I am looking for a more compact type of blender, most times we will be using it with softer foods like ice cream, will this crush ice well?
1194605
Greg, there are versions of this blender that have a shorter shaft, and that is more compact and convenient for storage, without losing the power. This blender has different blades. The solid flat blade is an aerator blade that lets you make things like whipped cream from skim milk or mayonnaise from scratch. There is an ice chopping blade as well. It might take longer if it is a larger quantity of ice, than using a big blender, but if you are making smaller quantities at a time, this works very well. Frozen drinks, smoothies, and sorbet can easily be done with this blender (I haven't made ice cream with it since I don't eat milk products). When I bought my first version of this blender over 20 years ago it came with 4 blades. The aerator, the blending blade (used most), the ice chopping blade, (used second most) and the meat chopping blade (super sharp). I would suggest getting all the blades because it makes a difference in your results. Hope this helps.
1194606
It will definitely crush ice and rip through softer foods, but it is not compact the shaft is probably around 11 inches in length. But the thing has plenty -o-power.
1194607
Well this is anything but compact. It will crush ice, puree foods, and do just about anything you could ask an immersion blender to do however.
1194608
It will crush ice and blend ice cream - makes great smoothies. I also bought the slicey attachment and now chop veggies super fast. I have also blended quite a few soups, mashed potatoes, and made salsa. It's my favorite kitchen tool.
80129
It will make milkshakes just how it comes. The difference will probably be the difference in the amount of liquid you will need to use. I looked at the milk shake blade and it has two "rows" of blades so would probably be able to make a thicker "shake" ie using less liquid. It's a very good blender without the extra blade. I would only consider the extra blade if I were going to be doing extra thick shakes or smoothies on a regular basis. The blade looks like it could keep the really thick products moving vs adding more water. This is a very good all around blender. ps the extra chopper cup is plastic and a little thin but is large and works well for chopping nuts etc...a little care and no dropping and should be fine.
1744960
It is powerful enough for my purposes but I've not used other immersion blenders. I use it for smoothies, creaming garlic & mixing small lots of dough - mostly at the higher speeds. Works well for me.
939876
I used the ice from a bag in this. It seemed like the thick, dense, cubes from a tray were too much for it....although it still crushed them. Just made really loud sounds like it was too much for the small motor. Using bagged ice was no problem for this blender and lasted a few years for me with lots of use.
658959
Yes, it will crush ice, though I would advise against it because this will put greater strain on the motor and the plastic strainer inside (thinner plastic & metal mesh). I have done it a couple times and worked well, occasionally having to reverse the motor to clear out bigger chunks. Mine can't handle icetray cubes. If you want ice crushed I suggest getting one with higher rpm rating and larger grinder opening. To put in perspective, I had to tak several breaks making 16 oz of carrot juice because the motor kept overheating. Yet it's great for greens.
1849555
Mine couldn't even blend ice cream and milk for a shake, much less crush ice. I ended up buying a Faberware10-speed blender with preprogrammed settings and it's awesome! I've never been able to make such smooth smoothies at home before. No ice chips.
1125570
It crushes ice no problem . You can get It small enough for blended drinks and smoothies. Smoothies do get a bit frothy though
546032
I have my doubts it would have enough power to mix anything with ice involved. I ended up donated my blender to a charity. Not of any use for making protein smoothies with frozen berries either!
1254671
Probably not. It is not the intended use. The blender is for soft fruits and veggies.
1545856
I can't tell you whether it makes it a "better" blender. But I can tell you that I've had others and this one has great power for my protein shakes, which usually include ice, frozen fruit, veggies and powder. It is excellent, especially for the price.
1137524
Yes! That's primarily what we use it for - making health drinks with frozen fruit. It's better than a traditional blender in my experience.
1207565
Very good. Whether you use hard ice or frozen fruit it chops it up pretty well. My smoothies come out great. That's the main purpose I bought this blender and yes I would buy it all over again :) but it is very loud when you blend. If that doesnt bother you then it's perfect!
309555
I have used the stick blender to make smoothies with frozen fruit on many occasions. I find that it helps to move the blender up and down so that it doesn't jam up, and use plenty of liquid- even if adding it as you go. As long as the blades are able to turn freely, it seems to work fine.
1349312
It melts a bit during the grinding process, and the pieces vary in sizes. I never thought much about "soft" ice, but I think it's chewable. I really like the device. Works great for making cocktails.
1546373
I think this blender is not good enough for fine purees. If you need fine purees then go for another one. Cheers !
1223921
Yes I use mine to crush ice. sometimes you have to shack it because ice gets wet and sticks but it also does that in a blender
1314255
I love mine. I have two units, one for home and one at school. It blends my smoothies and crushes ice well. There are more cups than I can use, but I have no complaints with the blender.