bit-tech Shopping: Braun PowerMax Jug Blender, Model MX2050-WH

• Crush
• Other
• Puree

• Manual Controls
• Power Cord Storage
• Removable Ingredient Cap

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Months

Strengths: Solid jug, powerful blending capabilities, nice look

Weaknesses: Dial control rather than push buttons

Summary: A nice, solid, powerful blender. So far, I've used it to make smoothies and salad dressings, and I'm very happy with the results. The blender has no difficulty blending solidly frozen fruit and ice, and it does a nice job of thoroughly blending mixtures (the motor's strong enough to get a good vortex going while blending the ingredients). I'm accustomed to using a push-button blender, so the dial on this blender feels awkward and somewhat flimsy to me, but that doesn't affect the machine's capabilities. I like the results I get, and I didn't have to pay a lot to get them, so, overall, I'm very happy with this product.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Lots of power - able to mix ingredients without them getting stuck to the side of the jug

Weaknesses: Can throw contents up into the lid and all up the side of the jug when starting to blend, especially if ingredients are all liquid.

Summary: I like this blender. It has plenty of power to make smoothies (which is my main usage), even on the lowest setting. However, like most blenders, it can throw ingredients up inside the lid and up the side of the jug when starting up. I wish someone would design a blender that builds up to speed more gradually rather than going to full speed in an instant. Still, it is a nice unit, and I am pleased. Bought based on review I read in Consumer Reports - it was the top rated unit!

Rating: 10

Time with product: 14 Days

Strengths: Glass mixing decanter. Pulse mode clears the blades easily.

Weaknesses: So far I have not found any.

Summary: Very easy to use, instructions are very clear with good hints for easy operation. Like the fact that everything including the cutters are dishwasher safe. Purees things my old blender would choke on. I like the graphics on the control dial to help you select the correct speed for different foods. It beats looking in a manual for operating tips. I have recommended this to 2 of my friends as I am extremely pleased with this appliance.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: easy to load, pour, and clean. compact and easy to use. sufficient power.

Weaknesses: blade arem't sharp enough, don't blend as smoothly as my old blender of similar or even slighly lower price, still have lumps and bits of fruits (e.g. mango/papaya) left after blending.

Summary: overall okay. small and compact and easy to use for the price it offers. good power, but the blades arent sharp enough to make the full use of it. Could be better.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 35 Days

Strengths: This blender is a great value for your money. Produces uniformly smooth shakes, with no lumps of unblended powder or pieces of uncrushed ice. The blades circulate mixture quickly and thoroughly.

Weaknesses: The lid has a removable center part for adding items while blending. Even when this piece is fully closed and in place, there are openings at the edges which allow for leakage.

Summary: This blender pours perfectly and cleans beautifully. The lid is also well designed, sealing easily and snugly, with tiny rubber tips attached on three sides to facilitate a smooth release and opening. This blender packs a lot of power, puréeing in seconds and turning eggs and oil into mayonnaise in fewer than two minutes. Five speeds let you whip up everything from chunky salsa to velvety soups; there's also a pulse mode when you need an extra surge to add solids or give something one last stir. The blades are made of stainless steel, which makes them strong enough to crush ice. The safety system ensures operation in the locked position only.