Good baby food blender
The 8 Best Blenders for Baby Food of 2023
The best gear to help you feed your baby homemade meals
By
Sharon Lehman, RDN
Sharon Lehman, RDN
Sharon Lehman is a freelance writer and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in food, health, and wellness topics. She is the Small Appliance Expert for The Spruce Eats.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/13/22
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
The Spruce Eats Top Picks
The Vitamix Ascent Series A2300 blender is our number one pick for a versatile blender that's capable of making baby food as well as other blended treats. Another great multipurpose blender is the Ninja Foodi Blender with its powerful 1400 watt motor.
Making your own baby food puts you in control of what goes into your child's meals and will save you money at the grocery store. It also gives parents a more hands-on role in the process of discovering their little ones' culinary preferences. What better feeling than watching your baby happily devour a meal you lovingly prepared? It might sound like an intimidating and time-consuming task, but in reality, the process is pretty simple.
You can make an endless variety of single- and multiple-ingredient baby blends with just two basic steps: steaming or roasting, and then blending. Fruits, vegetables, and proteins can be roasted in the oven or steamed on the stovetop, microwave, or in an electric food steamer. While you could mash by hand or process steamed food through a food mill, a blender saves you the time and mess by making quick work of pureeing everything from baby’s first bites to thicker, more advanced textures. Plus, blenders are a staple for making smoothies and frozen pops, both useful recipes when introducing fruit and veggies.
Standard blenders, handheld stick blenders, and baby-food makers are all options for creating both single-ingredient purees and more complex recipes.
To help you figure out which style is best for your needs, here are the best blenders for making baby food.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Vitamix Ascent Series Blender Family Pack at Vitamix.com
Best with Steamer:
Baby Brezza Glass One Step Baby Food Maker at Amazon
Best Glass System:
BEABA Babycook Neo Baby Food Maker at Amazon
Best Handheld:
Vitamix Immersion Blender at Amazon
Best Budget:
Sage Spoonfuls Baby Puree & Blend Immersion Blender at Amazon
Best Ninja:
Ninja Foodi Power Blender and Processor System at Amazon
Best Mini:
Nuby Mighty Blender Baby Food Maker Set at Amazon
Best with Storage:
Nutribullet Baby The Complete Baby Food Prep System at Amazon
In This Article
-
Our Picks
-
What to Look For
-
FAQs
-
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Courtesy of Vitamix
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What We Like
Versatile
Powerful motor
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Yes, the price tag on this Vitamix model is splurge-worthy, but it takes our top spot because it’s one of the most versatile and coveted blenders on the market.
Vitamix created this family pack to include extra storage containers to make and store batches of baby food or smoothies to go. It comes with the trademark Vitamix 64-ounce, low-profile blending container, a 20-ounce lidded blending cup, and a pair of 8-ounce lidded bowls that are the perfect size for making fresh baby meals. Additional bowls are available for separate purchase and all bowls, cups, and blender jars are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
The blender is equipped with “Self-Detect Technology” that enables it to recognize when the blending cup or bowls are being used and adjust the blender’s speed and power for their smaller size.
The Vitamix A2300 packs a whopping 2.2-horsepower motor, which is more than enough power to make ultra-smooth purees out of tougher ingredients, like leafy greens and dried prunes, and whip up smoothies (great for the whole family, including young children), frozen desserts, fresh nut butter, soups, and more.
The dial lets you control the speed with 10 settings so you can achieve any consistency you need. The Ascent series also has built-in WiFi connectivity and can be paired with the Vitamix app for access to a recipe library.
Price at time of publish: $650
Power Rating: 2.2 HP | What’s Included: Blender base, 64-ounce container, 20-ounce cup with lid, 2 8-ounce bowls with lids, tamper, blade base, and cookbook | Maximum Capacity: 64 ounces | Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 17 inches | Weight: 11.86 pounds | Warranty: 10 years
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What We Like
Glass work bowl
Automatically cooks, blends, and shuts off
Dishwasher-safe parts
What We Don't Like
If you’re looking for an all-in-one system to streamline the baby food-making process, the Baby Brezza is going to be your new favorite kitchen tool. It steam cooks, then automatically switches to blending, so you can fill it, start it, and walk away while it works.
Doing all the cooking and blending in the same appliance helps cut down on dirty dishes, and the Brezza works quickly, with most recipes ready to serve or store in 10 to 15 minutes. An LCD control panel houses the versatile settings making it easy to choose between steam only, blend only, or steam and blend.
The glass bowl holds up to 4 cups of food and is dishwasher safe. If you want to save a few dollars, there’s also a Baby Brezza model with a plastic work bowl that costs a bit less.
The Baby Brezza includes a spatula to help you scrape every last bit of food from the blender and a recipe book to start your creative cooking juices.
Price at time of publish: $130
Power Rating: 220 watts | What’s Included: Food maker, glass bowl, | Maximum Capacity: 4 cups | Dimensions: 9.75 x 7.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Warranty: 1 year limited
Courtesy of Amazon
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Beaba Babycook Neo is an all-in-one system, but the big draw with this model is its eco-friendly materials. Parents who prefer plastic-free items will appreciate the glass and stainless steel construction.
