Cuisinart Elemental 350W 8-Cup Food Processor

In the market for the cool tool to fuse flavors? Break out of ordinary meal mode with fantastic smoothies, great dips and salsas, yummy nutrition shakes, perfectly blended pancake batter, crushed ice, delightful purees and much more. A blender is perfect when you're in the mood to mix it up for your taste buds.

The quintessential gift for newlyweds, blenders are traditional and contemporary wrapped up into one jack-of-many-trades appliance. A kitchen without a blender is like a workshop without a hammer. The question remains: which blender is best for you?

Motor
Motor sizes in blenders are determined by their wattages. More wattage equals more power. More power is important when you're giving your blender heavy tasks such as continuous ice crushing and whole food chopping.

Common blender motor sizes run the gamut from 400 to 700 watts of power. A lower wattage model is fine if you primarily intend to blend liquids, such as in making daiquiris, smoothies, protein drinks, etc.

Speeds & Options
Blenders come with speed choices ranging from just a few to nearly two dozen. More isn't necessarily better when it comes to speeds. You may use only several speeds ever, or you may enjoy the nuances of all the different speed choices. Typical home-use blenders offer five to seven different speeds. Some experts say a good blender can be one with a high setting, a low setting and a pulse setting alone.

The pulse feature is wonderful for preventing over-blending and offering the user flexibility and control. It also works great for crushing ice in blenders that don't have a specific ice-crushing button. Just remember to add ice cubes slowly, about one to three at a time.

If you are planning on crushing ice with any regularity, consider purchasing a model with a special ice-crushing feature. This feature usually means that the blade is set up to keep the entire contents of the container moving, avoiding settling on the bottom that would cause an inconsistent texture.

Another popular feature is a smooth touch pad that lacks all the spill-collecting nooks and crannies of traditional buttons. These touch pads are easy to clean with just one wipe.

Container & Lid
One important variable among blenders is the container, or carafe, style and construction. Containers come in either glass or heavy-duty plastic. Glass is generally considered the more durable of the two. Plastic is a fine option for lighter use, although it may crack with wear.

Standard blender containers range from 32 to 50 ounces in capacity, but some special for-the-bar blenders come with containers that will hold up to 64 ounces. Your family's habits and your entertaining habits will determine which size works best for you.

While amusing, those sitcom moments when a blender's contents spew out the top are not reality with today's lids. Blender manufacturers took to task and developed lids that, firstly, stay on securely without manual holding and, secondly, feature a pop-up top that allows you to add ingredients while the blender is running. Splishing and splashing are things of the past!

Appearance
Lookin' good or lookin' in the cabinet? Will your blender perch on your kitchen counter forever after or will it be relegated to the deep recesses of your cabinets? Answering this question should help you determine how important a blender's looks are to you. A blender that fits the style and coloring of your kitchen may be just the ticket if you plan on keeping it within arm's reach.

Care & Cleaning
Blenders are generally very easy to clean and maintain. Simply lift the carafe off the base and unscrew the blade and rubber seal. These parts?along with the lid?can all be washed with soap and water, and usually are just fine in the dishwasher. You'll want to check your owner's manual to be certain about your specific model's care requirements.

Blender bases may not be submerged safely in water or a dishwasher since they contain the mechanics of the appliance. Generally these are easy to clean with just a washcloth.

• Keep your Cuisinart Food Processor ready to use on the kitchen counter.
• When not in use, leave it unplugged.
• All parts except the housing base are dishwasher safe and we recommend washing them in the dishwasher on the top rack only. Due to intense water heat, washing the work bowl, cover and accessories on the bottom rack may cause damage over time. Insert the cover with the feed tube facing up to ensure proper cleaning. Insert the work bowl and pusher upside down for drainage. Remember to unload the dishwasher carefully wherever you have placed sharp blades and discs.
• To simplify cleaning, rinse the work bowl, cover, pusher and blade or disc immediately after use so food won't dry on them. Be sure to position the pusher upside down for drainage.
• If food lodges in the pusher, remove it by running water through it, or use a bottle brush. If you wash the blade and discs by hand, do it carefully.
• When handling, use the plastic hubs. Avoid leaving them in soapy water where they may disappear from sight.
• To clean the metal blade, fill the work bowl with soapy water, hold the blade by its plastic center and move it rapidly up and down on the center shaft of the bowl.
• Use of a spray attachment is also effective. If necessary, use a brush.
• The work bowl is made of plastic. It should not be placed in a microwave oven.
• The housing base may be wiped clean with a soapy, non-abrasive material. Be sure to dry it thoroughly. If the feet leave spots on the counter, spray them with a spot remover and wipe with a damp sponge.
• If any trace of the spot remains, repeat the procedure and wipe the area with a damp sponge and nonabrasive cleaning powder.
• IMPORTANT: Never store any blade or disc on the motor shaft. No blade or disc should be placed on the shaft except when the processor is about to be used.