The Back to Basics Blender Solution 5000 is a practical, affordable machine with several advanced features.

This unit comes with a brushed stainless-steel base with black trim, a 500/700-watt motor, a 6-cup (48-ounce) glass blender carafe with a choice of traditional or dispensing collars, a plastic lid with removable measuring cap and a stirring stick for use with thick mixtures. When fully assembled, the unit stands 15-3/4 inches tall, 7 inches wide and 7-1/2 inches deep.

We admired the versatility of this unit, and the fact that the manufacturer went to the trouble of providing two carafe collars and blade attachments. Each of the two attachments has its own unique characteristics. The basic collar has a four-point stainless-steel blade with two serrated edges (bent up) and two straight edges (bent down) for optimum performance with soups, salad dressings, batters and similar mixtures. The smoothie maker collar has a special four-planed blade that is extremely efficient churning icy-cold drinks, thick shakes or smoothies. It also has an attached spigot with an easy dispensing lever, which lets you release the blender's contents directly into a cup, glass or pitcher for serving.

Our tests turned out wonderfully smooth yogurt and fruit-based drinks, using the pulse setting with no stirring. Handy measurement markings on the blender jar give guidelines as to how much liquid and solid ingredients should be added. A helpful stir stick is included and is useful for moving solids toward the blade when working with extremely thick mixtures. For thinner mixtures, the whirlpool action of the blades provides ample mixing power. The motor's powerful pulse feature sends the contents flying around the carafe to thoroughly mix ingredients. The unit's three speeds -- Low, Med and High -- handled a full range of blending tasks. The motor gets progressively faster -- and louder -- with the higher settings, especially the pulse function, which operates at 700 watts of power.

The serrated blade of the basic base is ideal for preparing chunky homemade applesauce, pureed vegetables for soups, sauces and baby food, or herbed salad dressings. We noticed some foods clung to the jar, especially wet solids such as fruit pieces. We achieved the best results when we added liquids along with the solid ingredients. Also, the stir stick provided a handy way to keep the ingredients moving.

The glass blending jar/base weighs 4.75 pounds when empty and accommodates up to 6 cups of liquid ingredients. For chopping dry foods (e.g., cookie or cracker crumbs), you'll get the best results by processing smaller batches.

The Back to Basics Blender Solution 5000 is both powerful and stylish. Its double-duty interchangeable collar/blade attachments handle all manner of blending tasks.


Pros: 500-watt motor with 700-watt pulse power, 48-ounce glass blending jar, two bases: a basic blender base and a dispensing base, stirring rod
Cons: Certain solids may cling to inside of blender jar

Warranty
1 year, limited