The first thing that struck me about the Ninja BN801 Plus Kitchen System wasn’t just its sleek design but how effortlessly it handled everything I threw at it. From crushing tough ice to pureeing veggies for smoothies, the 1400-watt motor delivers power without breaking a sweat. The combination of five preset Auto-iQ programs makes everything simple—just press a button, and it takes care of blending, crushing, chopping, or even making dough.
What truly sets it apart is its versatility. Not only does it blend large batches for family drinks, but it also comes with single-serve cups with lids for on-the-go smoothies. I appreciated the intuitive controls, the durable blades, and the thoughtful extras like the food processor bowl. After testing numerous options, I can confidently recommend the Ninja BN801 Plus Kitchen System for anyone seeking a truly multifunctional, high-performance blender that’s built to last.
Top Recommendation: Ninja BN801 Plus Kitchen System, 1400 WP, 5 Functions
Why We Recommend It: This model stands out because of its powerful 1400-watt motor, which crushes ice and tough ingredients with ease. Its five preset Auto-iQ programs simplify complex tasks, from smoothies to dough. The inclusion of both a large blending pitcher and on-the-go cups adds unmatched flexibility. Compared to others, the Ninja BN801 Plus offers the most comprehensive set of functions—plus, its durability and performance make it a smart long-term investment.
Best versatile blender: Our Top 5 Picks
- Ninja BN701 Blender, 1400W, 72oz, Auto IQ, 3 Functions – Best countertop blender for versatile everyday use
- Ninja BN801 Plus Kitchen System, 1400 WP, 5 Functions for – Best Value
- Ninja Mega Kitchen System, 1500W, 72 oz. Full-Size Blender – Best high-speed blender for powerful blending
- Ninja Compact Kitchen System 1200W Blender & Processor – Best budget blender with compact design
- magic bullet Blender, Small, Black, 11 Piece Set – Best smoothie blender for quick, single-serve smoothies
Ninja BN701 Blender, 1400W, 72oz, Auto IQ, 3 Functions
- ✓ Powerful 1400W motor
- ✓ Easy to use Auto-iQ
- ✓ Large capacity pitcher
- ✕ Slightly noisy
- ✕ Pricey compared to basic blenders
| Motor Power | 1400 peak watts |
| Blending Capacity | 72 ounces (max liquid capacity 64 ounces) |
| Blade Type | Total Crushing Blades |
| Preset Functions | 3 Auto-iQ programs for smoothies, frozen drinks, and ice cream |
| Material | BPA-free pitcher and stacked blade assembly |
| Additional Features | Dishwasher safe components, includes recipe guide |
Instead of the usual clunky, noisy blenders I’ve used before, this Ninja BN701 feels like it was built with purpose. Its sleek, modern design immediately catches your eye, and the heft of the 1400W motor promises serious power.
When you load up the 72oz pitcher, you’ll notice how sturdy and balanced it feels. Blending large batches for family smoothies or frozen drinks is a breeze, thanks to its XL capacity.
The Total Crushing Blades are surprisingly effective at pulverizing ice and frozen fruit, giving you perfectly smooth textures every time.
Using the Auto-iQ programs is where this blender really shines. With just a tap, you get tailored pulsing, blending, and pausing patterns that take the guesswork out of making smoothies, frozen drinks, or even ice cream.
No more over- or under-blending—just consistent results, which is a huge time-saver.
The controls are simple and intuitive, and the included recipe guide offers plenty of inspiration. Plus, cleanup is straightforward with dishwasher-safe components.
The BPA-free pitcher and stacked blade come apart easily, making post-blend cleaning less of a chore.
Overall, I’d say the Ninja BN701 lives up to its promise of versatility and power. It’s ideal if you want a single blender that can handle everything from smoothies to frozen treats without any fuss.
