New Kitchen Aid Blender

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Its a neat idea. I love magnetic drive pumps and stirrers. Coupling the energy through the base to the blades via strong magnets eliminates the seal. Of course we should all note that the seal really isn't an issue in blenders, at least from my experience.

They did style it to look like all their other current appliances and espresso machines. The thing that bugs me is that they just went a bit over the top with it, and as a result the price is insane. Of course there are those that willingly overpay similar dollars for a BlendTec or a VitaMix too so perhaps a few of these will sell.

Its funny, we are seeing something similar to what we saw with HiFi in the mid-80's with the kitchen appliance market. The reasonable middle is going away. Its all about the WalMart low cost models or the Williams Sonoma uber-high-end products. If you want something decent for a fair price, you have to buy used now.
 
Magnetic blender drives---The line of Island Oasis blenders and margarita machines already has it.Go to your nearest Red Lobster place that has a bar and you should be able to see the Island Oasis machine.These are MORE expensive than the KA blender-like $2-4K.The Island Oasis machine is made for heavy commercial use and has an ice dispensor hopper on the top.
For the price of the KA--glad they are redoing their blenders-for that $599 you can get a VitaMix or a Blendtec--Not magnetic drive but machines designed around commercial blenders.And with either you can add something to the jar during the mix.The KA machine reminds me of the Hobart commercial blenders I spotted at a resturant supply place several years ago.The Hobart machine wouldn't allow you to add something while blending.Don't think those were magnetic drive.I just hope KA SHARPENS their blades some so they don't just bump things around in the jar.I have some older KA blenders that reside in the back of my cupboard for that reason-try to make a shake in those and you still get the unmixed ice cream.Use any other brand blender-its pulverized and blended properly.In the sentence that states about cleaning the new KA container-"seeds and fibers under the blade"A VM or Blendtec would have PULVERIZED those things!!Same with the older Osters and Warings for that matter.Think KA should just stick to mixers.Leave the blenders to someone else like VM and Blendtec.Another thing on the KA Torrent machine-is it belt drive?this may not be a bad thing,though.
 
I don't know.

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">I wonder what market they are going after.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">I watched the video and they were careful not to show you actually juicing some vegetables so I wonder how well it really works.  The other thing is they mentioned making sauces (hot things) but don't actually say the blender will do it.  My Vitamix will heat liquid from cold to hot in about 6 minutes.  They didn't say whether or not this does that or if you make the sauce and heat it up on the stove.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">It's an interesting concept and I like the look of it I just feel like I need all those gears down below to give it that kind of power but I could be wrong.  </span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">I know my pond pumps work on this magnetic principle but I don't think they need the kind of power you'd used to juice a blender jar full of vegetables.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">I'm usually the first one to jump on new kitchen gadgets like this but at that price I need to wait and see the reviews.  My Vitamix is a beast on the counter but it has certainly earned that spot!!</span>
 
Rex-- Are you referencing the KitchenAid blenders with the short, wide container? A friend had one and she didn't like it for the reason you stated: Chunks of food were left whirling around the wall of the container's wide bottom. (See photo #1)

My newer KitchenAid (photo #2) has the redesigned what's-old-is-new-again traditional container; tall, narrow at the bottom. It does a great job.

frigilux-2015053005123400025_1.png

frigilux-2015053005123400025_2.png
 
I can't see where this actually does anything more than blenders already sold today.  Juicer? - if there is no filter to separate the pulp from the juice you won't get the results of a juicer that extracts leaving you nothing but juice.  Overall not really impressed.
 
Cleaning

I don't think Louis' fears are entirely justified, as the copy states:

 

"Easy Cleanup

The pitcher, lid, ingredient cap and funnel can all go right into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. For best results, though, we recommend rinsing lightly first, to remove any residue, seeds or fiber beneath the blades."

 

From that it appears that all ingredients added to the blender go through a funnel that can be removed and dishwashed.

 

As stated, the advantage is no need for seals. But the drawback may be that the blades are integral with the jar. When the blades get dull, you'll perhaps need a new jar-blade assembly.

But yeah, $600 for a blender? I get by just fine with my Oster beehive.

 

 
KitchenAid Blenders

I have tried both designs of the recent KitchenAid blenders that Frigilux posted and did not like them for chopping small quantites of anything! unable of chop pecans, almond or peanuts or Grind coffee beans uniformily. The older design had dull blades and chopped ice like they said at any speed, liquifying was not its strong suit. The other design with no removable blades. had too big a gap between the blades and the sides of the jar. The result is inconsistent "dry chopping" also. Returned both blenders and used my Hamilton Beach blender until I found a vintage Oster I liked and upgraded it with the larger ice chopping blades. The Hamilton Beach blender is being used with a commercial blade assembly and pleased with its perfomance too.
 
You're welcome, Louis.

 

BTW, I wouldn't buy that blender either. I already have a beehive (new retro) Oster that I like. It's just two speed: on and pulse, but it does what I need it to. I also have a KA blender that's a couple of years old. It's ok, but as others have noted the bottom of the blender container is too wide to deal with small amounts efficiently. So I usually wind up using the Oster when I need to use a blender at all.
 
My KA blender with short wide carafe is stashed away in the basement.  As soon as I received my mid '60s Lady Kenmore/Osterizer, the KA with its mere five speeds and funky touchpad controls got the boot.  The Osterizer design allows for a lot more flexibility and functionality, particularly if outfitted with an ice crusher or "Fusion" blade.  Even the vintage single speed Waring FC model I keep on the bar does a better job crushing ice than the KA. 

 

$599 is ridiculous.  I don't think I paid more than $59 for my KA at Costco around ten years ago, and wouldn't spend much more than that for a blender.  I don't use blenders for much besides making smoothies and mixing up frozen alcoholic beverages.
 

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