I've never really done it Am a blender person. Why would I do that, when I have a food processor and an immersion blender that can handle my basic puree and emulsification needs just fine? But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that maybe I've never been a blender person because I've never owned a good blender.
As a longtime recipe developer and tester who works from my home kitchen, I have to say there's nothing like a professional-sounding tool. They really are harder, better, faster and stronger. However, the downside of using pro kitchen appliances is that they are usually very large. They are generally intended to handle larger volumes than most home cooks, and settling for a more compact appliance usually means a sacrifice in power. That's definitely not the case here – this pup makes 2.2 horsepower.
In testing the new Vitamix Ascent If I'm going to invest $550 in a new appliance, I also want to make sure it's worth the real estate it takes up on my counter. My Breville Air Fryer Pro (8/10, Wired Recommends) Big, but I use it every day, so it's worth the loss of counter space. The Vitamix doesn't take up a huge footprint, but it's substantial—it weighs just over 13 pounds, and its 17-inch height makes for a pretty imposing presence in the kitchen. Luckily, it's an attractive machine, especially in midnight blue.
hey, looks good
As mentioned, it is a nice looking device, with a matte finish on the body and a glossy front panel with a programmable timer. There is a small platform for a tamper stand, but it is a bit flimsy. (The cup that holds the tamper is easy to remove for cleaning, but that makes it a little wobbly.) A retractable cord would be a nice touch, but there's a little space on the bottom of the unit where you can wrap the cord when you don't want to. yes. In use.
Photograph: Heather Arndt Anderson
Upon turning it on (there's an on/off switch on the bottom in addition to the power and pulse switches on the front), I noticed firsthand how smoothly the knob turns while still moving enough to feel like it's “real.” ” Is. (I don't need everything to be analog, but it irritates me when displays and controls are completely digital, and people with poor vision might agree.) Knobs and switches are tactile and straightforward; The single knob has timed settings for cleaning, smoothies, soups, and frozen desserts on the left, and a smoothly variable speed control on the right. The digital time display is in the center. Sleek and simple.