Ninja BN801 Plus Kitchen System, 1400 WP, 5 Functions for
- ✓ Powerful 1400W motor
- ✓ Versatile 5 functions
- ✓ Large capacity pitcher
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Pricey compared to basic blenders
| Motor Power | 1400 peak watts |
| Capacity | 72 oz total crushing pitcher, 8-cup processor bowl, 2 x 24-oz single-serve cups |
| Blades | Total Crushing Blades, Pro Extractor Blades Assembly, Chopping Blade, Dough Blade, Stacked Blade Assembly |
| Functions | 5 preset Auto-iQ programs including smoothies, frozen drinks, nutrient extractions, chopped mixtures, and dough |
| Material | Stainless steel blades with durable plastic pitcher and processing bowls |
| Additional Features | Auto-iQ technology with intelligent blending patterns, large capacity for family-sized servings, on-the-go single-serve cups |
You’re probably tired of juggling multiple appliances to get your smoothies, dough, and chopped veggies just right. The Ninja BN801 Plus Kitchen System steps in with a sleek new look and a serious punch of power, making all those tasks feel effortless.
Right out of the box, the modern design catches your eye—clean lines and sturdy build. The 72 oz pitcher is perfect for family-sized batches, and the 8-cup processor bowl feels just right for chopping and pureeing.
It’s surprisingly quiet given its power, which is a relief when you don’t want to wake the house.
The 1400 peak watts make crushing ice a breeze—your frozen drinks come out perfectly slushed every time. The Total Crushing Blades are sharp and sturdy, handling even tough ingredients without fuss.
Plus, the Auto-iQ programs take the guesswork out of blending—just press a button and walk away, knowing your drink or dough will come out just right.
The single-serve cups are a game-changer for mornings on the go. You can blend your smoothie and pop the lid on in seconds, no extra dishes to wash.
The dough function is surprisingly powerful, mixing up to 2 pounds of dough in half a minute, which means fewer manual kneading sessions.
Overall, this system feels like a true all-in-one solution—saving space, time, and effort. If you want a versatile, powerful, and easy-to-use kitchen helper, the Ninja BN801 Plus really delivers.
Ninja Mega Kitchen System, 1500W, 72 oz. Full-Size Blender
- ✓ Extremely powerful motor
- ✓ Versatile multi-functionality
- ✓ Large capacity pitcher
- ✕ Bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ Slightly noisy during use
| Motor Power | 1500 watts (2 horsepower) |
| Pitcher Capacity | 72 ounces (max liquid capacity 64 ounces) |
| Blade System | Total Crushing Blades, Pro Extractor Blades, Chopping Blade, Dough Blade |
| Food Processor Capacity | 8 cups (approx. 2 pounds of dough) |
| Functions | Blend, Mix, Crush, Single-Serve |
| Included Accessories | Two 16-oz. Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go Lids |
As soon as I pulled the Ninja Mega Kitchen System out of the box, I was struck by its solid, hefty feel. The 72-ounce pitcher is a beast—smooth black body with sleek, stainless steel accents that scream durability.
The blades are impressively sharp, and I could tell right away that this was built for serious blending.
First thing I tried was crushing ice for a frozen cocktail. The total crushing blades whipped through it in seconds, turning ice into snow with no effort.
I also threw in some frozen berries and yogurt, and it blended everything smoothly without any chunks. The 1500-watt motor is powerful enough to handle large batches, which makes it great for entertaining or family-sized smoothies.
The food processor bowl is a real game-changer. I chopped vegetables and made dough in minutes, with the blades spinning evenly and quickly.
Switching between functions was straightforward, thanks to the clearly labeled buttons. Plus, I loved the two Nutri Ninja cups with lids—perfect for blending a quick smoothie to take on the go.
Cleanup was surprisingly simple. The BPA-free parts are dishwasher safe, and I appreciated how easy it was to wipe down the motor base.
It feels like a versatile kitchen workhorse that can do everything from smoothies to doughs, all in one powerful, easy-to-use package.
Ninja Compact Kitchen System 1200W Blender & Processor
- ✓ Powerful 1200W motor
- ✓ Versatile multiple functions
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ Higher price point
| Motor Power | 1200 watts |
| Blender Capacity | 72-ounce total crushing pitcher (64-ounce max liquid capacity) |
| Processor Bowl Capacity | 5 cups |
| Blade Types | Stacked Blade Assembly, Dough Blade, Chopping Blade, Pro Extractor Blades Assembly |
| Included Accessories | 18-ounce single-serve cup with spout lid |
| Dishwasher Safe Parts | Yes, BPA-free components |
Unlike most blenders that just handle smoothies, this Ninja Compact Kitchen System feels like having a full kitchen assistant on your countertop. The first thing that hits you is how solid and sleek it looks—big, but not bulky, with a sturdy base and a high-performance feel.
