Our Gear Editors Say This Portable Blender Makes Smoothies in Seconds
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Cuisinart has almost always impressed and the brand keeps the bar set high with the EvolutionX. This cordless portable blender has a generous amount of attractive offerings, from a hushed running sound to the ability to handle pretty much every ingredient under the stars. Why does it stand at the summit of the portable blender heap? Because it delivers everything you'd want and more from a regular, kitchen-set device. Only this compact offering can travel anywhere you'd like.
Within the portable blender category, there's usually a letdown. One might make a great yogurt-based smoothie but fail to properly process ice. Another might puree perfectly but sound like an F-16 jet. Of the many offerings tested, the Cuisinart option was the only one we had trouble throwing any shade at. About the only complaint was the weight (a bit heavy), but within the context of all it does, we pretty much brushed that con off.
EvolutionX Cordless Blender
amazon.com
$78.49
So if you're looking for a portable blender to make mixing up protein shakes at the gym or even soups during a weekend camping trip, this one is worth a look.
Design and Features
The Cuisinart EvolutionX is a good looking product, make no mistake about it. While most portable blenders present like a strange water bottle or thermos, this one is contemporary and not something you feel like you have to hide in your gym bag. When it comes time to charge, the blender does so with pace and the 16-ounce capacity is pretty standard when it comes to volume.
Yet, because of the power at play, that standard volume feels like more. When you're breaking down ice, produce, frozen fruit, protein powder, and the like with ease, you're able to achieve a uniform liquid consistency and hold a bit more with no clumps in the way. The four-pronged blade cuts through it all and never jammed up. The LED display is actually useful and the 20 minutes you get of solid run time is consistent (credit to the lithium-ion battery), whether you're making smoothie number three or 300. And the sleek design makes it all the more portable.
The three lights up front indicate your battery life and the simple single black button is your power option. Keep in mind that it likely won't start until your container is good and locked on and you initiate things with a lengthier first push of the power button. Yes, some portable blenders offer different settings but we found them to mostly be more hype than useful. And once you master your touch with this model, you can blend lighter or heavier based on how long you hold the button down.
Effectiveness
It's easy to scoff at a claim like "cordless convenience meets full-size professional performance" but the blender walked the walk. In fact, for many tasks while at home or the office, we preferred the EvolutionX over plug-in blenders several times its size (and price). Whether it was a berry smoothie, whey protein shake, frozen cocktail, or test batch of gazpacho (we couldn't resist going savory), we found the EvolutionX to be highly effective.
The cup was solid enough in its own right that we would consider purchasing it on its own. Between the stately look and leak-free lid, not to mention that it's compatible with most cup holders, the container is a winner. That lid has a nice handle built in as well, which doubles as a great means of attaching to a bag or purse.
During testing, we jammed the thing full of all kinds of fruits and vegetables and the power won out. The stainless steel blades are set fairly low, making packing the thing to the gills all the easier. Not having to worry about any leakage is always a bonus too. We thought the power might throw the thing off its slip-free base but that was not the case. Moreover, the quiet running noise meant not having to worry about making an a.m. smoothie before the kids are awake or a salad dressing for a healthy late night snack.
Value
Admittedly, the price is a bit higher for the category but justified when all is said and done. Between the portability and power―both getting high marks―the price point is just fine. And while some reviews question the durability of the device, we encountered no such problems during testing. There's also something wildly convenient about not dealing with a cord. Not only can you bring the setup anywhere, but even in a kitchen environment (especially a tight one like in an apartment or camper van) it's so nice not to have to worry about proximity to an outlet.
How to Clean
Washability is a big deal with blenders as there are so many places bits and ends can hide. Small ingredients stake out hidden areas under blades and in seams of the vessel itself. However, the Cuisinart is a breeze to clean as it's dishwasher safe. You can break the pieces down and throw them all in your machine.
However, for best results, we suggest a hand wash. We find that that's easier on the motor as well as better for getting all the nooks and crannies. Drop a little dish soap in the travel lid and run the blender for 10-15 seconds. Repeat with water and then towel the thing off. Boom, a clean product.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the EvolutionX?
Definitely. Whether you're looking for a blender for your boat, campsite, or on-the-go lifestyle, or just want to use less space in your kitchen this is a fine option. To get 15,000 RPMs for this price makes it a winner, even if a bit heavy. No matter what you like to blend, the Cuisinart EvolutionX is there and fully prepared.
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