The Counterforms 2-In-1 Appliance with Oster Fusion Technology BVLB07-L handles the functions of two machines. It mixes liquids like a blender while also performing many common food-processor tasks, such as chopping and pureeing fruits and vegetables.

The BVLB07-L consists of a sturdy base containing a 600-watt motor, a stainless-steel 6-point Star Blade, a large 48-ounce (6-cup) glass blending jar, and a lid with food chute. When fully assembled, it stands 15-1/2-inches tall and has a 7x9-inch oval footprint. The front control panel contains nine push-button switches that provide a full range of blending and processing options. Two preprogrammed settings (Frozen Drink and Food Chop) run specially timed cycles. The remaining buttons (On/Off, Low, Medium, High, Low Pulse and High Pulse) offer more traditional blending options, and a Stop button performs as you might expect.

As a blender, the BVLB07-L is superb, and the broad selection of regular and pulse speeds gives you excellent control over the jar's contents. We especially liked the reversing action of the blade when the preprogrammed settings were used, and the relatively quiet motor was a welcome bonus.

We were impressed with the BVLB07-L's ability to make frozen drinks and smoothies quickly and effortlessly. We simply added the ingredients to the blender jar, affixed the lid and pressed the On/Off button, followed by the Frozen Drinks button. The motor started slowly and reversed several times before settling into a pretimed pulsing routine that left the mixture smooth and free of large ice particles. The Food Chop option functioned in a similar manner and proved ideal for making chunky salsas or pureeing vegetables for soups and sauces. With both preprogrammed functions, the motor stops automatically when the program has finished. Frozen Drinks takes about 30 seconds, while Food Chop takes about 1 minute.

The large food-chute opening in the lid lets you add ingredients while the motor is running. Other innovative features include backlit control buttons, Oster's sleek Luminart finish that hides fingerprints and smudges, an all-metal drive system for durability and automatic shutoff if the blender is not used for several minutes.

The many exceptional features of the Oster Counterforms BVLBO7-L make it a worthwhile investment.


Pros: Effective 600-watt motor, preprogrammed function buttons, Luminart finish resists smudges, food chute
Cons: Glass jar is heavy when full

Warranty
1 year, limited