Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Dash hot pepper sauce
• 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 slices white bread

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup granulated monk fruit or stevia sugar substitute
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• FILLING:
• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1-1/2 cups sour cream
• 1-1/2 cups granulated monk fruit or stevia sugar substitute
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1-1/2 cups uncooked instant rice
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles
• 1-1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning mix
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
• Optional: Guacamole and tortilla chips

Ingredients

• 8 cups cubed bread or cubed cinnamon bread
• 1 cup raisins, optional
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup half-and-half cream
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Whipped cream, optional

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/4 cups whole milk
• FROSTING:
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 can (13.4 ounces) dulce de leche
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

As a professional product tester, I’ve used my fair share of juicers and blenders, and I can confidently tell you that the two gadgets aren’t interchangeable in your kitchen. You might be able to use a blender to make juice, but you certainly can’t use a juicer to puree soup! To determine which appliance is the better choice, you’ll want to consider the recipes you plan to make.

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing a juicer vs. blender, including what foods you can make with each appliance and what to look for as you shop.

When to Use a Juicer vs. Blender

When deciding whether to use a juicer or a blender, one of the main questions is: Do I want the pulp removed? Both appliances can process fruits and vegetables, but juicers strain out the pulp, while blenders do not. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the best tasks for each appliance.

The best tasks for a juicer

As you may have guessed, the best task for a juicer is, well, making juice. These gadgets can juice virtually any produce, from apples to spinach to carrots. They separate the liquid (and nutrients!) from the pulp, resulting in delicious homemade juice that’s fresh and healthy.

However, juicers aren’t just for juicing. Many juicers can extract liquid from ingredients and strain out the solids. The best masticating juicers can often make fresh almond milk or other nut milk—you simply add water and soaked nuts to the juicer and let it do its work. Some juicers also come with special attachments for making frozen desserts or smoothies. (However, if you only want to make smoothies, we’d recommend one of the best blenders for smoothies, which are generally more efficient.)

The best foods to make in a juicer include:

• Fresh juice
• Nut milks
• Frozen desserts (depending on the machine)

The best tasks for a blender

While you can technically use a blender to make juice, it won’t be as easy as using a juicer. A powerful blender has fast-spinning blades that can puree fruits and vegetables, but the problem is that all the pulp, seeds and other solids will end up in your juice, too. You’ll have to strain the mixture through a fine sieve to extract the pulp before you can enjoy the juice, adding another time-consuming step to the process.

While making juice in a blender is possible, it’s not the best task for this appliance. Blenders are better suited for processing liquid ingredients (this is also the main difference between a blender and a food processor, which is better suited for dry ingredients). When using a blender, you need liquid in the jar to funnel the ingredients to the blades.

For this reason, blenders are the best tool for making smoothies, soups and homemade salad dressings. You can also use a blender to make frozen drinks, cocktails and recipes like homemade butter.

To sum it up, here are the best foods to make in a blender:

• Soups
• Smoothies
• Milkshakes
• Frozen drinks
• Salad dressing
• Homemade sauces
• Homemade butter

What to Consider When Buying a Juicer

If you’ve decided to buy a juicer, there are a few key factors you’ll want to consider as you compare models.

• Juicer type: Many people prefer masticating juicers, also called slow or cold-press juicers, which slowly chew up ingredients to extract a maximum amount of juice and preserve nutrients. However, there are also centrifugal juicers that have a high-speed spinning blade. These juicers work faster, but may not yield as much juice and are often much louder.
• Chute size: Some juicers have extra-large chutes that let you put whole ingredients directly into the appliance, minimizing the prep required. If your juicer has a smaller chute, you must cut ingredients before putting them into the machine.
• Cleaning: One common complaint about juicers is that they’re a hassle to clean. If you don’t like hand-washing dishes, look for a juicer with dishwasher-safe components or special cleaning tools.
• Attachments: If you want to use your juicer to make frozen desserts or smoothies, look for a model with special attachments for these tasks.
  

What to Consider When Buying a Blender

You’ll want to consider different features when shopping for a blender. Here are the main considerations.

• Capacity: Blenders come in a wide range of sizes. Compact personal blenders can only make around 12 ounces at a time, while oversized blenders can hold 72 ounces or more. You’ll want to consider how you plan to use the blender as you decide what size is best for your home.
  
• Power: Most blenders have a power range of 500 to 750 watts, which is suitable for most household tasks. However, if you’re planning to process hard ingredients, like large amounts of ice, you may want to opt for a higher-powered model, such as the best Vitamix blenders.
• Settings: Some basic blenders have a single pulse option, while others have a wide range of speed and power settings. The latter will give you more versatility when processing different ingredients, but they’ll also cost more.
• Noise level: Blenders, especially high-powered ones, can be quite noisy. If you plan on making early morning smoothies, you may want to look for a model with a lower decibel rating to avoid disturbing your household.

You can learn more about what to look for in a blender in our guide to the best blenders, which includes insights from firsthand testing on popular models.

