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Beginners Guide => Hints, Tips, Methods and so on.. => Cooking Equipment => Topic started by: goncalo on March 11, 2013, 04:45 PM

Title: new blender advice
Post by: goncalo on March 11, 2013, 04:45 PM
Sometime ago I bought a 700w stick blender form Philips for 50
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Malc. on March 11, 2013, 05:30 PM
This looks good ;)

http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Waring-Light-Duty-Quik-Stix/J772/ProductDetail.raction (http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Waring-Light-Duty-Quik-Stix/J772/ProductDetail.raction)
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: failsafe on March 11, 2013, 10:50 PM
This looks good ;)

http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Waring-Light-Duty-Quik-Stix/J772/ProductDetail.raction (http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Waring-Light-Duty-Quik-Stix/J772/ProductDetail.raction)

WOW that's pricey. Particularly if you are on a strict budget!
failsafe
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Malc. on March 11, 2013, 11:08 PM
WOW that's pricey. Particularly if you are on a strict budget!
failsafe

Well within the
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: goncalo on March 11, 2013, 11:42 PM
Thanks Axe/failsafe for your comments. That one does look like a very good range! A colleague poped by my desk while he saw me looking at amazon and recommended this one to me:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000LYSSWW/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000LYSSWW/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE)

I'm kind of undecided yet. On the one hand, I want a blender that will go through the vegetables quickly and (hopefully) without splashing the whole kitchen (although I understand that proper holding technique plays a role here too!) but on the other, having that "attachable jug", would be quite handy for making g&g paste. I have to think about this one and read as much reviews as possible before I click buy!
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Dajoca on March 12, 2013, 01:57 AM
I had a Phillips stick blender bought for me one Christmas and the attached herb chopper was fantastic for making GG paste. The herb attachment seized up after half a dozen uses and with no receipt or guarantee, I thought I was on my own.

A few months later I emailed Phillips with the serial number, who rang me back within an hour to confirm that it was indeed still under warranty and emailed me a postal slip to send it in for repair.

The same day, before I sent it back they also told me it was an old model and so replaced it with the newest upgraded model with additional attachments.

It may not be as good as a dedicated stick blender like Waring etc, but after such excellent service I would always highly recommend Phillips for their faith in their products and their faultless after sales support.

As long as they are used as per the instructions and not run for too long continuously*, then there shouldn't be a problem with a domestic blender for making curry bases and soups, if you can't stretch to a commercial one.

*Just look at the specified limits placed on the usage of a coffee grinder
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Naga on March 12, 2013, 08:28 AM
I'll second that vote for Phillips. I've been using the Philips HR1363 Hand Blender with Beaker and Chopper Accessory (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-HR1363-Blender-Chopper-Accessory/dp/B000LYSSWW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363076630&sr=8-1) for the best part of a year and it hasn't missed a beat. Ideal for curry bases and soups. :)

At
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: meggeth on March 12, 2013, 09:26 AM
Philips blender for me too! Does the job no problem, and the adapter, as mentioned, is good for making garlic/ginger paste.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: goncalo on March 12, 2013, 10:20 AM
I'm sold :) thanks!
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on March 12, 2013, 11:45 AM
Don't overlook the Lidl cheapies.  600W, 3-year no-quibble guarantee (so long as you don't lose your receipt).  At their prices you just can't go wrong.

** Phil.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: StoneCut on March 12, 2013, 01:49 PM
I'll second that. The german discount stores (Lidl, Aldi, etc) really make no fuss about returning anything if you are not happy with a product. I assume they have the same policy in the UK. They'll just give you your money back or a direct replacement if they have one and your device got broken. I have a fairly pricey AEG stick blender that keeps getting broken (the actual blending attachment looses connection to the motor) but while waiting for an, admittedly free, replacement I also bought a really cheap one from Aldi in the meantime (15 Euros). It has the same power rating, is just as loud but also works just as good. Plus, it hasn't broken down *yet*.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: failsafe on March 12, 2013, 02:01 PM
The Philips hand blender looks good enough for the job. I'll take your advice also Phil and look at Lidles
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Malc. on March 12, 2013, 02:15 PM
On your budget Goncalo i'd stick to stainless, but it's your call of course. Here's another stainless blender but with the gadgets. http://www.lakeland.co.uk/13653/Lakeland-Stick-Blender?src=gfeed&gclid=CIiUjJqu97UCFc3HtAodoQ4AmA (http://www.lakeland.co.uk/13653/Lakeland-Stick-Blender?src=gfeed&gclid=CIiUjJqu97UCFc3HtAodoQ4AmA)
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on March 12, 2013, 02:16 PM
This is the Lidl one to which I was referring :

Quote from: Lidl
Hand Blender Set
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: DalPuri on March 12, 2013, 02:25 PM
The problem with most stick blenders is that the shaft is too short. Not good when when making a large pot of gravy to immerse the body of the blender into the liquid.