The Babycook system can steam and blend fresh ingredients. It promises to turn raw fruit, vegetables, and even meat and fish into ready-to-eat or freeze baby meals in just 15 minutes.
The Beaba can also be used to warm and defrost cold or frozen baby meals straight from the fridge or freezer—a useful feature if you prefer not to use a microwave for heating.
Parents who prefer baby items that fit in with their decor will appreciate Beaba’s modern design and attractive color choices. It has a small footprint, so it won’t take up too much space on the counter or could even be tucked into a cabinet.
Whether you want to make apple sauce, veggie purees, or multi-ingredient toddler meals, the process is easy. You just fill the water reservoir and place your food in the steamer basket insert. Just touch the steam button to start the cooking process. When food is cooked, the unit will automatically shut off and sound a timer. Then, you can transfer your food into the blender and hold the pulse button until the desired texture is reached. The brand also sells lidded glass storage containers and an insert for cooking rice, pasta, and grains.
Price at time of publish: $260
Power Rating: 950 watts | What’s Included: Food maker, glass bowl, | Maximum Capacity: 5.
2 cups | Dimensions: 14.5 x 12 x 12 inches | Weight: 8.38 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
Amazon
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What We Like
Compact, space-saving design
Can be used to puree in pots, jars, and bowls
Quiet
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Vitamix Immersion Blender Review
You don’t need a huge blender to make big batches of baby food in advance. A handheld immersion or stick blender can process both small and large quantities of food without taking up too much kitchen real estate. The Vitamix Immersion Blender is a plug-in model with a 5-foot cord, so you’ll have plenty of reach. The 625-watt motor with 5 variable speeds helps you create any texture you want and control exactly how smooth or chunky baby’s meals will be.
A big draw of an immersion blender is the ability to blend one-handed right in cooking pots, bowls, cups, and wide-mouth Mason jars.
The Vitamix can fit in any vessel with at least a 3-inch wide opening. As infants begin to transition to eating what the family eats, this immersion blender can be used to process their portion into an age-appropriate texture and consistency right before serving.
To clean, simply submerge in a jar or bowl of soapy water and let it run for a few seconds, then rinse off and dry. It’s backed by Vitamix’s legendary customer service and will provide tons of versatility since it can also be used to make grown-up recipes, like pureed creamy soups, sauces, dressings, marinades, and dips.
Price at time of publish: $150
Power Rating: 625 watts | What’s Included: Immersion wand, blade base | Maximum Capacity: N/A | Dimensions: 18 x 3 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.86 pounds | Warranty: 3 years
The Spruce / Donna Currie
What Our Testers Say
"It had no trouble blending cooked fruits to make a tasty mostarda, it handled freshly cooked dried beans to make refried beans, and it made a silky smooth tomato soup.
" — Donna Currie, Product Tester
The Best Immersion Blenders for Soups, Sauces, and Smoothies
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Sage Spoonfuls Baby Food Maker has all the tools you need to get started making baby food with a minimal investment. It’s also the right size for small kitchens or households that already have a full-size blender but want a dedicated tool to use just for making baby food.
The 2-in-1 system works as both an immersion blender and a food processor. The handheld stick blender can be used to blend full pots of soups, sauces, and steamed fruits and vegetables. Or, you can detach the motor from the immersion blade and attach it to the work bowl to create a mini food processor—great for creating finely chopped and minced foods as your baby progresses to more advanced textures.
Attachments are dishwasher safe, and the work bowl is made from plastic that's free of BPA, phthalates, lead, and PVC.
Glass storage jars in various sizes, which are highly rated by consumers, are sold separately to help you baby meal prep in bulk.
Price at time of publish: $49
Power Rating: 250 watts | What’s Included: Immersion blender, food processor bowl | Maximum Capacity: 3 cups | Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 13 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Warranty: N/A
The 9 Best Glass Food Storage Containers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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What We Like
Versatile
Powerful motor
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Noisy
Heavy
Like our top pick, the Ninja Foodi Power Blender makes the list because of its tremendous versatility and value.
If you want a multifunctional appliance that can help you make baby food, but can also be used to feed the rest of the family, a powerful standard blender like the Ninja is your best bet.
It even comes with lots of blending containers for your family’s needs. It includes a standard blending pitcher, a blending cup for smoothies, and a bowl that’s ideal for churning frozen recipes without much liquid, like smoothie bowls and frozen desserts.
The Foodi blender has a 1,400-watt motor that can handle everything from crushing ice, blending frozen ingredients for smoothies, mixing dough, and yes, processing steamed ingredients into textured baby meals. The variable speed dial lets you control the consistency of your baby recipes and there are six preset blending functions for smoothies, extractions, bowls, spreads, chopping, and dough.
Price at time of publish: $200
Power Rating: 1400 watts | What’s Included: Blender base, 72-ounce blender pitcher, crushing/chopping blade, dough blade, 24-ounce cup with lid, 14-ounce smoothie bowl maker with lid, recipe book | Maximum Capacity: 3 cups | Dimensions: 8.
19 x 8.43 x 14.17 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Warranty: 1 year limited
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The 8 Best Ninja Blenders of 2023
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
If you don’t have a lot of counter space to dedicate to baby food making, a mini blending set might be worth the investment. The Nuby Mighty Blender Baby Food Maker Set includes everything you need to get started steaming, blending, and storing fresh baby food.
