RIP Stick Blender

[fiamma]

I made a Raw Flourless Carob Cake yesterday using medjool dates and it pushed my trusty stick blender over the edge It got too hot to handle and I'm sure I saw smoke coming out of it It was making strange noises too... I'd switch it on again but I'm too scared *wuss*

At least it died in the line of duty for a worthy cause (the cake was delicious, it even won over a meat-eater )

So I've decided I'm gonna buy the mother of all food processors tomorrow. Anyone got any tips?
Any considerations?

Thanks guys

[flying plum]

i have a kenwood processor that was actually my gran's, from about 1985. it's still going, so i recommend their brand...expensive, i think, but they are hardwearing.

amanda

[Hemlock]

Tip: Don't eat dates, they are disgusting

[fiamma]

LoL, bit late for that

[cobweb]

Tip: Don't eat dates, they are disgusting

couldn't agree more
(sorry fiamma, not v.helpful)
if you have money to burn those vitamix things are meant to be good
i just use a £10 job from Tesco but i hardly even use that - i'd give it to you if lived nearby!

[emmapresley]

Mmmm..dates.

i agree with flying plum..i've had a kenwood since turning 21 years old and it's still the amazing beast it once was.

[flying plum]

i've always wanted one of those kitchenaid mixers. i have no idea if they make good cakes, but my goodness, talk about applicance porn...

meanwhile - UP KENWOOD. on my research, i realised it's british. but of course

amanda

[cobweb]

Mmmm..dates.

i agree with flying plum..i've had a kenwood since turning 21 years old and it's still the amazing beast it once was.

blimey if it's lasted that long they must be good

[bryzee86]

dammit, I could have given you a stick blender whilst you were here if it'd gone last week!

[emmapresley]

blimey if it's lasted that long they must be good

oi u cheeky wench

[ms.vegan]

Hi! just been reading this thread! well, I rate Kenwood also, have had mine for years, and it's made stacks of cakes, all shapes and sizes, but none with dates in...urg, gross lol! Mind, I hafta say, anything that's "branded", rather than ya cheap muck, aughta be alright! good luck pickin a decent one gal! Jennie. xx

[fiamma]

Thanks so much folks for all your input... and for the offer bryzee!!!

I am going shopping tomorrow morning so I shall let you all know, perhaps even post some appliance porn LoL

[piggy]

it helps to soak dates in a bit of (warm) water for a while before blending them

[fiamma]

Thanks piggy; the recipe did specifically say not to, otherwise the cake would have been too soggy. It was a great little blender and lasted me well, I guess its time had come

[piggy]

i've also noticed that my stickblender (well it's my flatmate's actually) starts to smell funny when i try to blend very dense stuff. it works great forliquids or stuff that is easily liquified, but i think one needs a proper food processor for stuff such as dates and other solids.
things that push my blender to the edge are chickpeas (if i don't add enough liquid) or blending cooked potatoes.

[fiamma]

You're right, definitely; I get that funny overheating smell too

Probably getting it to blend dates was asking just that little bit too much.

[Herbsman]

The smell is a mixture of ozone from the electric motor, plus warm hot metal, grease and plastic.

[vava]

I thought this was a new blender called a 'rip stick' - it should be - that is a cool name for a stick blender!

[Ruby Rose]

^ LOL! I so want a rip stick blender now!