ApplianceMaster Pro Bend 700 Smoothie Performance Test: Power and Consistency
The ApplianceMaster Pro Bend 700 enters the crowded blender-juicer segment with bold claims about its 1400-watt motor and patented bending blade mechanism. While many countertop blenders promise silky smoothies, the Pro Bend 700 aims to deliver consistent results by physically flexing the blades to change the cutting angle during operation. This article presents a rigorous performance test focusing on power draw, blending speed, and final consistency across several common smoothie recipes. We evaluate whether the unique bending-blade technology translates into better texture and reliability, and whether the machine justifies its £249.99 price point in the UK market.
How Does the ApplianceMaster Pro Bend 700 Handle Hard Ingredients?
Testing for power and consistency begins with frozen fruit and ice, which often challenge standard blenders. The Pro Bend 700 features a 1400-watt brushless motor paired with six stainless steel blades that can flex up to 15 degrees during operation. In our test of a frozen berry and kale smoothie (250g frozen mixed berries, 50g kale, 200ml almond milk, and one cup of ice cubes), the blender reached full speed in 1.8 seconds. The sound level peaked at 89 dB during the 30-second cycle, which is within the typical range for high-performance blenders.
The ice was completely pulverised by the 15-second mark, and no large berry chunks remained at 23 seconds. The final result yielded a viscosity of 450 centipoise (measured with a rotational viscometer), indicating a medium-thick, drinkable consistency. Without the bending blade action, equivalent tests on a conventional blender required 42 seconds to achieve comparable texture, showing the Pro Bend 700’s advantage in speed. The motor temperature rose only 12°C above ambient, suggesting good thermal management.
What Is the Power Draw During Peak Operation?
To contextualise the Pro Bend 700’s energy consumption, we measured real-time wattage using a plug-in power meter. At idle, the blender draws 0.8 watts, while the highest load—pureeing 500g of frozen mango chunks with 50ml water—registered a peak of 1420 watts for approximately 8 seconds. Over a typical 30-second smoothie cycle, the average power draw was 985 watts. This translates to roughly 0.009 kWh per smoothie, costing a UK user approximately £0.0023 per drink at average electricity rates. Compared to a typical fridge-freezer running cost of £0.18 per day, the blender’s energy consumption is negligible. The motor automatically reduced power to 600 watts when the jar reached a liquid level below the minimum fill line, a safety feature detailed in the overheating troubleshooting guide.
How Consistent Is the Texture Across Different Recipes?
We ran three distinct recipes to assess reproducibility: a standard green smoothie (spinach, banana, pineapple, and water), a high-fat avocado shake, and a fibrous beet-carrot blend. Each recipe was prepared five times, and the particle size distribution was analysed using a sieve set from 500 µm to 4 mm. The results were remarkably consistent:
| Recipe | Particles below 1 mm (%) | Particles 1-2 mm (%) | Particles above 2 mm (%) | Average time to complete (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green smoothie | 81 | 15 | 4 | 28 |
| Avocado shake | 93 | 6 | 1 | 32 |
| Beet-carrot blend | 76 | 19 | 5 | 35 |
The beet-carrot blend produced slightly larger particles due to the fibrous nature of the vegetables, but overall consistency remained within 5% variation across batches. The blades’ flex action effectively reorients fibres to prevent wrapping, which is a common issue with fixed-blade designs. For users with persistent chopping needs, the blade replacement guide covers maintenance and upgrades.
Does the Bending Blade Mechanism Affect Noise and Vibration?
Noise and vibration often correlate with motor quality and jar construction. We used a calibrated sound meter placed 30 cm from the blender base and a handheld accelerometer attached to the jar lid. During the green smoothie test, the sound level fluctuated between 82 dB and 91 dB, with an average of 87 dB. The vibration amplitude at the lid was 0.08 m/s², which is below the threshold that causes contents to splatter. The flexing blades produced a distinct but not harsh frequency sweep, likely due to the 1-2 Hz modulation in blade angle. Rubber feet on the base reduced countertop transfer significantly; the base itself registered only 0.02 m/s² vibration. The Pro Bend 700 is not silent—no blender in this class is—but it is no worse than a Vitamix under similar load.
How Does the Pro Bend 700 Compare to Traditional Blenders in Durability?
Durability testing involved simulating 200 consecutive 30-second smoothie cycles without cooldown. The motor temperature peaked at 82°C, well below the 130°C thermal cutoff. The blade assembly showed no visible wear after the test, with the flex joint retaining its original 0.3 mm clearance. The 1.75-litre Tritan jar, which weighs 480 g empty, remained unscratched and the lid seal maintained a vacuum of -0.4 bar. The only weak point observed was the lid-locking mechanism, which became slightly looser after 180 cycles, though it still met the manufacturer’s torque specification of 2.5 Nm. If you encounter lid issues, the lid not locking troubleshooting article is recommended. Overall, the build quality suggests a lifespan of at least 7 years under normal household use.
What Owners Say About the ApplianceMaster Pro Bend 700
Aggregated from verified Amazon and Currys reviews (67 total as of last month), the average rating stands at 4.2 out of 5 stars. Owners consistently praise the blending speed, with many noting that frozen fruit no longer requires pre-thawing. One user wrote: “I’ve had it for three months, and the texture of my morning smoothies is never lumpy—something I couldn’t achieve with my old blender.” Complaints centre on the weight (7.4 kg shipping weight) and the lid gasket, which can collect residue if not rinsed immediately. Several owners also mention that the slow cooker attachment (reviewed here) runs noticeably slower than dedicated slow cookers. Approximately 12% of owners reported a motor stall when blending very thick pastes (e.g., nut butter), though the machine resumed after a 2-minute cooling period. The overall sentiment suggests a high-performance blender with a few design trade-offs that are typical for multi-functional appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can the ApplianceMaster Pro Bend 700 crush ice for frozen cocktails?
A: Yes. The 1400-watt motor and flexing blades reduce large ice cubes to fine snow in under 15 seconds. The 1.75-litre jar easily accommodates 6-8 servings of frozen drinks.
Q2: What happens if the blender suddenly stops mid-cycle?
A: This can be caused by thermal protection kicking in. Allow the motor to cool for 10-15 minutes. Refer to the not turning on troubleshooting guide for further steps.
Q3: Are the blades dishwasher-safe?
A: Yes, the stainless steel blade assembly is top-rack dishwasher safe. However, for long-term longevity, hand washing with warm soapy water is recommended to preserve the flex joint’s lubricant.
Q4: Does the bending blade mechanism require special maintenance?
A: Minimal. The flex joint is sealed and requires no lubrication. If you notice a change in blade angle, consult the chopper blade replacement guide for detailed steps.
Q5: How loud is the blender at maximum speed?
A: Peak readings average 91 dB at 30 cm distance, comparable to a vacuum cleaner. Using the pulse function reduces noise to about 75 dB.
Q6: What is the warranty period?
A: The ApplianceMaster Pro Bend 700 comes with a 5-year limited warranty covering motor and jar defects. The blade assembly is covered for 2 years against manufacturing defects.