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Best Overall Blender

Ninja Detect Duo

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Best Overall Masticating Juicer

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer Auto10

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The post Juicer vs. Blender: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Taste Recipes.

As it turns out, this smart espresso maker is incredibly impressive. After nearly three months of testing—and at least one software update—the Breville Oracle Jet has replaced my previous espresso maker and even caused me to forgo my beloved local coffee shops because the coffee I make at home is that much better.

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I Tried It

Breville Oracle Jet

This smart espresso maker blew me away with its performance.

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What is the Breville Oracle Jet espresso machine?

Introduced in the fall of 2024, Breville’s newest espresso maker is an all-in-one machine that’s programmed to make over a dozen different espresso or tea-based beverages and counting with the push of a button. It arrives with pre-programmed favorites like espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, cold brew and tea—plus more creative options like shakeratos, babyccinos and even espresso martinis. (Breville has pushed software updates to the machine to add more pre-programmed drinks, thus the need for WiFi.)

The high-definition touchscreen guides you step by step, offering customizable controls to suit your preferences. What’s most impressive is the “Barista Assist” feature, which alerts you to potential mistakes—like using the wrong grind size if your espresso takes too long to extract. I found this fussy at first but quickly realized that the machine’s recommendations did improve the taste of my espresso shots.

Yes, it’s yet another “smart” product, but Breville’s has figured out a way to make its futurist features truly useful: brewing the perfect espresso. It feels like having an expert barista assisting you with every cup.

Breville Oracle Jet Features

The Breville Oracle Jet is jam-packed with features that simplify the coffee-making process.

• Built-in Baratza burr grinder: It has adjustable grind settings and feeds directly into the portafilter.
• Automatic tamping: The machine even tamps down the grounds by itself for mess-free brewing.
• High-performance milk frother: The Oracle Jet’s milk frother automatically detects the temperature and textures it for silky microfoam, bringing me closer to my dream of perfecting latte art.
• Customizable settings: Using the touchscreen, you can adjust the grind size, temperature, water pressure and microfoam levels and save the settings for later.
• Thoughtful design: Breville’s small details, like a mechanical latch that unlocks a wheel for easy repositioning, a hidden storage compartment that holds cleaning tools and an ergonomic pull on the hopper’s lid, set it apart.

The Breville Oracle Jet measures 16.5 by 14 by 14 inches, taking up a fair amount of counter space. I placed mine on our dedicated kitchen cart coffee station. It also includes a matching knock box, a portafilter with 1- and 2-cup baskets, a stainless steel frothing jug, cleaning tools, a water filter and a water hardness testing kit.

How We Tested It

Unboxing and Setup

As soon as I unboxed it, I knew this was serious business. The setup was involved and included testing the water hardness and installing a firmware update, but it took only  30 minutes. What impressed me most was the touchscreen. Initially, I scoffed at it, but its graphics rival those on my latest-generation iPad, and the step-by-step instructions made setup seamless.

An option during setup was to browse an interactive diagram, which gave me the option to press on different parts of the machine to learn their functions via quick videos. Seriously impressive.

Brewing the Perfect Espresso

For my first test, I made a double shot of espresso. The touchscreen directed me to set my grind size to 26 using a side knob. A helpful info button explained that a coarser grind speeds extraction, while a finer grind slows it—important for achieving the perfect shot.

I locked in my portafilter, hit start and the machine automatically ground and tamped the beans with a loud whir. When I removed the portafilter, I was impressed by the neatness of the tamped grounds. Usually, I make a big ol’ mess transferring and tamping grounds with my previous burr grinder setup.

After inserting the portafilter into the group head, I pressed the espresso button, and within 25–30 seconds, a rich double espresso poured out, topped with a thin caramel-colored crema. The machine even alerted me that my grind was too fine, causing over-extraction. I adjusted the settings for the next shot and it resulted in a noticeably smoother, richer espresso with more crema.

Does this machine actually make it easier to pull the perfect espresso shot? I’d say yes.

The one drawback I’ve noticed over time is that beans sometimes get stuck in the hopper and don’t feed into the grinder. Usually, a simple tap on the side of the hopper fixes this.

Using the Steam Wand

The built-in steam wand offers manual and automatic (Auto MilQ) frothing modes. When creating your cappuccino or latte, you can instruct the machine if you’re using dairy, almond, oat or soy milk. Since milk alternatives are notoriously more difficult to texture, the machine tweaks its temperature and froth settings to get the perfect microfoam.

I’ve had mixed experiences with automatic milk frothers, but this one outperforms past Breville models. That said, I still occasionally opt to steam manually for more control.

Trying a Cold Shot

One of the new features launched with the Breville Oracle Jet is its ability to make a cold shot, which is a bit of a misnomer as the shot comes out slightly above room temperature. While it’s less bitter and more balanced than traditional espresso, I didn’t find it a major selling point since I usually make iced lattes with plenty of milk and sugar that mask the espresso’s nuances. This may be good for folks who enjoy an iced Americano.

