Last Updated on January 1, 2021 by
Are Glass Blenders Better Than Plastic? Some persons may ask if blenders made of glasses are better than the blenders made with plastic and what kind of jar is better for a blender?
Other questions could come up like, does the material the blender is made to affect the way your products will be blended?
I have heard people ask these questions severally and I have prepared this article to answer some of them.
First, let us look at some of the materials that blenders could be made of.
Blenders can either be made of either glass, plastic or metals.
People sometimes may want to overlook some things when buying a blender, such as the material that the jar of the blender is made of.
These materials have their benefits and limits. Having a knowledge of them will help you choose the blender to buy.
Are Glass Blenders Better Than Plastic?
In general, when considering the blenders to buy, you should go for glass blenders because they have better benefits than plastic blenders. Some of the benefits that glass blenders have over their plastic counterparts include the following;
Glass has much better health benefits than plastic blenders
Plastics are made with several petrochemicals. These petrochemicals could be toxic to the human body since they are known to contain toxic endocrine-disrupting substances (EDC).
These toxic substances are known as xenoestrogens and they can leach into the ingredients you are blending. When these ingredients are consumed, these chemicals get into the body and they are harmful.
Glass, on the other hand, does not contain these chemicals and there is no risk of contamination of your blend when you use glass blenders.
When compared on an investment level, glass is cheaper than plastic
It is true that in terms of cost of buying the blenders that plastic blenders, especially the low-grade plastics are cheaper than glasses, but viewing this from an angle, the glass blenders are more durable and can last longer than the plastic blenders.
With this, you do not have to keep replacing the blenders and when considered on a long term, actually saves you more cost than the plastic blenders. Glass is sturdy, and will definitely last much longer than plastic.
Glass blenders can be easily organized
Unlike the plastic blenders that may require much work to organize, glass blenders are very easy to organize. With the plastic blenders, you may find it very difficult to locate the matching lids but this does not happen with glass blenders.
Glass blenders are very easy to clean
Glass blenders are sturdy and hard. They are solid and so they are very easy to clean. You can simply clean them by just scrubbing with soap and water and then rinsing. Stains are not retained on glasses, so you do not have to go an extra mile when you are trying to clean glass blenders.
Glass blenders will not melt in a dishwasher
Plastic is known to melt at high temperatures. If a plastic container is put inside a dishwasher and washed at a temperature that is high, there is a possibility of the blender melting.
This is not the case with glass blenders as glass is not known to melt under high temperature.
Glass blenders do not stain with time
Plastic materials are capable of absorbing oils and spices, but glass blenders are sturdy and do not absorb stains and oils. This also makes it easier to wash glass blenders.
Because plastic containers absorb and retain odour, they are capable of transferring the odour to your next blend. This can affect the flavour of your ingredients but sich is not noticed with a glass blender.
Glass is beautiful and exciting to look at. Glass blenders always appear more classy than the plastic blenders.
Let’ get into the details with Plastic and Glass
PLASTIC
This material is used on most commercially used blenders. Plastic varies in quality. They may come in cheap or expensive models. When they come in cheap models, it means that lower end plastics are used.
These plastics are not as durable as the expensive ones because those expensive ones are made with high-grade plastics or copolyester and it has better durability, resistant to scratch and heat when they are compared to the low-grade plastics.
The advantages of plastics include
Plastics are light in weight.
They are inexpensive.
Plastics are resistant to being shattered, and they are not prone to breaking when they drop.
Some of the disadvantages of using plastics include;
Some of the plastics, like the low-grade plastics are not suitable for blending frozen materials. Some of them may shatter when used to blend frozen materials.
Plastics are easy to scratch and may absorb stains with time.
If they are not properly cleaned, plastics may tend to retain an odour after blending.
GLASS
Many high-grade blenders have jars that are made of glass. Although glasses shatter whenever they drop on the floor, they have more durability than some plastics (the low-grade plastics) and do not retain odour or scratch easily like plastics.
The advantages of glass include
Glasses do not retain odour. When they are washed after use, the odour completely goes off and will not be noticed during your next blend.
Glasses are transparent and they do no retain stains.
Glasses are not easily scratched
The disadvantages of glasses include;
Glasses are heavier when compared with plastics of the same size.
They are prone to be broken when they drop on the floor, unlike the plastics.
Glasses are costlier than plastics.
METAL
Most high-end blenders and mixers are made of metals especially stainless steel. Although this kind of blenders are rarely seen, especially outside a restaurant or big factory, they are very expensive when they are compared to the plastic containers and glass containers.
But due to this cost, you are sure that you are getting the most durable and high-quality blenders.
Some advantages of the metal blenders include
The metal blenders are very durable and cannot be broken when they are dropped on the floor.
They are stain resistant and they are not known for retaining odours.
Stainless steel blenders look proffesional.
Although these benefits exist, they also have their disadvantages such which include;
They are the costliest of all the three materials and they may dent if they are not handled properly.
Since the pitcher of metal blenders are not transparent, it could be difficult to achieve the consistency that you want when you are blending your ingredients.
Can be difficult to blend drinks to the proper consistency, since the pitcher is not transparent
Difference Between Plastic and Glass Blenders
| PLASTIC BLENDER | GLASS BLENDER |
| Plastic blenders are light in weight and can be easily used by children and the aged. | When they are compared to plastic blenders of the same size, they are heavier and may be difficult to be used by children and the old aged who may have issues carrying these blenders. |
| Plastic blenders are easily prone to being scratched | Glass blenders are not easily scratched |
| Plastic blenders can be easily stained and these stainless may be difficult to wash out | Glass blenders are not stained easily, and if they are, it is less diffiult to wash off unlike the plastic blenders. |
| Plastic blenders can absorb and retain the odor of your blend | Glass blenders do not absorb and retain odour |
| These blenders are relatively inexpensive | When compared to the plastic blenders, glass benders are expensive |
| Plastic blenders do not shatter when they are dropped on the floor | Glass blenders are prone to getying shattered when they are dropped. |
| Some plastics, especially the low grade plastics cannot blend frozen materials and ice since they may be destroyed in the process | Glass blenders are suitable for blending frozen products and do not shatter or get damaged in the process |
| With time, plastic blenders may begin to absorb stain | Glass blenders do not absorb stain |
Some people might say that the type of blender jar does not have any role to play in the performance or efficiency of your blender, but a blender which its jar has been scratched may not blend your ingredients effectively.
Moreover, if the blender is not smooth it may not be easy to clean as this may cause serious difficulty when you are cleaning it.
The plastic and glass blenders show great differences in terms of weight, durability, features, health, safety and ease of use.
Some people love the glass jar because it looks more beautiful and classy and does not discolour or scratch. On the other hand, some people may also prefer plastic blenders because of its lightweight and inexpensive qualities.
Review of Plastic and Glass Blenders
Vitamix 5200 Blender Professional-Grade Plastic Blender
This blender comes with variable speed control and you can adjust it’s speed easily to obtain several textures for your blend. When blending, you can turn the dial to any point.
This 64-ounce container is good for blending medium and large-sized batches of ingredients. The blender has a cooling fan and a thermal protection system.
The blades on this blender rotate with a speed that is fast to create friction heat. The friction heat can turn cold ingredients hot within 6 minutes.
The blades are made of hardened stainless steel and they are made in a way that they can handle hard ingredients. With this, you are sure of getting your desired texture of blend. It is easy to clean and can be self-cleaned.
Just add warm water and some drops of your dish soap and then allow the blades to.rotate within 30 to 60 seconds.
The size and shape of this blender are good for blending everything ranging from a simple smoothie to large soups for family.
This blender comes with a specially designed tamper that helps you blend thick and stubborn blends without stopping the machine in order to scrape the sides.
The angles are designed to fold ingredients back into the blades to enhance the blending and to make it faster and smoother. Ir has a thermal sensor that is designed to shut the unit off when the blender is overheating.
Once you notice this, all you have to is to turn off the power for about 45 minutes allowing the blender to cool. It comes in black colour, has a dimension of 8.75 inches by 7.25 inches by 20.5 inches and weighs 10.56 pounds.
NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Plastic Blender
This blender comes with three precision speeds and a pulse function. With a power of 1200 watts, you can make several smoothies, soups, sauces and all. This blender will ensure that your nutrition is taken to the next level and that your blends come out smooth and in your desired texture.
The features of this blender include
A 1200 watt of power that is sufficient for blending even the toughest substance such as ice and frozen fruits.
It has a 64oz blender with lid and a vented cap.
One 32oz cup and a 24oz cup.
There is an easy twist extractor blade too. This extractor blade is made of stainless steel that is powerful and designed with cyclonic action.
The cups are BPA free and made of high-performance plastics.
When you buy this blender, you get alongside with it a recipe book.
It is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. You can also wash the extractor blades with soap and water.
This blender comes in a dimension of 15.8 inches by 15.5 inches by 9 inches and weighs 11.62 pounds. With this product, you have the opportunity to enjoy a one year warranty
KitchenAid KSB4027VB K400 Countertop Glass Blender
This bender has asymmetric blades that are designed in a unique way. The blades blend at four different angles and pull contents into the blade. It has a 1.5 peak horsepower motor and the blades are powerful to cut through the toughest materials.
