Was so used to my old blender with its pre-prorgammed push button controls and limited functions, I hardly ever used it. So, I was curious in selecting this KitchenAid K400 5 Speed Blender in exchange for an honest review. After three weeks of almost daily use this blender is an outstanding upgrade from my old blender. I never knew just what I could actually do with a blender until I had the opportunity to use and enjoy this baby. It is amazing. WooHoo!
As I removed this blender from its box I was immediately impressed by its build and design. First of all it has a 'commercial' look and feel to it. The whole unit weighs approximately twelve pounds. The majority of that weight (11.2 pounds) is the base unit.
* Base Unit – My unit is in Contour Silver. What I liked about this color is that it doesn't show any fingerprints. The rich silver color looks classy on my countertop too. I keep it on my countertop on a rollout caddy. When not in use I roll it back underneath my cabinets. On the bottom of the base unit is a raised, ridge gasket, approximately ¼ inch high surrounding the entire bottom of the base. Let me tell you that when I first loaded this pitcher with ice cubes to make crushed ice – this unit did not move a smidgen, walk, or, rock 'n roll like my old blender used to do. YooHoo! This is a solidly-built base for any blending applications. This K400 1.5 HP blender motor is rated at 1200 watts at 120V AC, 10 amps, and, will plug into any standard kitchen, 3-prong, grounding receptacle. The attached cord is 36 inches in length. What I think is super-unique is the Soft Start® Feature, which starts the motor at a slower speed. This slower speed of the blades pulls the food down into the whirling blades, then, immediately increases the motor speed to what I selected for my blending task. This K400 is powerful, and, has accomplished all the blending tasks I put it through. My Grand Kids love Iceys and Smoothies, so believe me this blender gets a workout.
* Blender Dial & Controls - To the RIGHT of the dial there is a Start/Stop Button illuminated by an LED ring when the unit is turned ON. After 10 minutes of no activity the illuminated LED ring will turn OFF. The blender goes into a 'Sleep-Mode'. Touching the Start/Stop Button again turns the unit back ON. There are 11 set points on the rotary dial. It is designed to move from Left to Right. The first setting is 'P' for pulse blending. The dial is spring-loaded for Pulse. I have to keep my hand on the dial at 'P' for whatever time duration I choose. This allows me to manually control the blenders vortex blades to visually see when I want to stop the blending process. As soon as I remove my hand the dial automatically returns to the next setting 'O'. The next settings go to the RIGHT from '1 to 5'. These variable speed blending cycles time out at three minutes. It takes practice using these various speeds to find the ones appropriate for the items being blended. I have yet to go over number '3' for my blending tasks. Of course, I can stop the blender at any time If I so choose. After variable speed '5' turning the dial further to the RIGHT are the three pre-programmed recipe Icons, Ice Crush, Icy Drink, and Smoothie. Ice Crush is a 30 second cycle; Icy Drink is also 30 seconds; and Smoothie times out at 45 seconds. The last (11th dial setting) is Self Clean. Self Clean has a 13 second cycle, and is does the job thoroughly (see pics).
* Blender Jar or Pitcher - The blender pitcher is made of a poly carbonate, BPA Free, plastic. It is lightweight and shatter resistant compared to glass. It has a capacity of 56 oz. On either side of the pitcher handle there are graduated marks indicating ounces on one side and milliliters on the other. The plastic pitcher handle has a rubberized hand grip for more convenient handling. The rubberized grip is also removable for cleaning if needed. Directly opposite the pitcher handle is the pour spout, which is sealed when the pitcher lid is placed on top. The plastic pitcher lid is gasketed so it seals when firmly placed in the pitcher top. In the center of the gasketed lid is a round removable cap for adding ingredients, or tamping contents down through this opening (Tamper is not furnished). The cap can be opened by turning it to the Left to unlock it, and to the Right to lock it. The pitcher has a groove in the front, which matches the base for correct seating into the base. The pitcher also has four distinct ribs on either side, which allows the blades to create a powerful vortex blending any tough ingredients I place in the pitcher to be blended. At the bottom of the pitcher are the four stainless steel blades, which have four different angles to power through the harder ingredients. Although I have only used the Self-Clean function of this blender the pitcher and cap can go into the dishwasher – top rack only.
* User-Friendly Blender – There is a simple learning curve operating this blender. It is very intuitive. I felt very comfortable using it after the first few times. I kept my included Instructional Manual close, but didn't need to look anything up after the first week.
* Summary – The KitchenAid K400 5 Speed Blender can do so much more then my old blender. I keep it on my countertop because we use it so much. Besides Iceys and Smoothies this blender makes great, fresh, vegetable soups for my wife and I (see pics). We love fresh veggies and this blender helps us to eat more healthier foods. It makes sumptuous salsa blends, dips, and sauces. I highly recommend this K400. It makes a great upgrade from an older model blender, wedding gift, anniversary, birthday, or just to a special family member or friend. Buy one, you won't be disappointed. For me it is a 'Must-Have' kitchen countertop blender.