If you have wondered, why are blenders plastic, or are plastic or glass blenders better? We are here to help.
In this article, we will look at:
- Why are blenders made of plastic?
- Are plastic or glass blenders better?
- What type of plastic is used in blenders?
- Are plastic blenders bad?
- Are plastic blenders heat resistant?
Let’s dive right in.
So why are blenders made of plastic?
There are several reasons why plastic blenders now dominate the top end of the market. Blenders are made of plastic because plastic outperforms glass, is lighter, and makes blender use available to a broader portion of the public.
Today, people use blenders for more than making Margaritas. With healthier lifestyles becoming the norm and the advent of the whole foods movement, blenders are now asked to blend, crush, puree, and liquify a wide variety of food materials ranging from shelled nuts to tender greens.
Because the performance demands have increased, blenders have to be more powerful and operate at higher speeds than ever before. The simple truth is that modern plastics can handle the stresses created by today’s blenders and the way people use them. Glass pitchers to match their performance would have to be prohibitively bulky.
This brings up another advantage that plastic blender pitchers have over glass. They are much lighter. If you ever handled an older blender full of liquid, you know they can be a handful and would be near impossible for people with arthritis or the elderly to manage. Lite plastic blender jugs eliminate these issues and make the many benefits a modern blender can bring to your kitchen available to almost everyone.
One other significant advantage is plastic doesn’t shatter when it hits the floor. This is a plus in any setting, from commercial establishments to homes with children or the elderly.
Are plastic or glass blenders better?
Whether glass or plastic blenders are better depends on your priorities. If you want the best quality blender available, you will pretty well be limited to plastic. The advantage that glass still provides over modern plastic is that many still think of glass as higher quality, and it offers a classic look and feel.
If décor and perception are your deciding factors, then the glass is for you. If you are looking for performance, power, and durability, then plastic blenders win, hands down.
What type of plastic is used in blenders?
Blenders at the lower end of the quality scale may use polycarbonate plastic pitchers. Polycarbonates are a group of thermoplastics commercially used since 1958 and still widely utilized today. Though polycarbonates are ‘generally regarded as safe for food applications’ by the U.S. government, some do contain bisphenol A (BPA), which has been tied to various health risks.
High-quality blenders use copolyester, glass polymers, or similar modern materials. Copolyester and glass polymers both offer excellent:
- Chemical resistance.
- Impact resistance.
- Scratch resistance.
- Clarity.
- Heat tolerance.
- High load-bearing capability.
Best of all, they are BPA-free materials that have not been found to present any health risks.
Are plastic blenders bad?
Plastic blenders are not bad. In fact, plastic blenders are some of the best on the market, provided you choose wisely.
Only buy recognized name brands with sterling reputations for quality and reliability. Knock-offs may save you a few pennies but could also put your health at risk.
Companies like Vitamix, BlendTec, Nutribullet, Ninja Kitchen, KitchenAid have spent years building their brands and would not risk them easily.
The main thing to remember when looking for a plastic blender is to make sure you buy a model made with BPA-free plastics.
Are plastic blenders heat resistant?
Yes, plastic blenders, using modern materials, are heat resistant.
The copolyesters and similar plastics used in quality blenders have a working temperature range of 266 to 338 degrees Fahrenheit (130-170°C). This temperature range is well above any needs that most individuals would ever have.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
