Are you deciding whether you need to add a blender to your kitchen arsenal? Don't know how to use this appliance or what for? Don't worry, we got you covered. We are going to tell you everything you need to know about a blender and how to maximize its culinary potential.

With a variety of blade types, settings, sizes and other features, blenders can be intimidating to use. It might be daunting, and you may think it's too complicated for you. In this blog, we'll look at how to get the most out of your blender so that when you unleash its culinary potential, creating meals becomes more fun and exciting.

Blenders are multifunctional. You won't believe what a blender is capable of. Be prepared to be surprised. A blender is the top choice for liquidising foods such as smoothies, pancake batter, hot soups and sauces, salad dressings, ice cream, or fruit popsicles. The gravity-fed device and razor-sharp blades produce the smoothest and creamiest results.

Sauces, dips, dressings, frozen desserts, vegetable rice, drinks, nut butter, purees, grinding meat, grains, cereals, powdered sugar, batter, and so on can all be made with a blender. Don't worry, we'll explain everything in more detail.

Why should you get a blender?

You might be thinking, "Why do I need a blender?" It's not often that you see people with blenders in their kitchen. If you are trying to live a healthier lifestyle, but have struggled to make healthy choices in your diet, then it may be time for you to purchase a blender.

⏰ Speed: Did you know that recipes can be turned into super smooth purees in minutes with a blender!
🍴 Versatility: A variety of food options can be made with a blender, like: drinks, savoury appetizers, frozen desserts, snacks, sauces, dressing and hot soups can be made in a blender. The newer models have preset programs to take the guesswork out of processing time and parameters.
❤️ ️Health: You can also break down whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, and softer meats to create nourishing meals for any mealtime.

How to use a blender correctly?

Operating your countertop blender is easy. Follow along with this step-by-step guide to learn how to use a blender.

1. First you can start with cutting solid foods into little pieces so it makes blending much easier and faster.
2. Before using the blender always make sure to double-check that the lid is fastened tightly.
3. Remember to start off with the slowest speed setting and build it up as it may be necessary for the dish that you're making.
4. Don't forget to watch out for the blender while using it because the lid can blow off!
5. Also remember to keep a towel on hand to cover the lid when adding liquids, like oil, to a hot puree gradually because steam and splattering could happen.
6. Leave room to expand; no liquid or solids should be in the upper third of the blender jug.
7. If the mixture stops flowing, remove the lip plug and use the tamper to stir or push down the ingredients.
8. If there is an air bubble, pause the process, stir the ingredients with a spatula and then restart the blender.
9. If you need to add liquid to thin a thick mixture and produce a smooth result, remember to add it always gently.
10. If you notice that the cup starts getting extremely warm take breaks in between, and let the blender cool down or unplug it.
11. Remember! To avoid the danger of receiving an electrical shock, never submerge the base in water. Instead, clean it with a smooth sponge or a moist towel.

How to layer ingredients correctly?

Avoid a stuck blender when making your morning smoothie or refreshing frozen dessert with these tricks. The way the ingredients are layered has a big impact on how the drink, sauce, dip or anything else is processed and its final texture.

Fill the jar with your ingredients in this order:
1. Liquids
2. Powders
3. Softer ingredients
4. Hard or frozen ingredients
5. Top it off with ice, if using.

If a blend is too cold, cavitation can result. This is when an air pocket forms around the blade. Be sure to keep a good balance between ice (or any frozen food) and liquid.

These easy steps will help ensure that your blended masterpiece will be as smooth and delicious as possible.

What can you prepare with a blender?

If you're in the habit of only using your blender to make smoothies in the morning, you're missing out on all the soups, sauces and desserts you can make with this multitasking appliance.

Sauces, Dip, and Dressings: Pesto, mayonnaise, hummus, spreads, salsas, vinaigrettes…
Frozen Desserts: Ice cream, sherbets, sorbet and fruit-based treats…
Vegetable Rice: Low-carb sides like broccoli rice…
Beverages: Smoothies, frozen drinks, blended alcohol drinks…
Nuts: Homemade nut butter like almond or peanut…
Purees: Baby food and hot or cold soups such as gazpacho, black bean soup, curried cauliflower, apple soup…
Grinding meat: Only for less fibrous proteins like shrimp or fish.
Grains and Cereals: Breadcrumbs, cookie crumbs, oat flour, almond flour.
Sugar: Powder sugar made in seconds.
Batter: Pancakes and muffins.

Things to avoid: Kneading dough, grinding tough meat like beef, making mashed potatoes and extracting juice from vegetables or fruit without the proper setting. The more solid something is, the more it will likely overheat the unit and belong in a food processor or a heavy-duty appliance.

How to clean and maintain your blender?

If you love smoothies, purees, or juices, your blender probably sees a lot of use. But how much cleaning does it see? If your answer is "not enough," you're not alone. Cleaning a blender is a little more involved than scrubbing a saucepan or tossing something in the dishwasher. A good, thorough cleaning is important to maintaining the appliance.

1. Rinse down with warm water.
2. Fill the container halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
3. Secure the lid with the lid plug on the cup.
4. Start and gradually increase the speed to the highest setting.
5. Run the blender and clean for 30 to 60 seconds.
6. Turn the speed down to low, and then stop.
7. Rinse all parts with hot water, drain and allow to completely dry on a towel or dish rack.

If needed, use a cleaning brush to scrub under the blades, making sure not to touch the blade with your fingers! Most blender jugs, lids and tampers can be washed in a dishwasher, however, check the instructional manual.

Our best-selling blender:

Powerful, elegant and modern, the SQ Professional Gems Luminate dual-function blender will beautifully complement any fun and contemporary kitchen.

Housing a high-torque 500W pure copper motor, capable of handling tough blending, from crushing ice to making delicious smoothies, the Gems Luminate Blender delivers consistently smooth results fast! Constructed with a stunning heavy brushed steel base, 1.5L glass blender jug and grinder attachment, this vibrant new look is perfect for every trend-setting kitchen.

Designed with you in mind, the appliance is easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe removable parts.

Comes in 6 stunning colours.