KitchenAid KSB465OB 4-Speed Countertop Blender with 48-Ounce Polycarbonate Jar, Onyx Black

We like to buy things that last
So, after 30 years, we needed a new blender. Hmmm. My wife and I hadn't a clue where to start nor what was out there. On my first two internet searches all I found were the two extremes: small fractional Hp motors or the ridiculously priced $400 to $500 unit.

And yes, of course we want to crush ice - who doesn't? I have enough engineering background to know that a 0.2 to 0.5 Hp motor is NOT going to crush ice. Finally, we found the KitchenAid models! Some were 0.9 Hp, which is more like it. The pitcher (I call it) was a larger diameter and a little squat - perfect design for better blending, not to mention storage.

We decided that two speeds just wasn't enough, 3 speeds would be borderline and we certainly didn't want anything ridiculous like 10 or 15 speeds. (That's what they do when the motor is underpowered to do the job.) We settled on the KitchenAid KSB465Wh 4-speed with 48 ounce jar and 0.9 Hp motor. The weight wasn't given but the appearance gave...

A clear winner!
After doing more blender research than I care to admit to myself, I narrowed my search to three blenders. I selected this model after speaking to a most informed and helpful Kitchenaid customer service rep who answered my remainding questions one Saturday afternoon. Since, they staffed their customer serviced department on the weekends, I was already impressed. This blender replaced a just out-of-warranty Cuisinart blender which I loved, until it died a premature death, I can say without hestiattion this model is far better. Since I use our blender daily to make breakfast smoothies, some with ice, I thought my blender needs were simple. Quite to the contrary, I discovered. There is no middle ground when it comes to chopping ice and this blender does a superb and lighin' quick job. I add very frozen berries to the morning mix and this blender handles them beautifully. The performance, design, ease of operation and cleaning each have exceeded my expectations.

I love the KitchenAid blender but . . .
This review is for the KitchenAid KSB465RT 4-speed countertop blender with the 48-ounce polycarbonate jar in empire red.

Revised rating to say that this blender leaked underneath the jar. It lasted well but one day I "boiled" it over accidentally and that killed it. I did re-purchase a pink one because I really like this blender design. My newer one has not leaked. I do, however, keep one hand on the handle to keep it from moving at all, and another on the lid to hold it down firmly while running it. I still recommend this blender, but be prepared to return it immediately if it leaks underneath.

THE LID: The lid design is much better than the Oster beehive. The Oster used to toss food on the wall and down the sides of the jar sometimes, making a mess that was hard to reach to clean on the base. This lid has a deep flange so food doesn't escape the blender.

THE JAR: The KitchenAid jar is plastic. That means it's lightweight, and it won't break...

Click to Editorial Reviews