Early blenders were generally simple in style until about a decade ago, when the manufactures began to experiment with jar and blade designs.  Blenders are typically used to produce mixed drinks, such as smoothies and shakes. They are sometimes used in food preparation.  Blenders have a single blade assembly at the bottom of their mixing containers.  Portable immersion blenders have a removable blade affixed to their shafts, and end-users can use them with any food container.  

Food processors offer operators a quick and efficient method of cutting foods, usually produce items, by using interchangeable blades or discs to slice, shred, blend or grind products.  A “blixer” is a hybrid of a blender and a mixer, with the same design as a food processor, but such units run at speeds of up to 3,450 rpm, compared to a maximum speed of 425 to 1,725 rpm for regular food processors.  Typical applications include emulsifying or liquefying foods without aerating or foaming the product, leaving them suitable for making soups, sauces and purees.

Blenders have either one-, two-, or variable-speed configurations and motors ranging from ½ hp to 3 hp.  Food processors usually come with a basic set of slicing/cutting blades.  Many blenders now available come equipped with LCD controls and programmable settings to mix drinks.  Large-size drinks require large-size blender jars, while sauces prepared in the back of the house do best with smaller models.  Certain blender units, designed with coffee and smoothies shops in mind, have timers that allow staff to work with customers while drinks are mixed. 

Food Processor motors range from ½ hp to 1 hp because they run at lower speeds than blenders.  Blixers typically include see-through lids that allow for easy addition of ingredients.