1. Ice cream
Making a milkshake from blended ice cream may sound appealing, but if you put it in the blender, the cold temperature of the ice cream can damage the motor and the thickness of the food will make the blending process more difficult.
2. Raw potatoes
Cooked potatoes have a delicious taste, but blending them raw can create a bitter taste and an unappetizing texture. So, if you want to make mashed potatoes, cook them first and blend them in the traditional way.
3. Hot liquids
Putting hot liquids in a blender is something that should never be done. The steam will create pressure during the blending process, causing the lid to pop off and potentially causing burns. Let them cool before putting them in the blender to ensure the safety and flavor of the food.
4. Spices
Spices like ginger, garlic, chili, lemongrass, etc., when put in a blender, will diminish the original flavor and can also damage the blender blades. So, when using spices, use a mortar and pestle or a dedicated spice grinder.
5. Rice
If you have heard of putting rice in a blender to sharpen the blades, stop right there. Although blending rice can help clean the blades, blending it too often will dull the blades over time. So, use a more suitable method like removing the blades and using a brush to clean them.
6. Leafy greens
Leafy greens are rich in fiber, so when blending them, make sure to use fresh and tender greens, and add filtered water to avoid overheating the blender or getting stuck remnants of greens that are difficult to clean.
7. Hard seeds and fruits with pits
Hard seeds and pits from fruits like plums or cherries can damage your blender blades. So, remove the pits from the fruits and crush the hard seeds before blending to avoid damaging the blender.
8. Overripe bananas
Overripe bananas when blended will stick to the blender and are difficult to remove and clean. If the bananas are overripe, freeze them first before blending to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
9. Carbonated beverages
Putting carbonated beverages in a blender will cause the mixture to fizz, and even worse, it can lead to explosions in the kitchen. So, avoid putting soda or carbonated drinks in a blender.
10. Nut butters
Although it’s possible to make nut butter with a blender, the continuous operation of the motor can cause overheating, leading to machine malfunctions or even fires.