Blenders typically use two main types of blades:
Wet Blades: These are the most common type of blades found in blenders. Wet blades are designed for blending liquids and soft or semi-soft ingredients. They have a sharp, multi-pronged design that creates a vortex inside the blender jar, pulling the ingredients down towards the blades for efficient blending. Wet blades are suitable for making smoothies, shakes, soups, sauces, and other liquid-based recipes.
Dry Blades: Some high-end blenders come with interchangeable blades, and among them are dry blades. Dry blades are specifically designed for grinding dry ingredients like grains, nuts, seeds, and coffee beans. They have a different shape than wet blades, often with a single blade or fewer prongs, and are optimized for pulverizing dry ingredients into a fine powder or meal.
In many modern blenders, the blades are made from stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion. The blade assembly is positioned at the bottom of the blender jar and is connected to the blender's motor through a shaft. When the motor is activated, it spins the blades at high speeds, creating the cutting and blending action necessary to process the ingredients.
When using a blender, it's essential to use the appropriate blade for the task at hand. Attempting to use wet blades for dry grinding or vice versa can result in suboptimal performance and potential damage to the blades or the blender. Some high-performance blenders come with blade systems that allow for easy switching between wet and dry blades, enhancing the versatility of the appliance.