This can leave you a bit confused and unsure as to which blender you should add to your kitchen.
However, there are ways to make your decision a bit easier. Have a think about these things before you buy:
What are you using it for?
The first thing you need to consider is what you are actually going to use your blender for. If you just want it for smoothies, a dedicated blender could be the best idea.
These allow you to make the smoothie directly in the container you'll be drinking out of it, making it simpler to just load it up, blend, and go. Of course, you can make other things in them as well, but they don't have as much capacity so you'll be unable to blend large amounts.
If you are likely going to be using your blender for things that may require a larger capacity - such as soups and sauces - it could pay off in the long run to get a larger, traditional style one.
You can still make your smoothies in them and pour your drinks into containers, as well as being able to use them for other things. The downside is, there is twice as much washing up and it may not be the easiest task in the morning.
What power do you need?
Normal blenders and smoothie blenders come in a range of power choices, with the phrase 'you get what you pay for' ringing true. This range of options means that they often both offer the same power options.
Smoothie makers are designed to blend harder substances like ice and so a medium to high-powered option could offer the same blending power as a standard blender.
It isn't just the expensive options either that can achieve this, as reasonably priced smoothie makers and blenders can offer a good amount of power, making it easy to blend hard substances.
Have a look and see what is available on the market for your price range.
How much space have I got?
This is a factor that many people don't consider but it is hugely important. You need to buy an appliance that fits in your kitchen, as this will ensure it is easy to use and pack away.
Standard blenders come in a range of sizes giving you a bit of choice. However, in many cases, the smaller blenders have less power.
You should also look at what accessories come with your blender, as they will also take up a lot of space.
If you want a really small but still powerful option, a smoothie blender could be a good idea. As these only use a small drinking container to blend in, they tend to be quite compact. They also come with fewer bits, so you have less to store.
© Axonn 2015