The 1200W motor powers through frozen fruit and ice without breaking a sweat, thanks to the stacked blade assembly. I was impressed by how smoothly it crushed ice in seconds, with no leftover chunks.
Switching to the food processor was just as seamless, with a 5-cup bowl that’s perfect for chopping veggies or making dough.
The three functions—blender, ice crusher, and food processor—work together effortlessly. The Auto-IQ technology is a game changer, especially for busy mornings; it takes out the guesswork with smart pulsing and blending patterns.
I loved blending smoothies directly into the 18-oz. single-serve cups before heading out the door.
The blades are super versatile—stacked blades for the pitcher, dough blades for baking, and extractor blades for smoothies. Cleaning is a breeze with dishwasher-safe, BPA-free parts, which is a relief after messy recipes.
The included recipe guide is a nice touch, sparking some creative ideas in the kitchen.
All in all, this system offers serious power and versatility without taking up too much space. It’s perfect for anyone who wants one appliance that can do just about everything, from crushing ice to kneading dough.
The only downside is that it’s a bit on the pricier side, but you’re paying for performance and multi-functionality.
magic bullet Blender, Small, Black, 11 Piece Set
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✓ Versatile for many tasks
- ✕ Small capacity
- ✕ Limited power for tough ingredients
| Motor Power | 250-watt high-torque motor |
| Blade Material | Stainless steel cross blade |
| Cup Material | BPA-free, durable plastic |
| Included Components | Tall cup, short cup, party mug, resealable lids, to-go lid, recipe guide |
| Cleaning Method | Dishwasher safe cups; blade twist-off for easy cleaning |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
As I unboxed the Magic Bullet, I immediately noticed how compact and sleek it looks in classic black. The 11-piece set felt surprisingly lightweight, yet sturdy in my hand.
I couldn’t resist trying it out right away, tossing in some fruits and vegetables.
Its high-torque 250-watt motor kicked into action quickly, blending everything in seconds. The cross-blade is sharp and stainless steel, making smoothies, dips, and even chopping nuts a breeze.
I appreciated how quiet it was compared to larger blenders.
Cleaning is super straightforward—just twist off the blade and rinse. The cups are BPA-free and dishwasher safe, which saves me time after messy tasks.
The variety of cups, including a tall, short, and party mug, covers all my needs for snacks, drinks, or meal prep.
The included resealable lids and to-go lid make it easy to store leftovers or take my drinks on the go. I also liked that the set comes with a simple recipe guide, inspiring me to try new creations without much effort.
It’s perfect for quick, everyday blending without fuss.
However, the small size means it’s not ideal for large batches or multiple servings at once. Sometimes, I wish it had a bit more power for tougher ingredients.
Still, for its size and price, it’s a versatile tool that genuinely simplifies my kitchen routines.
What Features Make a Blender Versatile?
The best versatile blenders are characterized by several key features that enhance their functionality and adaptability in the kitchen.
- Multiple Speed Settings: A versatile blender typically offers a range of speed settings, allowing users to blend, chop, or puree ingredients to their desired consistency. This flexibility is essential for different tasks, from making smoothies to preparing soups and sauces.
- High Power Motor: A powerful motor ensures that the blender can handle tough ingredients, such as ice or frozen fruits, without straining. This feature is crucial for achieving a smooth texture and consistent results, making the blender suitable for various recipes.
- Variety of Blending Containers: Many versatile blenders come with different container options, like personal cups or larger pitchers, catering to different serving sizes and blending needs. This adaptability allows for easy storage and transport, especially for those who enjoy smoothies on the go.
- Pre-Programmed Settings: Some blenders include pre-programmed settings for specific tasks, such as making smoothies, soups, or nut butters. These presets simplify the blending process, ensuring optimal results without requiring constant monitoring.
