I’ve by no means actually been a blender individual. Why would I be, when I’ve a meals processor and an immersion blender that may ably deal with my fundamental puree and emulsification wants? However the extra I considered it, the extra I spotted that perhaps I’ve by no means been a blender individual as a result of I by no means had a very good blender.
As a longtime recipe developer and tester who works from my house kitchen, I’ve to say there may be nothing like professional-strength instruments. They are surely tougher, higher, quicker, and stronger. The draw back to utilizing professional kitchen instruments, although, is that they’re normally so much greater too. They’re usually supposed to handle increased volumes than most house cooks will ever see, and settling for a extra compact equipment normally means a sacrifice in energy. Undoubtedly not the case right here—this pet packs a whopping 2.2 horsepower.
In testing the brand new Vitamix Ascent X2, I primarily wished to search out out if the much-lauded Vitamix is definitely worth the hype (and hefty price ticket). If I’m going to take a position $550 in a brand new equipment, I additionally need to be certain it’s value the actual property on my counter. My Breville Air Fryer Professional (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is giant, however I take advantage of it every single day, so it’s definitely worth the lack of counter house. The Vitamix doesn’t take up an enormous footprint, however it’s substantial—it weighs greater than 13 kilos, and its 17 inches in peak makes for a reasonably commanding presence within the kitchen. Luckily, it’s a lovely machine, particularly in midnight blue.
Hey, Good Lookin’
As talked about, she’s a handsome equipment, with a matte end on the physique and a shiny entrance panel with a programmable timer. There’s just a little platform for the tamper stand, however it’s type of flimsy. (The cup that holds the tamper is simple to take away for cleansing, however that makes it a bit wobbly.) A retractable wire could be a pleasant contact, however there’s a little house below the unit the place you possibly can wrap the wire when it’s not in use.
{Photograph}: Heather Arndt Anderson
Turning it on (there’s an on/off change on the underside along with energy and pulse switches on the entrance), I first observed how easily the knob turned whereas nonetheless being haptic sufficient to really feel prefer it’s “actual.” (I don’t want every thing to be analog, however it bugs me when shows and controls are fully digital, and people with impaired imaginative and prescient might agree.) The knob and switches are tactile and simple; the one knob has timed settings for cleansing, smoothies, soups, and frozen desserts on the left, and a clean variable velocity management on the proper. The digital time show is within the middle. Glossy and easy.
