Does It Work? - Magic Bullet Express

SEATTLE - It's part food processor, part blender, and part serving container all in one. But is the "Magic Bullet Express" all it's cracked up to be in those infomercials?

The commercials are very impressive. This is the appliance that claims to mix all sorts of foods in just 10 seconds, and the price has really come down from the original $100.

But is it worth adding another appliance to your kitchen?

Chops and Mixes In Just 10 Seconds

The commercial claims: "Virtually any chopping or mixing job in just 10 seconds" -- pesto sauce in 10 seconds, scrambled egg in 6 seconds, salsa in seven...

Volunteer Joan Sugiyama starts with the salsa recipe.

It said to put tomatoes, onions, jalapeno pepper and garlic into the mixing cup, screw on the blade attachment, then twist the whole thing onto the magic bullet power base and give it a few quick pulses.

Easier said than done at first. The unit locks into blending mode.

"Now, I don't think those are pulses," she said, as she worked to twist the unit out of lock position.

The first batch didn't turn out so good. It was more like salsa puree with a few stray chunks of onion.

The second batch had a little better luck. Not chunky like salsa by hand, but definitely faster.

Joan chomps on a chip with salsa and says "Not too bad!"

"How about a fabulously fast fruit sorbet?" I asked, reading from the recipe booklet.

"That sounds good," said Joan.

It says to put frozen strawberries and orange juice into the mixing cup, and blend until smooth.

"Hmmm, not bad. It's like sorbet," she said.

It's just creamier and without the sugar.

Finally, we try chocolate mousse.

For this we add whipping cream and chocolate syrup, change to the whipping blade and whip until thick and smooth.

"Ummm... It's good. Nice and light!" Joan said taking a second taste.

While she prefers her blender, Joan says the Magic Bullet would be handy for quick, small servings in a hurry and she likes the easy cleanup. She gives it a medium thumbs up.

"I just got a little intimidated because it wasn't as easy as it looks on TV," she said.

The Magic Bullet comes in various forms for various prices. I got a 17-piece set with for $59.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. It's also available online or at other home furnishing and discount stores.