Brewing Tea

I was surprised to see that the Oracle Jet also had an option to brew tea. This is thanks to a small jet of hot water that’s dispensed at an angle beside the group head. The machine will only dispense up to 8 ounces of water at a time, which is a bummer for those like me who usually use 10-12 ounces of water to brew tea.

I adjusted the settings to dispense the water to 195 degrees, and it took less than a minute to fill the cup. This is great for a quick cup of tea, and the hot water feature is also good for Americanos.

I did struggle sometimes to find the right position for the water stream to enter the cup. Also, due to the angle, water would sometimes splash outside the cup.

Espresso Martinis and Other Drinks

The Oracle Jet can produce over a dozen custom drinks, but one that caught my eye was the espresso martini. (Twist my arm.) I invited a few friends over to try it out. Following the machine’s instructions, I made a cold brew shot, then followed the simple recipe card displayed on the screen:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker 3/4 with ice, add a double shot of cold espresso, 2/3 ounce vodka or dark rum (I used Grey Goose) and 2/3 ounce of coffee liqueur (I used Kaluha) and 1/3 ounce simple syrup.
2. Secure lid, shake, then serve.

The results? Amazing. This was probably the best, least-bitter espresso martini I’ve had—at home or in a restaurant. The only downside is that I couldn’t keep up with all the drink orders for my guests!

Maintenance

The machine requires regular maintenance:

• Daily: Wipe down the machine’s surface with a damp cloth to remove any coffee drips or lingering grounds. If you’re using the frother, you need to wipe off milk residue after each use or else the frother will clog.
• Weekly: Clean the water basin. If you use the milk frother often, you should also do this often to prevent milk residue from spoiling.
• Long-term: The machine sends alerts for deeper cleaning tasks like descaling, flushing the steam wand and deep cleaning the group head.

If you’re in a rush, you can snooze the alert and still get your coffee. (I’m guilty of snoozing it far too often!) However, I would not suggest skipping the alerts entirely as regular cleaning is essential for a long-lasting machine.

Pros

• Brews exceptional espresso
• Step-by-step guides to ensure a perfect shot
• Built-in burr grinder and automatic milk frother
• Mess-free tamping
• Sleek, stainless steel design
• Easy to clean
• Glides effortlessly for repositioning
• Makes a fantastic espresso martini

Cons

• Pricey
• Bean hopper occasionally needs adjusting
• Large footprint
• Low clearance, not suitable for large mugs

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

You’ll find dozens of glowing five-star reviews on Breville’s website, with customers like me who have purchased and loved the machine. “We have the stainless steel model and love it. Easy espresso drinks and flawless milk steaming. Best espresso machine ever,” writes one reviewer. Jeff, another reviewer on Breville.com, says, “It has been hard to come home to traditional roasted coffee since traveling to Italy. We researched many machines from the $2k-$4k range. Each time [I came] back to the Oracle Jet. We made the purchase and have been loving every cup ever since. “

However, some users have noticed issues with the tamping settings and occasional inconsistencies with the brew.

Over on r/BrevilleCoffee, reviews are generally positive, with most Redditors commenting that they enjoy the coffeemaker after several months of use. Some users report having issues with the automatic milk frother.

Redditor RalReach says, “Two months in, 3-4 drinks a day across the household, and I absolutely love it. I agree the auto milk isn’t perfect but I don’t make latte art, just lattes to drink, and they taste great to me.”

Product Comparison

I’ve previously reviewed the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine and noticed a few key differences. While both machines can produce excellent espresso, on paper the Breville Bambino is more compact. The Breville Oracle Jet has a larger footprint thanks to the built-in burr grinder. Since espresso usually requires a grinder, I found that the Oracle Jet takes up about the amount of space that my Bambino and separate burr grinder combined.

The Oracle Jet surpasses the Bambino with its smart Barista Assist technology, helping at-home coffee connoisseurs make the perfect espresso shot. Even after a few years of working at cafes under my belt, I often found myself guessing whether I was over- or under-extracting my espresso or settling for coffee that was “good enough.” With the Breville Oracle Jet, I get real-time guidance to fine-tune my settings for consistently great-tasting coffee.

The  Oracle Jet’s automated milk-foaming settings also outshine the Bambino’s. Instead of just frothing the milk, the Oracle Jet textures it with silky microfoam, making it easier to achieve pro results. I could get a similar texture by manually frothing with the Bambino, but the hands-free functionality of the Oracle Jet is unbeatable on busy mornings.

Compared to the Breville Smart Grinder Plus, which I’ve used for years, the Oracle Jet’s built-in Baratza grinder has one drawback: It isn’t designed to grind beans for filter, drip or French press coffee. When I host guests who prefer drip coffee, I have to bring out a separate coffee grinder.

Final Verdict: Is the Oracle Jet Worth It?

