Cuisinart Evolutionx Cordless Hand Blender In-depth Review
Overall Verdict
The Cuisinart RHB-100TG EvolutionX is efficient, versatile, and well-designed. We valued the performance of its blending wand, which ensured smooth, chunk-free smoothies and could turn cooked veggies into creamy soup in seconds. The whisk attachment also proved useful, doing a decent job of beating eggs and making mayonnaise.
Usability-wise, this RHB-100TG stands out as one of the most user-friendly blenders in its class. Its intuitive design, complemented by an ergonomic handle, simplifies handling, while the smooth operation of the motor helps minimize hand fatigue and splatters.
In conclusion, although this blender’s price may be a tad higher compared to other models in its class, the mobility and efficiency it brings to the table make it a worthy investment for any buyer.
Things We Like
- Excellent mobility
- Pleasing aesthetic appealing
- Included accessories allows for greater versatility
- Steady battery performance
Things We Don’t Like
- The blending wand can unintentionally detach
At the time of writing, the RHB-100TG EvolutionX shines as the singular star in Cuisinart’s cordless lineup. Cuisinart markets it as ready for any blending challenge, boasting its portable design, versatile blending modes, and a list of user-friendly accessories as evidence. Also, its design is very distinctive; just a glance and the RHB-100TG EvolutionX stands out among a crowd of generic, conformist machines.
Still, you might wonder whether this EvolutionX matches up to the performance of corded models or merely a lifeline for on-the-go blends in cramped kitchens. Generally, we think it’s a blend of both—your blender may not be the powerhouse for heavy-duty blending, yet it’ll get you through everyday blending tasks with ease.
7.1 Performance
The EvolutionX RHB-100TG is more than meets the eye.
Although the EvolutionX RHB-100TG didn't rank as the most rapid or potent in our evaluations, it proved to be well-suited for tasks such as grinding nuts and making emulsified sauces, as well as other delicate tasks that require perfectly whipped egg whites. However, be mindful when making frozen fruit smoothies, as it requires a bit more effort than we'd ideally expect.
6.0 Hot Soup Purée
In our test, the Cuisinart EvolutionX RHB-100TG attempted to purée hot soup within a strict 30-second timeframe. The result was a soup with a somewhat grainy texture, as evidenced by the notable amount of solids left after straining. This kind of consistency might be favored by some who appreciate a chunkier feel to their soups. However, if it's a seamless purée you're after, you might find yourself needing a bit of patience and extra blending time. Otherwise, alternatives like the Braun MultiQuick-5, Ninja Foodi, and Vitamix, will likely be a better fit as they can offer a smoother outcome within the same time constraint.
6.0 Frozen Fruit Smoothie
While the Cuisinart EvolutionX RHB-100TG didn't burst onto the scene with an overwhelming power during our frozen fruit smoothie test, it eventually triumphed over the challenge.
The blender initially grappled with the dense kale, taking its time to fully liquify the leafy greens. As we progressed to the frozen fruit layers, the challenge persisted. It demanded for a more assertive user intervention, as without applying some downward pressure, the blender seemed to find it difficult to generate enough force to process the icy fruits. Only when the fruits began to thaw slightly, the blending became more fluid and consistent. As such, the entire process took up to two minutes.
9.5 Mayonnaise
Emulsification, at its core, is a delicate procedure that requires both precision and consistency. The RHB-100TG's whisk attachment is thoughtfully designed to address this challenge. Indeed, achieving a robust mayonnaise emulsion in just 90 seconds is no minor achievement. To our surprise, this blender managed it with remarkable ease.
The end result? A mayonnaise that is both dense and luxuriously silken. It holds its form well, suggesting a stable emulsion, yet possesses a smoothness that makes it easily spreadable. This is a balance that's often sought after but not always achieved.
8.3 Almond Milk
Our testing of the Ninja Foodi for almond milk preparation was a display of blending efficiency as a creamy and richly flavored almond milk was produced in a rapid 1 minute and 10 seconds.
However, it’s worth noting that the blending was briefly interrupted by the Foodi's sudden and unexplained shutdowns, not once but multiple times. Although this could signal an overzealous safety feature aimed at motor preservation, the lack of transparency regarding these stops was a mild irritant in an otherwise seamless operation.
10 Whipped Egg-Whites
Using the whisking attachment, the device effectively introduced air into the egg whites. This action causes the proteins within the egg whites to unfold and subsequently refold around the introduced air bubbles. As a result, the mixture transforms, and you can distinctly observe the transition of the whites from a translucent liquid to an opaque foam. Minute by minute, the volume increased, with the texture becoming more structured and firm.
Within a concise 1 minute and 45 seconds, the result was evident: stiff peaks with a consistent, glossy finish. The minimal residue at the base of the glass suggests that the blender's reach and circulation were thorough, ensuring even the last traces of liquid egg whites were successfully turned into the frothy consistency desired.
