6 foods that can damage your blender

Blending has become a staple in many kitchens, but did you know that certain foods should never go into your blender? Using your blender with improper food items can cause damage to the blade and machinery, leading to a shorter lifespan for your appliance. To help you make the most of your blender while keeping it in top shape, SSP has compiled a list of six foods you should avoid blending.

Hot liquids or food

It may be tempting to pour piping hot ingredients into your blender for a smoother consistency, but it's a risky move. Not only can hot liquids burn your hands, but they can also damage your blender. A smart alternative is to allow your hot ingredients to cool down first before blending. Using an immersion blender or other suitable appliances might also be a better choice for hot foods.

Coffee beans

While it's possible to use a blender as a coffee grinder, it's not recommended. The coarse texture of coffee beans can gradually dull the blender's blades, rendering it less effective over time. Additionally, blenders are not designed to provide even grinding results for coffee beans due to their shape. It's advisable to invest in a proper coffee grinder for optimal results.

Ice

Blending ice in your blender may seem harmless, but it can pose risks to the appliance. Ice can damage the blender, dull its blades, and prevent proper crushing. However, if you're making smoothies or slushies with other ingredients, occasional ice use can be acceptable, as long as you don't overload the blender.

Dried fruit

Fresh or frozen fruits are ideal for blending, but dried fruits are a different story. When added to a sauce or marinade in a blender, the tough and leathery texture of dried fruit combined with its sticky interior can create havoc. It's best to exclude dried fruits from blender recipes to avoid potential damage and ensure a smooth texture.

Potatoes

Surprisingly, blending potatoes is not recommended. Due to the high starch content, blending cooked potatoes creates a gummy-like texture that is far from desirable. To achieve silky smooth mashed potatoes, traditional methods like using a ricer or masher are a better choice over a blender.

Almonds (and other nuts)

While it's true that homemade almond milk can be made in a blender, be cautious when using whole nuts in this appliance. Whole nuts can cause irreparable damage to the blender. If you need finely crushed nuts for various dishes, it's safer to coarsely chop them with a knife instead.