KitchenAid KSB52BAC

I bought this blender six years ago, and use it every day. As I make a lot of soups and smoothies, I wanted something sturdy and reliable, and easy to use and clean. This blender fits the bill perfectly. (Before I bought this one, I did actually try three different brands, but had to return each of them as they were either poorly made or difficult to clean).

It blends with ease, and gives excellent results. I like the way you can add things through the top, as it's blending. As the jug is made of thick glass, it will even take hot liquids. However it is wise to make sure the lid is securely down (holding it in place if necessary), as it has been known to “jump” when switched on. This could cause burns if blending very hot liquids. This is why I do not clean it by half-filling the jug with hot water and setting it to blend, before washing is soapy water, and the reason I can only give four stars.

It is just as easy to immerse the whole thing in hot, soapy water, wash and rinse under hot running water. The only part that I find slightly difficult to clean is the blade, as it cannot be removed from the glass jug. However, it can be undone at the bottom and put under running water. There is also room for a thin brush (not supplied) to be inserted, to loosen any stubborn bits.

I have needed to replace the rubber teeth that connect the motor to the jug, on two occasions. I feared the worst when it happened the first time (after 4 years' constant use). However, I managed to buy a set from a company called Nationwide Services in Lancashire (Tel. 0845-6011287) and fitted it myself with the spanner set provided. It cost £10.80, which I didn't think was bad, considering the use I'd already had out of the blender. It happened a second time more recently, when I was grinding a large quantity of dry nuts unattended. It works fine again now though, so hopefully it'll be good for another few years!