| Product: |
Braun Hand Blender |
| Date: |
26/09/07 (501 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Quick and easy to use
Disadvantages: For light jobs only
This wonderful hand blender comes in the distinctive Braun turquoise blue and white cardboard packaging with pictures of the blender and descriptions in half a dozen or more different languages. There is an instruction book which at first glance looks impressive until you realise there is only a couple of instruction paragraphs in English and the rest is simply repeating those instructions in 20 (yes I counted) languages. This blender comes with a two year guarantee which is subject to the usual caveats of improper use or unauthorised repairs. Whilst reading the small print, for the purposes of this review, I discovered my blender was made in Poland and to determine the year of manufacture there is a 3 digit production code stamped on the handle. The first digit of the production code refers to the last digit of the year of manufacture and the next two digits refer to the calendar week of that year. Mine has the number 712. So it was manufactured in week twelve of 2007. Clever stuff!
The blender itself comes in two working parts which simply twist (about a ¼ turn) and click together for use.
The handle part houses the 450 watt motor which I think is reasonably quiet when running. I did notice when flicking through the instruction booklet that in some countries the motor is only 400 watts, I’m not sure why this should be. From the top of the handle runs the power cord which is about 4’ long so you should always be within easy reach of a plug socket. The top part has a blue anti-slip soft grip handle with two press buttons for your choice of speed. The buttons need to be kept depressed for the motor to run which allows you to use a pulse action or one big blitz, which ever you prefer. I must admit I only ever use the faster speed, but may be that is just me always in a rush to get things done. This part of the blender is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth but for obvious reasons must not be immersed in water or put under a running tap.
The bottom half of the Braun MR4000 Multiquick blender is the action part. It is a white plastic shaft with a single metal blade at the end. The blade is housed in a plastic cup with a fluted edge which is the anti-splash shield. This is supposed to ensure the food stays in the bowl. I tend to find though if I tilt it too much I cover myself, anyone near me and the hob or work surface with splatters – maybe that is when I should be using the slower speed? The blender shaft is about 8” long so you can plunge it into a deep container, if desired, without submerging the motor part. Once you have finished your blending the two halves just twist apart and the blade section is very easy to clean if you immediately swish it in a bowl of warm soapy water. There are no awkward nooks and crannies to clog up or are difficult to get to. You can of course put it in the dishwasher if you prefer.
This hand blender comes with a calibrated 600ml plastic beaker which is quite a useful size and can also go in the dishwasher, although not in the microwave. There are no other attachments or blades available for this blender.
I do have a big food processor but it always seems to need a disproportionate amount setting up and cleaning afterwards particularly if you only want to actually use it for a few minutes. It also takes up loads of space in the cupboard. The beauty of this hand blender is that it is quick and easy to assemble and you can limit the washing up by using it in what ever bowl or saucepan you are already using. For example to make a fruit puree just simmer your fruit in a small saucepan, when it’s soft blend with the Braun Multiquick blender, detach and rinse the blade in some soapy water and the job is done with no extra washing up. I wish I had one of these when I was making baby foods, it is absolutely ideal. Another plus is that it takes hardly any space to store in the kitchen. It is light and comfortable to use and very versatile. It can be used to make smoothies (although it is best if the fruit is cut into chunks first), soups, sauces, pancake batter, chopping nuts, puréed baby food… the list is endless. The only thing I won’t be repeating is mashing potatoes – they went rather gloopy!
It cost me £19.99 in Argos and is sure to be available in all the usual retail stores. I see it is currently the same price on Amazon.
I am so pleased with this I wish I had bought one years ago.
www.braun.com
©perfectly-p 2007 (aka perfectlypolished)
Summary: Quick and easy to assemble, needs little space to store and excellent for small blending jobs.
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