Is this for everyone? Probably not. But if you’re an espresso fanatic looking for an effortless way to get high-quality coffee, this is absolutely worth it. The Breville Oracle Jet will replace your old espresso maker and grinder, giving you an all-in-one appliance that makes espresso-based drinks and tea options.

Where To Buy the Breville Oracle Jet

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I Tried It

Breville Oracle Jet

This smart espresso maker blew me away with its performance.

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The Breville Oracle Jet retails for about $2000 and is available at Williams Sonoma, Sur la Table and on Breville’s website. It comes in brushed stainless steel, black truffle, sea salt, damson blue and a gorgeous olive tapenade green. Currently, if you buy from Breville.com you’ll also receive $200 cashback from Beanz.com and two free bags of coffee.

Why You Should Trust Us

I have written about food, drink and kitchen appliances for eight years and tested multiple Breville products, including the Breville Bambino Plus and Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. Years as a bartista in Baltimore and Chicago have made me a stickler for a good espresso and this machine passes the test.

Our Product Testing Team has also tested several Breville products, including the Breville toaster and Breville food processor, that have passed with high marks. This speaks to the quality of the brand as a whole.

FAQ

The post Breville Oracle Jet Review: Is This $2,000 Espresso Maker Worth the Price? appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Compact, sleek and powerful, the OXO coffee grinder is a slim burr grinder that helps you make the most of your coffee, transforming beans into a flavorful cup. Here’s why the OXO coffee grinder was ranked the best space-saving option among our list of best coffee grinders.

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OXO Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

Slim and sleek, this OXO coffee grinder is ideal for those short on space.

$99.99 at OXO

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What is the OXO conical burr coffee grinder?

As its name suggests, the OXO conical burr coffee grinder grinds whole bean coffee. Compared to the average grinder, the OXO is very slim and compact, perfect for smaller kitchens or those who prefer to keep countertops free of clutter. It’s also lightweight and easy to move around if you want to store it elsewhere.

The OXO coffee grinder has a sleek, stainless steel finish with black accents, resulting in an overall unobtrusive and attractive appearance.

Most importantly, it’s fairly easy to use and does what it sets out to do. It includes a timer dial, a hopper adjustment and one push button, making it pretty user-friendly. However, it’s not possible to set your grinds based on the number of cups you’re making (more on that later), so it requires a bit of practice or previous knowledge. Grinder novices should be fine once they get the hang of it.

The coffee grinder can hold up to 12 ounces of coffee beans in the hopper, which blocks out UV light to keep the beans fresher for longer.

How We Tested the OXO Coffee Grinder

Like we did with the other coffee grinders we tested, we started out by seeing how well the OXO coffee grinder could, well, grind. To grind, you have to set a timer manually or use “manual” mode. The default is 10 seconds, which is how long it took for fine, medium and coarse grinds. It didn’t grind as finely as we would have hoped, but overall, it performed well.

One thing to call out is that unlike some other options—like the Breville or Cuisinart coffee grinders—this one doesn’t have a knob that’s specific to how many cups of coffee you want. It has a grind adjustment setting and a knob for a 30-second timer. If you leave it at zero, it basically works as a manual mode that lets you choose when the machine stops grinding. This makes the OXO coffee grinder a little unintuitive for coffee novices. However, we think that coffee connoisseurs might not mind this feature.

We took those grinds and made a cup of coffee using the Hario pour-over coffee maker. The result? A good, classic cup of coffee. Exactly what you would hope.

While the coffee grinder’s description states that it’s mess-free, we experienced some spillage when removing the grounds container. However, it wasn’t anything that noteworthy.

In general, cleaning up was simple and standard. You can remove the hopper and the grounds container to wash them by hand, although the burrs and interior will require cleaning with a small bristle brush (which comes with the grinder). We also hand-wiped the exterior.

While you’re picking out your next grinder, don’t forget to stock up on the best coffee brands, organic coffee or our favorite flavored coffee.

Pros

• Nice-size hopper
• Affordable and high-quality
• Sleek exterior

Cons

• Doesn’t grind very finely

Final Verdict

There’s a lot to love about this mini-yet-mighty machine. While other coffee grinders take up as much space as your actual coffee maker, the OXO conical burr grinder yields a small footprint. We found it ground beans to a suitable size, especially on coarse or medium settings, yielding a tasty cup of coffee.

Where To Buy the OXO Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

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OXO Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

No counter space? No problem. This OXO grinder packs a lot of power into a compact machine.

$99.99 at OXO

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The OXO coffee grinder is available for around $100 on OXO, Amazon, Williams Sonoma and Crate & Barrel.

FAQ

How do you clean an OXO coffee grinder?

Hand-wash the hopper and grounds container, and then clean the burrs and interior with a small bristle brush. The exterior can be wiped clean.

How do you use an OXO coffee grinder?

To use an OXO coffee grinder, you fill the hopper with beans. Then, set the hopper adjustment and timer dial for the type of grind you’re seeking and the amount of time you want it to grind. After that, all it takes is a push of a button to grind, and you empty the ground beans into your coffee maker of choice.