It's a bullet-style blender that is powered by pushing down on the blending cup, so there are no settings or controls to navigate. You can control the consistency of your blends by adjusting the blending time.
The set includes two stainless-steel blades designed for blending cooked foods and grinding oats or other grains into fine powders to make your own baby cereals.
The two blending jars included are a large batch bowl and a smaller blending cup. There's also a steamer basket that fits into the large blending bowl and can be used in the microwave. A freezer tray and six lidded storage cups are also included, plus a spatula and spoons to help you transfer your blends.
Price at time of publish: $70
Power Rating: 200 watts | What’s Included: Blending blade, milling blade, blender base, batch bowl, steamer basket, short blending cup with lid, spatula, 6 2-ounce storage cups with lids, freezer tray, 2 feeding spoons, recipe book | Maximum Capacity: 2 cups | Dimensions: 10.43 x 8.20 x 11.00 inches | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Warranty: 1 year limited
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
Plastic construction
May not hold up with regular use
200-watt motor may not offer enough power
Similar to the popular Magic Bullet, the Nutribullet Baby is a miniature blending system that saves on storage space.
You can blend in either the 32-ounce bowl to make large batches of purees or in the 12-ounce cups for smaller portions that will be eaten right away. It comes with enough baby food storage to get you on your way to building both a refrigerator and freezer stash of baby’s favorite meals.
If you’re meal prepping for a baby, you can use the two included silicone freezer trays to proportion and freeze your homemade blends. There are also a dozen lidded storage cups that fit neatly into a storage tray to help keep your refrigerator tidy. Everything is dishwasher safe, so cleaning up after a round of baby food prep is super quick and easy.
Some reviewers have been disappointed to find the blender begins to degrade or the motor gives out after several months of heavy use, so this model may be a better choice for occasional use.
Price at time of publish: $70
Power Rating: 200 watts | What’s Included: Motor base, blending blade, 32 ounce bowl with lid, 12 ounce short cup with handles and re-sealable lid, 6 storage cups with date ring lids and storage tray, silicone freezer tray with lid and recipe book | Maximum Capacity: 32 ounces | Weight: 4.
55 pounds | Warranty: 1 year limited
The 8 Best Food Steamers of 2023
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a blender that can not only whip up fresh batches of baby food, but can also be used by the whole family for years to come, we recommend investing in a powerful standard blender, like the Vitamix Ascent Series A2300 or Ninja Foodi Blender.
What to Look for When Buying a Blender for Baby Food
Style
The type of blender you buy to make baby food depends on how often you’ll use it, how much baby food you plan to make, how much storage space you have, and your budget. If your plan is to prepare large batches of baby food and freeze in individual portions, then a standard countertop blender with a large capacity might be your best bet.
Standard blenders can be budget priced or cost several hundred dollars, but the more powerful ones tend to be the most expensive. They take up the most counter space, but they also offer the most versatility since they can be used to blend smoothies, sauces, batters, and frozen desserts.
An immersion stick blender can also handle large batches of food and is very useful as babies transition to eating what the rest of the family has for dinner. A quick pulse of an immersion blender can transform chunkier soups, stews, and sauces into a more manageable texture for young babies either right in the cooking pot or in a serving bowl. Immersion blenders are also easier to store than standard blenders.
If you have limited storage or think you’ll make some, but not all, of baby’s meals at home, then a smaller blender, like a personal bullet-style blender, can also save on space and cost. Dedicated all-in-one baby food makers are another option.
Included Storage
If you don’t want to bother with figuring out a baby food storage system, which could include investing in multiple freezer trays and airtight glass or plastic containers, look for a blending system that comes with some storage to get you started.
Some of the blenders on this list include several lidded cups or jars so you can place what you make directly into cold storage.
Most dedicated baby food makers also have storage containers sold separately.
Freezer trays are useful for prepping large batches of baby food in advance. One or two frozen cubes can be popped out and thawed for baby’s meals when you don’t have time or are too tired to cook from scratch.
FAQs
How do you make homemade baby food?
The first step is to prepare the produce by washing, peeling, and removing any pits or seeds. If the vegetable or fruit needs to be cooked (to become tender), you can steam it on the stovetop or in the microwave, or roast it in the oven. Then simply place it in the blender and puree; if the mixture needs to be thinned out, you can add breast milk, formula, or water.
What's the best way to store homemade baby food?
Pureed fruits and vegetables need to be kept in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container. If refrigerated, the baby food will stay fresh for two to three days; frozen homemade baby food will last up to a month.
Make sure to label and date the containers before storing. You can spoon the pureed food into an ice cube tray before freezing to create individual servings.
When do I feed my baby pureed food?
It is recommended that you start your baby on puree once they are 4 to 6 months old and continue until they reach 8 to 12 months. Keep this in mind if you are making large batches and freezing the homemade baby food for later.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Sharon Lehman is a registered dietitian nutritionist, a new mom (established 2020), and the author of this roundup. She owns a Vitamix blender, which she uses daily to blend smoothies and fruit ice pops, mash sweet potatoes, puree Bolognese, grind oats, and more for her hungry and growing baby boy. She happily makes space for any gadget that makes cooking faster and easier and specializes in small kitchen appliance testing and reviews for The Spruce Eats.
