Electrical Safety Advice for Blenders/ Blenders Safety

Blenders usage and safety

Blenders are ideal for making soups, juices and smoothies and are a useful addition to the modern kitchen. But as with other electrical products, they pose a risk if used incorrectly.

There are several types of blenders. Countertop blenders are the most common with a motor base and a removable pitcher, while smaller personal blenders are great for single servings, smoothies and shakes.

Immersion blenders (generally sold as stick blenders or hand blenders) are convenient for quick cooking tasks such as pureeing soups or sauces.

High-powered blenders are becoming more popular in homes, as are bar blenders – specifically for mixing drinks and cocktails and often featuring ice crushing capabilities. We also now see more “bluicers” available, a combination of a blender and juicer.

Key points

Blenders must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug with a fuse.

Only clean your blender when it is unplugged.

Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks.

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.

Buying a blender

Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
You will find lots of online reviews of blenders but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Blenders offer a range of safety features, such as automatic shut-off, interlocking lids, overload protection, safety interlock switches, and non-slip feet. Several of these prevent the blender working if the lid is not properly secured or if the motor is overloaded.
Register your appliance so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a blender safely

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using and cleaning it.
Keep the blender away from the sink or any liquids that could spill on it and unplug it when not in use.
Wipe up anything that has spilled on or inside the blender. But only when it is unplugged and dry it thoroughly afterwards.
Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be cleaned by hand. And inspect the blades for signs of damage.
If you notice any odd smells, or any sparking or smoke, or if the blender trips circuit breakers or blows fuses during use, unplug it immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
If your blender is cracked or damaged in any way, stop using it and either contact the retailer and/or manufacturer or buy a new one.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your appliance with the manufacturer.
Check which parts are dishwasher-safe for washing.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Overfilling the blender beyond the max line.
Using cleaning products inside the blender.
Using the blender if you notice any damage or sparks.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

A blender's power consumption typically ranges from 300 to 1500 watts.

The wattage needed depends on the intended use; blenders with 300-600 watts are suitable for basic tasks like smoothies and purees, while those 800 watts and above are better for tougher ingredients like nuts and ice.

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

Check your appliances

Blenders