How long does a blender last?

Answer 1

The handy machines have a varying life span, and it is heavily dependent on use. The machines usually have adequate motors, and though the electrics can be a problem, it is usually the blade drive that takes the hit. Either the hub on the base unit gets torn up or hub on the bottom of the canister is shredded. The user has a lot of control over wear here because if the canister is properly mated to the base prior to operation (upon each use), the probability of damage is minimal. There is one more weak point in the mechanism. It's that bushing in the bottom of the canister where the drive shaft goes through the removable base and is connected to the blades. It can seize on the shaft. Fortunately, the drive hub on the base or the blade assembly that is held on the bottom of the canister is usually a replacement part and can be purchased separately. Oh, and don't drop the glass canister. Those cost good money to replace; it takes a lot of value out of your purchase if you have to buy one. Machines of a more "robust" construction and costing a bit more are probably worth the few extra bucks to purchase them. The most economical tend to give the least service, as one might expect. It might be better if one a bit more "mid-range" in price could be picked up on sale. Try your local department stores and watch for discounted and demo merchandise. (It should come with a full warranty. If it doesn't, avoid it.) Also recall that eBay has everything "on sale" all the time. Just watch the shipping costs! Try a search for local sellers and inquire about local pick up even if they don't offer it. You'll be paying cash as incentive to the seller and getting a discount. You'll also be getting a sealed unit so you'll be able to send in the warranty card or register the unit online. Repair parts were mentioned. Some folks actually go to the trouble and inquire about parts before making a purchase. In a lot of department stores, the customer service people usually aren't going to be able to answer your questions about parts, but an owner's manual might be available (from a demo unit) for your scrutiny. They frequently have the information about the replacement blades or drive hubs. Certainly almost all machines can be investigated for the availability of repair parts simply by going onto the web. And almost all are have "1-800" support. It costs only a minute or two of your time to check it out. You asked about life. With moderate use, the machine can probably be expected to perform well for a couple or three years (or perhaps a bit more) before wear causes failure at one of the two drive hubs or in the drive shaft bushing. Then a brief interval until your new part arrives and you're back in business. All of these parts are user replaceable, and don't let anyone tell you they're not. It might be a bit tricky removing the lower drive hub, the one in the base, but that's how a tech would fix it if it hit the bench in the repair shop. DIY is the thing with a good blender. A last technical tip is that the drive hubs all screw off in the same direction they turn to drive the blade. (It wouldn't work out very well if they didn't....) Look at your unit's parts, think it through and you'll figure it out. All the best from this kitchen to yours. Bon appétit!