Black and Decker Blender Wants You To Run It Hard

I’ve got a blender story or two. There was the time we were making blender drinks at a friend’s house, and one friend reached over and accidentally took the top off of the blender - spraying strawberry daiquiri to such an extent that it was found in crevices years later. Then there was the time that a friend put some ice cubes into a blender with no liquid, turned it on - and the ice cubes shot out the side - right through a giant hole that they ripped in the side of the blender on the way out.

Blenders have not always been my friend. It’s probably because I’ve always bought cheaper blenders, trying to get by without tossing down serious cash.

But back when we picked up a good coffee pot we decided to get silly and round out some other small appliances, and a new blender was really in order.

But I should have known that a company famous for their tough tools would make a blender that doesn’t mess around. This is where the Black and Decker ProBlend 5 Speed Blender enters my life.

It says the features are:

• Powerful 550W motor to handle crushing ice, pureeing, blending and more
• 5 speeds plus separate Pulse and Ice Crush functions
• Sure-close lid with advanced grip
• Durable, chip-resistant 48-oz (1,420 ml) glass jar shows easy-to-read measurements in cups and liters
• 2-plane, dual-edge, stainless-steel blade design
• Durable die-cast, brushed stainless base is both sturdy and stylish
• Rubberized feet keep unit secure during use
• Jar and stainless-steel blade cutter are dishwasher safe

Now let me translate.

The jar is a great big measuring cup, which thrilled me WAY more than it should have, I know. It’s a glass jar as well, and so heavy without any liquid in it that I’m surprised I can lift it when it’s full. It decimates anything that goes into it and makes smooth wonderful drinks every time.

Cheap blenders throw of a terrible burning rubber smell when you really try to finish off those last big chunks of ice but not the beautiful Black and Decker blender. It WANTS you to turn it on and run it hard. It would probably also like to do some handiwork around the house it’s so tough.

I do not advocate appliances as gifts at the holidays, but if you are looking for something to help out with your holiday entertaining, then put this blender on your list.

Written by Gidge, who is a mother of a 4 1/2 year old boy and 3 year old twin boys. A transplanted Hoosier, die-hard Colts fan and professional call center manager, she likes long walks on the beach, penguins and playing ping-pong. Her turn-ons include sleep and silence.