Buying guide for best Cuisinart blenders
Whether you’re an aspiring chef who frequently tries new recipes or a home cook who occasionally makes special dishes for meals or holidays, you need a reliable blender. Cuisinart is known for making quality kitchen products engineered for impressive performance and longevity, and their blenders are no exception.
Cuisinart blenders come in standard and handheld models. They have a powerful motor that propels stainless steel blades to blend, liquefy, puree or mix ingredients to the preferred consistency. Professional-grade models deliver up to 3.5 horsepower, which can pulverize ice effortlessly and blend ingredients to an ultra-smooth consistency in minutes. They are ideal for avid cooks and smoothie connoisseurs who want silky-smooth results. Other models offer between 300 to 500 watts of power. Although not as powerful as the brand’s pricier options, they are affordable and suitable for most home cooks’ needs.
Depending on the model, the blending jars of these small appliances are made of either glass or BPA-free Tritan plastic. While glass can withstand high temperatures, Tritan plastic is strong and shatter-resistant, making it ideal for blending at the fastest speeds. Standard Cuisinart blenders have 48-ounce blending jars that work well for the average cook. Blenders with jars ranging in size from 56 to 60 ounces are also available for those preparing large portions of food.
High-end Cuisinart blenders, such as our top pick, the Hurricane Pro, offer state-of-the-art features including high horsepower, sensing technology and extra-large blending jars that make them perfect for avid cooks. For those who want a good value, two-in-one models like the SmartPower Duet come with attachments to convert the appliance from a blender to a food processor in seconds. The best model for you depends on your desired features, how you plan to use the blender and your budget.
Cuisinart blenders and accessories
If you’re looking for a feature-packed blender that will make life a bit easier in the kitchen, the Hurricane Pro won’t disappoint. It’s powered by a professional-level motor that’s commonly found in commercial models for performance that won’t let you down. The blender delivers 3.5 peak horsepower when it’s powered on and when in Turbo Boost mode, so it’s capable of tackling challenging blending tasks.
Smart-sensing technology adjusts to the ingredients you’re blending for outstanding results. The durable BPA-free Tritan plastic blending jar offers a generous 64-ounce capacity with measurement indicators. This Cuisinart blender has a soft-touch handle and a measured pour lid that doesn’t have to be removed to add ingredients. Built-in preset functions, a sleek control panel and a tough six-prong blade round out its impressive feature set.
Not only is this Cuisinart blender and food processor combo affordable and stylish, but it’s also versatile. In addition to a 48-ounce glass blending jar, the device comes with a food processor attachment that can accommodate 3 cups of ingredients, with a wide chute that fits large pieces of fruit, vegetables and more.
Its powerful 500-watt motor is capable of blending various ingredients. The appliance boasts seven speeds and multiple functions with simple push-button controls. Just like other blenders by this brand, it comes with a lid that can be used to measure ingredients, with an opening large enough to let you put food in the blending jar without removing it.
Sometimes all you need is a handheld model to blend ingredients for smoothies, shakes and other simple recipes. This Smart Stick is an updated version of a popular hand blender that’s built for such tasks, featuring a compact design with variable speeds. Its 8-inch length can reach ingredients in fairly deep pots, bowls and cups. With 300 watts of power, it is a small but mighty stick blender that’s easy to use for many tasks.
This model comes with a blending cup that holds up to 3 cups of ingredients and doubles as a measuring cup. A food chopper and whisk are also included to simplify meal-prep tasks.
Another selling point is its affordable price point that’s much lower than that of traditional blenders. This makes it a good pick for cooks on a budget who don’t need a full-sized blender. It’s easy to use, too, which makes it ideal for beginners.
If you find that a power cord limits your culinary creativity, you’ll love that this model runs on a rechargeable 7.4-volt lithium-ion battery. Simply plug in the device with a USB cord and it will be fully charged in two hours. What’s more, the charged blender will run for up to 20 minutes.
The EvolutionX has a compact size that doesn’t take up much storage space. It comes with a 16-ounce travel cup with a lid for taking your favorite concoctions on the go. Although it’s not the best choice for blending large portions or dense ingredients, it is ideal for making sauces, soups, smoothies and shakes.
If you need a powerful blender but not a lot of extra bells and whistles, the SmartPower is worth considering. This blender has a classic style with useful features that make it ideal for anyone who prefers a traditional model. It boasts an easy-to-navigate control panel with seven versatile settings and a powerful motor. The midsize appliance has a 40-ounce glass blending jar and sleek design that fits nicely in most cabinets. The fuss-free design also looks great on a countertop.
This model comes with the proprietary pour lid that allows you to add and measure ingredients without taking the lid off the blending jar. The sturdy blade is powered by a 500-watt motor that’s capable of blending large chunks of food. With all these useful features, it’s surprisingly affordable, too.
This powerful appliance stands out for being both a blender and a food processor. When it comes to versatility, it has a lot to offer, including a 1-horsepower motor, simple push-button controls and a 56-ounce, BPA-free Tritan plastic blending jar. The blender comes with a 3-cup food processor attachment that enhances its functionality and turns into a food-chopping machine. The attachment has a wide food chute that can accommodate large chunks of vegetables, fruit and more.
Like other blenders by the brand, this two-in-one model includes a lid that can be used to measure ingredients and doesn’t have to be removed to add food to the blending jar. It comes with an accessory bundle that includes two to-go cups with leak-proof lids so you can take your favorite mixtures along when you head out the door.
