blender
noun (countable)
UK/ˈblendə/US/ˈblɛndər/
A kitchen appliance used to mix, puree, or emulsify food and other substances.
Example Sentences
She used the blender to make a smooth fruit smoothie for breakfast.
The blender's powerful motor effortlessly crushed the ice for the margaritas.
Every morning, he starts his day by blending a nutritious green smoothie in his new blender.
The chef used a commercial-grade blender to puree the soup to a velvety consistency.
After dinner, they decided to make a milkshake, so they grabbed the blender from the cabinet.
The blender malfunctioned during the party, causing them to have to mix drinks manually.
For her art project, she experimented with a blender to create unique textured patterns.
The portable blender was perfect for making protein shakes at the gym between workouts.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A kitchen appliance that chops, mixes, or pulverizes ingredients swiftly.Used as a noun, “blender” typically refers to a countertop appliance designed for crushing and mixing food. It operates via rotating blades at the base of a container—usually made of glass or plastic. To use it, you place ingredients inside, secure the lid, and select the appropriate speed or setting. The sharp blades quickly chop, blend, puree, or liquefy items, making tasks like creating smoothies, soups, sauces, and salad dressings far more efficient. Different models offer various settings—from pulse and ice-crush modes to specialty functions like smoothie or soup cycles. Depending on the recipe, you might add liquids first to help the blades process solids. Always avoid overfilling, as this can lead to leakage or inconsistent blending. If you’re blending hot liquids, ensure the lid is vented or can release steam; otherwise, pressure may build and cause spills. For cleaning, many blenders let you remove the blade assembly and gasket for a more thorough wash. Alternatively, you can often blend warm water and detergent for a quick rinse. While blenders excel at liquids and soft foods, they may struggle with tough solids without sufficient moisture. Once you master this appliance, it’s a versatile tool for culinary creativity, saving time and delivering smooth, consistent textures in your dishes and beverages.
Alternatives
If a 'blender' isn’t quite right for your needs, consider a 'food processor,' which excels at slicing, dicing, and shredding. A 'hand blender' (also known as an immersion blender) can be more convenient for puréeing soups directly in the pot, reducing dishwashing. Meanwhile, a 'mixer' is more appropriate for tasks like whipping cream or kneading dough, focusing on aeration rather than pure blending power. For extracting juice specifically, a dedicated 'juicer' might do a better job of separating pulp from liquid. A 'mortar and pestle' is a traditional alternative if you enjoy manually grinding and prefer an old-school approach. Each device handles different culinary tasks, so be sure to match the tool to your main objective—whether you’re pulverizing ice, chopping nuts, or whipping up a batch of pesto. While a blender is highly versatile for liquid-based recipes, specialized appliances can deliver more precise results for tasks outside a blender’s sweet spot, like kneading bread dough or grating vegetables.
Writing
When discussing 'blender' in writing, offer clear, helpful details about its construction and functions. Explain that a standard blender typically includes a motor base, a container (often marked with measurement lines), and removable blades. Highlight its primary use—creating smooth mixtures and emulsions. If your text is instructional, break down how to safely operate the appliance: add liquids first, begin blending at low speeds, and use a pulse setting for short bursts. Technical or consumer-oriented pieces can delve into features like wattage, blade material, and the shape of the container, as these all affect performance. Providing practical tips—such as scraping down the sides of the blender or adding ice last—enhances the reader’s success. Mention safety precautions, like unplugging before cleaning or avoiding overheating the motor with extended blending. Conclude by offering recipe ideas or linking to further resources, giving readers a sense of excitement around the possibilities. Each mention should be concise yet descriptive, ensuring the audience recognizes why a blender stands as a staple in modern kitchens and how to get the best results from it.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, the word 'blender' often comes up when chatting about favorite smoothie recipes—“I just toss in fruit, yogurt, and ice and blend!”—or quick dinner hacks—“I blended yesterday’s veggies into a quick soup.” People like to share tips on powerful models or compare a blender’s convenience to other kitchen gadgets. A friend might joke, “I’m living off my blender! Morning protein shakes save me so much time.” Others might highlight cleaning shortcuts, like blending soapy water for easy cleanup. Some might mention frustrations—like a cheap blender that can’t crush ice without leaving chunks. It’s also common to see debates over whether a blender or food processor is better for certain tasks. In casual contexts, expect plenty of references to blending up homemade salsa, baby food, or smoothies packed with nutrient-dense ingredients. The conversation often ends on a practical note—“Just rinse it right away, and it’ll stay good as new.” Ultimately, people appreciate how a blender saves time, helps with healthy eating, and simplifies the cooking process.
Etymology
The term 'blender' stems from the base verb 'blend,' which dates back to Old Norse 'blanda,' meaning 'to mix together.' In English, 'to blend' gradually evolved to mean combining or fusing ingredients or elements into a unified mixture. Early mechanical 'blenders' developed in the early 20th century, sparked by a surge in domestic technology and convenience-oriented inventions. One pioneer was Stephen Poplawski, who patented a drink mixer that would later evolve into the modern blender. As households embraced electric appliances for faster and more diverse food prep, the word 'blender' became synonymous with an electrically powered device featuring rotating blades in a container. Today, the term covers everything from basic bar blenders for smoothies to heavy-duty, high-speed models capable of pulverizing ice or hard produce. This linguistic thread—rooted in mixing—reflects the blender’s core purpose: bringing separate elements together into one smooth consistency.