What setting should I use with the OXO coffee grinder?

This will depend on the brewing method you want to use. For drip coffee, use a medium grind (setting 5–10). For espresso, choose a fine grind (1–3), and for French press or cold brew, go with a coarse grind (12–15). You can then adjust this based on taste preference.

Why You Should Trust Us

To help find the best coffee grinders for different needs and budgets, our Product Testing Team put a wide variety to the test. We measured physical details, like the length of their cords and their potential kitchen footprint. Then, we evaluated performance, including how well they ground the beans at different settings, how long grinding took and how loud the machine was.

We made cups of coffee from all of the beans to evaluate the bitterness and strength, and we made espresso shots using beans from the top performers. Craving espresso now? These are some of the best coffee grinders for espresso, as well as our favorite espresso beans.

Our team also evaluated the cleaning process (since the experience of using a coffee grinder doesn’t end when you’re sipping your coffee.)

I’ve been writing product reviews and gift guides, often featuring coffee and coffee equipment, for years, evaluating the wide variety of offerings on the market to find what’s best for different budgets and lifestyles. I also drink a lot of coffee and am a big home-brewer (and, thus, very picky about coffee beans and tools.)

The post OXO Coffee Grinder Review: Powerful and Perfect for Small Spaces appeared first on Taste Recipes.

In their efforts to find the very best blenders to grace your kitchen counter, our Product Testing Team spent an impressive 75 hours testing a variety of blenders. They were impressed by this model’s powerful 1560-watt motor and called it ideal for smoothie lovers. Here’s everything you need to know before adding the Blendtec blender to your cart.

What is the Blendtec Blender?

The Blendtec blender is a commercial-quality blender that features a 1560-watt motor, push-button controls, 10 speeds, a pulse option and an illuminated LCD timer. It has six preprogrammed cycles—smoothies, batters, hot soup, whole juice, ice cream and ice crush—and a 36-ounce pitcher with easy-to-see measuring lines. Rubber feet on the bottom of the motor base prevent it from slipping during use.

Just note that the Blendtec blender is not designed for commercial use. In fact, the manufacturer states that if used commercially, the blender’s two year warranty will be voided.

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editor's pick

Blendtec Total Blender Classic

This blender features a powerful motor, push button controls, 10 speeds and six preprogrammed cycles.

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$379.95 at Amazon

How We Tested It

Once our product testers unboxed and assembled the blender, they measured its height, weight and length of the power cord before moving on to test its performance. They gathered up all of the ingredients they needed to make an almond, kale and banana smoothie and got down to business.

Our testers added all of the ingredients to the blender, following the manual’s instructions regarding ingredient order and settings, hit the button for smoothie mode and blended for 60 seconds. After they were through, our team poured the smoothie through a colander to evaluate the overall blendedness. Though they found a few rice size chunks of dates in the colander, they liked the bright green color and noted the ingredients were fairly incorporated and blended well together.

For the next test, our team filled the pitcher halfway with ice and used the ice crush setting for 35 seconds. “It did a very nice job,” says product tester Sheri Kaz. “Very finely crushed. A couple bigger pieces, but in the end it did a good job.”

After the first two tests, our team had high hopes for the final test. They added four cups of peanuts to the blender and pulsed it several times. Unlike the previous two tests, which went off without a hitch, the peanut butter wasn’t as easy as they had expected. The blender kept getting stuck and our testers had to scoop out half of the peanuts. “For 1560 watts, I was expecting this machine to whip out nut butter in no time, but it had a hard time,” says Sheri.

Another thing that gave our testers a hard time was the Blendtec blender’s lid. They struggled to get it to latch on properly. “You really have to push down on it to get it to go on securely. And even then, still pops up a bit,” explains Sheri. “It doesn’t seem like a lid that would be on a $400 blender.” Apart from what our testers referred to as a wonky lid, they agree that the Blendtec blender is well made. “The entire machine seems like it’ll last you a while,” says Sheri.

Pros

• Preprogrammed cycles
• Rubber feet on bottom for gripping
• Can use with hot liquids
• Measuring lines are easy to see

Cons

• Costly for performance
• Lid can be finicky

Where To Buy the Blendtec Blender

The Blendtec blender retails for $399.95 and is available on the Blendtec website. It’s also available at a selection of retailers including Walmart and Amazon.

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editor's pick

Blendtec Total Blender Classic

The Blendtech did a wonderful job crushing ice and incorporating all of the ingredients in our smoothie.

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$379.95 at Amazon

FAQ

Is Blendtec dishwasher safe?

The pitcher is dishwasher safe.

Can a Blendtec be used as a food processor?

According to the manufacturer, blenders and food processors can be used to make sauces, soups, dips and spreads. However, a blender is better for soft and liquid ingredients while a food processor is better for chopping harder, thicker and drier ingredients.

