Abstract: A stand mixer having a mixer housing with an upper surface and a lower surface is provided with a control panel. The stand mixer also has a motor within the mixer housing operably connected with a drive shaft extending through the lower surface. The stand mixer further has a speed indicator located on the upper surface of the mixer housing. The motor is started by the user actuating a power button and the speed of the motor is adjustable by the user rotating a dial. A method of using a stand mixer includes the step of adjusting a rotary dial to select a motor speed. The method further includes the step of actuating the power button for starting a motor on the stand mixer.

Abstract: An improved blender jar is provided for an electric blender. The blender includes a base with a motor. The jar includes a body with opposite upper and lower ends. The lower end has a collar adapted to mount onto the base such that a knife mounted in the lower end of the jar is coupled with the output shaft of the motor for rotation by the motor. The body of the jar has a reduced cross-sectional area portion between the upper and lower ends so as to enhance blending action of materials in the jar. The body also has inwardly extending ribs to enhance blending.