No retractable cord . But that's not really a disadvantage .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I purchased this blender after our smoothie blender decided to burn up. I'm not sad about that being that is was a cheap excuse for a smoothie maker. This Oster 14 speed blender is a dream compared.
I was lucky and found it marked down at a local Wal-Mart and paid $34.99 for this blender. So far, I am positive I am going to get my money's worth.
It came unassembled including the following:
One 5 cup Dishwasher-Safe glass Jar One leak-proof lid One feeder cap which also doubles as a 2 oz. measuring cup The base with motor Sealing ring Ice Crush Blade Jar bottom One User Manual
It was easy to place each piece together to get this blender up and running. I like the fact that the jar is glass and dishwasher safe. The plug is polarized, meaning it has one blade wider than the other. This particular model does not have cord storage but the cord is about 24" long, making it easy to place on the counter as well as pull away from the wall for use.
It has 14 speeds, including a high/low switch, which you can see in the picture I have posted. It's the very bottom button. This is something you can adjust while you are blending something. It makes whatever setting you are using higher or lower. I tried the difference of the two but don't see much use for it at all. You can also see in the picture all the other speeds and settings.
One of my favorite features about this blender is that there is an "Easy Clean" setting. I have put hot water in first and a squirt of liquid dish soap with this setting. It cleans the jar perfectly and then all I do is rinse with clean water. I also like the fact that the jar is glass and can be put in the freezer to keep frozen drinks and smoothies COLD. It has a 5 cup capacity which allows for an ample amount to be blended, if called for.
So far, we have used it to make excellent Margaritas (using Left_Coast_Kid's margarita recipe - but blended. A recipe I highly recommend). My son has made very good smoothies, using frozen banana chunks and frozen fresh strawberries. I blended up fresh tomatoes for a marinara sauce. The 2 oz measuring cup which is also the top of the blender makes for easy measuring when needed. It is also removable while blending for adding ingredients.
Ice was used for the Margaritas as well as the smoothies and blended perfectly leaving no chunks of ice, which can be annoying. I also blended a fresh tomato based salsa that had onions in it, down to a puree. I have put this into a sealed freezer bag and will use it later for home made enchiladas. The possibilities are endless!
* Just a follow-up: This evening my daughter used the pot of coffee that was made this afternoon. She filled the blender jar with ice, poured the coffee over it, added two packages of instant hot chocolate mix and about half a cup of French Vanilla creamer. She used the "blend" setting to get it going and then the "pulse" to finish it off. Starbucks: Watch out!
I read in the User Manual that it won't mash potatoes, whip egg whites, mix stiff dough or grind raw meat. But it does blend fruit and vegetables, cooked meat, fish and seafood as well as cheese. I haven't gone that far as I imagine the clean-up might be more involved with that.
I also like the Pulse button. This helps with letting the fruit or what ever you are blending to drop down and be blended. It's also handy when you want to lightly blend something because you have the control there.
It doesn't take up much counter space at all. It stands tall and thin at about 18" and the base of it is smaller than any blender I've had before. I am even considering leaving it there, on the counter, despite my small kitchen. It has a sharp design. The glass jar washes up clear and shiny making it a more attractive appliance to have on the counter.
I am very happy with this blender. I think the price was outstanding. I believe in the Oster name. I'm looking forward to experimenting with sauces and gravies. I would recommend this blender to anyone who wants a good, affordable, reliable blender.
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