The GE Die Cast Blender, model number 169106 with UPC 681131691062, is a small kitchen appliance designed for household use, primarily for blending and crushing various food items. Its robust die-cast base suggests durability and stability during operation.
Function Description:
The primary function of this appliance is blending, which involves processing ingredients into a smooth consistency. It is also capable of crushing, specifically for ice and other hard ingredients, thanks to its specialized "Crush Setting." The blender operates with a range of speed settings and a pulse function, offering versatility for different blending tasks.
Important Technical Specifications:
While specific power ratings (e.g., wattage) are not explicitly detailed in the provided manual, the blender is designed to be plugged into an AC electrical outlet (ordinary household current). It features a 3-conductor cord with a 3-prong grounding-type plug, emphasizing electrical safety through proper grounding. An adapter (Figure B) is provided for connecting to 2-ground receptacles, ensuring broad compatibility while maintaining grounding. The appliance includes a glass blending jar, which is a common and durable material for blenders, often preferred for its resistance to scratches and odors.
Usage Features:
The blender's control panel is intuitive, featuring a speed selector knob with settings from 0 (off) to 3 (high), and a dedicated "Crush" setting. A power indicator light illuminates when the blender is ready for operation, providing a clear visual cue. The "Pulse" button allows for intermittent blending, useful for controlled processing or achieving specific textures.
Blending Process:
- Preparation: Ensure the blender is in the "off" position (speed selector knob aligned with "0").
- Ingredient Addition: Add desired ingredients to the glass blending jar.
- Lid Placement: Securely place the lid on the blending jar, ensuring the metal jar collar is properly seated on the die-cast base.
- Power Connection: Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The blue power indicator light will illuminate, signaling readiness.
- Speed Selection: Rotate the speed selector knob clockwise to choose speeds 1 (low), 2 (medium), or 3 (high) for continuous blending.
- Crush Setting: Rotate the speed selector knob counter-clockwise to activate the "Crush" setting. This mode operates intermittently, crushing at full power for approximately 3 seconds, then pausing briefly before repeating. This allows larger chunks (like ice) to settle into the blade area for optimal performance. The crush function continues until the knob is returned to "0."
- Pulse Function: For pulsing action, hold down the "Pulse" button for continuous pulsing or press and release for multiple short bursts.
- Stopping: To stop blending, rotate the speed selector knob to the "0" (off) position.
Blade Assembly and Leakage Prevention:
A critical usage feature is the proper assembly of the blade to prevent leakage. The manual emphasizes tightening the black locking ring.
- Align the two round indentations on the metal jar collar with the two round bumps on the glass blending jar.
- Place the silicone sealing ring on the bottom of the glass jar.
- Angle the blade assembly to insert one of the taller blades first, then lower it so all blades enter the jar and the assembly sits flat on the silicone sealing ring.
- Replace the black locking ring around the blade assembly and rotate it clockwise until tightened. If leakage occurs, re-tighten the locking ring.
Maintenance Features:
The GE Die Cast Blender is designed for relatively low maintenance, with no user-serviceable parts beyond cleaning. Any servicing requiring disassembly (other than cleaning) should be performed by a qualified appliance repair technician.
Cleaning Process:
- Safety First: Before cleaning, ensure the speed control dial is in the "Off" position and the cord is unplugged.
- Immediate Rinse: Rinse the center measuring cap and jar lid immediately after use to prevent food from drying.
- Base Cleaning: Wipe the exterior surfaces of the base with a soft, moist cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Crucially, NEVER IMMERSE THE BLENDER BASE, CORD, OR PLUG IN WATER OR ANY OTHER LIQUID.
- Jar Cleaning: The glass jar is dishwasher safe. If washing by hand, use hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. A nylon bristle brush can be used for stubborn residue.
- Blade Assembly Cleaning:
- Remove the glass blending jar from the base and turn it over.
- Rotate the black locking ring counter-clockwise to remove it.
- Carefully lift the blade assembly upward, tilting it to angle the blades out of the jar.
- Remove the silicone sealing ring.
- Lift the cast metal jar collar off the glass blending jar.
- Clean all other parts of the blade assembly by hand with warm, soapy water and dry with a towel or allow to air dry. Exercise caution when washing the blade assembly as the blades are sharp.
- Prohibitions: Do not use scouring pads or harsh chemicals on plastic or metal parts. Do not fill the jar with boiling water or place any parts in boiling water. Avoid prolonged soaking of the blade assembly in water.
Storage:
Ensure all parts are clean and dry before storing. Store the appliance in its original box or in a clean, dry place. The cord should be loosely coiled or stored using the cord storage feature on the bottom of the blender to prevent fraying and breakage from tight wrapping.
Safety Precautions:
The manual highlights several important safeguards:
- Read all instructions before use.
- Avoid immersing the power cord or blender base in liquid.
- Close supervision is necessary when children are nearby.
- Unplug when not in use, before assembly/disassembly, and cleaning.
- Avoid contact with moving parts.
- Do not operate with a damaged cord, plug, or if the appliance malfunctions.
- Do not use non-recommended attachments.
- For indoor use only.
- Keep hands and utensils out of the container during operation; a scraper can be used only when the blender is off.
- Handle sharp blades carefully.
- Always operate with the cover in place.
- When blending hot liquids, remove the center piece of the two-piece cover.
- Do not place on or near hot surfaces or in a heated oven.
- Turn control to "off" before unplugging.
- Use only for intended purposes.
Cord Safety Tips:
- Never pull on the cord or appliance.
- Grasp the plug firmly to insert/remove.
- Inspect the cord for cuts/abrasions before each use.
- Avoid wrapping the cord tightly around the appliance.
Warranty:
The GE Die Cast Blender comes with a two-year limited warranty covering defects in material or workmanship. Wal-Mart will provide a new unit or a similar GE-branded product of equal or greater value if the original is no longer available. Warranty claims require a receipt and proper packing of the unit. The warranty does not cover parts subject to wear (e.g., glass, blades, seals), commercial use, or damage from misuse, abuse, neglect, or failure to clean. It also disclaims responsibility for special, incidental, and consequential damages. The warranty is valid only in the country of purchase.