Pros and Cons of both.

Feb 15 '00 (Updated Jul 30 '06) Write an essay on this topic.

The Bottom Line Do your research before you buy ...

Choosing a blender in this day and age is like car shopping. You have to see what fits your needs. Since I have 10 thumbs and break everything I have had my share of blender experience. Here are the pros and cons of both plastic and glass blender jars.

The plastic blenders are very durable and light. If you have a storage shortage and need to put it on a top shelf it is easy to lift overhead. Over time if you put them in the dishwasher they can get hazed. If you have kids who might be helping in the kitchen the plastic blender would be better than glass for the obvious reasons. You also have to be careful of what you use in the plastic blenders. If you crush hot peppers (dried peppers) then you will have a very tough time getting rid of the taste (personal experience: I crushed some dried peppers then a few days later made a milkshake - not a good idea). I have also found that mixing certain alcoholic beverages (whiskey and vodka) in a plastic blender leave not only a smell but also a slight taste. I have tried every cleaner and dish washing liquid to get rid of the taste and smell to no avail. If you are going to crush ice or make shakes then a plastic blender might be right for you.

Glass blenders cost a few dollars more than plastic blenders but if you are using it for any type of meat or fish (i.e., salmon pate) then glass is the way to go. I don't like to crush ice in a glass blender since the crushed ice ends up getting push against the side and you have to either push the ice back down or shake the jar itself. I just lift the plastic jar and tap it a few times on the counter and continue to crush. Like I said, I am too much of a walking disaster to do that with glass. If you like to mix drinks in a blender then choose a glass one. You can pop them in the freezer and reblend easier than with plastic. The glass jars don't scratch like plastic not do they retain the smell of previously blended items. If you break a glass blender jar you might be on a wild goose chase to find a replacement. There are different sizes and shapes (square, round, etc.) that have to match the base. In most cases it is easier to just buy a new blender rather than waste time and gas looking for just the jar. When you are shopping for a glass blender you might want to choose a store that does sell the replacement jars.

With either blender it is important to keep track of the plastic washer that seals the unit to the blender blade attachment. Make sure you clean it and let it air dry and don't lose it. This ring provides a tight seal and prevent liquids from leaking out onto the base of the blender. If you lose it or it falls into the garbage disposal (again, personal experience) you can try to contact the manufacturer. I have found replacements at Wal Mart and stocked up on them.

Myself, I have an industrial base (all metal) that cost about $70.00 that came with two glass blending jars. I also purchased two plastic jars; one for crushing spices and peppers and one for crushing ice. I do a large amount of bulk cooking so the money was well worth it. Choose your blender based on what your needs are and what your price range is. It might sound silly to ramble on about blenders but it saves me so much time and effort. If only I could find such a machine that does windows and floors, then I would be set! Happy shopping!!!

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