pogomom's Full Review: Cuisinart SPB-7 SmartPower 7-Speed Blender
All That Is Missing Are Mag Wheels
When my sad little Hamilton Beach Blender gave up the ghost, I thought I could live without a blender. After all, my counter and cabinets already host a hand blender, food processor, hand mixer and two electric mixers; how much pulverized food do I really need? We even had the presence of mind to purchase a battery operated stick blender for those pina colada emergencies during hurricane conditions. You never know when a frothy tropical potion might quell the fears of having gale force winds blow the roof off your happy home. Satisfied with the quantity, quality and utility of my six remaining functional tools, I chose to enjoy the suddenly free counter space. Anyone involved in a monogamous relationship will understand the frustration in dealing with a significant other claiming veto power. That square foot of bare countertop upset my better half almost as much as the loss of his favorite appliance. If you ever witnessed a pout of Olympic proportions, you will understand the speed in which I began my search for a utilitarian replacement that would not depress my aesthetic sensibilities.
I buy nothing on a whim. Extensive research and product comparison before this purchase assured me that I zeroed in on the best product for this household. The Cuisinart Smart Power Classic Chrome Seven-Speed Electronic Blender encompassed everything I wanted with power to spare. My experience with the Cuisinart product line was exceptional, at that point, so I waited for a sale and still spent twice what I thought a blender should cost. [This was prior to my purchase of Cuisinart's Wide Slot Toaster, a product designed by Timothy Leary's lab assistant on a bad day.] Like most Cuisinart products, this blender is solidly built and heavier than most of the competing brands' mid-line appliances.
The two Cuisinart Seven-Speed Electronic Blenders I considered listed identical features. I opted to spend an additional twenty dollars for the chrome base that matches my kitchen décor. Our open floor plan affords an unobstructed view of the countertop workspace, which forces me to keep the kitchen at least tidy or bare the shame of being less than perfect. I knew I would cringe every time I caught a glimpse of anything inconsistent to our unique sense of style, so the shiny object came home to roost in all its splendor.
To be perfectly candid, I rarely use a blender. This unit receives most of its abuse from my husband and our occasional houseguests. He blends, chops, purees, frappes, mixes, crushes and liquefies anything that fails to protest prior to placement in the glass receptacle. The extent of my experience in using this attractive tool falls under three categories:
1. Frothy drinks, milk shakes and deceptively healthy smoothies 2. Crushed ice 3. My neighbor Joan's Blender Cheesecake recipe*
Cuisinart offers no additional accessories to enhance utility of this blender. The out-of-box experience proved more than adequate with the inclusion of a bonus blender jar that I have yet to put into service.
The original package contained:
· Heavy chrome (over plastic) motor base · 40-ounce glass blender jar · Stainless Steel Blade Assembly · Blender Cover with removable 2-ounce measure lid · Blender Sealing Gasket · Blender Locking Ring · Several recipe booklets · A use and care booklet · Bonus blender jar (no longer included - sorry) · Three-year limited warranty
With one year left on the service and parts warranty, I felt the need to check on the cost of replacement parts. Happily, I discovered the higher prices listed in the accompanying use and care guide were no longer valid. The Cuisinart web site lists the blender jar replacement at twenty dollars and all other parts, aside from the motor base, range from two dollars, for the removable pour lid, to ten dollars for the cutting assembly.
The following lists the features that initially sold me on this particular blender and lived up to my expectations:
· The seven-speed touch pad controls are easy-to-read with indicator lights that clearly display what function is presently in operation. The touch pad simplifies clean up of spills and dust; only requiring a damp sponge or quick squirt of spray cleaner and a paper towel to maintain. I used to dread cleaning the sixteen buttons and tight surrounding areas of the old blender. The job often required use of cotton swabs and I worried about cleaning fluids seeping into the motor assembly through the gaps between the buttons and the exterior frame. The touch pad is sealed and permits no access for drips, overflowed liquids or cleaning fluids. Even my husband performs perfect clean up chores on this blender without a whimper of complaint.
· The motor is powerful and capable of handling large amounts of food without straining against the load. Most blending, chopping and mixing jobs are done in seconds without resorting to the stops, scraping and repeated processing my earlier blenders required to complete the routine.
· The 'Ice Crush' button takes the guessing out of which speed to use. The powerful motor crushes ice in seconds without the addition of liquids to ease the process. In the summer, we freeze trays of our favorite soft drinks and cocktail mixes for use in those wonderful concoctions we imbibe while lazing outdoors. With the ability to create crushed ices, we no longer suffer through watered down drinks. With a few extra seconds of crushing action, we end up with the best slushies south of the Mason - Dixon line!
· The ability to pulse at any speed is one feature I find extremely useful. I like that kind of control since I tend towards heavy-handedness in most endeavors and certainly in the kitchen.
· The stainless steel blade assembly remains sharp even under constant use as primarily an ice crusher. Whether chopping small quantities of celery or crushing ice, the blades retain their keen edges. I especially like how perfectly the blades, sealing gasket and locking ring assemble quickly and securely; then dismantle for cleaning with equal speed.
· I find the inclusion of cord storage areas on all Cuisinart appliances most efficient. I would love a few extra inches of power cord on all my electrical kitchen tools but the various manufacturers feel that the shorter cords are a safety feature and I cannot argue with their logic.
· The general design of the blender is appealing. The small footprint and pseudo European styling makes this blender attractive. It appears smaller than other blenders with similar capacities, which, for me, was a plus.
· The added benefit of a three-year limited warranty versus the usual one-year limited warranties offered by other manufacturers makes paying a premium for this blender feel like a wise choice.
With the exception of the poorly conceived wide-slot toaster, Cuisinart continues to produce beautifully designed, high-quality kitchen electronics. The Smart Power Classic Chrome Seven-Speed Electronic Blender meets and exceeds all my requirements for a reliable, powerful and efficient product. I highly recommend this model and the identically engineered Smart Power Seven Speed Electronic Blender with two thumbs up and a gloriously frothy mustache.
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*As a bonus to those dedicated readers who perused my entire review, I offer the following as a token of my appreciation:
Joan's Impossible Cheesecake
Preheat oven to 350°
Grease and flour a square (8" x 8") Pyrex baking dish.
Ingredients:
· 2 8-ounce packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese · 4 eggs · 2 tablespoons of cornstarch · 1 cup sugar · 1 cup milk · 1 teaspoon vanilla · Optional: strained crushed-pineapple, cherries or blueberries
Put all ingredients in the blender jar and process for seven minutes. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 55 minutes to one hour. The cheesecake top will be slightly golden and appear firm when done. Cool completely and refrigerate until well chilled.
Joan's additions: After cooling completely, put strained crushed-pineapple, cherries or blueberries on top and refrigerate. Enjoy!
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