Immersion blenders (or hand blenders) may not be absolutely essential in every good kitchen arsenal. But they can unlock faster, easier ways to make soups, smoothies, sauces, and more. Plus, they're smaller than their countertop siblings, often making them a better choice for RVs, boats, or apartments where space is at a premium. Finally, because cleaning them is usually as simple as putting them in a bowl of hot soapy water, there are also fewer complications. To help you discover which immersion blender is right for you, we've put together a list of our favorite models across a variety of needs and use cases.
Which device is right for you?
Before you even think about purchasing a new kitchen appliance, it's important to determine how you will use it and where it fits in with the appliances you already own. In an ideal world, everyone would have a dedicated food processor, countertop blender, and stand mixer. But the reality is that many people don't have the space or the budget.
While handheld and traditional full-size blenders overlap a lot, they both have strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you want to make smoothies every day, a countertop blender might be a better option. The larger jugs make it easier to mix drinks for multiple people at once, while the larger motors will make it easier to work with ice and frozen fruit. Additionally, more expensive options like those from Vitamix, All-Clad, Ninja, or Robocoupe can even cook soup during the blending process using the heat generated by the blender motor, which is not something you can do with a blender model. immersion. I would even go so far as to say that if you have the space for it and don't already have one, a regular blender is probably the best option for most people.
That said, immersion blenders are typically less expensive and, thanks to the wide variety of accessories some manufacturers offer, can be great multitaskers. A whisk attachment allows you to make whipped cream or meringues quickly without needing an electric hand mixer, or risk elbow tendinitis by doing it manually. Some immersion blenders also come with food processing bowls, so you can easily prepare things like small batches of hummus, salad dressings, or homemade pesto in minutes. And because immersion blenders are smaller and less bulky than traditional models, they're a great option for apartment dwellers or anyone with limited counter or storage space. That means that if you're simply trying to expand your culinary repertoire without increasing your budget, an immersion blender can be a great way to try something new without committing too much.
Wired or wireless?
Similar to deciding whether or not you should buy a blender, trying to decide between a corded or cordless model largely depends on the other devices you already own. Corded versions typically have more powerful motors, making them ideal for people who don't have a blender or food processor. But if you own one of both, the wireless option is the way to go. Not only do you get the convenience of not worrying about cords, but the ease of use makes it quick and easy to whip out your immersion blender to add some extra texture to a sauce or puree a large pot of soup without having to do it. in batches.
A few words about safety
No one should be ashamed of being nervous about a device that is essentially a motorized mixing wand with a rotating blade on the end. But with proper care and use, an immersion blender doesn't have to be much more dangerous than a chef's knife. The most important safety tip is to make sure you always keep the sharp blades pointed down and away from you or anyone else nearby. That includes your hands, along with any utensils (such as a spoon), that may be in or around the mixing bowl.
Fortunately, all consumer immersion blenders are designed to prevent the blade from directly hitting the container containing the food (be it a bowl or pot). However, to be on the safe side, you should avoid mixing things in glass containers or non-stick cookware, as the glass can chip or break, while the metal blades and cover of an immersion blender can damage the Teflon and the ceramic.
You'll also want to make sure to keep water away from the plug or outlet on corded immersion blenders. And if you want to remove the blade or remove any food that may have become tangled, first make sure the blender is turned off, disconnected from its power source (either battery or wall outlet), and in one-button safety mode. blocking or other. characteristic.
The good thing is that cleaning a dive is pretty simple and straightforward. All you have to do is fill a container or cup with soap and water, submerge the immersion blender, and then let it run for 10 to 20 seconds. That's all. If it's still not clean, you can repeat that process again until it is. And if hand-washing is too much work, the mixing wand on many models (including all of the ones on this list) is also dishwasher safe.
Breville
Starting at $130, amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9CcmV2aWxsZS1CU0I1MTBYTC1Db250cm9sLUltbWVyc2lvbi1CbGVuZGVyL2RwL0IwMDRSRjdRSlc_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLW8tNW4tMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjIzMzA3OTA4LWYzZWQtNDQ3OC04ZjljLWNkMTQxOTQzYTYzOSJ9&signature=AQAAASzjazopjmGcQ_rKLfey691TiV5mXnKpeowRlAANKGP0&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBreville-BSB510XL-Control-Immersion-Blender%2Fdp%2FB004RF7QJW” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:Breville’s Control Grip;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “>Breville Control Grip Not only does it have one of the most powerful motors (280 watts) available in a corded immersion blender in this price range, but it also comes with a ton of useful accessories. In addition to the 8-inch main shaft/dipping blade, the kit features a 25-ounce chopping bowl for chopping and chopping and a 42-ounce blending jar for making soups and smoothies. There is also a blender attachment, which means that among all its accessories, the Control Grip can replace three different common kitchen appliances: a food processor, a traditional blender, and a hand mixer.