Here's another to consider which is
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on March 12, 2013, 02:51 PM
The problem with most stick blenders is that the shaft is too short. Not good when when making a large pot of gravy to immerse the body of the blender into the liquid.

Here's another to consider which is
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: goncalo on March 12, 2013, 02:57 PM
Thanks guys, unfortunately I didn't see the last posts on time and the order is placed already (1h5mins ago) but I can possibly still cancel it if I get a quick enough response. Why should I go for stainless steel? (the only thing I can think of, is turmeric stains all over the shaft leaving it yellow)

Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Malc. on March 12, 2013, 03:01 PM
Its easier to clean and keep clean, more durable and will handle heat better. :)
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on March 12, 2013, 03:08 PM
Thanks guys, unfortunately I didn't see the last posts on time and the order is placed already (1h5mins ago) but I can possibly still cancel it if I get a quick enough response. Why should I go for stainless steel? (the only thing I can think of, is turmeric stains all over the shaft leaving it yellow)

"Distance selling regulations" are your friend.  You have seven days in which to change your mind.  Not sure what material the shaft is of the one you have ordered, but to the best of my belief neither aluminium nor stainless steel can be permanently stained by turmeric, and provided you give a quick spray with Dettox Mould and Mildew the risk of permanent staining is absolutely zero.  Far less true for plastic, of course, but DM&M is wonderful stuff when it comes to combatting turmeric stains.

** Phil.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: RubyDoo on March 12, 2013, 08:51 PM
Lidl silvercrest are excellent. If it breaks then buy another at that price. Never had to buy another in three years though.  ;)
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: RubyDoo on March 12, 2013, 08:53 PM
Only alternative for me would be a Waring but they are silly money.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: PaulP on March 12, 2013, 10:52 PM
Only alternative for me would be a Waring but they are silly money.

I've got a
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: failsafe on March 13, 2013, 11:04 AM
Thanks guys, unfortunately I didn't see the last posts on time and the order is placed already (1h5mins ago) but I can possibly still cancel it if I get a quick enough response. Why should I go for stainless steel? (the only thing I can think of, is turmeric stains all over the shaft leaving it yellow)

"Distance selling regulations" are your friend.  You have seven days in which to change your mind.  Not sure what material the shaft is of the one you have ordered, but to the best of my belief neither aluminium nor stainless steel can be permanently stained by turmeric, and provided you give a quick spray with Dettox Mould and Mildew the risk of permanent staining is absolutely zero.  Far less true for plastic, of course, but DM&M is wonderful stuff when it comes to combatting turmeric stains.

** Phil.
Phil excuse my ignorance again, but what is DM&M?
failsafe
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: PaulP on March 13, 2013, 11:15 AM
I'd bet money on it being Dettox Mould and Mildew  ;)
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on March 13, 2013, 12:16 PM
Dettox Mould and Mildew the risk of permanent staining is absolutely zero.  Far less true for plastic, of course, but DM&M is wonderful stuff when it comes to combatting turmeric stains.
Phil excuse my ignorance again, but what is DM&M?

Dettox Mould and Mildew spray, failsafe : sorry, hoped that was clear from the context.
** Phil.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: goncalo on March 13, 2013, 07:04 PM
TBH it doesn't blend any finer than a cheaper blender and I would say the blade (as new) is not as sharp as some smaller, cheaper blenders.

So, when you say "as new", do you mean you sharpened the blades or something?
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on March 13, 2013, 08:08 PM
when you say "as new", do you mean you sharpened the blades or something?

I think Paul meant "when new".
** Phil.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: PaulP on March 13, 2013, 09:09 PM
when you say "as new", do you mean you sharpened the blades or something?

I think Paul meant "when new".
** Phil.

That's correct Phil thankyou.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: failsafe on March 19, 2013, 11:46 AM
Bought a Morphy Richards which i will hope will do. Also bought a clone for ?5 from Asda, so i'm on my way
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: sp on March 19, 2013, 07:55 PM
Lidl silvercrest are excellent. If it breaks then buy another at that price. Never had to buy another in three years though.  ;)

I've just used my Lidl 600W Silvercrest stick blender for the first time on base... it got very hot, very quickly, and started smoking - it's going back for a refund (not too sure about replacement  :o)
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on March 19, 2013, 07:59 PM
I've just used my Lidl 600W Silvercrest stick blender for the first time on base... it got very hot, very quickly, and started smoking - it's going back for a refund (not too sure about replacement  :o)

Ooohhh.  How soon is "very quickly" ?  I have used mine for up to a minute, then rested it for 30 seconds, and done a second and a third similarly spaced minutes in a KD-style base without problems ...

