Breville CBL10XL Classic Blend Master Blender

Lobster Salad with Raspberry Sauce, Lamb & Tabouleh Pita Pockets, or Cheese Sticks with Pesto? They can all be made using this powerful, commercial strength blender, and the recipes are just a few of those included in the instruction/recipe booklet. You'll find it handy for a number of tasks in addition to crushing ice and making smoothies or cocktails. For instance, you might use this blender to make bread or cracker crumbs, to mix batter, to puree soup, and to emulsify dressings.

A gorgeous piece of workmanship and powerful to boot, the Breville Classic Blend Master makes blending sauces, smoothies, drinks, and soups a pleasurable snap. The unit starts with an incredibly sturdy base combining a 580-watt commercial-strength motor and gleaming metal die-cast housing. The 6-way blade system, patented by Breville, is smartly engineered to work with the upward vortex of the pitcher for optimal mixing and consistency. Made from sturdy thick glass with a broad glass handle, the pitcher holds 48 ounces (1.4 liters) and is clearly marked with both metric and imperial measurements. One of the best parts of Breville’s construction is the way the pitcher attaches without screwing on--just nestle it into four slots in the base, and it’s ready to go. A tight-fitting lid prevents splashes, while the removable inner lid allows for mid-blending additions. Leak-proof and handsome, the pitcher’s rubber-rimmed chrome base adds easy stability and makes it suitable for the table. Power settings include three distinct levels--with one specifically designed for ice--and a pulsing function. Perhaps on future versions, the power switch will be upgraded to metal, but its current plastic structure is sturdy enough. Outfitted with raised non-skid feet, the unit also comes with a one-year warranty and Breville’s signature safety plug, which is easy to insert and remove from sockets. --Emily Bedard