KitchenAid5KSB13

How we test dairy smoothie

This smoothie should be an easy task for any blender, it contains frozen banana, fresh root ginger, yoghurt and milk.

How we test ease of cleaning

We test how easy each part is to clean by hand, and whether they can go in the dishwasher. This includes if they will fit easily in a full-size dishwasher and if water gets caught in any nooks and crannies.

How we test fruit, veg and nut smoothie

This smoothie is more of a challenge for most blenders. We use frozen berries, whole nuts and fresh spinach to really test each blender to its limit.

How we test smoothie with ice

We also test each blender for if it can make a delicous icy drink. The best give a perfectly smooth consistency while the worst will leave large chunks of ice.

How we test soup

A good blender should be able to blend cooked but cold ingredients into soup with ease. We cook up a classic vegetable soup of carrot and coriander, wait for it to cool, and then blend it until smooth. A Best Buy blender will easily blitz the veg to a lovely velvety consistency. Be warned though, don't try to blend hot ingredients in your blender, the heat can cause pressure to build up, potentially harming not only the blender, but also you.

How we test ability to crush ice

We check how well each blender can crush ice - some leave big, uneven chunks while others over process it to make snow-like slush.

How we test pesto

Pesto is tricky for blenders to make as it’s made up of drier ingredients; garlic, cheese, basil, pine nuts and oil. Some really struggle with this task, while others succeed - it really does help to distinguish the brilliant from the bad blenders.

How we test blending speed

We measure how long each one takes to achieve the perfect blend so you're not left waiting.

How we test ease of use

We check each blender to see what it's like to assemble and use, including fitting the jug or cup to the base, putting on or pulling off the lid, how heavy the jug is and the control panel.

How we test quietness

All blenders will make noise, but the best will make less of a racket. Five stars will be better for early morning smoothies, when people are still sleeping, while one star will wake up the house.