Why You Should Trust Us

In order to find the best blenders on the market, our Product Testing Team brought 14 different blenders into our dedicated Testing Lab. They spent an estimated 75 collective hours on this test, including researching, sourcing, intaking and testing each appliance. Our team performed 10 tests on each blender and collected roughly 400 data points.

I have spent the last eight years in the e-commerce sphere evaluating products for consumers. During that time, I have personally researched, purchased and tested hundreds of products in order to find the best options for every lifestyle and budget. I strive to communicate all of my findings in an accurate and honest manner.

The post Blendtec Blender Review: A Must-Have for Smoothie Lovers appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Top-of-the-line picks—like the Baratza burr grinder—are understandably pricey. But the Cuisinart Supreme Grind coffee grinder is proof that making the perfect cup of coffee doesn’t have to break the bank. It was ranked our best budget burr grinder on our list of best coffee grinders. Here’s what you need to know about this powerful and affordable option.

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Cuisinart Supreme Grind

This Cuisinart grinder is affordable yet reliable for any at-home coffee enthusiast.

59.9517% OFF$49.99 at Amazon

$59.95 at Cuisinart

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What is the Cuisinart Supreme Grind?

The Cuisinart Supreme Grind machine is an automatic burr grinder that’s about 11 inches tall. While it’s a little boxy, it looks sleek and it’s more compact than other options on the market, which is ideal if you have less counter space. It’s available in several different neutral colors, like stainless steel and cream, although the color options only seem available on Amazon, not through Cuisinart’s website.

You can select whether you’re brewing between 4 and 18 cups of coffee, and the grinder automatically stops, so you always receive the right quantity of beans (no guesswork involved). You can select between 18 different levels of coarseness, from ultra-fine to extra-coarse, so you have flexibility about what kinds of coffee drinks you brew.

Weighing in at just over 5 pounds, the Cuisinart Supreme Grind has a stainless steel base, plastic trim and plastic containers. For us, it felt very representative of the solid-but-not-luxury quality you get from other Cuisinart products.

The hopper can hold up to 8 ounces, has 18 different settings, and has a grind size dial and sliding scale. It also comes with a scooper with a brush at the opposite end, as well as a user manual.

This is a burr grinder, which means it grinds your coffee beans between two burrs. This claims to result in a better, more consistent grind than a blade grinder.

Psst! Some of the other coffee grinders that won our approval? If you love a latte, we recommend the Breville coffee grinder as one of the best coffee grinders for espresso—just don’t forget a bag of the best espresso beans.

How We Tested the Cuisinart Coffee Grinder

We used the same testing process for all grinders, including the Cuisinart. We started by testing how well it handled different types of grinds. The entire top hopper piece rotates to determine the coarseness setting, making it pretty easy to use, even if you aren’t that familiar with coffee grinders. There’s a slide below that allows you to adjust how many cups of coffee to grind for. (If you prefer to have more control, here are the best manual coffee grinders we tested.)

It took about 7 seconds to grind 15 grams of beans to a fine coarseness, but while the beans looked consistent, they were coarser than we expected. It wasn’t that successful, and we wouldn’t recommend this grinder for someone who needs a finer grind for making espresso.

Both the medium and coarse grind took about 7 seconds for 15 grams and 19 grams, respectively, and the grind was pretty consistent. We wish there was an option to grind beans for just one cup, which would make it much easier to brew a single serving. For this test, we set the cup scale as low as possible (four cups).

That being said, there was no mess using the machine because of the lid on top, and we appreciated that it was relatively intuitive to use. It didn’t have a lot of bells and whistles like some of the more expensive coffee grinders, but it did what matters most: grinds your coffee. Based on all of our testing, this was a very solid option for those seeking a lower price, and reviewers praise the value and durability. If you want something even more affordable, our team is a big fan of the manual Hamilton Beach coffee grinder.

Of course, you need something to grind. Restock your coffee supply with some of our favorite coffee brands or the best organic coffee.

Pros

• Affordable and well-made
• Sizable hopper
• Good cord management and storage

Cons

• Grind is loud
• Instructions are lacking
• Finest grounds aren’t as fine as we’d hope, which doesn’t make it suitable for espresso

Final Verdict

While the Supreme Grind wasn’t the best overall burr coffee grinder we tried, this runner-up option is a solid investment that will greatly improve your morning routine. After all, nothing tastes better than a fresh cup of coffee. While we don’t recommend it for espresso, it’s still packed with smart, intuitive features at a modest price point.

Where to Buy the Cuisinart Supreme Grind

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Cuisinart Supreme Grind

Make your morning cup of coffee exceptional with fresh ground beans. The Cuisinart Supreme Grind gets the job done without breaking your budget.

59.9517% OFF$49.99 at Amazon

$59.95 at Cuisinart

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The Cuisinart Supreme Grind is available for $59.95 and includes an 18-month warranty. It’s also available from Amazon, Walmart and Williams-Sonoma.