The Best New Baby Gift Baskets for Parents
Updated by
Amy Gordon
Amy Gordon
Amy Gordon is an expert recipe editor and food writer who has been contributing to online, magazine, and book publishing for over 25 years.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Additional reporting by
Allison Wignall
Allison Wignall
Allison Wignall is a staff writer for The Spruce Eats who focuses on product reviews. She has also contributed to publications such as Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Food and Drug Administration. Bisphenol A (BPA): Use in food contact application.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phthalates fact sheet.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ToxFAQs for vinyl chloride.
6 Best Baby Food Makers of 2023
When you’re creating your baby registry, thinking about starting your little one on solid food may sound like a long way off.
But, as is the case with so many things when it comes to babies (except for those middle-of-the-night feeds, of course), time flies, and before you know it you’ll be thinking of what’s on the menu for baby’s first meal.
Baby food makers are a great solution for making the process of cooking homemade food for your little one fast, simple and even fun. Here’s what you’ll want to know when you’re considering which baby food maker is right for you. Let’s get cooking!
In this article:
- Babylist’s Best Baby Food Maker Picks
- Do You Need a Baby Food Maker?
- Baby Food Storage Ideas
Do You Need a Baby Food Maker?
Figuring out whether or not you need a baby food maker is going to depend on your lifestyle, culinary comfort level and what existing kitchen gadgets you already own.
Skipping the jars and pouches and making your own baby food will definitely save you money and reduce environmental waste. Your role as head chef puts you in charge of ingredients and quality, and gives you free rein to get creative and experiment with fun food combos as much as you’d like.
If you’re not super comfortable in the kitchen, don’t mind sacrificing some counter space and are looking for a foolproof way to dive into making your little one’s food, then a baby food maker is a wise purchase. No matter what type of gadget you go with, the process is pretty much the same: prep the ingredients, steam, puree or chop, and eat. (Your baby will add a few more messy steps in there…so be ready with the wipes). Check out our baby food-making how-to video for step-by-step instructions.
If you’d rather skip the baby food maker altogether, it’s definitely possible to take the DIY route, as long as you have a few key kitchen items on hand. Things like a large pot, a steam basket, some type of blender (a food processor, immersion blender or standard blender will all do the trick) and even your microwave are all key when it comes to making your own baby food.
Baby Food Storage Tips
Whether you’re using the kitchen gadgets you have on hand or letting your baby food maker do the work, you’ll need somewhere to store all of that delicious food so your efforts don’t go to waste.
If you’re cooking up single foods (think carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.), we recommend making a few large batches in bulk and then freezing each food in trays like the ones below. After the food freezes, simply pop out the individual cubes and store them in large freezer bags so you can defrost—and mix and match—as needed.
- OXO Tot Baby Food Freezer Tray
- Mumu & Bubi Solids Starter Kit
- BabyBliss Eco Friendly Silicone Baby Food Freezer Storage Tray
For multi-ingredient, more complicated recipes, or for storing food on the go, these storage solutions get the job done:
- Sage Spoonfuls Glass Snack Pack
- OXO Tot Baby Blocks Storage Containers
How We Chose Our Best Baby Food Makers
We asked thousands of real Babylist families about the baby products they love the most, then took the top products they shared with us and added our own research and insight to tell you about the best baby food makers.
Top Chef
What Our Experts Say
The ninja of baby food makers, the Beaba is a 4-in-1 wonder that steams, blends, defrosts and reheats fruits, veggies, fish and meat in just 15 minutes.
The one-handed operation means you can hold your baby, sing Itsy Bitsy Spider and make a homemade meal all at once. Its compact design won’t hog counter space and it’s truly easy to clean, even after stubborn foods like spinach or beets. We also love that the stainless steel water reservoir holds onto the condensed water, which you can pour in while pureeing to get important nutrients back into the food.
What’s Worth Considering
Looking for more? Beaba’s NEO model has a glass bowl instead of a plastic one and a larger bowl capacity (5.2 cups for the NEO versus 4.7 for the Solo) as well as a stainless-steel steam basket. For even more capacity, check out the Duo. It features two separate bowls for a total of a 9.4 cup capacity, making it a good choice for multiples or if you want to make food in larger batches.
What Babylist Parents Say
“It makes homemade baby food simple! I would probably buy store-bought if I didn’t have this. I love it even more than I thought I would.
” -Anna
All the Accessories
What Our Experts Say
The NutriBullet is easy, convenient and comes with all awesome accessories to take your culinary game to the next level. There’s a small blender, portioned batch cups for grab-and-go convenience and storage options for the fridge and the freezer. Also included is a baby food recipe guide for some inspiration.
What’s Worth Considering
The NutriBullet is a blender only; there’s no steam, defrost or reheating options here. If you do want to steam, check out the brand’s Turbo Steamer sold separately.
What Babylist Parents Say
“It was nice to have. Especially with all the extras it comes with.” -Adela
Simple and Affordable
What Our Experts Say
Low-tech isn’t always a bad thing. If you’re simply looking to mash up soft foods for your baby—and you aren’t looking to spend a ton—this food masher from OXO Tot is a great option.
