Comments on: L’Equip 306700 Stick Blender

By: Giovanni

Giovanni — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:52:50 +0000

There are several advantages to a stick blender including ease of setup, use, and cleaning. Targeted blending of small batches such as whipped cream or blending a large pot of soup is extremely easy. Blending to a targeted consistency is far easier than with a standard blender or food processor because one doesn't have to blend in batches, each with a slightly different consistency. A stick blender does not require transferring the food to additional bowls or pans -- just insert right into the cooking pan. The storage requirement is small. Finally, a stick blender with many attachments designed specifically with the machine's power output in mind is wonderful and this l'Equip model does it all.

In fact, at 550 watts this blender is so powerful you have to be careful not to overdo it. With two settings ('On' and 'Turbo', each with its own dedicated button), you have plenty of control over the blended items and for its purpose, I personally do not think stick blenders with many different speeds would be a significant advantage. The design allows for quick changes between different attachments and once you get the hang of changing the angle and the depth to ensure evenness, you'll wonder how you ever lived without such a device. For an idea of the l'Equip's power, I can whip a cup of heavy cream in about 15 seconds or less (depending upon temperature).

One of the most impressive features of the l'Equip is its apparent quality (I've owned it for about 8 months). The housing is steel and rubber and is heavy, much like a drill and although I treat my tools well, I expect that this blender will easily withstand any standard wear and tear. The operation of the motor is very smooth, not loud and abrasive as if the rotation is uneven. This is a device that lives up to its professional moniker and I would recommend it to any restaurant kitchen. For my purposes, it is more than adequate and a real pleasure to own and use.

Highly recommended.

By: Nuren

Nuren — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:59:59 +0000

This stick blender is more powerful than the ordinary Cuisinart (400W vs. 100 or 200W). Numerous attachments allow for many different uses. HOWEVER, the attachment piece is made of plastic. Within 45 days, the plastic piece broke rendering the entire unit useless. I have since exchanged the item and just used it for the first time. Crossing my fingers that this lasts more than 45 days.

By: Cain

Cain — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:42:09 +0000

I had this blender less that two months, and I really enjoyed it for all this time, except now it started making loud noise, and the blade stopped rotating. I removed the attachment and saw that the gear connecting it to the motor part is completely disintegrated – it is made of cheap plastic. I don’t know why they paired plastic gears with 550-watt motor, it just calls for trouble. I did not use the blender every day, it was run about 10 or 15 times at most. I am returning it now. Too bad, because when it worked, it was really nice and powerful, and I will miss it.
Also, the funny thing is it has exactly the same blades as my old thunderstick blender had, and that one did die very fast, too.