KitchenAid KSB580NK Custom Metallic 5-Speed Blender, Brushed Nickel

KitchenAid KSB580NK Custom Metallic 5-Speed Blender, Brushed Nickel

The Leak Problem


Top-Notch Blender
This is an excellent, high-quality blender. We replaced an inexpensive Oster with it and like this KitchenAid much, much more. Things I really like:

1) Power - this blender whips through hard-frozen fruit like nothing is there for wonderful smoothies.
2) Smooth, one piece control panel - makes for super-easy clean-up as there are no cracks or crevices to trap spills. Yet, the buttons behind the panel still have a nice tactile click response so you know you pressed one.
3) Brushed nickel finish - very attractive on your counter.
4) Polycarbonate jar - this worried me when considering this purchase as our old blender had a nice, thick glass jar. But, after using this blender for 3 months, I like this jar better. It is thick, yet lightweight, and hasn't scratched (although I only use rubber or silicone spatulas inside any way).
5) One piece blades & jar - our old blender had a screw-off base, resulting in 4 parts for clean-up - the base, the blade...

Fantastic blender design (and execution)
This blender replaces a 20 year old Hamilton Beach that finally gave up the ghost (after being abused by my lovely spouse one too many times ;-) ).

I actually purchased the refurbished one direct from KitchenAid for $100.

Out of the box, the pitcher had a small leak, so a thin line of blended goodness and maybe a touch of oil were getting slung around the inside of the base of the pitcher (where the pitcher fits over the base). SOLUTION: Call KitchenAid Customer Service and voila, they are shipping me a new one (they said keep the old, leaky one--I may try to fix it). Now THAT is what I call great customer service.

There is some confusion as to the Watts (power) that this thing has:

120V x 6A = 720 Watts (the base simply says 120V, 6A motor)
but
0.9hp * 746W/hp = 671 Watts (the advertised spec on the KitchenAid site has 0.9hp)
or
650 Watts (according to JC Penny)

Let's call it 700 Watts and move...

KitchenAid Metal Blenders combine outstanding performance, durability and an easy to clean design to perform everyday kitchen tasks from making smoothies to pureeing vegetables for soup, to crushing ice and making pesto. This blender features a 56 oz shatter-resistant blend & serve pitcher. Its soft grip handle is comfortable and the jar's lighter weight allows for anyone to use, including kids. One piece dishwasher safe pitcher with Stainless Steel one-piece blade eliminates food traps and any need to disassemble. Clean Touch control pad wipes clean in an instant. Unique pitcher design and patented blade system combine with .9 HP motor and Intelli-Speed electronic controls for fast, consistent blending. Includes 1 Year Hassle Free Replacement warranty through KitchenAid.

• 5-speed blender with 0.9 horsepower motor and Intelli-Speed electronic motor control
• Clean Touch control panel; Stir, Chop, Mix, Puree, and Liquefy options; Pulse mode; Crush Ice setting
• 56-ounce shatter-resistant blend-and-serve polycarbonate pitcher includes stay-put lid with ingredient cup
• Patented one-piece stainless-steel blade; dishwasher-safe pitcher; metal and polycarbonate base
• Measures 9 by 7-1/3 by 15-1/4 inches; 1-year hassle-free replacement warranty