Both the masher and the bowl have ridges to make the mashing easier, and there are even teeth on the masher that fit inside the teeth on the bowl so you can get to every last bit of food. Everything comes apart and fits inside the lidded bowl for storage and easy transport.
What’s Worth Considering
There’s nothing fancy going on here…but that’s sort of the point. And while you can just use your own small bowl and a fork for mashing, this gadget truly does make the process faster and easier. OXO also makes a baby food mill if you’re looking for another affordable tool for starting solids.
What Babylist Parents Say
“It’s a must have when introducing solids to your baby, especially when they can eat chunkier consistency! We use it every day and it can mush everything that is soft naturally (bananas, avocados, berries) or is cooked to be fairly soft.” -Angela
All-in-One Glass
What Our Experts Say
While many baby food makers use plastic bowls, this all-in-one steamer and blender uses sturdy glass.
From fruit to veggies and meats to fish, this one-stop baby food maker makes four cups of baby food in about 10 minutes with the simple press of a button. You can also choose between steam, blend and steam or just blend, and the blade and bowl are both dishwasher safe.
What’s Worth Considering
If you don’t want to spend quite as much, Baby Brezza’s One Step Food Maker Deluxe will save you about sixty bucks and does pretty much the same thing. The prep bowl on this model is plastic, however.
What Babylist Parents Say
“This baby food maker is amazing! I can make my baby food in 15 min. I’m glad I bought it. The most important of this product it’s the glass, it’s better than plastic.” -Towatei
Affordable Two-in-One
What Our Experts Say
The Sage Baby Puree and Blend is an easy, affordable way to puree. This combo includes an immersion blender (consider it your baby food magic wand) and a food processor attachment. You can pair it with storage containers (the brand makes a host of different sets, sold separately) and you’re ready to go.
What’s Worth Considering
You’ll be surprised by how handy an immersion blender is for making grown-up foods like salsa, hummus, pesto and even soups. This is a great buy that’ll last well beyond the baby food phase.
What Babylist Parents Say
“1.) Immersion blender is sturdy 2.) Jars are glass and not plastic 3.) Has different size jars for different sizes of food storage. 4.) Customer service is great!” -Aurea
The Command Center
What Our Experts Say
One machine with LOTS of uses, the large-capacity Duo 5-in-1 cooks, blends, warms and defrosts food, and can also be used as a bottle warmer and a sterilizer. What really sets it apart, though, is the ability to steam two separate baskets of food for different cook times, which ensures all the flavors and nutrition are just right. The XL steaming bowl and blender cooks over six cups of fresh food (around 25 portions!) and warms up to three bottles at once, making it a great choice for families with multiples.
What’s Worth Considering
The Duo takes up more counter space than most other baby food makers, but still has a much smaller footprint than if you had a separate baby food maker, bottle warmer and sterilizer.
What Babylist Parents Say
“It’s everything in one. Easy to use, easy to clean, space-saving on countertop, no mess when making the food, versatile—you can use it for multiple things—and it’s something that will last well beyond the baby years. Love it!” -Claudia
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and the Babylist Health Advisory Board.
What is the best blender for home use?
11/11/2019 00:00
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There are many devices designed to help the hostess in the modern kitchen, but it is difficult to say that each of them is important and useful.
But blender is a separate issue. Athletes, young mothers, people leading a healthy lifestyle cannot imagine themselves without it. Only few people know: on what grounds to choose a good blender. Let's figure it out.
There are many devices designed to help the hostess in the modern kitchen, but it is difficult to say that each of them is important and useful. But blender is a separate issue. Athletes, young mothers, people leading a healthy lifestyle cannot imagine themselves without it. Only few people know: on what grounds to choose a good blender. Let's figure it out.
Which blender is best for the home
A blender is an indispensable assistant in the preparation of various dishes and drinks. Manufacturers offer many types and options of blenders, differing both in design and functionality: from the simplest manual mechanical grinder to the luxurious kitchen appliance of the Swiss company ESGE AG coated with 24 carat gold.
Therefore, before you start choosing the model that is optimal for you, decide: for what operations will you use the blender? Cook only purees, smoothies and drinks, or use more functionality - chop, grind, prepare the dough?
Which blender is better: stationary or immersion
A stationary blender is the most functional kitchen appliance that allows you to perform many operations.
It consists of a body with a control unit and a bowl-jug with various nozzles. The more nozzles in the kit, the more useful options it has, some models are as functional as food processors. Such a blender is practical to use, but requires a separate place for storage in the kitchen.
A stationary blender will be convenient if you need:
- Grind any food;
- Whip cream, eggs;
- Break ice;
- Mix liquids and prepare drinks.
Design features of stationary blenders:
- The size of the pitcher bowl (from 0.5 to 2.5 liters) determines the volume of the finished dish: the larger the bowl, the more products you can load at the same time.
- The material from which the bowl is made (glass, plastic, acrylic) can affect both the taste of the dish and food safety. For example, glass is environmentally friendly, does not darken and does not absorb odors, but at the same time it is fragile (it can be broken).
A high-quality plastic bowl must be labeled BPA Free (BPA free). - A metal case is preferable to a plastic one, and there must be devices for fixing to the table (suction cups) on the bottom of the case.
- The cooking process for simple models is controlled mechanically - with rotary knobs. True, push-button and touch control panels are still more convenient to use.