FAQ

Does coffee taste better with a burr grinder?

Yes, coffee tastes better with a burr grinder because it ensures even particle size, which improves extraction and enhances the flavor and aroma of your brew.

How do you clean a Cuisinart coffee grinder?

You can remove the plastic hopper and grounds container and submerge them in water or put them in the dishwasher. The main machine can be wiped with a damp cloth.

What is the disadvantage of a burr grinder?

Burr grinders can be more expensive than blade grinders and require regular cleaning to maintain performance. Some lower-end models may also produce more static and noise.

What is the warranty on the Cuisinart Supreme Grind?

Cuisinart offers an 18-month limited warranty on the Supreme Grind, covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our expert Product Testing team evaluated multiple grinders based on different factors: the grinder’s noise during different grinding sessions, its countertop footprint and, of course, how well it grinds. That included how long it took to grind, its ability to handle different types of grinds and how easy it was to clean. We brewed a single cup of coffee with the grounds and the Hario pour-over, then tasted the coffee for bitterness and strength. We made espresso shots with grounds from the top performers.

I’ve written many product reviews and gift guides that look to connect consumers with the best products based on your preferences, needs, budget and lifestyle. I’m also a dedicated home coffee maker and, therefore, take the devices you need at home very seriously.

The post Cuisinart Coffee Grinder Review: Our Favorite Budget Option appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• 8 bacon strips
• 8 slices white bread, toasted
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced 1/2-in. thick
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 large lettuce leaves

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried red beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 to 8 cups hot cooked rice
• Hot pepper sauce
• Thinly sliced green onions

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 5 to 6 tablespoons ice water
• FILLING:
• 3 large eggs, beaten, divided
• 1-3/4 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 pounds frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
• 5 hard-boiled large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water

Ingredients

• 4 hoagie buns
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 slices American cheese
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
• 1-1/2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes, baked
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup 2% milk
• 2 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons minced chives
• 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Optional: Crumbled cooked bacon, sour cream, chives, paprika

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• ICING:
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa

Our expert product testing team helped us find the best blenders for your kitchen. And after 75 hours of research, they determined that the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender checks all the boxes and then some. Read on to learn why this blender earned the coveted best overall title.

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editor's pick

Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender

This Ninja blender features a powerful motor, three-tier blade and smart BlendSense technology to ensure perfectly smooth results.

179.9911% OFF$159.99 at Ninja

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179.9911% OFF$159.99 at Amazon

What is the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender?

The Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender is a corded blender equipped with a powerful 1800-watt motor, large capacity pitcher and smart BlendSense technology. This technology uses sensors to sense when both fresh and frozen ingredients have been added and automatically adjusts speed, time and pulsing for perfectly smooth results.

In addition to its quality construction and BlendSense technology, this blender has a removable three-tier blade that is easy to scrape clean and highly effective when it comes to crushing ice. “The three-tiered blade design seems to be the key behind Ninja’s stellar performance,” notes product tester Dylan Fischer.

How We Tested It

Our Product Testing Team tried 14 blenders ranging from budget-friendly options to splurge-worthy Vitamix blenders. The team spent roughly 75 hours in the Testing Lab looking at features, performance, ease of use and value to thoroughly evaluate each appliance. During their search for the best blender, our team:

• Tested 14 blenders and performed roughly 10 tests on each
• Collected 400 data points
• Spent an estimated 75 hours on this test, including researching, sourcing, intaking and testing the products

Smoothie

In the Testing Lab, our testers began by preparing an almond, kale and banana smoothie following the manual’s instructions regarding ingredient order and settings. They blended each smoothie for 90-120 seconds or according to the automated smoothie preset. Once they finished blending, they poured the smoothie through a colander to evaluate its consistency.

Once they added the ingredients to the Ninja blender, our testers used the BlendSense setting for 50 seconds. While they noted some rattling when it initially turned on, our testers were intrigued by the performance. “It was cool to watch the interface as it sensed and detected what to do next,” says Dylan.

When the smoothie was finished, our testers noted that the kale didn’t look fully incorporated. The drink wasn’t a uniform color and there were a couple of kale pieces floating on top. They also found a bean-sized chunk of banana and some shreds of date skin left in the strainer. “You wouldn’t be able to drink your smoothie through a straw without getting pieces clogged,” says Dylan. However, our team suspects user error may have been the culprit here. “We suspect the blender pitcher wasn’t filled enough, which could’ve been the cause of the poorer performance,” Dylan explains.

Ice

After the team finished their smoothie, they moved onto an ice crush test. The manual claims the blender can detect ice, so our testers filled the pitcher halfway with ice and once again used the BlendSense setting. This cycle took about 50 seconds, which our team thought was a bit long. “The ice was probably done after 15-20 seconds, but then it ran for an extra 20 seconds,” says Sheri. In spite of the long cycle, Sheri and Dylan were thrilled with the end result. “The ice looks really nice and consistent,” raves Sheri. “Like a sno-cone.” Our testers attributed this result to the three-tier blades which prevented the ice from getting too packed down toward the bottom of the pitcher.

