An Honest Review of the BLACK+DECKER 10-Speed Blender: Kitchen Workhorse or Just Average?
I’ve been through my fair share of blenders over the years, and honestly, most have left me somewhat disappointed. So when I got my hands on the BLACK+DECKER 10-Speed Blender (BL2010BP), I was curious but not exactly holding my breath. After using it daily for everything from morning smoothies to evening margaritas for about three weeks now, I think I’ve got a pretty good handle on what this machine can (and can’t) do.
The first thing that strikes you about this blender is its classic, no-nonsense appearance. It’s not trying to be the Ferrari of blenders—more like a reliable sedan that gets you where you need to go. But does it deliver where it counts? Let’s dive in.
- LIGHTWEIGHT 6-CUP JAR: The plastic 6-cup (48-oz.) jar is easy to handle with a PerfectPour spout that eliminates drips and spills
- 4-POINT STAINESS STEEL BLADE: The multi-level stainless steel blade blends at multiple levels to improve efficiency and blending power; Voltage: 120V
- VERSATILE MEASURING LID: The clear lid insert doubles as a 1-ounce measuring cup, perfect for making iced mixed drinks
- DISHWASHER SAFE PARTS: Cleanup is a breeze with the dishwasher-safe pitcher, lid, and blade
- 10 SPEEDS WITH PULSE FUNCTION: Find the right consistency for everything you make with a full range of blending speeds and a pulse function
Sleek Yet Practical
The BLACK+DECKER blender has this classic look that somehow manages to feel both retro and modern at the same time. I particularly appreciate the sturdy 6-cup glass jar—so much better than plastic that scratches after a few uses. The jar has this thoughtful pour spout that, I have to say, actually works as advertised without dribbling smoothie down the side (a pet peeve of mine with other blenders).
The control panel is straightforward with push buttons rather than a dial, which I find gives better tactile feedback. The black and stainless steel design should blend in with most kitchen aesthetics, though it’s not exactly a showpiece appliance. At about 13 inches tall, it fits under most cabinets, which is something I didn’t think to check with my previous blender—a mistake I won’t make again!
Power Where It Counts
With 550 watts of power, this blender sits in the middle range—not a weakling, but not industrial strength either. For everyday use, I’ve found it handles most tasks reasonably well. The 10 speed settings plus pulse give enough versatility for different blending needs, though I tend to just use the highest setting most of the time (does anyone really use all those middle settings?).
The multi-level stainless steel blades do a decent job with most fruits and vegetables if they’re properly chopped first. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it handled frozen berries for my morning smoothie, though it did struggle a bit with larger frozen strawberries. Ice crushing works well enough for cocktails, but if you’re expecting snow-like crushed ice, you might be a bit disappointed.
One thing I’ve noticed is that you sometimes need to stop and stir if you’re making something thick like a dense smoothie bowl. The vortex doesn’t always pull everything down to the blades without some help. I guess that’s to be expected at this price point, though.
The Technical Rundown
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 550 Watts |
| Capacity | 48 oz (6 cup) Glass Jar |
| Speed Settings | 10 Speeds + Pulse |
| Blade Design | Multi-Level Stainless Steel |
| Special Features | PerfectPour™ Spout, Cord Storage |
| Dishwasher Safe Parts | Yes (Removable Parts) |
| Dimensions | 7.2 x 12.2 x 15.7 inches |
| Weight | 7.5 pounds |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durable glass jar doesn’t retain odors or stains
- Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup relatively easy
- Decent power for everyday blending tasks
- Effective pour spout minimizes drips
- Reasonable price point for the features
- Compact enough for standard countertops
Cons:
- Can struggle with tougher ingredients like large frozen fruits
- Sometimes needs manual intervention to blend thoroughly
- Louder than I’d prefer (though most blenders are noisy)
- Basic feature set compared to more premium models
- No preset programs for different recipes
What Users Are Saying
After browsing through customer reviews, I noticed some common themes. The BLACK+DECKER blender has a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars, which seems pretty accurate based on my experience.
One reviewer mentioned: “For the price, this blender exceeds expectations. It handles my daily protein shakes with ease and has enough power for most of my needs. The glass pitcher is a huge plus.”
Another customer had a more mixed experience: “Works well for basic blending but struggles with frozen fruit. I have to cut everything very small. Still, for the price point, I can’t complain too much.”
The sentiment generally points to this being a good value purchase that performs adequately for everyday tasks, with some limitations when pushed beyond basic blending.
Who Should Buy This Blender?
For Beginners: This is an excellent starter blender. If you’re just getting into smoothies or need something for occasional use, the BLACK+DECKER offers good value without overwhelming you with complicated features.
For Intermediate Users: You’ll likely find this blender adequate for most tasks, though you might occasionally wish for more power when working with tougher ingredients. It strikes a reasonable balance between performance and price.
For Advanced Users: If you’re making nut butters, thick smoothie bowls, or hot soups daily, you might want to invest in something with more power. This blender is capable but not designed for intense, frequent use with challenging ingredients.
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The BLACK+DECKER 10-Speed Blender offers solid performance at a reasonable price point. If you’re looking for a reliable everyday blender without breaking the bank, this might be just what your kitchen needs.
- LIGHTWEIGHT 6-CUP JAR: The plastic 6-cup (48-oz.) jar is easy to handle with a PerfectPour spout that eliminates drips and spills
- 4-POINT STAINESS STEEL BLADE: The multi-level stainless steel blade blends at multiple levels to improve efficiency and blending power; Voltage: 120V
- VERSATILE MEASURING LID: The clear lid insert doubles as a 1-ounce measuring cup, perfect for making iced mixed drinks
- DISHWASHER SAFE PARTS: Cleanup is a breeze with the dishwasher-safe pitcher, lid, and blade
- 10 SPEEDS WITH PULSE FUNCTION: Find the right consistency for everything you make with a full range of blending speeds and a pulse function