Another important point should be noted: the most advanced models are equipped with built-in programs for making smoothies and drinks (with and without ice), ice cream, whole juices and hot soups.
The immersion blender is small and simple: a handle with controls and an immersion part with various attachments. This is the best assistant for whipping, preparing various drinks and mashed potatoes, as well as grinding solid foods: ice, nuts, cereals. Some manufacturers complete their models with an additional container for grinding products, which can significantly expand the functionality of the blender.
An immersion blender is perfect for:
- Fruit and vegetable puree;
- Cream soup and puree soup;
- sauces;
- Baby food;
- Liquid dough;
- Grinding of heat-treated products.
Features of the design of submersible blenders:
- For the preparation of hot purees and sauces, the immersion part must be made of metal or heat-resistant plastic. Metal is stronger and more environmentally friendly than plastic.
- The more attachments included, the more functional the blender. The most commonly used attachments are chopper, whisk, grinder, vacuum pump (for vacuum food storage containers), shredding and slicing knives.
- Metal nozzles are preferred for both strength and food safety. In addition, plastic nozzles are found only in cheap models.
- Adjusting the speed of rotation of the working part allows you to use the blender for different tasks. For example, single speed blenders are less functional.
Inexpensive blenders have up to 5 speeds, medium ones have up to 12, top ones have up to 30. It is more convenient if the rotation speed is regulated by a smooth wheel-regulator.
What power blender should I choose?
The power of the blender determines the speed of processing products and the uniformity of the finished dishes. Thus, a blender with low power will have difficulty grinding hard foods such as nuts and grains.
But a blender with high power will perfectly prepare any dish: vegetable puree, nut paste, and green herbal cocktail.
If you turn to the manufacturers, they offer the following options:
- up to 500 W - blenders for preparing drinks, smoothies, shakes and purees from cooked products, fresh berries and soft fruits.
- 600-1000 W - mashes soft fruits and vegetables, frozen berries, minces meat.
- 1000-1500 W - qualitatively grinds herbs, nuts, hard and frozen foods, cooks both minced meat and batter, splits and grinds ice.
An ideal choice for good cuisine. - over 1500 W - the blender will cope with any task. Ideal power for lovers of raw foods, cereals and green smoothies.
True, it should be noted right away that blenders with high power are more expensive, but this is fully offset by the speed and quality of cooking.
How to choose the best baby food blender
Modern mothers for purees and mixtures prefer high-quality immersion blenders with a power of more than 600 W, with a metal submersible part.
There are also special stationary mini-blenders for baby food. They are smaller in size compared to a regular blender and less functional. Their bowl-jug is not designed to prepare large portions. This is convenient for preparing baby food, but after the baby grows up, the blender will not be in demand.
How to choose the best smoothie blender
If you only need a blender for making smoothies, shakes and drinks, a small stationary blender with up to 500W power, with a special travel bottle included, is the best choice.
Today, portable models with rechargeable batteries are especially popular among smoothie blenders, which you can take with you anywhere: to work, to the country, to travel.
How to choose the best blender for cream soup and puree soup
An ordinary immersion blender with a power of 500-600 W and an immersion part made of heat-resistant plastic or metal will perfectly cope with this task.
For pureeing, whipping and chopping foods, purchase an immersion blender with a power of 300-600 watts. It is convenient and does not take up much space in the kitchen.
If you often use a blender when preparing various dishes, a stationary blender with a 2-2.5 l jug and a power of 1000-1500 W would be the best choice.
Today, steamer blenders are gaining popularity. These appliances first steam the food and then grind it into a puree. In addition, they can defrost ingredients before cooking or steam ready meals.
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Top 9 best blenders for baby food
Some time after the birth of a child, every young mother asks about the introduction of complementary foods, which should be healthy, balanced and have the right consistency for the baby to assimilate.
In the period up to a year, you can, of course, use ready-made complementary foods in the form of homogenized puree in jars.
Then, in any case, the child should be gradually accustomed to products from the "adult" table.
The ideal food texture for a small child is puree, for this you need a good blender that will do the job perfectly.
In order to choose the right blender, each potential buyer should base on their preference:
- If you only need a blender for preparing baby food, Mini Blender is a good option. It does not take up much space, copes with its main task with a bang and has an affordable price;
- immersion models are suitable for a wider range of applications . With it, you can not only grind food for the child, but also prepare cocktails, mashed soups, creams and sauces, and other dishes. The immersion blender is easy to clean and use. By purchasing such a model, you can cook large portions for this family or a small snack dish for a baby;
- steam blender will not only feed your baby delicious and healthy food, but also take care of proper nutrition for the whole family , preserving vitamins and nutrients in every dish as much as possible.
This model will be useful to you even after the baby begins to chew food on his own. It belongs to the stationary type of blenders, which in everyday life are simpler than submersible models. The device does not need supervision and control by an adult. Your task is as simple as possible - fill a special container with products and press the button that starts the cooking process.
Popular models
The choice of a steamer with the possibility of grinding cooked products should be carried out taking into account the main technical characteristics of the models in question, their features, advantages and disadvantages.
The rating will help you get acquainted with the most popular devices, which includes functional steamers-blenders from well-known manufacturers of home appliances.
We present an overview of the 8 best devices according to customer ratings and reviews.
