Best Blender For Your Buck -- Savings Experiment

Looking for a new blender to make those smoothies? With so many models on the market today, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Before you start shopping, here are some tips to help you find the best blender to fit your needs, and your budget.

First, when choosing a model, think about what you'll be using it for. If you're only going to be making shakes or smoothies, then a personal blender can be a great option. Not only are they easy to use, but the mixing containers double as travel mugs, which is perfect if you're always on the go. Plus, most sell for around $20, making it convenient for your budget, as well.

However, if you need something larger, check out a standard countertop blender. These cost around $150 and can mix up to 64 ounces of homemade salsa, whipped cream and frozen beverages. If that's more than you want to spend, there are smaller options for around $40. They don't hold as much, but they can perform just as well as the larger standard blenders.

If you need to do more with your blender, then look into a high-performance model. They'll allow you do things like make homemade sauce, puree soup, or make your own peanut butter from scratch. These can cost up to $500, but be careful, paying more money doesn't mean you're getting a better blender.

Look closely at the functions of your blender, too. How many speeds do you really need? Three is usually enough, and anything over 12 can be overkill. Consider what the controls are like, too. Dials are easier to clean than push buttons, but they're also less precise when controlling speed.

In terms of wattage, most manufacturers will claim that higher wattage means higher performance, but that's not always true. According to tests by Consumer Reports, many lower wattage blenders performed just as well as more powerful options; they just take a little bit longer to get the job done.

The next time you're blender shopping, remember these tips to find the right one for you. You'll see that you can still get one with high performance, without the high price.

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