Blenders > Variable Speed Blenders > 30 GBP to 59 GBP

Advantages: Highly versatile, excellent blender and good grinder
Disadvantages: Wears out within a year or two of regular use

We love this, especially the grinder that we use every day for linseed for our cereal. The grinder is great for small amounts but only fill it 1/4 full or it bungs up. All the attachments are handy, though we don't use the veg processor bit much as it doesn't work that well - you would be better off with a bigger machine for that. The moving interlocking mechanisms are plastic and this is a real failing - they simply wear down and wear out. We're ... Read review

Advantages: easy to use, makes lovely soup, easy to clean, reaonably priced
Disadvantages: none

Best kitchen gadget i own. My parents bought me one as a gift when I was ill and did not feeling like eating or cooking much. They have one and it was so amazing they said I would like it too. I was skeptical at first but this is best gadget I have. I use it for making soups mainly. I found I can make soup out of almost any vegetables just chop add some stock and water, boil for 20 minutes or so and then blend and then you have yummy hot soup. Perfect ...
...a bit old. I make big vats of soup and then put it into smaller portions in freezer bags in the freezer and defrost for lunches etc. I also use it to make hot chocolate and complan as its whisks out any powder lumps. Its portable and really easy to wash the attachments, i just rinse them under the tap don't bother with washing up liquid or anything like that! I imagine though the blades could be quite sharp so you might have to be careful if you ... Read review

Advantages: Great blender, good price, looks classy
Disadvantages: Care needs to be taken when unscrewing the jug.

...look there and found a Kenwood BL440 which was a blender with a grinder attachment and was just £20. This was ideal for me - I didn't want to pay a fortune for a 'smoothie maker' when this would do the job just as well and I got a grinder as a bonus! The blender has a generous one and a half litre jug with twin speeds and a pulse feature so that you can give you control over the amount of time the blender is operating - for making pates etc. where ...
...small basic unit with stainless steel blades ideal for grinding coffee or chopping nuts. I haven't actually used the grinder on this particular model yet but have used them on other models in the past and have found them quick and efficient. The blender is white with an 'ergonomically designed handle' which is basically a handle that is easy to grip so that you can twist the blender to lock it on the base or remove it from the same. The acrylic ... Read review

Advantages: Well made, easy to clean, variety of settings, looks good
Disadvantages: None at present

...my partner bought me a Breville Blender with a brushed stainless steel finish, £39.99 from John Lewis; she chose this model after reading glowing reports about it in a magazine. It certainly looks impressive with its glass jug & stainless steel finish. Its main features are the 1500ml capacity glass jug, 600 watt motor, durable stainless steel blades, rubber sealed top & jug, integrated measuring cup, non skid feet & three speed operation with pulse ...
...a real pain. However the Breville just needs warm water & some washing up liquid added to the jug & switch it on for a few seconds & it will clean itself out very well indeed. Just pour out the soapy water & dry off, job done. The manufacturer states that you must keep your hand on top of the lid when blending but to honest it's probably for health & safety reasons they have stated this as the top is a secure fitting on the jug. The machine performs ... Read review

Advantages: Great value for money
Disadvantages: Doesn't have as many features as some of the more expensive ones

Very good value for money. I didn't want something cheap looking but also knew I wouldn't use a blender loads so didn't want to spend a fortune. I went for the glass jug and chrome effect and I think it looks just as good as a lot of the dearer ones. Easy to clean, you just rinse it out and then put the blender on with a little bit of clean water in the bottom to clean the blades. I like the fact that the jug is glass not plastic as feels more durable ...
...used it for soups and smoothies and have no complaints. The first time I used it the soup splattered out of the lid with the pressure so I don't fill it too high now and hold the top down with a tea towel. Has two speeds and a pulse button so you can vary accordance to preference. ... Read review