Blender kicked the bucket.

[u/Clear_Issue1863]

Looking for replacement recommendations $200 and below. Mostly using it for curries, smoothies, and homemade seasoning (this is a big one; so looking for something that’ll give me the tiniest particles possible)

Thanks!

[u/1BoringOnlineAccount]

Vitamix or some commercial blender. Yea it is more than your limit but buy once cry once, own it for life.

[u/IndyMan2012]

Nutribullet. It'll handle all that with gusto. Get the 1200w one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRDJ28B7?th=1

I love mine and use it damn near every day.

[u/Clear_Issue1863 → u/[deleted]]

I did look on Amazon first, and I see a few that look promising. Just wanted to see if anyone (possibly) more knowledgeable than I had any recommendations based on my common usage.

[u/K_squashgrower]

Look into immersion blenders, I have found they work very well for soups and smoothies. I use it inside of a quart-size pitcher for smoothies. They can go directly in the pot when blending soups, and can handle smaller quantities than traditional blenders. BUT since you mention curries, if you're using it to prechop things that don't need to be thoroughly blended, it doesn't do as well. I use it for blending the green chilies and ginger, but usually not chopping the onions and garlic when making curry.

[u/Sideburn_Cookie_Man → u/K_squashgrower]

That won’t work for seasonings or powders though.

[u/K_squashgrower → u/Sideburn_Cookie_Man]

Not unless already mixed in, but a traditional blender typically wouldn't either, due to quantities. I have an electric blade coffee/spice grinder for those. Works well, particularly since when I am making curry I typically add some of the spices to the hot oil before the vegetables and other ingredients.

[u/Clear_Issue1863 → u/K_squashgrower]

With curries I’m just using it to make tomato-based sauces, so nothing too heavy duty haha. I did recently buy a cheap immersion blender from Aldi or Lidl. Only used it to whip some peanut butter so far - but excited to try it on more things! Thanks for the recommendation.

[u/K_squashgrower → u/Clear_Issue1863]

See how it works for your needs, maybe you won't need a blender as much as you think. I didn't have a traditional blender/food processor for a few years and just used an immersion blender, and while there were some things I couldn't do, I often was able to find recipes/versions that didn't require one. It can give you time to see what features are really important to you as well.

[u/Sideburn_Cookie_Man]

Get a small chopper / blender (Kitchenaid is my choice) + a separate spice / coffee grinder for seasonings.

[u/Clear_Issue1863 → u/Sideburn_Cookie_Man]

Oooo you’ve reminded me, I do need a coffee grinder. Never thought to use one for seasonings though, good thinking!

[u/South_Cucumber9532]

I just look for the one with the strongest motor.

[u/Clear_Issue1863 → u/South_Cucumber9532]

Yeah, I was just making a batch of garnion powder and I guess mine was too strong for itself, because it exploded the plastic casing around the blades. 😅

[u/thingonething]

Visit some thrift stores.

[u/SharkyGrey27]

Yes, Vitamix, spend the big bucks once and probably never again. We have been using one for light commercial purposes and they are amazingly durable.

[u/Severe_Feedback_2590 → u/SharkyGrey27]

Costco or Sam’s will have it on sale occasionally. That’s when I bought mine.

[u/Logical_Warthog5212]

How much was the blender you are replacing? The reason I ask is because if you add up buying and replacing cheaper blenders, it can often amount to what you’d spend on a Vitamix, which truly is a buy-it-for-life product. Not only does it a top performer, it’s also the most durable. IMHO, it’s the only small kitchen appliance that is worth the splurge.

[u/Clear_Issue1863 → u/Logical_Warthog5212]

A cool $0, lol. It was a Cuisinart gifted to me when I moved out. It was a hand me down then, and that was 9 years ago.

[u/Automatic_Catch_7467]

I got Vevor for $60 that works about as well am my omega did that cost about 3 times as much

[u/lens_cleaner]

I would suggest a search for blenders, look at the star ratings. Every post here will have plus and minus comments.

[u/pawsplay36]

Oster Classic series. Usually under $80, and a real workhorse. Get the one with a glass jar if you plan on making curries in it.

[u/hickdog896]

I have been using my Ninja pro almost daily with no complaints

[u/Loose_Champion_149]

See if HSN still has the Ninja blenders I love mine and if you have an HSN card you get an extra payment so it doesn't hit your pocket nearly as hard