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This article was taken from the August 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
How we tested
Tester Emily Peck put the blenders through a series of chopping challenges. She recorded the time taken to reduce chunks of potato and ginger into 300ml of smooth purée for soup, and the time taken to pulverize ten ice-cubes. A sound-pressure level meter was used to measure each blender's engine volume when at the highest speed setting.
AEG Powermix Silent SB4600-U
The jug clips on to the base securely, making this the sturdiest design in our test. It's also the quietest and most stable machine in the group. The soup was blended on the maximum setting and it was reassuring to see that the blender doesn't start unless the jug is locked in place. The "pulse" setting and the speed dial give you flexibility and the former can be used for ice crushing. As well as a 1.5l-capacity jug for blending, it comes with a fruit filter for smooth juice, a measuring cup and a separate mini-chopper.
Wired: Versatile tool
Tired: Ice-crushing function is not clearly highlighted
8/10
£129
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Kenwood Kmix BLX51
The sleekest model on test, the compact Kmix blender is made from cast aluminium and feels attractively smooth in its bright raspberry finish. It has an ample 1.6l glass "goblet" and four highlighted settings for a host of jobs. We used the "liquids" setting for the soup test and, although it wasn't the fastest model, it was one of the quietest. The unit also comes with eight recipe cards.
Wired: <span class="s2">Quality finish
Tired: Stiff lid
7/10
£99.99
Blendtec total
This powerful blender has an LCD display, but its settings are still hard to navigate. It shows the time remaining per blend cycle and has a giddying array of presets for everything from smoothies to food processing. There are also ten speed-settings - useful for chefs who like a bit more control.
However, the plastic jug and base feel very flimsy - considering the hefty price tag, that's a big failing.
Wired: <span class="s2">Super fast
Tired: <span class="s2">Super noisy
5/10
£455
Philips HR2094 Aluminium
Philips's model uses a variable illuminated dial, so you can set the speed easily. The stylish mark-proof aluminium finish also impressed, as did the "smoothie", "ice-crushing" and "pulse" shortcut functions. The soup test was surprisingly clean and quick on maximum speed - aided by its serrated blades. The HR2094 also comes with a fruit filter for making clear juice without seeds, pips or pulp, and includes a Jason Vale: Juice Master recipe booklet, which details his range of juice and smoothie recipes.
Wired: Attractive illuminated design
Tired: Additional jug would be useful
8/10
£79.95
KitchenAid Artisan
Available in 13 eye-catching finishes, the Artisan features a sturdy die-cast metal base. It has a large 1.5l glass pitcher with an easy-pouring mouth, as well as a 750ml culinary jar, ideal for single servings. We used the "purée" setting for the soup test, which it made short work of - though it was noisier than on its other settings. Crushing ice was also impressively speedy.
Wired: <span class="s2">Compact form
Tired: <span class="s2">Illustrated mode-indicators are confusing to interpret
5/10
£159
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
