Blender Motor RPM vs. Torque

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Updated May 29, 2023

The comparison between blender motor RPM vs torque is enough to make your head spin, which is funny since “spinning speed and force” is what these two measurements determine. Having high speed with a powerful force translates to consistent blending in any situation. Whether crushing ice cubes or mixing food ingredients, make sure you find the most suitable blender model for you. Finding an amazing quality product won’t be hard after reading our article on the best blenders available.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • RPM stands for “Rotations Per Minute” and determines the speed, or circular frequency, at which an electric motor can spin.
  • Torque is a measurement that describes the force with which an object rotates around an axis and is required for motor rotation to continue when meeting resistance.
  • Essentially, RPM measures how quickly a motor can spin with respect to time, while torque describes how much force it has during motor rotation.

The Difference Between Blender Motor RPM and Torque

Comparing blender motor RPM vs torque can seem intimidating. After all, most people aren’t familiar with technical terms. Both of these measurements work together to tell you more about your blender. Learning about the technicalities that boost performance, like starting torque or types of motor, is crucial for finding your perfect appliance. If you’re wondering what the different blender functions are, start by reading our article, “Why use blender pulse?”

Insider Tip

Read plenty of product reviews before your purchase to find out the true capabilities of the blender you’re considering.

Explaining Both Units of Measurement

Most blenders under 1000 RPM have universal motors. A notable characteristic of universal motors is that they can run on both AC and DC power. RPM stands for “revolutions per minute” and determines the rotational speed of a blender’s central blades. The higher the maximum speed of a blender, the better the blending power. There are multiple speeds to consider, however. Check out our article on a blender three speed vs a variable speed to find out more.

Why Rotations Per Minute Matters

Whether you’re using the blend function or the chop function, motor speed matters. The higher the speed, the more quickly your blender will finish blending materials for your meal. Motor performance is an indicator of how well your blender will work. Additionally, commercial blenders will typically have more powerful motors than home blenders. You can check out all the differences with our comparison of commercial vs home blenders. This doesn’t mean those home blenders are all weak, however. Vitamix has been making near-commercial grade home blenders for many years, and you can check out some comparisons of their Vitamix standard vs 5200. Additionally, you can see the differences with a newer model as well with a comparison of the Vitamix standard blender vs the Vitamix 5300 blender. Or you can read our Vitamix 5300 review and see if it suits your needs.

How Torque is Relevant to Your Blender

Whether you’re using the blend function or the chop function, motor speed matters. The higher the speed, the more quickly your blender will finish blending materials for your meal. Starting torque is another notable characteristic that refers to the torque provided when the shaft begins turning. If you are wondering, why is my blender motor so slow, be sure to read our article for possible solutions.

How to Find RPM and Torque Information

Blender motor speed is usually in RPM but may also be referred to as “Horsepower.” One horsepower is equal to 746 watts. Be sure to also learn more about the wattage of a blender if you are curious. Actual operating horsepower is an essential unit to account for if the blender uses horsepower as a measurement. If you wish to read more about this, check out our page explaining how blender horsepower matters. Unfortunately, most manufacturers won’t provide direct measurements for torque. Instead, read plenty of reviews to determine how effective the starting torque is.

Warning

High wattage, or actual horsepower, means little if the blender doesn’t use power efficiently.

F.A.Q.S

What is peak horsepower, and why does it matter?

Peak horsepower refers to the power created when resistance is introduced to the motor. After the first second of the blending process, the motor will drop from peak horsepower into running horsepower. Peak horsepower is only achieved in small bursts and doesn’t make a difference for day-to-day blender usage.


What are food processors?

Food processors are capable of multiple functions. They can shred, dice, grate, blend, pulse, slice, and more. Having a food processor allows you to create far more recipes.


How do food processors and blenders compare?

Food processors cover several food prep functions. Blenders crush ice cubes and mix liquid or soft ingredients. While food processors can perform blending functions, neither is a replacement for the other.


Is a powerful motor more important than a compact design?

If you have the budget for it, you can get both. Many household models are available with advanced blender controls, like more powerful blending modes.


STAT: In 2012, a survey showed 88% of people are most likely to have a microwave in their kitchen. (source)

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