What Are the Exact Specs of the ApplianceMaster Pro Bend 700 Chopper Blade?
The ApplianceMaster Pro Bend 700 chopper blade is the primary cutting tool in this household food processor, delivering reliable performance for chopping, mincing, and blending tasks. Manufactured by ApplianceMaster, this blade measures 4.5 inches (114 mm) in diameter, with a central hub diameter of 0.75 inches (19 mm) that fits securely onto the drive shaft. The blade thickness is 0.08 inches (2 mm), providing durability without excessive weight.
The blade material is forged 420-grade stainless steel, heat-treated to Rockwell hardness 52-54 HRC for edge retention and corrosion resistance. This steel, while not the highest-end, offers excellent toughness for home use, resisting chipping even when processing hard vegetables like carrots or nuts. The blade’s weight is 1.4 ounces (40 grams), contributing to balanced rotation at speeds up to 1,200 RPM under load.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Diameter | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Central Hub Diameter | 0.75 inches (19 mm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.08 inches (2 mm) |
| Material | Forged 420-grade stainless steel |
| Hardness | Rockwell 52-54 HRC |
| Weight | 1.4 ounces (40 grams) |
| Finish | Bright polished, non-reactive |
| Compatible Bowl Capacity | 1.5 to 2.5 quarts (see bowl specs) |
| RPM Under Load | 1,200 RPM max |
| Price (Replacement Part) | £12.99 / $16.99 |
The blade features a slightly curved profile (a “bend”) of 7 degrees from flat, which enhances slicing action during chopping. This design is often confused with the chopper disc, but the blade is intended for fine chopping, not slicing or shredding.
How Does the 420 Stainless Steel Compare to Other Blade Materials?
The ApplianceMaster Pro Bend 700 uses 420 stainless steel, a common choice for mid-range food processor blades. In comparison, high-end models often use 440C stainless steel (hardness 58-60 HRC) or even ceramic blades for extreme hardness. However, 420 steel offers a balance of corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, and cost: replacement blades cost approximately £12.99 or $16.99, versus £25-£40 for 440C equivalents.
420 stainless steel, when heat-treated to this hardness, provides adequate edge retention for about 6-12 months of typical home use before noticeable dulling. Sharpening is straightforward with a fine diamond rod or professional service. The non-reactive finish prevents metallic taste transfer, crucial when chopping acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus. For heavier tasks like kneading dough, refer to the dough kneading test for performance insights.
Users should note that the blade is not dishwasher-safe for high-heat cycles; hand washing with mild detergent is recommended to preserve the hardened edge and polished surface.
What Is the Blade Performance in Real-World Chopping Tasks?
In controlled tests, the ApplianceMaster Pro Bend 700 blade produced consistent 3-5 mm dice on onions and carrots when pulsed 8-10 times in a 1.5-quart bowl. For herbs like parsley, the blade created fine mince in 6-8 pulses, though some users report leaf-stem separation if over-processed. The blade handled raw almonds (soaked for 2 hours) for nut butter in 45 seconds at high speed, yielding a smooth paste with minimal heat generation.
Performance degrades slightly when the bowl is overloaded beyond 2.5 quarts (as detailed in bowl capacity), resulting in uneven cuts. For best results, fill the bowl no more than 80% full. The blade’s 7-degree bend aids in creating a vortex that pulls ingredients downward toward the cutting edges, reducing the need to scrape sides frequently.
Comparing to the chopper disc (see revised disc specs), the blade excels at fine chopping and emulsifying, while the disc is better for even slices. No blade is perfect; occasional stringy bits from celery or fibrous stems may occur with the Pro Bend 700, but this is typical.
How Does the Blade Fit Into the Pro Bend 700 System?
The chopper blade is designed specifically for the Pro Bend 700 series, with a central hub that aligns with a 0.75-inch hexagonal drive shaft. Installation is simple: place the blade over the shaft until it clicks into place, ensuring the blade is level. The blade is compatible with all bowl sizes (1.5 quart, 2 quart, and 2.5 quart) sold with the Pro Bend 700, though larger bowls reduce chopping consistency.
Proper seating is critical: if the blade is tilted or not fully engaged, the unit may vibrate and not spin, a common fix that involves reseating the blade or checking the drive shaft for debris. Alternatively, if the blade is damaged or bent beyond the factory 7-degree curve, it can cause a liquid leak around the seal, requiring replacement.
The blade’s weight (1.4 oz) is balanced to minimize vibration at speeds up to 1,200 RPM. Heavier aftermarket blades may cause excessive wear on the motor bearings, so always use genuine ApplianceMaster parts.
What Owners Say About the Chopper Blade
Online reviews from home cooks and professional users consistently highlight the blade’s sharpness out of the box and its ability to handle daily chopping tasks. Mary T. from Manchester notes: “After three months of daily use for soups and salsas, the blade is still sharp. I only hand wash it, and it looks new.” Similarly, James R. from Austin states: “Replaced the original blade for $16.99 after two years of heavy use. The new one cuts onions like glass.”
Common praise includes the blade’s ease of cleaning (smooth surfaces and lack of crevices) and consistent chop sizes. Criticisms, however, center on the blade’s edge retention for high-hardness tasks: several users report dulling after 6 months when making nut butters weekly. A small percentage (about 4% in user surveys) experienced chipping when processing frozen fruits, though ApplianceMaster warns against this in the manual.
Longevity is generally rated 4.2 out of 5 stars, with the blade lasting an average of 18-24 months before requiring replacement. Many users recommend buying a spare blade to have on hand, given the low cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this blade in other ApplianceMaster models?
No, the Pro Bend 700 chopper blade is specifically designed for the 0.75-inch hexagonal drive shaft of this series. It is not compatible with older ApplianceMaster 500 series or other brands.
How often should I replace the blade?
For typical home use (2-3 times per week), replace every 12-18 months to maintain optimal chopping performance. Heavy users (daily chopping) may need replacement every 6-9 months.
Is the blade dishwasher safe?
Hand washing is strongly recommended. High heat in dishwashers can soften the edge (temper the steel) and cause corrosion over time, reducing lifespan by up to 40%.
What should I do if the blade becomes dull?
Sharpen with a fine diamond rod (600-1000 grit) at a 20-degree angle along the cutting edge, using 5-10 light passes per side. Alternatively, professional sharpening services cost around £5-£8.
Does the blade contain any harmful materials like lead?
No, the 420 stainless steel is food-grade and meets UK and US safety standards (EU Regulation 1935/2004 and FDA 21 CFR 175.300). The blade is free from lead, cadmium, or BPA coatings.
Will the blade rust if I leave it wet?
420 stainless steel is stain-resistant but not rust-proof. Prolonged exposure to moisture (over 2 hours) can cause surface rust spots, which are removable with a mild abrasive cleaner. Always dry the blade immediately after washing.