Peanut Butter

For their final test, our team added four cups of peanuts to the blender in an attempt to make peanut butter. Once again, they used the BlendSense setting which ran for one minute and 30 seconds. Once the BlendSense cycle was finished, Sheri and Dylan manually blended the peanuts for an additional 45 seconds in order to ensure it was completely smooth. Not only were they successful in their endeavor to make creamy peanut butter, but they were particularly pleased to find that the peanut butter did not splatter up the sides of the pitcher.

Cleaning

Of the 14 blenders they tested, Sheri and Dylan determined that this model was the easiest to clean. Thanks to the removable blade, they didn’t struggle to clean the gunk that was trapped in the bottom of the blender. However, they did find that some peanut butter got stuck inside the blade column. They chalked this up to the fact that the blade was removed during the peanut butter test to scrape and added that it was pesky to clean. “We love the removable blades from both of the Ninjas,” raves Dylan. “They are safe and easy to clean.”

Pros

• Smart BlendSense setting
• Three-tiered removable blade
• Included single-serving pitchers
• Safety features including a release button on the lid
• 7-year warranty
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Large
• Not suitable for small yields

Where To Buy the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender

On Sale

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR TASTE OF HOME

editor's pick

Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender

This blender produced a delicious smoothie, perfectly smooth peanut butter and sno-cone-like ice in under two minutes.

179.9911% OFF$159.99 at Ninja

Shop on Walmart

179.9911% OFF$159.99 at Amazon

The Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender retails for $179.99 and is available directly on Ninja’s website. It’s also available at a number of other retailers including Walmart and Amazon. And if the price seems a bit steep, you’ll be happy to know that Ninja frequently offers discounts, meaning there’s a good chance you’ll be able to snag this appliance on sale.

FAQ

How do you use a Ninja blender?

Our expert product testers followed the instruction manual’s instructions regarding ingredient order and settings for each test. They used the appliance’s BlendSense setting which automatically adjusted the time and speed during each test. They finished the peanut butter by manually blending it for 45 seconds after the BlendSense cycle was complete.

Is the Ninja blender dishwasher safe?

According to the manufacturer’s instructions, accessories are top-rack dishwasher safe but should not be cleaned with a heated dry cycle. Ensure the blade assemblies are removed from their containers before placing in the dishwasher. Blade assemblies should be carefully washed by hand in warm soapy water using a dishwashing utensil. The motor base should be wiped down with a clean, damp cloth.

Why You Should Trust Us

At Taste Recipes, we rely on our Product Testing Team to perform a series of controlled tests for every single product they bring into our dedicated Testing Lab. The team has a combined decade of experience testing and evaluating products and has evaluated everything from coolers to food processors. Every product that makes it into our hands is put through a comprehensive testing process to ensure accurate, quality results. We then use those results to create detailed reviews that will help you make informed buying decisions. We will never recommend a product that doesn’t meet or exceed our expectations.

The post Ninja Blender Review: We Tested This Smart Blender and It Exceeded All of Our Expectations appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups large egg whites (about 10)
• 3/4 cup plus 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 3/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose baking flour (without xanthan gum)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• Whipped cream and mixed fresh berries, optional

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• FROSTING:
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Maple syrup

Ingredients

• CUPCAKES:
• 1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled
• 2 tablespoons baking cocoa
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons green food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• FROSTING:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• Sprinkles or edible decorations, optional

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups raisins
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 4 cups hot water
• 3/4 cup unblanched almonds
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup dry red wine or grape juice
• Matzo crackers, optional

Ingredients

• PANCAKES:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups 2% milk
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• TOPPINGS:
• 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons seedless strawberry jam
• Maple syrup

Ingredients

• 1-3/4 cups sugar, divided
• 2 to 3 drops food coloring
• 3/4 cup cold water, divided
• 2 packets unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Ingredients

• STOCK:
• 1 (4 pounds) whole chicken, neck and gizzards removed
• 1 medium sweet onion, quartered
• 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 celery ribs, cut into chunks
• 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled, crushed
• 8 cups cold water
• STEW:
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-in. chunks
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 bag (10 ounces) frozen corn (about 1-3/4 cups)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• Hot pepper sauce, for serving

Ingredients

• 1 package (15-1/4 ounces) vanilla cake mix
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 30 cake pop sticks
• 2 cups white candy coating disks
• Sprinkles, for topping

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup canola or olive oil
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Whipped cream and fresh mixed berries, for topping

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons marshmallow creme
• 2 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut
• Ice cubes
• 1/3 cup cream of coconut
• 4 ounces silver tequila
• 2 ounces lime juice
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar
• 1 ounce triple sec
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 4-in. cocktail skewers
• 2 Peeps rabbits

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, sliced 1-in. thick
• 1-1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary