The blender is a kitchen powerhouse for whipping up smoothies, soups, hummus, and sauces. But to keep it performing at its best, avoid these common pitfalls. Drawing from expert advice at PureWow, here are six items that can harm your blender.
Unless your blender has a dedicated 'Ice Crush' function, blending whole ice cubes can dull or damage the blades—same goes for frozen fruit. Pro tip: Let frozen fruit thaw for 10 minutes first, and opt for crushed ice instead.
Your blender can handle cooked potatoes, but its high speed often results in gluey mash instead of the fluffy texture you want. Stick with a potato masher for perfect homemade mashed potatoes every time.
Blender soups are quick and easy, but very hot liquids can build pressure, pop the lid, and cause spills. Let them cool for a few minutes, and never fill the jar more than halfway.
Dried fruits like raisins or sun-dried tomatoes leave sticky residues on blades, making cleanup tough and risking long-term damage. Blend them with liquid (skip the oil), or soak them first for smoother results.
Obvious but critical: Never insert a spoon, fork, or any utensil into a running blender. It can wreck the tool, your mix, and the machine itself. Unplug first, then scrape with a spoon if needed.
Achieving the right texture for bread, cookie, or pastry dough in a blender is nearly impossible—the sticky ingredients won't combine well. Use a whisk, stand mixer, or your hands for better results.
Follow these tips, and your blender will serve you reliably for years.
