The name passe-vite probably doesn’t mean much to many. Perhaps the term stirrer sieve is better known. A stirrer sieve is an old-fashioned kitchen appliance that can be used to crush soft foods (usually cooked). But that device has disappeared from most kitchens and has been replaced by a blender. In principle, a blender does a similar job as the stirrer sieve, but it is an electrical device that makes grinding food much easier and faster. A blender can also handle much more than just soft foods and some models are even capable of crushing ice cubes.
Precursors of stirrer sieve or passe-vite and Ruhrfix
As the predecessor of the blender, the stirrer sieve was once invented by the Belgian Victor Simon who acquired a patent on the device on February 4, 1928 and a new patent for an improved one on June 8, 1928. He called the stirring sieve passe-vite. Incidentally, a stirrer sieve should not be confused with a Ruhrfix. This device is especially capable of whipping cream or making mayonnaise, for example. The Ruhrfix is also suitable for mixing juices. Although both devices are precursors to the blender, they cannot handle ingredients in the way the blender can.
Parts of a blender
You can mix and purée with a blender, also known as a chopper. The lower part of the device consists of a compartment with a motor that can rotate at different speeds. A jug is placed above it, which is often made of glass, which is a strong material because ingredients can exert considerable pressure on the wall due to the centrifugal force. There is a lid on the jug to close it. The motor drives several sharp knives that are located at the bottom of the jug and grind the ingredients. In addition to solid ingredients such as fruit or vegetables, moisture is often also added such as fruit juice, milk, etc.
Alternative: hand blender also for pureeing and mixing
A kitchen appliance that has more or less the same properties as a blender is a hand blender. It is a smaller device with also a motor and sharp cutting blades that are located at the end of a kind of rod and put in a bowl, pan or container. The rotating blades can also purée or mix the ingredients.
Buying considerations for blender
- When purchasing a blender, you can pay attention to the technical data stated in the descriptions. For example, the power can be 300 watts, but with more powerful devices it can be 1200 watts. The purchase choice depends on what needs to be mashed or mixed with in the future. It is better to choose a higher wattage than if the device does not meet the requirements in practice.
- The shape and color are of course less important unless someone has a designer kitchen and also wants to keep the equipment in style.
- The mixing cup is removable in all cases, which also benefits the ease of use. The material of the mixing bowl will generally suffice unless a very cheap model is chosen that can only successfully perform lighter work.
- The content of the mixing bowl is also important if large portions are to be made. The content generally ranges from 0.4 to 2 liters.
- Not all models are suitable for crushing ice cubes. If that is the intention, it should be a point of attention when purchasing.
- The number of speeds of the motor is often 4.
Furthermore, descriptions also provide information about:
- Non-slip feet
- Lid with filling opening
- Mixing cup with pouring spout
- Dishwasher safe parts
Blenders are available in many brands with some top brands such as: Philips, Princess, Magimix and Tefal.