** Phil.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: RubyDoo on March 20, 2013, 11:06 AM
Lidl silvercrest are excellent. If it breaks then buy another at that price. Never had to buy another in three years though.  ;)

I've just used my Lidl 600W Silvercrest stick blender for the first time on base... it got very hot, very quickly, and started smoking - it's going back for a refund (not too sure about replacement  :o)

As Phil says - how long etc?  Need to remember that these things are designed for whisking up soups etc and not heavy long winded stuff. Always found mine will do 7 litres of base but I do rest it a couple of times.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: sp on March 24, 2013, 08:03 PM
I was making the C2G indian base last weekend, blending as usual, it heated up rapidly within a couple of minutes... Lidls were exceedingly helpful even though the box and receipt had been mislaid by my darling wife ::) the store advised I call their customer services who very quickly sent a letter with which I am to take back to the shop along with the blender for a full refund

Yesterday I used my stalwart of a jug blender to do g&g paste as I have done many times before and I broke that too (plastic lug at the bottom off the jug sheared off and pinged off every adjacent surface like a ball bearing in a pinball machine), then to cap it all old faithful 120w kenwood hand blender with non-detachable stick got dropped in the sink as I was cleaning it.

I don't think blenders and me are a good mix....  ;)
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on March 24, 2013, 08:08 PM
Kenwood Major : "you know it makes sense" :)
** Phil.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: sp on March 24, 2013, 08:24 PM
Tempting as they are (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-KMM023-Kitchen-Machine-Titanium/dp/B0066O45SM/ref=sr_1_70?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1364156213&sr=1-70), I think I'd be in for "Major" grief if I spent
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on March 24, 2013, 08:40 PM
Tempting as they are (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-KMM023-Kitchen-Machine-Titanium/dp/B0066O45SM/ref=sr_1_70?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1364156213&sr=1-70), I think I'd be in for "Major" grief if I spent
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: goncalo on March 24, 2013, 08:42 PM
Speaking of blenders, mine is still lost in transit.  >:(

Amazon asked me to wait until the 27th before declaring it as lost and before giving me back the money or sending me a new one if available.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on March 24, 2013, 08:44 PM
Speaking of blenders, mine is still lost in transit.  >:(  Amazon asked me to wait until the 27th before declaring it as lost and before giving me back the money or sending me a new one if available.

Let me guess : the carrier was Yodel ?
** Phil.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: goncalo on March 24, 2013, 08:57 PM
Speaking of blenders, mine is still lost in transit.  >:(  Amazon asked me to wait until the 27th before declaring it as lost and before giving me back the money or sending me a new one if available.

Let me guess : the carrier was Yodel ?
** Phil.

I'm not too sure which carrier, it appears to have swam the seas on the 14th and it is with our local post office company (An Post), the tracking page shows:

Latest Event:    Crymlyn Burrows Swansea
Order has been handed over to the carrier and is in transit - 14 March 2013 20:46:50


Goncalo
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: Peripatetic Phil on March 24, 2013, 08:58 PM
Ah well, if it's with An Post, there is at least a finite probability that it will turn up ...
** Phil.
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: goncalo on March 27, 2013, 10:42 AM
Ah well, if it's with An Post, there is at least a finite probability that it will turn up ...
** Phil.

Response from amazon:

Quote
Hello Goncalo,

As discussed during our phone call, I'm sorry that your order has not yet arrived. As discussed, just by looking at the tracking information, it seems like this parcel has been missorted to another courier.

There are rare occasions where a carrier receives an order that was not originally assigned to them. As you know, the other carrier will try to deliver your order, but it may be delayed and arrive a little later than expected. As your order is not trackable, the longest we would ask that you wait is Wednesday the 27th of March.

today I arrived in the office, anxious to give them a call and ask them for next day delivery on a different blender and to include kushi's balti book, but, surprise! your parcel just arrived. not sure if  >:( or  :-\
Title: Re: new blender advice
Post by: goncalo on March 30, 2013, 01:44 AM
So I have to say that I'm truly impressed with my new blender. I've used it to blend SnS's Zaffron's base and making g&g and I'm trully impressed with the results. :-)

Highly recommended (so far...)