A blender is a relatively simple machine—a blade, a jar, a couple of buttons that get everything going. If used properly, it can whip up smoothies, puree soups, and even blend nut butters. But use it incorrectly and you’ll have a sludge-like smoothie or, even worse, a blender that’s jammed and just can’t do the job. Here are 9 way to make sure your blender is doing its best for you every time you hit the power button.

1. Sometimes it’s okay to go cheap

If you’re constantly making hu...