Commercial Blender Buying Guide

Professional blender is kind of equipment every restaurant need, regardless of whether it’s making smoothies, cocktails or whipping cream. The best one will even make quick work of chopping and pureeing.

There are several things you need to consider while searching for the best commercial blender.

Types of Commercial Blenders

Before you start looking at features and options, it’s important to understand the types of restaurant blenders available.

Food blenders are designed for daily use and offer continuous operation without the risk of burning out. They are ideal for preparing smoothies and milkshakes. High-powered models can even break down hard foods like carrots, chocolate chips, nuts and ice.

Commercial bar blenders are perfect for making cocktails like daiquiris or margaritas. While not as robust or versatile as their food counterparts, professional bar blenders will help you get mixed drinks to your patrons more quickly and keep your bar running more smoothly.

Immersion blender comes in a variety of sizes from 7” through 29”. These long, handheld models are jar-free and ideal for preparing mashed potatoes, whipping cream and pureed soups and sauces.

Unlike food and bar types, immersion blenders are designed for use with soft foods only.

Consider the Usage

First of all, you’ve got to answer these simple questions:

• What types of food are going to be used?
• Will you be preparing smoothies, or creamy soups?
• How often will it be used?

The answers to these questions will determine the type of blender you choose, and whether you need to go with a lighter-duty or heavy-duty model.

Some models also have special features, like timers and programmable controls. If you’ll be preparing the same recipes day and day out, these types of features can save you time and labor — which ultimately saves you money.

It’s important to remember that blenders can be incredibly versatile. In addition to smoothies and cocktails, these appliances can be used to puree sauces, puddings and soups. Many restaurants have both traditional and immersion models on hand to tackle any blending job that comes their way. You may have a need for both types, or you may only need a traditional blender for everyday pureeing.

Think of Power, Capacity and Durability

High performance blenders have strong motors that can tackle just about anything you put inside. The stronger the motor, the smoother the blend.

• 1/2 HP: Best for light food preparation; up to 50 servings per day.
• 1–1 1/2 HP: Best for medium food preparation; up to 75–80 servings per day
• 2 HP: Ideal for medium to heavy food preparation; up to 100 servings per day
• 3 1/2 HP: Best for heavy food preparation; can handle 100+ servings per day

Capacity refers to the size of the jar or the length of the immersion unit. High-volume kitchens should look for high-capacity models that can prepare large batches at once. If you only plan to make one serving at a time, a small jar with a 32–44 oz. capacity should suffice and will save you money on your purchase. But you can find bar options with jar capacities up to 128 ounces and food blenders with capacities of 832 ounces.

Of course, durability is important. Look for a model that can stand up to the heavy use of a commercial kitchen. A commercial grade blender is best. Look for a solid assembly.

Consider the Noise Level

Depending on your restaurant’s environment, you may want to choose a blender with a sound enclosure. This polycarbonate shield surrounds the unit while it’s in use to reduce the amount of noise it produces.

A sound enclosure can obscure accessibility of the jar and the controls, but if you prefer to keep a quieter environment, this may be a feature that you prioritize.

The best blender can make your kitchen and bar more efficient. It’s important to take your time, and consider your uses and needs so that you make an informed decision.

Source: https://mcdonaldpaper.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-commercial-blender