Jug blenders: Features explained
The basics
For most tasks a basic jug will be fine
All blenders have a motor unit and a lidded jug with a small spinning blade at the bottom. Most are a similar size and have a capacity of between 1.0 and 1.5 litres.
Those with glass jugs tend to be heavier, up to around 5kg. Check whether the jug wobbles on the blender before you buy, as this can make it tricky to lift up into a cupboard.
Some more expensive blenders have sleek, designer metal bodies, auto-programs and a wider range of speeds, but they're not always a better product as a result.
Accessories
Blenders are versatile machines, but for most tasks you’ll just need the basic jug. A few come with mills for grinding hard foods, such as coffee beans and nuts. Some have a fruit filter for making smooth sauces or coulis.
Features
Plug and cable storage are useful features
Non-slip feet
Non-slip or suction feet stop the machine moving or slipping whilst in use.
Cable storage
Cable storage keeps the cable tidy when not in use, and some machines have plug storage too.
Speed settings
Variable speeds give more blending control. Most blenders have at least two speeds, whilst some have programmes designed for specific tasks such as milk shakes or ice crushing.
Some blenders have push button controls
Jugs
Glass jugs are heavier, more solid and less likely to get scratched than plastic jugs.
Dishwasher-safe parts
Washing-up can be laborious, so look for a blender where the parts are dishwasher-safe.
It's handy if, like most models we tested, there is a removable blade, so it can be separated from the jug and thoroughly cleaned.
Lids
Most models have a jug lid which incorporates a strainer which can filter out any remaining lumps when you pour. Some lids can be rotated to block off the spout, to avoid any splashing when blending.