Buyer’s guide to blenders

Buyer’s guide Smooth operators

Looking for a blender but not sure where to start? Here’s your go-to guide to seven of the best food processors to suit your checklist and your pocket

Blenders can help you create a range of culinary delights including sauces, soups, smoothies, frozen cocktails, fresh juices, milkshakes, marinades, baby food and more! But before you part with your cash, think about what type of blender will be best for you and your home. If you’re on a health kick, a small single-setting blender that can grind fresh and frozen fruit at the push of a button might be all you need. If you’re a keen cook and baker, a larger model with multiple speed settings, pre-set functions and a pulse mode will give you greater control over your food prep. If you’re looking for a blender for occasional use, a mid-priced machine with one to two speed settings and a pulse function will give you flexibility without a premium price tag. Our seven fab food processors range in price from our steal find at £32.96 to our investment buy at £160. Each model offers impressive blending and, with some models, crushing and chopping. With a mix of sizes, styles and functionality, there’s a blender here for every budget, counter space and cooking approach. NINJA BN750UK 2-IN-1 BLENDER WITH AUTO-IQ

Size: 45.5cm x 25.5cm x 19cm (H x W x D) Capacity: 2.1L Power: 1200W Key features: Clear digital display with timer countdown lets you know how long each blend will take ● AutoIQ pre-set functions mean you can blend, crunch and crush at just one touch ● Make smaller portions and take them on the go with a 700ml cup attachment The low down: The Ninja 2-in-1 blender is a practical and durable food processor, with the strongest motor of all our reviewed models, and it can handle a large quantity of ingredients with ease. It features innovative AutoIQ technology, which takes the guesswork out of blending styles – ideal if you’re new to food processors, or if time is of the essence. There’s also a helpful manual and recipe book to set you on the right path.

Choose from three pre-set functions: ‘blend’, for making drinks, dips, dressings and salsa; ‘max blend’ for tougher ingredients, such as seeds, nuts, and fruit and veggies with skin on; and ‘crush’, for turning ice and frozen ingredients into smooth drinks and desserts. You can also make soups – just let the ingredients cool before blending. Measurements on the jug help to make blending ingredients even more precise. The attachments are dishwasher safe too. Overall, the powerful blades and efficient crushing performance make this an excellent and versatile choice and good value for the price. Tech pro Ninja 2-in-1 blender with Auto-IQ BN750UK, £129, AO

SMEG BLF01CRUK 50S RETR O STYLE BLENDER

Size: 39.7cm x 19.7cm x 16.3cm (H x W x D) Capacity: 1.5L Power: 800W Key features: Make soups and frozen drinks with its thermoresistant jug ● Speed settings can be adjusted while blending ● Stylish retro design The low down: Style meets substance in the SMEG 50s Retro Style blender. It’s at the top end of our price scale, but we believe it’s a worthy investment, thanks to its versatility, functionality and style credentials (choose from seven colours).

The 800W motor and generous 1.5L jug make this an ideal blender for a range of culinary dishes, from smoothies to savoury sauces. Better still, the plastic jug is thermoresistant so you can whip up hot and cold concoctions, and it features measurements, which is helpful when you need to add specific amounts to your blends. The lid doesn’t lock in so it’s worth holding down on it for larger quantities. It offers three pre-set functions – ‘smoothie’, ‘ice crush’ and ‘pulse’ – as well as four different speed settings.

An ergonomic handle and anti-slip feet make it comfortable to use and its moderate size won’t take up too much space on your countertop. The blades are a little fiddly to remove, but once taken out they are simple to clean and the jug can be popped in the dishwasher.

Ver satile and stylish

SMEG BLF01CRUK 50s Retro Style blender, Cream, £160, AO Feature Katie Dutton