review: Recently my roughly 10-year-old 400 watt Braun Multiquick gave up the ghost, and unfortunately the Braun hand blenders have become hard to find, or I would have run right out to buy another one. I tried this Kalorik model based on a recommendation from Cooks' Illustrated. Cooks' Illustrated gave this blender a "recommended" rating in a comparison with other stick blenders at the lower end of the price range. The jist of the article (or so I thought) was that nowadays prices have come down on these appliances and that it is possible to buy one that is functional for less $.

I knew from the first time I used this Kalorik that I was going to regret this purchase. I tried to make a strawberry smoothie using frozen strawberries, a fresh banana, and some liquid, as I have many times before with the Braun. This Kalorik struggled with the strawberries, which became lodged under the blade. It began to produce a plastic-burning smell and overheat. This was the first time I used it! I also quickly realized that cleaning up the shaft would be an annoyance. You can't just run it through the dishwasher, as I was accustomed to doing. It needs to be washed by hand, and though it comes clean fairly easily, the shaft is not designed for washing and holds water. Make certain to drain it over the sink. Ugh.

I have to say, I am a bit disappointed with Cooks Illustrated on this one and would like to know what they were thinking! Sorry, I'm looking for something that will get the job done. more...