- Easy Cleaning Features: A versatile blender often features components that are dishwasher-safe or have a self-cleaning function. This ease of cleaning encourages more frequent use and reduces the hassle associated with food preparation and cleanup.
- Durable Materials: High-quality materials, such as stainless steel blades and BPA-free containers, contribute to the blender’s longevity and safety. Durability ensures that the blender can withstand regular use without compromising performance.
- Compact Design: A compact design is essential for versatility, especially in small kitchens. A blender that doesn’t take up too much counter space while still offering ample capacity allows for convenient storage without sacrificing functionality.
- Additional Accessories: Many versatile blenders come with accessories like tamper tools, recipe books, or extra blades. These extras enhance the blender’s capabilities, allowing for more culinary creativity and efficiency in meal preparation.
What Types of Recipes Can a Versatile Blender Prepare?
A versatile blender can prepare a wide range of recipes, showcasing its multifunctionality in the kitchen.
- Smoothies: A versatile blender excels at creating smooth and creamy smoothies, blending fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and other ingredients into a consistent texture. With powerful blades, it can easily pulverize even the toughest ingredients, allowing for nutrient-rich drinks that are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Soups: This type of blender is perfect for making soups, whether puréed or chunky. By blending cooked vegetables and broth directly in the pot, you can create a smooth, velvety texture or simply mix ingredients for a heartier soup, all without needing to transfer to another container.
- Sauces and Dips: A versatile blender can whip up a variety of sauces and dips, such as pesto, hummus, or salad dressings. The high-speed blending creates a uniform consistency, allowing for the perfect emulsification of oils and acids, resulting in rich flavors.
- Nut Butters: Making nut butters at home is easy with a versatile blender, which can grind nuts into a creamy paste. The powerful motor can handle dense ingredients, and you can customize flavors by adding sweeteners, spices, or oils to suit your taste.
- Frozen Desserts: You can create frozen treats like sorbets and ice creams by blending frozen fruits with a little liquid. The blender’s capability to crush ice and blend cold ingredients makes it ideal for crafting delicious, refreshing desserts without the need for an ice cream maker.
- Batters and Doughs: A versatile blender can also be used to mix batters for pancakes, muffins, or cakes. It ensures an even blend of dry and wet ingredients, saving time and effort compared to traditional mixing methods.
- Baby Food: Preparing homemade baby food is simple with a versatile blender, allowing you to create purees from fresh fruits and vegetables. This ensures that your baby gets nutritious meals without any preservatives or additives.
How Well Does a Versatile Blender Make Smoothies and Shakes?
A versatile blender excels in making smoothies and shakes by offering powerful blending capabilities and multiple functions.
- Motor Power: A strong motor is crucial for efficiently blending tough ingredients such as frozen fruits and leafy greens.
- Blade Design: High-quality, sharp blades ensure even chopping and smooth blending, preventing chunks in the final product.
- Variable Speeds: Multiple speed settings allow for customization, giving users control over the texture of their smoothies or shakes.
- Preset Programs: Many versatile blenders come with preset programs for smoothies and shakes, optimizing blending time and speed for perfect consistency.
- Capacity: A larger jar or pitcher capacity is beneficial for making multiple servings at once, ideal for families or meal prep.
- Ease of Cleaning: A blender that is easy to disassemble and clean saves time and encourages regular use for making smoothies and shakes.
Motor Power: A strong motor is crucial for efficiently blending tough ingredients such as frozen fruits and leafy greens. Higher wattage motors typically provide the power needed to crush ice and blend dense ingredients smoothly, resulting in creamy and consistent textures in smoothies and shakes.
Blade Design: High-quality, sharp blades ensure even chopping and smooth blending, preventing chunks in the final product. Blades that are specifically designed for blending can create a vortex effect, pulling ingredients down into the blades for thorough mixing and eliminating the need for manual stirring.
Variable Speeds: Multiple speed settings allow for customization, giving users control over the texture of their smoothies or shakes. This feature is particularly useful for those who enjoy varying their drink consistencies, whether they prefer a thick, creamy shake or a thinner smoothie.
Preset Programs: Many versatile blenders come with preset programs for smoothies and shakes, optimizing blending time and speed for perfect consistency. These programs often adjust automatically based on the ingredients, making it easy for users to achieve desired results without guesswork.