#1
Philips AVENT SCF870
A smart gadget that will be a great solution for a family with small children.
A practical model specially designed for quick preparation of food and its further grinding in one jug.
The device is ergonomic and compact, so it does not take up much space on the work surface and can be stored in a small kitchen cabinet.
The appliance is equipped with an innovative container and lid detection system to ensure safe operation.
Specifications:
- power - 400 W;
- number of bowls - 1;
- bowl volume - 0.8 l;
- water tank volume - 0.2 l;
- control - mechanical;
- timer - yes.
Benefits
- Convenient water tank filling;
- presence of indication of switching on;
- end of program beep;
- operational safety;
- measuring cup and spatula included.
Disadvantages
- only one speed;
- timer only lasts 20 minutes;
- smell of plastic on first use.
#2
Kitfort KT-2314
Functional helper to easily prepare healthy meals for children.
Powerful device equipped with a small food bowl with a comfortable handle, a mechanical regulator for comfortable selection of the desired program and an easy-to-open lid.
Maintenance of the device will not cause inconvenience to the user, since the removable structural elements do not have corrugated surfaces.
To clean the structure, the owner only needs to use a non-abrasive detergent and warm water.
Specifications:
- power - 400 W;
- number of bowls - 1;
- cup volume - 0.4 l;
- water tank volume - 0.23 l;
- control - mechanical;
- timer - yes.
Benefits
- automatic switch-off when cover is open;
- Network cable of sufficient length;
- the presence of anti-slip rubberized feet;
- built-in high speed knife;
- reasonable price.
Disadvantages
- small scratches on the plastic case;
- work with increased sound level;
- no measuring cup included.
#3
Philips AVENT SCF883
Improved model designed for quick preparation of baby food.
Steam shaker, equipped with a removable jug made of transparent plastic for products, a sharp knife, non-slip rubber feet and a mechanical type of control.
The device operates in 5 modes, so the user can independently choose the most suitable one for cooking a particular dish.
Removable parts of the equipment can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher, which greatly simplifies operation.
Specifications:
- power - 400 W;
- number of containers for cooking - 1;
- cup volume - 1 l;
- water tank volume - 0.2 l;
- control - mechanical;
- timer - yes.
Advantages
- End of cooking sound signal;
- ease of use and maintenance;
- automatic switch-off when the lid is open;
- possibility to defrost food in the container;
- spatula and recipe book included.
Disadvantages
- timer only lasts 30 minutes;
- the cost is higher than similar models;
- electric cable length.
#4
Kitfort KT-2305
Ergonomic device designed specifically for preparing homemade meals that kids will love.
Budget model, equipped with a simple mechanical control system, a disassembled knife block, a capacious removable jug with an ergonomic handle and an electric cable of sufficient length.
For safe use, the manufacturer has added rubberized feet to prevent slipping on the work surface.
The user can also find a plastic spatula with the machine.
Specifications:
- power - 400 W;
- number of bowls - 1;
- cup volume - 0.4 l;
- water tank volume - 0.23 l;
- control - mechanical;
- timer - no.
Benefits
- instant cooking;
- light weight and size;
- interesting design;
- automatic shutdown function;
- possibility of preparing milkshakes.
Disadvantages
- the device does not have a timer;
- small bowl;
- noisy grinding of cooked foods.
#5
Beaba Babycook Duo
A versatile machine that effectively combines ease of use, ergonomics and good looks.
Attractive appliance with high power, interchangeable food steam bowls and on indication.
The appliance can not only cook and grind food, but also defrost it.
In addition, if necessary, the user can use the heating function. For convenient extraction of the steam basket, a special spatula is provided in the set.
Specifications:
- power - 800 W;
- number of containers for cooking - 2;
- bowl volume - 1.1 l;
- water tank volume - 0.35 l;
- control - mechanical;
- timer - yes.
Benefits
- integrated descaling indicator;
- liquid level indicator;
- fruit smoothie filter;
- choice of dish consistency;
- easy cleaning of the device.
Disadvantages
- contents leaking through the spout of the container;
- end-of-work beep too loud;
- light housing easily soiled.
#6
Funkids BFP-1800M
Modern equipment that can significantly simplify the process of preparing food for children for young mothers.
Stylish innovation with an intelligent system for preparing delicious and healthy baby food quickly at home.
Thanks to the wide mouth, the container is easy to fill with food and water, so the new mother will not have any difficulties in the cooking process.
Safety of use is ensured by double blocking of the blender bowl and lid, the presence of a super-fixation of the knife and rubberized feet.
Specifications:
- power - 300 W;
- number of cooking containers - 1;
- bowl volume - 0.3 l;
- water tank volume - 0.2 l;
- control - mechanical;
- timer - no.
Benefits
- the presence of a separate steam grid;
- Illuminated switch located on the housing;
- automatic shutdown in case of lack of liquid in the device;
- impossibility of accidental removal of the blade;
- cookbook as a gift.
Shortcomings
- electric cord length;
- The device does not have a timer;
- glossy case easily soiled.
#7
Beaba Babycook Neo
A versatile appliance with all the options you need to prepare tasty and healthy meals.
Equipped with a stainless steel steam container and a glass bowl, this machine is presented in an impact-resistant plastic case in a delicate mint color.