8.7 Design
The sleek design of the Cuisinart RHB-100TG made a significant impression on us, both in terms of aesthetics and build quality. Just keep in mind that the blender’s rechargeable battery is designed to operate for only 20 minutes.
In the Box
- Motor body
- Blending shaft
- Whisk attachment
- Beaker
- Charger
Dimensions
The Cuisinart's dimensions reflect a thoughtful balance between functional design and user comfort. Overall, it stands at 16.2 inches tall, which provides enough height for deep immersion while still fitting comfortably in most kitchen cabinets. At just 1.4 pounds, it is significantly lighter than many of its peers, which definitely ensures minimal arm fatigue, even during heavy-duty tasks like blending rock-solid frozen fruits. The shaft measures 8.3 inches, a standard length that's well-suited for a variety of cooking vessels, from pots to tall glasses.
8.5 Build Quality
The Cuisinart RHB-100TG is a confluence of style, robustness, and value. Its motor housing is mostly made of medium-grade plastic. Many immersion blenders with plastic components tend to show signs of discoloration or minor damages after prolonged use, but this model stands out with its persistent newness. Plus, it doesn't feel flimsy or cheap. Instead, it's sturdy and gives a reassuring feel during use.
The Cuisinart RHB-100TG's blending shaft, on the other hand, might not have the premium sheen, but its finish is relatively refined, ensuring it doesn't look inferior alongside its peers.
Speed and Controls
The Cuisinart RHB-100TG immersion blender is designed with a user-friendly interface that includes a single-speed operation and a safety lock button. To ensure safe usage, both the power and safety lock buttons must be pressed simultaneously for the motor to activate. These buttons are highly sensitive, requiring only a gentle press to operate.
8.5 Blending Shaft
Our cordless blender is fitted with two-pronged stainless steel blades that promise both strength and long-term functionality. These blades are shielded by a metal housing, an intentional design choice to limit splashing. Still, it's important to be cautious during use to ensure that the metal does not scrape against the container, avoiding possible abrasions.
10 Beaker
The beaker is designed to be safe for contact with all types of food. While it is suitable for cleaning on the top rack of the dishwasher, it is not shatterproof. To reduce the risk of breakage, manual cleaning is recommended.
10 Battery
The Cuisinart is outfitted with 7.4-volt lithium-ion batteries that can be fully charged in approximately 2 hours, thanks to its quick-charge technology. It also offers a brief 20-minute fast-charge capability for when you need to use the blender quickly. Another highlight is its battery-protection mode, which helps to prolong the lifespan of the batteries by preventing overcharging and deep discharge scenarios.
Extra Accessories: Whisk Attachment
The whisk attachment performs competently with tasks such as beating egg whites, whipping cream, and preparing emulsified sauces. When measured against other blenders within the range, like the BELLA 10-speed or Hamilton models, its polished stainless steel wires provide enhanced sturdiness and durability through regular usage.
8.4 Usability
Cuisinart has consistently aimed to enhance user-friendliness across its products over the years, and it largely succeeds with the EvolutionX RHB-100TG, whose cordless design is a game-changer for both blending and cleaning convenience.
8.0 Ease of Use
The Cuisinart EvolutionX RHB-100TG redefines ease of use in the kitchen, thanks to its intuitive design and highly responsive controls. Plus, its motor runs with a gentle hum, eliminating the discomfort of vibrations and allowing for smooth, effortless handling.
Our tests revealed another advantage: the blender doesn't generate suction, which is often responsible for splashes and uneven blending. This allows for uninterrupted operation and smooth transitions across different speeds, making for an even blend without any spillage or splatter.
As for the operating system, it's distinctively engineered with a safety-focused mechanism. Unlike conventional blenders, this one incorporates a dual-button activation system. This may introduce a brief learning curve, but once mastered, it provides an added layer of safety that users will undoubtedly appreciate.
8.5 Blade Assembly
To blend, you simply align the motor body housing with the desired attachment—be it the blending shaft or whisk—and twist until a click confirms the connection. The blender itself does not come with the release button, so a simple anti-clockwise twist is enough to detach the accessory from the motor body. However, be mindful that during intensive blending tasks, like processing frozen fruits, applying excessive force to the wand could inadvertently cause it to unscrew and detach from the motor body.
9.5 Handling
With a textured grip, the handle provides a secure, non-slip hold. Its curvature and design mirror the natural contour of a user's hand, enhancing the ergonomic feel and reducing hand fatigue, especially during prolonged use.
8.5 Cleanability
The blade has a smooth surface with minimal crevices, making it easier to wipe away food residues. Yet, its positioning near the housing's base makes its backside less accessible.