Get insider access
Preferred store
Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.

Our Blender Performance Tests
Controls and Programs

Updated
What it is: The speed range at which the blender can operate.
When it matters: When you want a blender that can operate gently or very quickly to pulverize ingredients.

A blender's controls and programs affect how easy a model is to use and how suitable it is for different purposes. In these tests, we check for various features, like blending programs, a pulse mode, and an on/off switch. We also record the number of speed presets and blending programs.

When It Matters

A blender's controls and programs affect its ease of use and suitability for different purposes. These results are particularly important if you want a versatile full-size blender; you'll want to look for features like hot blending and a speed dial if you want to use your blender for a variety of recipes.

Other results don't necessarily affect a blender's performance but can affect how easy or pleasant a particular blender is to use. If you prefer to blend manually, you probably want a blender with a speed dial or many speed presets, so you have many options for adjusting its speed. For the convenience of automatic blending programs, you'll want to look for one with lots of different programs for different purposes.

Our Tests

The tests for controls and programs include checking whether a blender includes certain features and recording the results. These results can help you determine if a specific blender is well-suited for certain purposes or if it has the design features you prefer.

On/Off Switch

What it is: A switch to turn the power off even if the blender is plugged in.
When it matters: When you're looking for an added layer of safety.

For this test, we record if the blender has an on/off button or switch that needs to be activated before the machine will start, separate from a 'start' button. This is a safety feature that full-size blenders are most likely to have, while personal blenders usually lack it altogether. However, some blenders have other design features that stop you from turning them on accidentally. The nutribullet Pro doesn't turn on until the jar twists into place, and the battery-powered BlendJet 2 has a locking mechanism. However, these features aren't counted as on/off toggles.

The Beast Health Blender's on/off button.
The Beast Health Blender has an on/off button separate from its power button, which isn't very common for personal blenders.
The Vitamix Ascent X5's on/off switch.
The Vitamix Ascent X5 has an on/off switch on the side of its motor base.

Speed Presets

What it is: Switches that allow you to run the blender at a predefined speed.
When it matters: When you want to run the blender at different speeds.

This test records the number of speed presets a blender has for manual blending. Full-size blenders with a wide range of speed presets are more versatile since you can adapt their performance for different recipes. Most personal blenders have only a single speed setting, which is suitable for recipes like smoothies or protein shakes.

The Breville the Fresh & Furious' control panel.
The Breville the Fresh and Furious has a simple control panel with five numbered buttons for its five speed presets.
The Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Rechargeable Personal Blender's power button,
The Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Rechargeable Personal Blender has a single speed setting, which is common for personal blenders.

Speed Dial

What it is: A dial that allows you to variably control the blender's speed.
When it matters: When you want the most operating speed flexibility.

The results of this test tell you whether the blending speed is controlled with a dial. Some blenders with speed dials have a set number of speed presets, while others have no set presets, allowing you to make small adjustments with the dial. Blenders with a speed dial and '0' speed presets are the most adjustable, although it's also important that a blender has a wide range of speeds for maximum versatility.

There doesn't necessarily need to be a literal dial for the result to be 'Yes' under 'Speed Dial.' For example, the KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender blends faster the harder you push on the trigger button, which counts as a speed dial because it allows you to adjust the speed incrementally.

The Ninja Foodi Power Blender Ultimate System's control panel.
The Ninja Foodi Power Blender Ultimate System's controls include a dial that lets you choose from 10 different speed presets for manual blending.
The KitchenAid K400's speed dial.
The KitchenAid K400's dial has settings 1-5 indicated, but you can make small adjustments and aren't limited by five preset speeds.

Hot Blending

What it is: The ability of a blender to process hot ingredients.
When it matters: When you want to blend hot preparations, like soup.

This test tells you whether you can use a blender to blend hot ingredients. To be safe for hot blending, a full-size blender must have a vented lid so you can blend with the lid on and have steam escape. Immersion blenders are intended for hot blending. Virtually no personal or portable blenders can hot blend since the design doesn't allow for steam vents.