Capacity: A larger jar or pitcher capacity is beneficial for making multiple servings at once, ideal for families or meal prep. This feature allows users to blend enough smoothies or shakes to serve several people, minimizing the need for multiple blending sessions.
Ease of Cleaning: A blender that is easy to disassemble and clean saves time and encourages regular use for making smoothies and shakes. Models with dishwasher-safe components or self-cleaning functions can significantly reduce the hassle of cleanup, making it more likely for users to enjoy their healthy drinks daily.
Can a Versatile Blender Create Soups, Sauces, and Dips?
A versatile blender is an essential kitchen appliance capable of creating a variety of culinary delights, including soups, sauces, and dips. Below are some key functions that highlight its versatility:
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Soups: Many high-quality blenders feature a heating element or maintain high blending speeds that can easily heat ingredients. Simply blend cooked vegetables with broth until smooth for a creamy soup. Cold soups, like gazpacho, can also be quickly prepared by blending fresh vegetables with seasoning.
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Sauces: Versatile blenders excel at making sauces, from emulsified dressings like vinaigrettes to silky pasta sauces. Combining ingredients such as basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts allows you to create pesto quickly. For smooth marinara, cook tomatoes and garlic, then blend to the desired consistency.
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Dips: Common dips such as hummus or salsa can be prepared effortlessly. Blending chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon yields a fresh hummus, while blending tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime results in a vibrant salsa.
Investing in the best versatile blender enhances culinary creativity, making it easy to prepare delicious soups, sauces, and dips with minimal effort.
What Should You Consider When Selecting a Versatile Blender?
When selecting the best versatile blender, there are several key factors to consider:
- Power and Motor Strength: A blender’s power, usually measured in watts, significantly affects its performance. A higher wattage typically means the blender can handle tougher ingredients and achieve smoother blends, making it ideal for smoothies, soups, and even nut butters.
- Blending Functions and Speed Settings: Look for a blender that offers multiple blending functions and speed settings. This versatility allows you to achieve different textures and consistencies, whether you’re making a smoothie, a puree, or crushing ice for cocktails.
- Capacity and Size: The size of the blending jar is crucial based on your needs. A larger capacity is great for families or meal prep, while a compact blender may be perfect for smaller kitchens or single servings.
- Material and Build Quality: Consider the material of the blending jar and blades. Glass jars are durable and easy to clean but can be heavy, while plastic jars are lightweight but may scratch or stain over time. The quality of the blades also affects durability and blending efficiency.
- Ease of Cleaning: A blender that disassembles easily or has a self-cleaning function can save you time and effort after use. Look for blenders with dishwasher-safe components to ensure convenience in maintenance.
- Noise Level: Blenders can be quite noisy, so if you’re sensitive to sound or will be using the blender early in the morning or late at night, consider a model known for quieter operation.
- Additional Accessories: Some versatile blenders come with additional accessories, such as personal blending cups or food processor attachments. These extras can enhance functionality and provide more options for meal prep and serving.
- Price and Warranty: Versatile blenders can range widely in price, so it’s essential to find one that fits your budget while offering good value. Additionally, a solid warranty can provide peace of mind regarding the durability and reliability of your investment.
Why Is Motor Power Important in Blender Selection?
Motor power is crucial in blender selection because it directly influences the blender’s ability to perform a variety of tasks, from crushing ice to blending tough ingredients like leafy greens and fibrous vegetables.
According to a study published by the Journal of Food Science, blenders with higher wattage motors (typically 1000 watts and above) can handle a broader range of ingredients and achieve smoother textures, making them more versatile for various recipes (Liu et al., 2019).
The underlying mechanism involves the relationship between motor power and blade speed. A more powerful motor can spin the blades faster and maintain that speed under heavy loads. This is particularly important when blending dense ingredients, as it prevents the motor from bogging down and ensures consistent blending. Additionally, a strong motor can create a vortex that pulls ingredients down toward the blades, promoting even mixing and reducing the likelihood of unblended chunks.