If you don’t have the space or the need for a large blender, this model’s design and features are sure to impress. It offers a compact size that doesn’t take up much storage space and has 350 watts of power for blending many types of foods to perfection. Straightforward to operate, the touchpad control panel offers indicator lights to simplify blending tasks.
The main blending jar is made of BPA-free Tritan plastic and has a 32-ounce capacity. This blender comes with four 16-ounce travel cups with lids, making it a sound choice for anyone who likes to prepare smoothies and shakes to go. The durable base keeps the appliance steady while you work. Easy-to-clean components, a stable build and on-board cord storage are other highlights on its list of desirable features.
What to know before buying a Cuisinart blender
While shopping for a Cuisinart blender, look at several features in addition to cost, including type, durability, power, ease of use and capacity.
Type
- Powerful models have large blending cups and professional-quality motors with up to 3.5 horsepower.
- Mid-level blenders deliver up to 500 watts of power and fit the needs of most home cooks.
- Blender/food processors include a food processor attachment for preparing larger ingredients that need to be chopped, sliced or shredded.
- Compact blenders are portable and ideal for smaller blending tasks and kitchens with limited storage space.
- Stick blenders are useful for blending ingredients in a bowl, saucepan or pot.
Quality
Cuisinart blenders are made of premium materials inside and out. Exteriors are die-cast metal or stainless steel that’s long-lasting and easy to wipe clean. The brand’s blending jars are made of glass or BPA-free Tritan plastic that resists breakage. What’s more, the blades are crafted from durable stainless steel that’s designed to stay sharp through years of use.
Power
Do you need a blender to puree fruit for shakes or pulverize crisp veggies? When considering the power of a blender, it’s important to think about how you plan to use the appliance. Depending on the model, Cuisinart blenders range in power from about 300 watts to 3.5 horsepower. Another way to think about blender power is that most models deliver around 500 to 750 watts of power. One horsepower is the equivalent of 746 watts, so blenders with 2 or more horsepower are powerful machines.
Controls
Most Cuisinart blenders have touch-control panels with push-button functions that are simple to operate. The controls include preset functions that take the guesswork out of selecting the proper setting for your recipe. A few models have dials that are also straightforward to use.
Cuisinart blenders have variable speed settings for different blending jobs. This makes it easy to choose the perfect speed to prepare ingredients quickly with the precise texture for any recipe. Additionally, Cuisinart blenders have the popular pulse function that gives the control needed for short, quick bursts of power.
Capacity
The capacity of the blending jar differs depending on the model you choose. Standard models come with a spacious jar that holds 40 to 64 ounces. These blenders are recommended for preparing large recipes at one time.
The blending jars on compact Cuisinart models range in size from 16 to 32 ounces, suitable for blending smaller portions or single servings. Regardless of the Cuisinart model you choose, the blending jar has measurement increments on it. This simplifies measuring a specific amount of food for a recipe.
Ease of cleaning
Cuisinart’s blending jars, travel cups and chopping cups can be placed in the dishwasher, making cleanup a breeze.
Cleaning the other parts of the blender that aren’t dishwasher safe is also important. Components such as the housing that encases the motor are made of quality materials that wipe clean with ease, but they cannot be submerged in water.
Extras
You might not need a Cuisinart blender’s extra features for every recipe, but they come in handy for some tasks.
- Smart-sensing technology enables the blender to adjust its performance to the ingredients being blended.
- To-go cups and lids are great for taking shakes and smoothies with you.
- Turbo Boost offers an extra burst of power.
- Cordless operation is for anyone who needs a portable blender.
- Pour lids can be used to measure ingredients and don’t have to be removed when adding ingredients to your mixture.
Tips
- Consider your cooking needs before buying a Cuisinart blender. If you cook frequently and plan to use the blender often, it’s a good idea to invest in a top-of-the-line model with the latest features. However, if you only plan to use the blender occasionally, a basic model will likely work well.
- Read the owner’s manual. Each Cuisinart blender comes with an instruction booklet that contains important information about your new appliance. Understanding the purpose of each button will ensure that the ingredients reach the right consistency every time.
- Try different recipes. Powerful Cuisinart blenders are capable of mixing many types of ingredients. From soups to smoothies to dips to slushed ice, there are plenty of recipes you can prepare in a blender.
- Keep safety in mind when using a blender. Never place your hand or utensils in the blending cup while the machine is plugged in.
- Keep the stick blender in the mixture during use. Lifting it out while it’s running will cause ingredients to splatter.
- Clean the blender after each use. Follow the instructions to make sure that you clean each component correctly. Dry them thoroughly before storing them.
- Never submerge electrical parts. This includes the blender base, cord and stick blenders.
FAQ
Q. How much do Cuisinart blenders cost?
A. Cuisinart blenders range in price from about $50 for stick models to $300 to $400 for top-of-the-line models with high horsepower. Compact and basic Cuisinart blenders cost around $80. Those that convert to a food processor cost around $90 for the appliance and up to $150 for a blender/food processor, with a comprehensive accessory bundle that includes travel cups.
Q. How do Cuisinart blenders compare to Vitamix blenders?
A. Most people who love to cook are aware of Vitamix’s reputation for making professional-grade blenders with impressive features like vortex blending technology, strong stainless steel blades and powerful motors that run cool. While they’re worthwhile investments, Vitamix blenders also come at premium prices. Cuisinart blenders are more affordable yet also have notable features and durable construction, making them excellent options for home cooks.
Q. Which Cuisinart blender is best for making smoothies?
A. Any Cuisinart blender can be used to turn fruit, vegetables and other wholesome ingredients into nutritious smoothies. However, if you need a blender primarily for making smoothies, a Cuisinart stick or compact model is a sound choice.
