bit-tech Shopping: KitchenAid KSB560MC 5-Speed Stand Blender

• Chop
• Crush
• Mince
• Puree

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Days

Strengths: Powerful motor, Dishwasher safe and made for dishwasher cleaning, Great at Crushing Ice

Weaknesses: Maybe a little noisy - but then it is a blender

Summary: This is a great blender! We use our blender daily for preparing beverages that usually require crushing ice. Several years ago we replaced an old Oster with a Cuisenart. Unfortunately the blade would break every few months, and the store would replace it at no charge, until in frustration we agreed to try a KitchenaAid (the KSB5 or its predecessor). That worked great for several years until we broke it (probably our fault) and we replaced it with the KSB560MC 5-Speed. The base is heavy and solid (awkward to lift with one hand). The pitcher itself is very lightweight. It is made of polycarbonate (which is plastic to me), but seems very strong. Our old blender was glass and much heavier. There is a rubberized material on the handle that gives it a good feel. I am a little skeptical about how the polycarbonate will hold up over time, but so far it looks great and I have to admit the material seems very strong and not brittle.The top is rubber fits really tightly, so much so that it is almost hard to put on. The upside is that you never have to worry that it might pop off when crushing ice, for instance.It has a dedicated ice crush mode, which works fantastically! The powerful motor really shines and crushes ice uniformly and almost instantly.Unlike our prior kitchenmaid blender's pitcher, which had a glass body that screwed into a plastic base with a removable blade and rubber washer (all of which we took apart for cleaning), the pitcher on this blender is one piece with the blade permanently part of the pitcher. That really simplifies dishwasher cleaning. No disassembly required; just plunk the whole pitcher upside-down in the dishwasher and you are set -- it comes out clean and ready to use.Between discounts and rebates we were able to get it for a reasonable price, as well.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Sturdy base, powerful motor, metal coupling!

Weaknesses: Unable to remove blades for cleaning is a minor gripe, and I actually prefer the glass jar.

Summary: Other then the fact that you cannot remove the blades for individualized cleaning, this thing gets four stars! I've been using KitchenAid blenders for the past ten years and this one is the best yet! The most noticeable improvement over their previous models being the metal coupling which won't wear away easy as the rubber model was. I use mine at least once a day every day for my workout shakes.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Weeks

Strengths: Power, Power, Power

Weaknesses: heavy

Summary: Just got this blender recently. It beats all the blenders I've every used. Definitely the ice crusher in my home is a thing of the past. This takes care of it. The cleaning is super easy. My first fruit smoothie was the best. KitchenAid quality continues. I noticed that critique in last year's model has already been taken care of on this model. Super blender.