Plastic vs. steel guard I've seen hand blenders with both steel and plastic guards. I imagine the steel guard is more durable, but isn't plastic a better option if you're blending in nonstick finish pots? Anyone have experience either way? Thanks! Plastic vs. steel guard I've seen hand blenders with both steel and plastic guards. I imagine the steel guard is more durable, but isn't plastic a better option if you're blending in... » Read More Plastic vs. steel guard I've seen hand blenders with both steel and plastic guards. I imagine the steel guard is more durable, but isn't plastic a better option if you're blending in nonstick finish pots? Anyone have experience either way? Thanks! « Show Less
127543
I have this hand blender with the steel guard and the Krups with a plastic guard. As long as the blade itself doesn't come into contact with the Teflon(etc.) finish, I don't think there would be any problem. The non-stick finish they use nowadays is much tougher than the early generation Teflon. I know I haven't had any problems.
660895
I've had a braun immersion blender with a plastic guard and it's held up just fine in hot food. I've even pureed soup right in the pot on the stove and no problem. I prefer the plastic guard for use on non-stick pans, so I know the guard isn't affecting the finish.
660896
This is helpful. I had wondered about the metal in non-stick pots and maybe that wouldn't be a problem. But my main soup pot is ceramic. Has anyone tried a metal immersion blender in those? or in a crock pot, which is also ceramic?
660897
For any portable blender, buy one with the end bit (detachable portion) made of Stainless Steel as it enables you to use it / dip it in hot liquids/purees while cooking. The plastic ones will melt and get damaged.
1283572
This one is the steel version. Better for regular clothes and even most delicates. Of course glass is for the finest of materials.
793234
I've had the plastic one for about four years and it never got dull and was used often. I dropped it and broke part of the blade off. Went with stainless steel one, and now going back to the plastic one. Pineapple sticks where the blade is welded on to the stem and have to use a toothpick to get it out. Never had that issue with the plastic one.
402839
It's been answered already, but I'd like to add a note to this question. We dropped our blender "jar" once. It was at that point I became glad it is a strong, high quality plastic.
1538708
I am not an expert but have knives with both steels. If the knife is going to have hard use, the S30V is probably better. It may take a little longer to sharpen, but it can go longer between sharpenings.
559467
That's not a very accurate or correct product description. For food safety consideration, stainless steel is more important for the inner than the outer container. It doesn't really matter much if the outer made of plastic if the inner made of stainless steel. Or at least, the description should tell of both stainless steel AND plastic.
381455
I love this can. I had original for 6 years and just got the 2nd for recycling. I would say that maybe the staninless would be better than the plastic. My dog tried to chew open the plastic lid and it has left not-so-nice marks... would maybe be less apparent on the stainless.
1595219
I'm not sure how to tell the difference, but its all mental and works way better than the plastic Kitchen Aid one. Hope that helps!
793235
Maestro: The plastic model works well, But for the few extra $'s (10.00) I would get the stainless if I had to do it again.DO NOT put the plastic version in the dishwasher. If you take it apart and do this it will loose its shape.
1317544
I personally do not trust for very hot food or liquid. My preference is glass as the best choice. Unfortunately very few glass pitcher blenders are offered in contrast to polycarbonate, etc
1153891
Business Reader said it best. My direct experience is that metal utensils, when used properly have no effect. As we are careful in how we handle our kitchen gear, we tend to 'baby' pots & pans as to do anything less results in uneven wear and a shorter utility. As we stated in our recommendation, this product is of very high quality which translates into increased durability when cared fro properly.
1499079
This is a hard plastic- not like the soft ones you find at the store. My husband grinds worse than I do, so he has that similar problem. So far, he has had zero issues with this guard.
21333
Just to add my two cents, as John said it is the same coupling--in fact we are using our old blade assembly with the new unit since the new blade seems to splash a lot more (why would they do that?!). Our old coupling was indeed the part that broke, necessitating the replacement, but it happened after years of regular service when we accidentally tried to blend a metal spoon with it. So to agree again with John, I think if you stick with blending non-metallic objects it should last a reasonably long time.
2163727
I have both sizes and the finish is beautiful and does not gatther finger smudges like stainless steel appliances.I prefer not putting mine in dishwasher. If film builds up inside, just scrub with baking soda or Bar Keepers Friend.
459396
The covering to the mixed is all plastic. However the blender shaft and cup are steel.
1686549
I have had both. After having an aluminum one for years, I splurged and bought the stainless steel and was so disappointed in the performance that I bought a new aluminum one. I have had it for 10 years and am very pleased with it.
500124
My take:The two grinder dishes are made of steel.The blade is made of steel.The shaft, probably of steel and aluminum.The over all case is aluminum.I have full confidence the grinder will hold up heavy use.Aluminum versus steel is no issue as far as I know now.Plastic versus Chefs Choice metal is a no brainer for me. Go for the metal. Go for Chefs Choice.