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The first Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender was manufactured more than 15 years ago. It was Blendtec’s first home-use blender to have commercial power. The Blendtec commercial blender’s model inspired it, but the manufacturers fitted it with a simplified interface to ease home use. Since then, there have been more advanced models of the basic Blendtec Total blenders.
Blendtec’s Total Blender Classic is perfect for making a variety of delicious recipes conveniently and fast. You can also use the Total Blender to make smoothies, juices, baby food, protein shakes, dough, sauces, nut butter, and dressings.
This powerful blender has a 3 HP 1,560-watt motor and four-inch blade, which is more than enough for a home use blender. This review will look at all there is to know about the blender, as well as the pros and cons of owning one.
Quick Overview
Product Dimensions
- Assembled Product Weight: 7.28 pounds
- Assembled Product Dimensions (L * W * H): 7.0*8.0*15.5 inches.
Functionality
The blender’s power makes it a very versatile machine. You can use it to blend almost anything to the exact texture you’d like. You’ll have to select the setting that suits your needs from the six pre-programmed cycles on the control panel, and the blender starts to run. There is also a Pulse function.
The blender has a square-shaped jar that makes it easier for ingredients to get blended. You can use the Blendtec Total Blender to make smoothies, juices, soups, frozen yogurt, baby food, and ice cream. The blender is also capable of preparing cappuccinos, dressings, salsas, hummus, and nut butter. You can also use the blender for pureeing, dough making, mixing, and grinding.
If you select the wrong settings, the Total Blender would be unable to function, and the motor will shut down automatically. Also, if you overload the blender, the LCD screen will flash a warning.
RELATED: Check out our roundup of the 5 Of The Best Blenders For Crushing Ice And Frozen Foods.
Controls
The Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender has a simple control touchpad and a narrow LCD information center display. The display shows the necessary blending information such as speed or preset program you’ve selected, timer, error information.
The touch-pad has nine small flat buttons with useful icons which control ten incremental manual Speeds, six preset programs, and Pulse mode. You could use the speed modes to make ice cream, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, soups, syrups, Fondues, smoothies, whole juice, dressings, batters, and sauces.
Each pre-set program has variable speeds during its cycle. Pulse mode runs as long as you keep pressing the button. This feature is useful for chopping, whipping, and mincing.
Although the blender doesn’t have Start/Stop buttons, you can start the motor by selecting a function, and you can stop a pre-set or speed cycle by pressing another button.
Motor and Blade
Motor
The Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender comes with a sturdy base unit that houses a powerful direct-drive 13 amp, 120 Volts, and 1560-watt motor. The motor fits properly with the blade assembly through a durable drive socket.
The base unit exterior is manufactured from sturdy polycarbonate material, and it doesn’t let any liquids get into the motor. There is an On/Off switch at the back of the base and a venting system under the base. The Blendtec Total Classic has overheating and overloading systems that will cut off the power until the temperature cools down or you adjust contents that overload the blender and increase the motor’s longevity.
Blade
The Blendtec Total Classic Original doesn’t have a detachable blade assembly. Instead, it is fitted permanently into the jar. There are ball bearings permanently built in to lubricate the shock-absorbing mount permanently.
The unit comes with 3-inch and 2-prong wing-tip blades manufactured from cold-forged, hardened, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel. You can touch the blades and handle them safely. The blade shaft and drive socket coupling are made of metal, making the blade assembly very durable.
Container and Accessories
The Total Classic Blender is very easy to operate. After you fill the jar with your food, set it on the top base, and select any of the speeds or programs. Few parts can be assembled or disassembled, so it wouldn’t be difficult to handle. The blades are designed to fit into the container permanently.
When you want to wash the containers, you’ll only need to add some liquid soap to the container and press the pulse button for some time. However, stubborn ingredients could get stuck in the corners of the jar.
Care and Cleaning
Cleaning this blender is a very easy process. If you’re in a hurry and would rather not do the dishes, this blender is perfect because of its self-clean feature. All you have to do is pour in some water and some detergent, turn on the machine to run at high speed for a while, and then turn it off.
Be careful when you try to wipe the containers inside because the blades are super-sharp and could easily cut you.
Warranty and Replacements
An 8-year Limited Warranty covers the Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender unit with FourSide Jar. The Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender with WildSide + Jar (Certified Refurbished) has a 3-year limited warranty.
The warranty covers all parts of the blender throughout its validity. However, you will have to pay for return shipping if you send it to the manufacturer for repairs. Blendtec also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Set Inclusions
The Blendtec Total Original Classic Blender set includes:
- Motor base;
- FourSide jar for the latest models, and WideSide+ jar for the refurbished unit;
- Vented latching lid;
- Recipe book (for new models only);
- A User Manual.
RELATED: Looking for an alternative to the Blendtec Total Blender? Check out our review of the Vitamix 5300 blender.
Blendtec Total Blender: Pros and Cons
Pros
- It is cheaper than most high-end blenders on the market.
- It has ten speeds, six pre-set settings, and a pulse mode.
- Eight and Three-year warranty that covers all blender parts.
Cons
- The blender line is discontinued, and the manufacturers only sell reconditioned versions of the machine on their website.
- It is available only with a few retailers.
Blendtec Total Blender: FAQ
Blendtec Total Blender: Final Thoughts
The Blendtec Total Classic Blender is a perfect choice if you’re looking for an effective, durable, and versatile blender. It is capable of handling several cooking processes that you’ll normally need other gadgets for.
The unit is perfect for making smoothies, grinding coffee, and other activities. It has a longer warranty coverage than others. The Blendtec Total Classic Blender is one of the cheap high-end blenders that gives you value for your money.
