How to use a blender correctly
A blender is a necessary thing in every kitchen. Now preparing cocktails, diet smoothies and simply beautiful food for your beloved household members has become commonplace.
Thanks to this device, you can delight your family with delicious and healthy food every day. All that remains is to figure out how to use this technique correctly and get as much useful benefit as possible.
The content of the article
What is a blender
A blender is an electrical appliance that allows you to mix like a mixer and grind like a food processor.
There are two types of blenders - stationary and submersible. They are used mainly for chopping food, whipping cocktails, mousses, and making purees. Some models can even crush ice. Some configurations have additional attachments, which allows you to perform a large number of functions.
How to use an immersion blender
This unit allows you to keep the entire cooking procedure under control. The big advantage is the portability of its use.
Allows you to use any container and different types of products for work. They should not grind nuts, coffee or ice. If such a need arises, pour a little water into the bottom of the bowl.
Very often the kit includes a special deep bowl, but you can also take another container.The main thing to remember is that the bowl must be deep, otherwise there is a high chance that you will stain the entire kitchen with flying splashes.
There are several rules for this type of blender:
- grind solid foods only in small portions;
- products loaded into the blender must cover the lower part of the stem with the cutting end;
- fruits are ground without seeds;
- When working with large portions of food, take short breaks;
- After use, wash the attachment well in water to prevent pieces of food from drying out;
- Do not prepare mashed potatoes in a blender. Yes, it will look very appetizing, but in reality the taste will not be so pleasant.
Hand blender attachments
Most often, the kit contains two standard attachments - a chopper, a main attachment, and, most rarely, a whisk. It is used for liquid products and for beating creams and eggs; its effect is not the same as that of a mixer, but it is quite possible to beat batter.
Chopper - is a container with blades, used for grinding seeds, nuts and other solid products. The main nozzle is located on the stem; you can use it to grind fruits, vegetables and meat. More expensive models may have cutting attachments.
How to use a stand blender
A stationary blender is a plastic or glass container standing on a stand. There is a chopper inside the blender bowl.
It requires a specially designated place in the kitchen and you definitely need to place the exact amount of food in it, which is indicated on the bowl. It has a tight-fitting lid, making it easy and pleasant to work with.
Before using, all the necessary ingredients must be cut into small cubes. Then pour into the bowl, close the lid and press the button.
A few rules for using a stationary blender:
- There should be at least 2 cm of free space under the cover. This is necessary to avoid overheating of the motor.
- Do not put hot foods into the bowl.
- All ingredients should be finely chopped.
- Do not run the unit idle, this may lead to a malfunction of the mechanism.
Safety precautions
When using the device, both manual and stationary, the main thing is not to forget about safety precautions. If used incorrectly, you can seriously injure your limbs.
- The blender itself and its accessories should be stored in a place protected from children.
- Do not leave the device plugged in unattended.
- Inspect power cords regularly to check their condition.
- If it breaks, do not disassemble the blender yourself. Its repair should be entrusted to specialists.
- Keep the appliance away from stoves and other heating appliances.
- Never allow moisture to come into contact with the motor casing.
- Do not remove the lid from the container until the device stops completely.
- Be careful and attentive when washing knives. There is no need to wipe them, let them dry on their own.
What not to do
An immersion blender should be used for short periods of time. If you need to grind a large amount of food, you should take short breaks while working. You cannot grind products that have a solid structure and those that do not release liquid.
Idle starting of the product is not allowed, as this may lead to breakdown. A stationary blender should also not be used to grind hot foods. Equipment with low power may not be able to cope with crushing ice and fresh herbs.
Products must be cleaned and cut into small pieces; this is the main rule for any type of blender. The equipment simply may not be able to handle large pieces.
After finishing work, it must be washed immediately. Leftover food can cause equipment to malfunction. The attachments can be washed in the sink or in the washing machine. They should be removed only after complete drying. There is no need to wash the “leg” of the immersion blender; just wipe it with a napkin or towel.
By following all the rules of use, you will get an excellent kitchen assistant that will significantly save your time. It will be especially useful for young mothers who want to pamper their baby with freshly prepared food.