Pulse/Turbo Mode

What it is: An operation mode that lets you run the blender at its highest speed in short bursts.
When it matters: When you want to break down ingredients, but not fully process them.

This test determines if the blender has a pulse or turbo mode that allows you to run it in short bursts. Some blenders have a dedicated pulse mode, but we also check if it's possible to simulate a pulse mode by quickly turning the blender on and off. We record the result as a Yes or No since we don't test how the blender performs with pulse mode.

This feature helps break down big chunks of ingredients, like ice cubes, and bigger frozen fruits, like whole strawberries. The Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ BL642 makes fantastic almond butter if you start with pulse mode before blending normally. You can also use pulse mode to avoid over-blending foods like hummus or salsa.

Programs

What it is: Predefined speed settings and running times for specific processes.
When it matters: When you want consistent results without needing to monitor your blend.

This test records the number of blending programs a blender has. Blending programs are automatic blending cycles that stop after a set amount of time. Immersion and personal blenders usually have only one or no programs, with some exceptions. Full-size blenders are more likely to have a variety of programs for different purposes, like 'Smoothie' or 'Ice Crush.'

Blenders with a dedicated 'Ice Crush' program can score higher for ice crushing since such a program can eliminate the need to press the pulse button manually.

If you want the convenience of a blender that stops automatically when your food is done blending, you may want to look for a blender with a variety of different blending programs.

The Vitamix Ascent X5's control panel.
The Vitamix Ascent X5's blending programs are very numerous, with 11 different programs, including some unusual ones like 'Smoothie Bowl,' 'Frappé,' and 'Non-Dairy Milk.'
The Wolf Gourmet Pro-Performance's control panel.
The Wolf Gourmet Pro-Performance has four blending programs, including common ones like 'Smoothie' and 'Ice Crush'.

Blending Time Indicator

What it is: A digital time indicator displaying the total blending time or countdown (in the case of programs).

This test tells you whether a blender has a countdown timer or stopwatch that shows how long you've been blending or how long you have left in a blending program. This feature makes it more convenient to use a blender's automatic programs since you can easily check how much time remains in a cycle at a glance.

The Ninja Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ's control panel.
The Ninja Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ is a personal blender with a small screen that displays how long you've been blending for in seconds.
The nutribullet Smart Sense Blender Combo's control panel.
The nutribullet Smart Sense Blender Combo's screen displays a stopwatch that shows how long you've been blending.

Programmable Timer

What it is: A configurable timer that shuts off the blender when it's done.
When it matters: When you want to do other tasks while your blender is running without risking over-blending your preparation.

For this test, we check whether a blender has a programmable timer. Not many blenders have this feature, which lets you set a timer and have the blender run for that amount of time before stopping automatically. This can act like a custom blending program, so once you learn how long it takes to blend your favorite smoothie, you can use the programmable timer to get good results every time without watching or monitoring the blending time yourself.

The Ninja Chef's controls.
The Ninja Chef is one of only a few blenders we've tested that has a programmable timer.

Conclusion

A blender's controls and programs don't necessarily affect its performance, but they can make using your blender more convenient or more suitable for certain recipes. If you make a variety of recipes in your blender, features like a speed dial and a pulse mode are important for maximum versatility. Of course, check if a blender can hot blend if you want to make soups and sauces, and if you want a more automatic blending experience, go for one with a few blending programs.

Comments

  1. Article

Our Blender Performance Tests: Controls and Programs: Main Discussion

What do you think of our article? Let us know below.


Want to learn more? Check out our complete list of articles and tests on the R&D page.

PreviewBack to editorFormat guide
No comments yet, refresh to see new ones
You have 7/10 free reviews left
To access
unlimited full product reviews,
product prices
and
other exclusive site features
Become an Insider