Black+Decker Crush Master 10-Speed Blender
The classic cheap blender. Does this $30 appliance still have a place in the modern kitchen?
The Old Reliable
Before the era of $500 high-performance super-blenders, there was the Black+Decker Crush Master. It is the quintessential cheap blender: a lightweight plastic base, a glass or plastic jar, and a row of 10 push buttons that all sound slightly different but mostly do the same thing.
Priced under $35, it is an impulse buy. It features a 550-watt peak motor and a 48-ounce jar. The design is utilitarian, focusing entirely on getting the basic job done without any smart features or touchscreens.
Setting Expectations
You cannot compare the Crush Master to a Vitamix. It will not make hot soup, and it will struggle mightily with raw kale. However, for making basic milkshakes, mixing pancake batter, or blending a simple banana and milk smoothie, it works perfectly fine.
- Pros: Incredibly cheap, lightweight, easy to use for basic tasks.
- Cons: Weak motor, struggles with ice and tough ingredients, loud and rattly operation, buttons are hard to clean.
- Best For: College students, occasional bakers, and anyone on an extreme budget.
The 4-point stainless steel blade is adequate, but the lack of a strong vortex means you will frequently need to stop the machine and use a spoon to push ingredients down. It is a blender that requires patience and liquid.
Final Verdict
The Black+Decker Crush Master is exactly what it costs. It won't change your culinary life, but if you only have $30 to spend, it will successfully mix your morning shake.