How to use a blender: Beginner’s guide

Few kitchen appliances are easier to use than a blender. Just set it up, add your ingredients, secure the lid, and press a button to blend, purée, mix, or liquefy. In seconds, you’ve got your smoothie, sauce, soup, or shake ready to go.

Blenders are fast, versatile, and built to handle a wide range of everyday tasks, from crushing ice to whipping up pancake batter or grinding nuts into butter. If you’re new to using one or just need a quick refresher, here’s a straightforward guide on how to use a blender.

How to use a blender?

Blenders are one of the easiest tools to use in the kitchen, but if you’ve never tried one, or it’s been a while, a little guidance doesn’t hurt. 

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Whether you want to whip up a smoothie, a soup, or something in between, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you blend with confidence:

1. Check the blender

Before you start, make sure the blender is plugged in, clean, and in working condition. If it’s been sitting on a shelf for a while, take a second to wipe it down. Also, make sure your hands are dry. Wet hands are a safety hazard when handling any electric appliance.

2. Add your ingredients

Now that everything’s ready, toss everything into the pitcher. You can usually add ingredients in any order, but it helps to pour in some liquid first, like water, milk, or juice, especially if you’re blending anything thick or frozen. The liquid helps everything move better once the blades start spinning. 

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Additionally, blending ice without liquid doesn’t work well, as the ice will just stick to the sides and melt. So, make sure to add some water or another liquid to help it circulate. Lastly, never blend boiling liquids. Hot steam and pressure can cause the blender to crack or shatter.

3. Secure the lid properly

Make sure the lid is firmly in place before turning anything on. That small centre piece is called the feeder cap, and you can remove it mid-blend to drop in a few extras, but otherwise, keep the lid sealed.

4. Choose your speed and blend

Start blending by picking the speed that fits your recipe. Usually, the further right you turn the dial or the higher the button number, the faster the speed. Never insert a spoon or utensil while the blender is running, and make sure to always turn it off before stirring.

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If you hit a button and nothing happens, chances are the pitcher isn’t locked into the motor base properly. Give it a small twist or press down gently until it clicks or feels snug.

5. Pour it out carefully

Once you’re done, turn off the blender and remove the lid. Pour your mixture into a glass, bowl, or container. If it’s thick, you might need a spatula to scrape the sides or even remove the blade attachment to get everything out.

Once you’re done blending, unplug the blender, remove the pitcher, and rinse it under warm, soapy water. You can also add some soap and water into the pitcher, blend it for a few seconds, then rinse. Additionally, never submerge the motor base in water. If it’s dirty, just wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge.