Blenders can be used to blend all sorts of tasty foods, including soups and smoothies. This makes them great assistants for when you are making your favorite recipes. But are blenders dangerous? Find out below.
Will A Blender Explode?
Blenders can explode, under the wrong circumstances. The most common reasons include:
- Overheating due to running the blender for too long.
- A lid not closed properly may lead to the glass or plastic jar to burst.
- Too much food or material placed inside can cause the jar to explode due to pressure.
- An electrical wiring failure in the blender could cause it to explode. The electrical motor could also break leading to a similar outcome.
- The blender spinning up too fast from a stopped position could cause it to burst.
Although there exits the risk that a blender may explode, it is not a common occurance with newer ones.
Will A Blender Catch On Fire?
Its possible a blender can catch fire, and this is especially so for older blenders, or those manufactured without proper quality controls or oversite for certain foreign components. Older blenders have also been used much more and will have lots of wear and tear.
Safety protections new blenders offer include:
- Over temperature control
- Over current control
- Auto off control
- Self-regulating heating elements
- Anti-tip mechanisms
If you purchase a new blender from a reputable brand, the chances of it catching on fire is minimal.
Can A Blender Electrocute You?
Yes, a blender can electrocute you. In fact, any electrical kitchen device can possibly electrocute the person using it. This can happen if a frayed wire is exposed or rests agains a metal peice that acts as a conductor. If the person using the blender touches this metal part, they can be shocked. However, since most blenders have plastic casings, this is not very likely.
Are Blenders Safe For Children?
In general, you should never put your fingers into the mixing blades of your smoothie blender. Children and adults alike have been injured trying to do this. It is somewhat difficult to safely inspect every part of a blender, including its blades, but it is very important to do so.
If your blender has automatic or robotic features, be especially careful where the blades are placed at all times.
Blender Burning Smell – What Causes it?
A blender burning smell can be caused by the type of foods you are blending. Drier foods, such as veggies may produce a burning smell due the cutting power of the blender. Basically, the friction between the blades and the food will produce heat that could lead to a burning smell.
Another cause could be that the blender has worn out components that are overheating or grinding. You could take the blender apart and inspect its internals to find out. If the blender makes a plastic or metallic smell, or there is visible smoke then this is not a good thing and the blender will need repair or replacement.
Older foot particles or bits near the base could cause a burning smell and this is caused by a blender that needs a good cleaning.
If you use your blender often and cram the ingredients in, you could be working it too hard. It may be better to get a handheld mini chopper for vegetables, ice, and meat. Blenders are safest to use for mixing liquids, shakes, and smoothies.
Are Blenders Dishwasher Safe?
Not all blenders are dishwasher safe. To be sure, check with the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before running it through the diswhasher. Most likely, you will have to wash your blender by hand with dishsoap. Just be sure to be careful when cleaning the jar and blades.
Recommended Diswasher Safe Blenders
Ninja NJ601AMZ Professional Blender with 1000-Watt Motor & 72 oz Dishwasher-Safe
Hamilton Beach 58148A Blender to Puree – Crush Ice – and Make Shakes and Smoothies – 40 Oz Glass Jar
What Can You Put In A Blender?
Blenders are ideal for mixing fluids and soft foods, such as cooked carrots. This is why blenders make great smoothie and shake machines. If you mix juices with vitamin powders or make protein shakes for post workouts, blenders are great for this.
Dangerous Things To Put In A Blender
Even though blenders are powerful and have sharp blades, there are certain foods you should never try to mix in a blender. If you do, this could put you and your kitchen in danger. This includes:
- Stiff vegetables that are not pre-cooked or heated
- High fiber goods such as un-cooked broccoli
- Frozen fruit
- Ice cubes or blocks
- Nuts
- Not enough liquid
- Too much liquid
- Bones
- Meat
- Utensils
- Sun dried fruit or vegetables
- Extremely hot food or liquids
Can You Be Injured Using A Blender?
Blenders can cause injuries, especially if they malfunction. NutriBullet blenders have faced lawsuits from customers after they were injured using them.
Injuries you can sustain from a blender include lacerations and burns if the blender’s capsule explodes due to too much pressure, or the machine’s blade breaks free.
Can A Person Be Burned Using A Blender?
A person can be burned using a blender if the base of it overheats and the user touches it. However, modern blenders have plastic casings that tend to stay cool.
Is It Easy To Be Cut Using A Blender?
Sticking your hands or fingers into a blender is a big no-no. Kids are especially at risk because they tend to touch things that interest them. As long as you keep your hands away from the inside of the container at all times, you can avoid being cut.
It might be a good idea to also unplug a blender to be sure that incase you accidentally press the “on” button while changing it out or fiddling with the contents with a utensil, it will not turn on and cut you.
Cleaning A Blender = Risk of Being Cut
Cleaning a blender puts you at risk of being cut, but you have to clean it as grime buildup can occur deep down at the bottom below the blades.
This is one reason many people choose handheld kitchen blender gadgets instead of ordinary blenders because they are easier to clean.
As long as a blender blade is sharp and exposed, a person can be cut. Atleast if it is not turned on, when you touch the blade it will not sever a finger.
Can Blender Blades Break?
Yes, they certainly can. However, it may take extensive use and very hard ingredients, such as ice to break them.
What Are Blender Blades Made Of?
Blender blades are usually made of stainless steel. There is often two or more blades connected by a central pillar. There is also a rubber ring or seal at the base that keeps the jar from leaking its contents. The blades are bent at an angle and are very sharp.
How Do You Ruin A Blender?
Have you ever wondered how do you ruin a blender? There are several ways:
- Running the blender until it overheats. This can also happen if it does not have enough ventilation such as placing it against a wall.
- Jamming too many ingredients into the blender causing it to seize.
- Not cleaning the blender can ruin the gasket or blades.
- Running the blender through the dishwasher too many times could ruin it.
- Trying to blend hard ingredients such as ice cubes.
Blenders are safe as long as they are used properly. However, since they have powerful motors and sharp blades, it is important to hande them carefully at all times.
