Can the Cuisinart CSB-76BC handle ice for making smoothies? Can I put 3-5 regular size ice cubes into it and will they crush up well, or is this blender not useful for that?
394351
I've used this product a couple of times and I've used ice each time with no problems. The ice that I've used are the crescent shaped ones tho. Haven't tried with regular block ice but I think it may be strong enough for that.
1314259
Yes, I love mine. I make fruit smoothies with mine, using fresh or frozen fruit with a little Greek yogurt. I usually let the frozen fruit thaw a bit first. Great little "blender" and I also love the grey ring around the cups that protect your fingers from the cold when drinking the smoothies. Can't go wrong with this unit, especially for the price.
1500527
I haven't used it to blend frozen...only fresh strawberries...bananas...peaches and ice. Ran it for 3 days straight and made approx 250 smoothies each day. It still works great. I would recommend you let your fruit soften a little if possiblehope this helps
567383
No!!!!! I hated this grinder. I actually gave it one star after trying to use it. It actually grinded metal into the food, so I threw it away pronto. I don't recommend it at all! A blender works perfectly. I make purées in large batches and freeze in ice cube trays. Keep in ziplock bags in the freezer, then u have individual servings to thaw.
548984
I would not recommend this blender. If you're wanting it to crush ice it will destroy the blades. There is no warranty. I had this less than one year and the manufacturer would not replace it. I went back to my old Osterizer.
447730
Mine crushes ice very well, but the first time I tried to make a smoothie with just powder and ice it didn't do so well. It took a long time to get it smooth and then there were still some tiny chips of ice in the drink. It works great if you have a bit of liquid or fruit in with the ice (like half a cup of something).
1137524
Yes! That's primarily what we use it for - making health drinks with frozen fruit. It's better than a traditional blender in my experience.
1862187
Yes, very powerful. Crushes ice with ease, have made soups with heavy ingredients. Something really dense would be helped by making smaller chunks. I am very happy with this blender.
1875088
Yes, a smaller unit does that. But I haven't used it yet. If it's anything like the larger blender, it should be good!
1421261
I don't think it would last long if you did. We only used it a few times. It was difficult for the blender to crush ice for slushies.
899288
It makes the ice crush to such a great consistency and adds it into the mix at stages as to not get it overly watery.You have the option of adding more crushed ice at the end as well. However, you do need to have great storage in your home to use. I can not use on all of my counters as some areas the cabinets sit too low - so it does limit the space you can use it vs. a regular blender. Another benefit for me is I am able to take it with me in the carrying case( additional cost) on vacation and leave my other blender at home.
1563202
I think it would depend on the features you think you might use. I only use the S blade for ice and frozen fruit smoothies and for making gravy and soups - the other uses stated in the write up are just not things I have used it for. But then again I am not really cooking for a family - just 2 adults. I travel a good bit and take mine with me for the morning smoothies, but I don't really have room for the case, so that stays home. I would check to see if the motor is the same size on the 3 vs 5 speed as that will also make a difference if you plan to use it with ice and frozen fruits like I do - more frozen will need bigger motor. I had my original one for over 12 years which was a variable speed and used it several times a day and the only reason I needed a new one was sloppy in putting the blender mechanism on and when I turned the motor on it broke the connection between the two. The motor still works great, just couldn't get a repair job on it. Hope this helps.
21278
It blends ice well. HOWEVER, the longer I own this blender the more disapponted I am. If you use the high speed the carafe WILL jump off the base. You have to hold it down. And I have to plug my ears it's so loud. Using the low speed is quieter but it certainly doesn't blend completely unless you are blending only liquids! There will be lumps, even from old bananas. The smoothie button is very effective - spinning one way and then the other to make sure all ingredients mixed well, to include the ice.
331558
Yes! I use it everyday to blend green veggies, fruits, everything. It even does a AMAZING job on ice. Turns it into snow like consistency. This little machine has SO much power and provides a pretty smooth consistency to your juices. I used to have a Nutribullet and it sucked - after a couple months, the Nutribullet just seemed to get weaker and everything was chunky :/
1754768
I have an Oster Programmable blender. I purchased the blade that you mentioned and yes it does a wonderful job blending. My husband and I have a fruit shake every morning, I sometimes forget to remove my frozen berries from the freezer the night before (I don't like my shakes Ice cold). No problem with these blades they cut through anything! (Not sure about the model on my blender I shows L00-Y051-T2).
1392225
I use this primarily for protein shakes in the morning, but decided to try a smoothie so I could answer this question. We first tried making "snow" with two ice cubes, it worked pretty well although it did leave two small ice cubes. Then we tried a smoothie (which we had no clue how to make), however I believe we learned that it can be done very well. We put frozen berries, almond milk and four ice cubes in the large container. The consistency was perfect with no ice chunks, but we really should have checked the cookbook that came with the Magic Bullet because our recipe tasted horrible. I have to say yes it does make smoothies (just don't try my recipe). I love the Magic Bullet and am glad we bought it. I use this primarily for protein shakes in the morning, but decided to try a smoothie so I could answer this question. We first tried making "snow" with two ice cubes, it worked pretty well although it did leave two small ice cubes. Then we tried a smoothie (which we had no clue how to make), however I believe we learned that it can be done very well. We put frozen berries, almond milk and four ice cubes in the large container. The consistency was perfect with no ice chunks, but we really should have checked the cookbook that came with the Magic Bullet because our recipe tasted... » Read More I use this primarily for protein shakes in the morning, but decided to try a smoothie so I could answer this question. We first tried making "snow" with two ice cubes, it worked pretty well although it did leave two small ice cubes. Then we tried a smoothie (which we had no clue how to make), however I believe we learned that it can be done very well. We put frozen berries, almond milk and four ice cubes in the large container. The consistency was perfect with no ice chunks, but we really should have checked the cookbook that came with the Magic Bullet because our recipe tasted horrible. I have to say yes it does make smoothies (just don't try my recipe). I love the Magic Bullet and am glad we bought it. « Show Less
1323508
It would be good for general blending (protein powders, fruits, etc.) just will not blend anything like kale that is fibrous. I didn't check out ice either. For the price you can do better. It used to be the BEST blender when I was young, oh well.