The Anatomy of a Blender: 8 Key Components Explained
A blender might seem like one of the simplest instruments to use in your home, but it’s actually constructed from a lot of complicated parts just to make it work. Knowing how it’s put together and how important every part of a blender is can help you to appreciate the marvel of construction that is put into every device. Not only do they have to be powerful and effective, but they also have to be quiet, easy to clean and also have a visual aesthetic that would make people want to keep it in their homes. Here are the eight important components of a blender, how important they are, and what they do.
1. The Blender Jar
Even in the most complicated or simplest blenders to use, including the blendtec blender, every one of them has a blender jar. This is the receptacle where all the ingredients are placed. It typically locks in place on the main base so that when it’s in use, the blender jar isn’t being shaken around. It also locks into place so that the blade mechanism can do its job of blending everything together. The blender jar can be made of glass or plastic, and either material has benefits over the other. But what they will both have is measurements on the side so that you can add the right amount of ingredients.
2. The Blender Jar Lid
The is the lid that sits on the top of the blender. It typically fits snugly into the top so that when the blender is in use, the ingredients aren’t spilling out all over the place. Just like the jar, the blender jar lid can be made of plastic or glass, but it typically has a rubber stopper in order to form a tight seal that keeps everything on the inside. The lid can also protect your hands from the blades while the blender is in use so that you don’t get injured. Lastly, the lid helps to create a vortex that makes it easier for the blades to mix the ingredients more evenly.
3. The Jar Lid Center Cap
The center of the lid usually has a cap that is removable. It makes it easy to grab and pull the lid off, but it also grants access to the interior of the blender if you need to add more ingredients without having to remove the entire lid. Its removal can also make it easy to clean the lid since it creates a drainage hole that allows soap and water to flow through.
4. The Blade Cutter
This is the stainless steel blade that is found at the bottom of every blender. It does all of the stirring, mixing, pureeing, chopping, and crushing. Whatever it is you need your blender to do. It is typically made out of stainless steel because of how strong the metal is. The blade itself can look a little complicated but it’s not. Each of the four blades is placed at a different angle from each other so that the contents of the blender are pushed up to the top of the blender jar. That provides more room for more ingredients to get chopped up or pureed and then added to the rest of the mixture. Its job is done when all of the ingredients have been turned into a homogenous consistency. The blade is usually attached to the motor with a screw so that it stays on during the job.
5. The O-Ring Seal
This is the rubber seal that is placed between the blender blade cutter and the blender jar. It serves the purpose of creating a seal so that no food particles or moisture leak out and onto the motor, preventing it from becoming damaged. Although they serve a very important purpose, they can be cheap to replace in the event that they are damaged, allowing you to save some costs in keeping your blender working properly.
6. The Blender Rubber Drive Clutch
That’s a long name for the piece of equipment that sits between the motor and the bottom of the blade assembly. This is also usually made out of rubber to create an effective seal to keep everything in place. Each blender manufacturer typically has their own style and shape for this clutch, so the parts may not exactly be interchangeable between blenders.
7. The Bottom Screw Cap
The bottom screw cap is responsible for the proper functioning of the blender. This screw cap holds the blender blade cutter in place during use. Without it, the blade would fly off the motor and the contents of the blender jar wouldn’t get mixed; you basically can’t use the blender without it. This piece is usually made out of molded plastic to ensure strength but also some amount of flexibility without creating a dangerous hazard.
8. The Motor
This is hidden in the base of the blender and is the part that turns the blades when it is turned on. The motor manages to keep itself cool by drawing air into itself from the outside, hence the construction of vents on the exterior of the base. Without this process of preventing overheating, your blender is likely to turn off on its own temporarily, or the inner workings could be completely fried. That results in a broken motor that has to be replaced, though the cost might be just as much as a whole new blender.
Blenders can be one of the most useful appliances to have in your home, given their versatility and how quickly they can get the job done. Keep in mind that the more powerful a blender is, the more expensive it’s likely to be. It also comes with the added disadvantage of taking up more space, since a powerful blender requires a powerful motor to get the job done.
If you’re in the market for a new blender, why not take a trip to the nearest appliance store and see what they have to offer? Speaking to a representative can provide you with options to choose from so that you can find the one that is right for you.