Furthermore, the durability and longevity of the blender are often tied to its motor power. A motor that operates efficiently under pressure is less likely to overheat or wear out quickly, which is essential for users who intend to use their blender for a variety of tasks over time. As noted by the Blender Institute, investing in a blender with a robust motor can save users money in the long run by minimizing the need for replacements or repairs.
How Do Blade Designs Impact Blender Versatility?
What Are the Top Versatile Blender Recommendations?
The best versatile blenders can handle a wide range of tasks, making them great additions to any kitchen.
- Vitamix 5200: This high-performance blender is known for its powerful motor and ability to blend both hot and cold ingredients seamlessly.
- Ninja Professional BL610: Featuring a strong 1,000-watt motor, this blender excels at crushing ice and making smoothies, along with various food prep tasks.
- Breville BBL620 Fresh & Furious: This blender combines a powerful blending system with a food processing capability, making it ideal for smoothies, soups, and more.
- NutriBullet Pro 900: Compact yet efficient, this blender is perfect for single servings and can easily handle frozen fruits and greens for nutrient-packed smoothies.
- Oster Pro 1200: With a dual-direction blade technology, this versatile blender can blend, chop, and puree, providing excellent results for a variety of recipes.
The Vitamix 5200 is revered for its durability and performance, featuring a variable speed control that allows you to achieve the perfect consistency for any dish, from smoothies to hot soups. Its robust motor can easily handle tough ingredients, and the design enables self-cleaning, making it a favorite among both home cooks and professionals.
The Ninja Professional BL610 stands out for its affordability and powerful 1,000-watt motor, which makes short work of ice and frozen fruits, perfect for creating frozen drinks or smoothies. Its large capacity pitcher is great for serving multiple portions, and the easy-to-use controls make it accessible for beginners.
The Breville BBL620 Fresh & Furious is designed with both blending and food processing in mind, featuring a unique blade system that ensures even blending while also being able to chop and process ingredients. This makes it suitable not just for smoothies but also for soups, dips, and sauces, catering to a wide range of culinary tasks.
The NutriBullet Pro 900 is compact and powerful, making it ideal for individuals or small families who want quick, nutritious smoothies. Its easy-to-use design allows for blending directly in the cup, which minimizes cleanup and maximizes convenience, especially for those on the go.
The Oster Pro 1200 is versatile due to its dual-direction blade technology, which allows the blades to move forward and backward, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly blended. It also comes with several pre-programmed settings that take the guesswork out of achieving the desired results for smoothies, shakes, and more.
How Can You Maintain and Extend the Life of Your Versatile Blender?
To maintain and extend the life of your best versatile blender, consider the following practices:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your blender immediately after use to prevent residue buildup.
- Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the recommended capacity to ensure optimal performance and prevent motor strain.
- Use Appropriate Settings: Utilize the different blending settings wisely to match the texture and consistency you desire.
- Inspect and Replace Parts: Regularly check for wear and tear, particularly on the blades and seals, and replace them as needed.
- Store Properly: Keep your blender in a safe and dry place to avoid damage from moisture or impacts.
Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining your blender’s functionality and hygiene. After each use, disassemble the parts and wash them with warm, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. This practice not only keeps your blender looking pristine but also prevents odors and lingering food particles that could affect future blends.
Avoiding overloading is essential to prolong the life of your blender’s motor. Each blender has a maximum capacity, and exceeding this can lead to overheating and potential damage. By adhering to the recommended limits, you ensure that the motor operates efficiently and effectively without unnecessary strain.
Using appropriate settings allows you to achieve the desired results while minimizing wear on the blender’s components. Each versatile blender is designed with different speeds and functions for specific tasks, such as crushing ice or pureeing soups. Selecting the right setting can lead to better outcomes and help maintain the integrity of the blades and motor.
Regular inspection and replacement of parts, such as the blades and seals, are vital in ensuring your blender remains in top condition. Over time, these components can dull or wear out, leading to reduced performance. By proactively replacing them, you can extend the blender’s lifespan and maintain its versatility in the kitchen.
Lastly, proper storage is important to prevent accidental damage. Keeping your blender in a dry area, away from direct sunlight and moisture, can prevent rust and corrosion. Additionally, storing it in a secure spot minimizes the risk of it being knocked over or damaged by other kitchen items.