During cooking, the user can independently adjust the consistency of puree depending on the age of the baby.
This allows you to choose the best option, creating the perfect dish without any effort.
Specifications:
- power - 400 W;
- number of cooking containers - 1;
- cup volume - 1 l;
- water tank volume - 0.25 l;
- control - mechanical;
- timer - yes.
Benefits
- chopping food according to the child's age;
- food defrost function;
- possibility to reheat a cooked dish;
- fruit cocktail filter;
- intuitive operation.
Disadvantages
- poor equipment;
- noisy food grinding;
- overpriced.
#8
Beaba Babycook
A compact electric appliance that is reliable, durable and simple in design.
An easy-to-use device with a large transparent plastic bowl with an ergonomic handle, a removable easy-to-clean lid and an additional chopping lid.
The machine also has a special smoothie filter. When the dish is ready, the user will be notified by a sound signal.
Specifications:
- power - 400 W;
- number of bowls - 1;
- capacity for preparation - 1.1 l;
- water tank volume - 0.35 l;
- control - mechanical;
- timer - yes.
Benefits
- integrated cycle counter with descaling indicator;
- spatula for shifting contents;
- large bowl;
- single button operation;
- defrost and reheat function.
Disadvantages
- branded case;
- noisy work;
- cost.
Important points when choosing
0148 power . It is on this parameter that the speed of work and the quality of grinding products depend. The higher the power rating, the more homogeneous the consistency of the output mass will be. Blenders with a good power rating are able to grind any solid food such as nuts, dried fruits, frozen fruits and raw vegetables.
If you plan to use the blender to work with meat, you need a power of at least 400 watts;
Steam blender selection criteria
Please note! Proper nutrition is the key to the health of every person, regardless of his age.
That is why choosing a steamer-blender for home cooking delicious, and most importantly healthy meals for both kids and adult family members, it is important to take into account the features of modern devices, paying special attention to such parameters as:
- the volume of the bowls and the water tank;
- number of food baskets;
- power consumption;
- control type;
- presence of a timer;
- electric cord length;
- construction dimensions;
- the presence of anti-slip rubberized feet;
- accessories.
Types of blenders
A blender will help every housewife save a lot of time and effort by preparing healthy food with maximum preservation of usefulness and juiciness. A good quality machine with high power in seconds will turn any food into a tender mass with a uniform consistency.
The main task of the baby food blender is the homogeneous texture of food without large pieces and lumps.
The best option is a blender with a minimum number of dismountable parts, because after preparing the puree, it will be necessary to thoroughly rinse the device and each part, which will take a lot of time.
The power of a good blender for preparing baby food should be enough not only for vegetables and fruits, but also for liver, chicken, meat.
Various blenders can be used to prepare baby food, including:
- mini blenders;
- steam blenders;
- immersion blenders.
Let's take a closer look at each option.
Steamers
This pressure blender can not only puree food, but also reheat dishes or defrost food with steam.
Every adult knows that steamed food retains vitamins and beneficial properties to the maximum. It is with such a gentle type of heat treatment of products that the baby will be able to get all the necessary trace elements and a complex of vitamins, which is so necessary for the full development of a growing organism.
To get puree with a uniform texture, you will need to fill a special container with products and turn on the timer, then the device will do everything for you. There will be no more need to cook food, then transfer it to another container, take it out, cut it, and so on.
After cooking, you need to turn on the blender mode, which will help you not only grind all the ingredients in a few seconds, but also mix them thoroughly. Grinding level can be controlled independently.
In addition, you won't have to stand and wait for the process to end to turn off the steam blender. All models of this type have an automatic shutdown system.
Mini
Another type of blender for preparing baby food is a mini blender (or, as they are also called, travel blender), which differs from its counterparts in more compact dimensions and modest characteristics.
The food container in these devices is designed only for cooking small portions.
This is ideal for moms who only need a blender to prepare baby food.
You no longer have to scrape off excess puree from the walls of the bowl and transfer it to another container, and maintenance of such an appliance is easier compared to any other models.
The only disadvantage of such models is that they will be useful for mommy only for that period of time until the child begins to fully chew food on his own.
That is, after a few months, such a blender will remain gathering dust on the far shelf of the kitchen cabinet, since it is not intended for other use in the future. This is due to its low power and the small size of the food container.
Immersion
The most convenient and versatile option on our list is the immersion blender. These models are preferred by most mothers who need to grind food in small volumes.
The advantage of this blender is its compactness. It is a hand-held device that will grind any kind of product in a special container.
Modern immersion blenders are equipped with a variety of attachments and modes, complemented by good power. These models deservedly come as close as possible to the title of a mini-food processor.
Regardless of the power of the immersion blender, any device will cope with the preparation of a homogeneous puree for the baby. Immediately before preparing complementary foods, thoroughly wash the products, boil or bake, then grind with a blender.
Philips AVENT SCF875 Steam Shaker with Defrost
Stand Blender with Steam function has a large 1 liter bowl (although its usable capacity is slightly less at 720 ml). This model can be used to quickly defrost food and reheat already prepared meals.
The main feature is an overturning glass. The knives here are fixed in the top cover, so nothing needs to be shifted after steaming. It is enough to fix the container “upside down” and turn on the blender mode.
