Back to Basics BPE3BRAUS Blender Express Plus 11-Piece Mixing System

It's funny, the different experiences people have with the same products. Now, this review is for the Blender Express, not the "Plus." The only difference is the attachments. My wife picked up a couple of these at Wally World after Christmas (2005). They were in a clearance cart for [...] each. I figured that they were probably pretty cheap and I'd have a backup after I burned the first one up. Well, a little over a year later, I'm still using the first one. I use it 3-4 times a week for smoothies and frozen coffee drinks. I have to say that I really abuse the little guy. My coffee drinks call for half of the mug to be filled with crushed ice.

It will make these drinks with a minimum of "crunchy" ice particles and they are quite enjoyable. I never expected it to last this long because, truthfully, from day one, I have been able to notice the "burned wire" odor coming from the unit as I continuosly overload the mug. Yet, it is still chugging along. Even at the full price, a year of this type of useage certainly makes it a good value. And, cleanup is extremely easy and the "make it and run" mug is really handy. Of course, for larger quantities, I fall back on the larger blender. If I ever do wear out both of these units, I would not hesitate to purchase another.

Product Features

•     11-piece mixing system with 350-watt motor base and 2 speeds, plus pulse
•     2 blade bases, 1 with quarto cross blades and 1 with dual flat blades
•     2 24-ounce plastic travel mugs; 12- and 18-ounce plastic blending containers
•     2 closable sipping lids; 2 drinking rims for comfortable sipping; recipes included
•     Measures approximately 6 by 5-1/2 by 13-1/5 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Technical data

• Power output: 350 watts
• Jar capacity: 12-, 18-, and 24-ounces
• Speed settings: 2
• Jar material: Plastic
• Body material: Chrome
• Manufacturer: Back to Basics
• Color: Chrome
• Timer: No
• Food processor attachments: Yes
• Display: No
• Pulse function: Yes
• Dishwasher safe: No
• Included recipes: Yes
• Height: Approximately 13-1/5 inches
• Length: Approximately 5-1/2 inches
• Depth: Approximately 6 inches
• Product: 1-year limited warranty
• Included accessories: 350-watt motor base, 2 blade bases, 2 24-ounce heavy-duty plastic travel mugs, 12-ounce and 18-ounce plastic blending containers, 2 leak-proof closable sipping lids, and 2 comfort-fit drinking rims

Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
Whether setting up house for the first time or looking to add versatility to an already busy kitchen, this 11-piece mixing system provides exceptional convenience. The set includes a powerful 350-watt motor base, one chopping blade base, one ice-crushing blade base, two 24-ounce heavy-duty plastic travel mugs, 12-ounce and 18-ounce plastic blending containers, two leak-proof closable sipping lids, and two comfort-fit drinking rims. With its small footprint, the compact unit takes up minimal space on the counter, yet it replaces a food processor, blender, and coffee grinder. Use it to grind fresh coffee beans or to make homemade salsa, salad dressings, milk shakes, and more. Simply add ingredients to one of the two blending containers, connect the container to the power base, and turn the dial from "low" to "high" speed or to the "pulse" setting to set the blades spinning. Even more, the containers feature durable see-through construction, which makes it easy to keep an eye on the consistency and to identify contents at a glance when stored in the refrigerator. A user manual with recipes comes included. Quick to assemble and easy to clean, the mixing system, with its sleek brushed-chrome exterior, measures approximately 6 by 5-1/2 by 13-1/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.