designed to handle the temperature you intend to blend, as this can vary.
Since the lid of the blender creates a seal, there’s nowhere for steam to escape once it’s started. As a result, pressure inevitably builds up inside, which can eventually push it out. Essentially, it can cause a blast through the cap, which is a serious safety hazard, and you can easily get burned in the process. Therefore, keep hot liquids away from the blender. An immersion blender will be more suitable for this task. Either that, or let the ingredients cool before mixing.
3. Coffee beans
You might assume your blender could double as a coffee grinder, but there’s a reason they’re two different appliances. While you may reach a certain level of ground coffee when blending coffee beans, this ingredient is hard enough that it will dull the blades, and even results won’t be as consistent either—which is essential for an optimal brewing experience with The best coffee makers.
Unless your blender came with a dedicated coffee grinding attachment, choose to use one of The best coffee grinders instead of him. This will give you much better control over the grind size of your replacement beverage. Plus you’ll save some wear and tear on blender blades.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes may seem like a perfectly reasonable ingredient to mix with, but they’re actually an ingredient to avoid. The speed and force of the blades will cause excess starch to be released from this ingredient. And when combined with the water in the potatoes, you end up with a thick, gooey mess. It’s not a particularly pleasant texture on the mouth either.
even one of The best food processors You’ll achieve a similar result, so stay away here too. Instead, mash the potatoes by hand. While the process takes longer and requires more manual effort, the texture will see a significant improvement.
5. Foods that stain
If you have a plastic bowl in your blender, you’ve probably already noticed that it can change color over time. Which isn’t particularly attractive looking considering your food goes in there. Of course, it’s possible to restore a yellowed jug with some distilled white vinegar, but often that requires some elbow grease.
Stains are caused by all kinds of ingredients that contain particularly strong pigments. If you want your blender container to stay clearer for longer, avoid these two major culprits. For example, tomatoes, turmeric, and beets can all contribute; So consider what you’re mixing before you begin. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with blending these ingredients, but be prepared to go a little extra hard when it comes to cleaning.
6. Hands or utensils
If your blender suddenly stops working for no reason, or you notice a rogue ingredient avoiding the vortex, it can be tempting to get involved. However, you should never put your hands into a blender while it’s running, even if it’s stopped temporarily. This is a very dangerous mistake that can cause physical harm.
You shouldn’t get utensils in there while you’re still powered on either. If caught by the rotating blades, it could damage the blender itself and cause a safety hazard to those standing nearby, should the bowl bounce.
Make sure the blender is turned off and unplugged before checking its contents. Avoid getting your hands in there even then, as the blades are still sharp and can easily be hidden by ingredients.
7. Ice
It is widely assumed that all blenders can crush ice. And while this may be true of more powerful mixers (which may have dedicated software), others struggle with this component. Small personal blenders in particular often lack the ability to crush ice evenly and efficiently. You need to refer to the manual to confirm the capabilities of your mixer.
Like a lot of frozen ingredients, ice takes a fair amount of force to break down — if your blender isn’t built for it, it can damage the machine or at least dazzle the blades. So don’t assume your blender can handle it without checking first. You can always choose one of the files The best refrigerators With ice crushing capabilities instead.
8. Too much liquid
There’s a reason your blender comes with a max mark on the container. Fill it any higher than that, and you risk over-running the engine as well as potentially causing a leak. At the very least, the contents will not be mixed evenly. Be sure to stick to the minimum and maximum capacity levels for your blender to keep it running safely and effectively.
If you have extra amounts to mix, run it in batches instead. Alternatively, invest in a blender with a larger capacity.
9. Dough
While the dough can be mixed in a blender, we don’t recommend it because it’s too easy to overwork the dough. The mixer blades are more powerful than necessary, especially when compared to a standard dough hook. As a result, your bread will likely come out very tough, unless you’re very careful with your timing.
Instead, use one of the extensions The best mixers To achieve the perfect consistency with the dough. Choose a bowl-lift design, rather than a tilt-head if you plan to make endless batches of dough, because it has more power and capacity.
10. Bones
Just like your garbage disposal, bones should never be passed through a blender. The blades can wear quickly and cause significant damage to the container as well. Even small bones can jam the device and possibly scratch the case. Be sure to check that all bones have been removed from your ingredients before mixing. Otherwise, you may face expensive repairs.
11. Anything with strong scents
Consider the scents from the blended ingredients, too. Strong aromas, such as garlic and hot peppers, can easily hang around in your blender, especially if you have a model with a plastic bowl. The problem is that these aromas can carry over to the next recipe, meaning they’re effectively tainted before they even begin.
Always keep in mind what you are mixing and the best mixing order to avoid this problem. You don’t want dessert spoiled by the main course! Clean the blender thoroughly after each use, and be sure to let it dry completely and air before storing – this should remove lingering odors. You can also try mixing a sliced lemon with some water.
For more tips and how-tos, check out 13 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher and Food Processor vs. the Blender and 10 Things You Should Never Put in the Dryer.
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