Stick Blender: OH... MY... GOD...!

[ChrisShepp]

Ever since I started making CP, I have been using a paint stirring attachment on a contractor-grade drill. I thought to myself, "Stick blender...? Please...! Ain't got nothin' on me! This attachment can mix a gallon of paint in 10 seconds flat!" :twisted: I thought the 45 minutes it took my mixtures to trace was normal; I mean, I was making pure Castile, right?

So this afternoon, I happened to be at the local Sprawlmart and they had a fairly high-quality SB on sale for $20. I said to myself, "Self... why not? It's only $20 bucks and you can see for yourself - once and for all - that your paint stirrer idea is far superior."

Ding Ding! Stick Blender, 1. ChrisShepp, 0. 7 MINUTES to a trace so thick, I could barely scent it and mold it in time. It really snuck up on me...!

To all the rest of you newbie soapmakers like myself who may be on the fence: BUY THE STICK BLENDER!!

 

[ChrissyB]

Yes a stick blender is a soapers best friend.

 

[Sunny]

lol! Awesome story! I'm glad you like your new stick blender!

 

[glenolam]

That's funny!

I was fortunate enough to find 2 $10 blenders at my local Ocean State Job Lot (sort of like Big Lots) - now I have a back up in case I burn mine out!

 

[Tacoma]

Ok Ok ok.....you don't have to rub it in...(getting off the fence and heading to the store to buy my stick blender...) Actually that fence was getting uncomfortable. :roll:

 

[soapsmurf]

Just wondering about the brands you guys have. I just saw one in a store today that has a really different (read: smaller) blade than mine. I'm wondering/guessing that it does make some difference. So what makes are we using out there?

 

[xyxoxy]

One of these days I'd love to know the science behind this... why a SB makes trace happen so much faster...

...

... donniej?

 

[soapsmurf]

One of these days I'd love to know the science behind this... why a SB makes trace happen so much faster...

...

... donniej?

The function of the sb is the emulsify, which is what makes it just about the perfect implement for mixing the oil with the lye for soapmaking.

 

[amiphant]

I just bought a SB last week and planning to try it on this Sunday

Sounds like the investment is worthy~~

 

[gouache]

yeah I love the stick blender too. the only down side is that you must be very careful not to splash the caustic soap on you. I have a bed experience on that. Nothing bed happened since I was fully covered with aprons gloves etc. but it scared the hell out of me!

 

[ChrisShepp]

The only down side is that you must be very careful not to splash the caustic soap on you.

The batch I tested it out on was a small 2 pounder in an 8 cup mixing cup/bowl. Even on the lowest speed setting, it was like "Whoa Nelly!" :shock: - I had to be very very careful not to either splash or create a mad whirlpool. I think I definitely ended up whipping a bunch of air into it, but it seems to not be an issue.

 

[glenolam]

My SB is really a no-name one - or it's some random brand.....nothing from Walmart or Target or an appliance store, that's for sure! So far it's done its job and I really can't complain.

The blade on mine is rather small, too, and the only problem I have is with cleaning the darn thing. Since it's "generic" it only comes apart from the motor and to clean it I have to use REALLY hot water and a bottle scrubber to get the soap that accumulated behind the blade and inside the "stick" part.

I haven't had a problem with splashing...I'm making 4lb batches in a huge chefmate bowl (I think 12 cup???). I'm just cautious when I mix towards the top of the soap and when I get close to the bottom (I've had the blender suck to the bottom of the bowl because I got too close).

 

[soapsmurf]

My SB is really a no-name one - or it's some random brand.....nothing from Walmart or Target or an appliance store, that's for sure! So far it's done its job and I really can't complain.

The blade on mine is rather small, too, and the only problem I have is with cleaning the darn thing. Since it's "generic" it only comes apart from the motor and to clean it I have to use REALLY hot water and a bottle scrubber to get the soap that accumulated behind the blade and inside the "stick" part.

I haven't had a problem with splashing...I'm making 4lb batches in a huge chefmate bowl (I think 12 cup???). I'm just cautious when I mix towards the top of the soap and when I get close to the bottom (I've had the blender suck to the bottom of the bowl because I got too close).

Have you tried sticking the sb (blade part) into hot-ish water and turning it on? It should help make cleaning easier.

 

[glenolam]

You know - that never even occurred to me! Thanks for the tip!

 

[FloridaSoaper]

Is it bad for the blender to "suck" to the bottom? I've had mine do this a couple of times. I have a cuisinart that I just LOVE! The motor is a 200W and the blade is smallish/mediumish...not sure compared to others but this is my estimate. I love that the bottom part detaches and I can just throw it in the dishwasher after a little rinsing - it's awesome!

 

[xyxoxy]

Is it bad for the blender to "suck" to the bottom?

Mine does the same thing...
I won't say it's "bad" but I try to avoid it by tipping the SB slightly and getting it close to the bottom of the pot without actually touching.

 

[madpiano]

mine is a no-name brand as well, and yes, it sucks itself to the bottom, I think all of them do. I can still slide it around the pot, while it is stuck to the bottom, so no big deal for me. I've had it for 2 years now, it cost me £5.00 and I think it can do with a replacement soon, as the plastic is getting a bit brittle and matt. But at that price I am not too fussed. I also got the small blade and cleaning it is easy:

Have a measuring jug, fill with hot water and dissolve a teaspoon of cheap laundry powder in it (cheap as chips biological is fine). After soaping run the blender in it for a minute or less and rinse, ready for the next batch ! If it doesn't work, use more laundry powder next time (the cheap ones sometimes contain a large amount of filler, so play until it gets it clean)