This blender has three preset recipe programs which include the ice crush, icy drinks and smoothie and five variable speed dial.
With the soft-start feature, the motor starts at a slower speed. When this is done, it then increases the speed quickly to prevent your ingredients from scattering.
The Intelli speed motor control maintains the speed in order to blend your ingredients properly.
Intelli-speed motor control senses contents and maintains the optimal speed to power through all ingredients
This blender is easy to clean and use and has a high blending power.
It comes in a blue velvet colour, with a dimension of 9.02 inches by 7.59 inches by 15.8 inches and weighs 14.67 pounds
Instant Ace Plus 10-in-1 Smoothie and Soup Glass Blender
If you are looking for a glass blender that has variable functions, then you should try this Instant Ace blender. With its 10 in 1 touch buttons, you can make several things from smoothies to hot soups, sauces and more.
This blender has a speed of 26,500 rotation per minute and can crush through the toughest substances.
It has a high blending power, is easy to use and clean.
With this blender, you can toggle between different settings for your cooking and preparations. With the temperature display, you can view the temperature of your cooking.
Its high-speed blending makes it easy to make smooth and creamy blends.
The features of this blender include;
A microprocessor and eight customizable programs that are responsible for providing perfect results.
54oz/1.6L pitcher that is made of high-quality tempered glass.
A heating element.
Eight hard stainless steel blades for crushing your ingredients.
Black touch screen display and 19 touch controls.
This blender as well offers you the opportunity to customize your cooking time and temperature. With this, you can have full control over your cooking.
It has a dimension of 9.2 inches by 9.2 inches by 17 inches and weighs 16.02 pounds.
How to Clean a Blender
It is okay to have a blender, but then you should know how to clean them thoroughly. Cleaning and maintaining your blender is necessary to improve its durability and prevent the blender from looking old and dirty. Cleaning your blender involves three crucial steps.
The first is cleaning the blender jar, then followed by the base and then the blades.
Cleaning your blender jar
Cleaning your blender jar involves some simple steps. There are some DIY processes that I have explained here that you can use to wash stains off your blender jar. The processes include.
You can fill the blender jar halfway with warm water. After this, add a few drops of your dish soap and then blend thoroughly until the jar is clean. After doing this, you can pour out the liquid and then rinse it thoroughly until it is clean.
You have to.ensure that the lid is closed when you are doing this. This is to prevent soapy water from splattering everywhere.
You can use lemon to remove the stains from the blender jar. You do this by filling the blender jar halfway with warm water and then adding a few drops of your dish soap.
After this, add half a lemon that is coarsely chopped. You can then blend for some minutes. This will remove any stain on the blender jar and leave it looking clean and fresh.
You can also use vinegar to this. Instead of the lemon, you add a few drops of white vinegar. Although the smell may not be as pleasant as the lemon this will also do the trick and leave your blender jar looking nice and fresh.
You can scrub the stubborn stains using a sponge or brush. You add water into the jar and then few drops of your dish soap and then use your scrubbing material to scrub the stains out.
The material you should use, be it a rough sponge or soft brush should depend on the type of stain present, but be careful not to scratch and damage the blender jar.
You can also soak your blender overnight. You can soak it in a mixture of baking soda, vinegar and dish soap. You can outpour in a cup of white vinegar into the blender jar and then add some drops of your dish soap and then half cup of baking soda.
Mix it, blend the mixture and then allow it to soak overnight and then rinse until the jar is clean. If after rinsing and it still smells like vinegar or baking soda, then you can blend again with warm water and dish soap and then rinse thoroughly until it is clean.
After washing, then leave the blender jar to air dry. You can turn it upside down on a drying rack and leave it to dry. This is because a moisture-filled interior can cause condensation and may lead to the growth of microorganisms.
Cleaning the base of the blender
After cleaning the jar, the next thing is to clean the base of the blender.
There are several ways to clean the base of a blender.
You can wipe down the base of the blender. Simply soak a towel or sponge in warm soapy water and then use it to rub over the base of the blender.
You clean any place there is a stain thoroughly with the sponge. Note this: Do not wash the base. The base is the area that contains the electronic motor and control systems of the blender.
When exposed to moisture, they may become damaged and since they are resistant to water, it is better to clean the base carefully.
You should also clean the base of the drier before the liquids that spilt on them dries off. This will make it easier to clean them some materials may turn sticky when they dry and may be difficult to clean off.
Cleaning the blades of the blender
You can remove the blades and clean them separately. After washing the blender jar and your blades are still dirty, then you can clean them separately.
To do this, remove the blender from its base and then remove the blades by unscrewing them through the bottom of the jar. You can scrub the blades with a brush or sponge carefully to remove the dirt.
After this, dry them properly and replace them again.
