The RAW-view:

Oster 14-Speed Blender w/Food Processor

Reviewed on:	2009-06-20
Manufacturer:	Oster
Where I found it:	Target, Super Target

I bought this blender because I wasn't sure how powerful a blender should be in order to process raw foods.  I was also unaware that most blenders used by raw foodists are extremely powerful, industrial-strength blenders. 

As I moved through the Super Target, taking in all of the various blenders, I saw this black Oster at the end of the line, right before an expensive-looking chrome version.  After reading the speed variations, I saw that this one had a pretty high speed at 14, plus a food processor. 

To me, that had to be the "monster" in the pack.  I figured, if they stand by it enough to sell it with a food processor, then it must be fairly decent.  At $64.99, I couldn't argue.

What I like about it:

• It's not as loud as some blenders, and it does a decent job when you have the right consistency.
• The motor doesn't wear out or become overheated with the right consistency
• Sleek design, easy to handle
• Glass jar, nice lid, easy to assemble/disassemble and wash
• Pours great, stores well

What I didn't like about it:

• Notice that all of the previous items are mainly dependent on the consistency of your mixture.  This is where I'm hung up.  Many raw recipes use thick vegetables like squash, pumpkin and avocado.  If you try to use these in the blender, you'd better double your liquid mixture such as broth, coconut water or distilled water becuase it's going to need it just to process effectively.
• The ice crush feature works, but once the ice is broken into a slush, it no longer processes correctly.  After the ice melts into water, then it will work; but even on the lowest speed, you'll overheat the engine before you can get the ice to the place you need it to work right.
• You'll need to soak everything.  This blender, when run for a good five minutes, was unable to fully process dates.  I still found bits and pieces in my soup.  The same thing happened with nuts and seeds - so you'll definitely need to soak everything before using it.  If you do this, your experience will be a lot better.

I expect that many blenders have this problem, and it makes me sad and a little disappointed because you'd think that after all these years, they would have improved these little home appliances.

I haven't even tried the food processor because in my opinion, if it can't blend up a soup, it certainly won't be able to process thick foods.

Before I close, I will mention that it blended up my shakes and smoothies just fine - so if you like shakes and smoothies, this is the blender for you!  Us raw foodists will need to continue the march toward industrial strength appliances for now!

*Rawr!* to you!
Misty