It seems as if blender makers are in a sophistication race of their own. With each year comes more and more complex equipment on the market. The days of a simple blender with a single speed setting are long gone. In their place, intelligent and automated ones have taken charge. As if that alone isn’t enough, there is a wide range of them to choose from too. Picking out the right one for your kitchen or general household is no longer as easy as you might think, it’s a whole thing now! In any case, at the end of the day, we simply want to blend right? Therefore, the perfect piece of machinery should do the actual job instead of just hoodwinking us with fancy tech features. It’s critical to stay focused on the basics when picking out your next blending companion. One of the most talked-about blenders is the Hamilton Beach Power Elite and this review seeks to examine whether this piece is worth bothering about at all.
The Design
When it comes to picking out a blender or any kitchen gadget for that matter, looks do matter. The last thing you need is some grotesquely shaped device that will stand out oddly from among your interiors. Thankfully, the Hamilton design for this model is quite tasteful. It has a very distinct modern outlook with a sleek finish that will blend in quite well with just about any interior decor. Come to think of it, it actually looks like some futuristic artistic design. The blender features a neatly laid out control pad with soft press keys. It stands at a modest height of almost 15 inches and an almost square 6.5-inch base. The assembly weighs a compact 7.6 pounds which is quite portable.
Blender Operation
The blender runs at a power rating of 700 watts on a 120 volts, 60 Hz supply. This is guaranteed to deal a heavy blow to your ingredients and give you that perfectly blended and uniformly textured taste. It can perform a variety of operations such as grating, chopping and of course the actual blending! Each of the four control buttons can toggle between multiple functions with a simple press for utmost convenience. Full automation runs the process to give you extra freedom while blending. Of course, it comes with a pulse option for good measure in case you want a more self-customized operation!
The glass jar is guaranteed to withstand any rapid temperature variations that may arise from the high powered operation which can easily hit twenty thousand blade revolutions per minute in milliseconds! The whole unit is easily assembled and disassembled for easy maintenance with all the components fitting snugly and securely together. The user guide outlines quite clearly the whole process with helpful illustrations.
Capacity
While most blender applications tend to be brisk and limited in most households, some occasions can demand high blend volumes. Imagine playing host to a group of people that want smoothies and all you have is a tiny compact blender! It’s always better, therefore, to spare no expense when it comes to blender capacity. This Hamilton BPE Model would definitely come in handy with its 40-ounce strong capacity. You can surely blend your heart out in this monster without even having to overfill it. This makes it quite suitable for modestly sized and large families. After all, social hospitality rules dictate that it’s better to have a surplus than to run short of the food supply.
Cost Considerations
Given the impressive power settings of this blender, one would surely expect it to cost an arm and a leg. Instead, it comes in way under forty dollars at an affordable and bargain price of $32 average, depending on the selected retail outlet. Other competitors in the same category as this beauty are going for way more than this which makes it a steal indeed!
Special Features
Now, let’s explore what sets this Hamilton blender model aside from the rest of the pack. It is surprisingly popular and a trusted bestseller across retail outlets. With over six thousand orders delivered on Amazon, there is absolutely something unique about this blender!
- Blending Functions
Isn’t it easy to just assume that a blender simply ‘blends’? Well, this model will prove you wrong flat out! It has a whopping number of blending functions numbering up to 12! It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? These are not just speed settings no-no. Instead, each blending function has been customized to a specific function that covers the whole range of blender applications from mashing and slicing all up to liquefaction. There’s even a self-cleaning function for your convenience, just add warm water and liquid soap and watch it clean itself thoroughly!
- Wave Action
Ever wondered how the blender manages to keep the ingredients in the vicinity of the blades? Well, most generic designs depend on gravity and space constraints alone to achieve that. The Hamilton BPE Blender, however, employs a more intricate system. It is specially designed to create a wave action that effectively pulls down your ingredients to the mercy of the rotating blades. Why is it such a great innovation? This ingenious mechanism ensures a faster blending process that can achieve perfect results in a matter of seconds. It also improves the quality of your blend with regards to texture uniformity.
- Blade Design
The model’s blades are cleverly designed to provide ultimate functionality to suit each selection on the interface. There are four of them, two of which are elevated a little above the base. They are however not detachable from the gasket for improved rigidity and integrity. Take care not to touch the knife-edges during maintenance to avoid injury.
- Handling and Stability
The model has a pretty unique spout design, unlike regular blender jars. It is specially designed to eliminate spillages. Another unique feature here is the sealing cap that is hinged for extra security and convenience. The whole assembly is pretty stable even when operating at full power. It will stay firmly on any even platform, retaining its hold with the rigid base. There is no need to keep an eye on this beauty, it is guaranteed to stay put!
Safety and Maintenance
No gadget should ever cause a headache to maintain, it simply isn’t worth it at all. Any kitchen gadget or utensil that requires complex maneuvers to clean up or routinely take care of is an absolute no-no!
The Hamilton Beach Elite blender is thankfully convenient when it comes to cleaning and general maintenance. It is totally dishwasher safe hence it doesn’t require any special or extra cleaning attention. This is assuming you opt not to use the convenient self-clean feature. Simply disassemble the units as per the user guide and shove it into your dishwasher. You can also hand wash it with ease if you wish. It’s always easier however to simply rinse it through with enough water as soon as you’re done with the blending. That way, you don’t have to deal with crusty residues.
Electric hazards are very real when it comes to these high powered gadgets. The blender’s two-pin plug top and the 24-inch cord are however well insulated for surge and thermal protection to avoid any mishaps in the kitchen. Take care not to damage the extension insulations. Rather, always stretch out the cord nicely when operating to prevent the development of creases and cuts. When not in use, the cord can be tucked-in underneath the base for convenient safekeeping.
Some manufacturers are notorious for turning a cold shoulder on their consumers the moment they walk out of the store with their product. I can assure you this is one of the most frustrating experiences ever. You always need a cooperative customer-care that will deal with any issues arising from your purchase. The Hamilton blender manufacturer has however done well in this regard. Their tech support is always more than ready to assist in the event of queries and complaints. There’s even a free tech support offer for Amazon clients throughout the warranty period. Speaking of which, the device comes with a solid three-year warranty period to cover any malfunctions and defects on the product. Replacement parts such as the base seals and gaskets are also readily available on order.
Cons
The only downside of this blender is its inability to handle the stiffer stuff. The guide clearly outlines that users must desist from processing raw meat, potatoes, etc. The glass is however thick and sturdy enough to handle any fruit and vegetable whether fresh or dried to give you that perfect smoothie as long as you add sufficient liquid with the ingredients.
Verdict
The Hamilton BPE 58148A Model is unique, to say the least. It comes in strong where other blenders of its power rating and capacity fall short. It is the perfect addition to any kitchen whether for personal or family use and its impressive speed settings make it a joy to use. This formidable blender is guaranteed to last a whole lifetime of its own with fond memories of perfectly blended and yummy smoothies!