I also appreciate the two-button locking system, a safety feature that ensures accessories are properly locked before use. Breville even includes a removable blade guard to help prevent the stainless steel blender from scratching other stored appliances. And with support for 15 different high-speed settings, it has a lot of versatility and can handle all types of dishes. Alternatively, if you are looking for a multi-use immersion blender with even more accessories for making drinks and pureeing soup, you may want to consider amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9LaXRjaGVuQWlkLUtIQjI1NjFDVS01LVNwZWVkLUhhbmQtQmxlbmRlci9kcC9CMDA1UUlZS1ZHP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC1vLTVuLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIyMzMwNzkwOC1mM2VkLTQ0NzgtOGY5Yy1jZDE0MTk0M2E2MzkifQ&signature=AQAAAaMM70WrkPEgiEPvs5w6U1E0jsgp0FInlSUefQ2Og6PF&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKitchenAid-KHB2561CU-5-Speed-Hand-Blender%2Fdp%2FB005QIYKVG” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:KitchenAid’s 5-Speed Hand Blender;cpos:2;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “>KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixerwhich comes with two extra bell blades to help crush ice, beat egg whites and more.
amazon&itemSourceId=B004RF7QJW&brand=Breville&price=129.95&salePrice=129.95&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0JyZXZpbGxlLUJTQjUxMFhMLUNvbnRyb2wtSW1tZXJzaW9uLUJsZW5kZXIvZHAvQjAwNFJGN1FKVz90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby01bS0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMjMzMDc5MDgtZjNlZC00NDc4LThmOWMtY2QxNDE5NDNhNjM5In0&signature=AQAAAQFeKLgbe4tb6tdaP-4YwEJ-QOZNB33sZbM7qwoT_yU5″ rel=”noopener noreferrer nofollow” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;cpos:1;elmt:amazon;pdid:Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender;pid:amazon_B004RF7QJW;aid:amazon_B004RF7QJW;itemcost:$130;itmId:$130;sellerN:amazon;ll3:product-available;ll4:productoffer-auto;elm:affiliate_link;itc:0;slk:$130 at amazon;pkgt:horizontal-cta-1;pos:4″>$130 on amazon
Kitchen assistant
If you just want an immersion blender that is simple and easy to use, amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9LaXRjaGVuQWlkLUtIQkJWNTNCTS1Db3JkbGVzcy1CbGVuZGVyLUJsYWNrL2RwL0IwOEJSMzk0OUc_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLW8tNW4tMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjIzMzA3OTA4LWYzZWQtNDQ3OC04ZjljLWNkMTQxOTQzYTYzOSJ9&signature=AQAAAVkclLgVtsqDFGIJt5xJ6G6WXgECF8-BYLvD9Le-nNON&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKitchenAid-KHBBV53BM-Cordless-Blender-Black%2Fdp%2FB08BR3949G%3F” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:KitchenAid’s Cordless Variable Speed Blender;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:2;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “>KitchenAid Variable Speed Cordless Blender It's the one you should get. It comes with a dishwasher-safe blending jar and an optional pan protector to ensure it doesn't damage your cookware. The really nifty feature, however, is that instead of having discrete speed settings, you can adjust the blender's 180-watt motor simply by pulling the trigger. This makes it incredibly intuitive to use, and thanks to its built-in safety switch, it's much harder to press the power button and spin the blade by accident.
KitchenAid also claims that the battery can blend up to 25 bowls of soup on a single charge. And although my kitchen is too small to test this properly, I never had any problems. That said, you'll want to make sure to charge the battery beforehand because its charging port is next to where you plug in the mixer arm, meaning you can't plug it in while it's working.
Hamilton Beach
For those who want something that is versatile and great value, amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9IYW1pbHRvbi1CZWFjaC01OTc2NS1TcGVlZC1CbGVuZGVyL2RwL0IwMDNOUUU4QjA_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLW8tNW4tMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjIzMzA3OTA4LWYzZWQtNDQ3OC04ZjljLWNkMTQxOTQzYTYzOSJ9&signature=AQAAAYjO1A19rTH4uRq6RNiX7vNRkj6ilhEI0OSP0mMNs0Hz&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHamilton-Beach-59765-Speed-Blender%2Fdp%2FB003NQE8B0%3F” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:Hamilton Beach’s Two-Speed Hand Blender;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:3;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “>Hamilton Beach Two-Speed Hand Blender It is one of the best options. While it's not cordless, in addition to the main mixing arm, you also get a whisk attachment and chopping bowl, all for just $35. On top of that, its 225-watt motor is quite powerful for its price, although you don't get as many speed settings as you would in more premium rivals. Since this blender has been on the market for over 15 years, this blender has long been a top choice among budget-conscious cooks.
Vitamix
Vitamix is practically synonymous with blenders, so it's probably no surprise that their version is amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:4″ href=”https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=editorial-text-link&merchantName=amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1ZpdGFtaXgtSW1tZXJzaW9uLUJsZW5kZXItU3RhaW5sZXNzLWluY2hlcy9kcC9CMDhEREpNQlpNP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC1vLTVnMC0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMjMzMDc5MDgtZjNlZC00NDc4LThmOWMtY2QxNDE5NDNhNjM5In0&signature=AQAAAfrybDNpmSAjnkGc1CxUraiUXKjKlg8xlXpoG5iq8WUy&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FVitamix-Immersion-Blender-Stainless-inches%2Fdp%2FB08DDJMBZM” class=”link rapid-with-clickid etailiffa-link” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:immersion model;elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:4;itc:0″>immersion model It's quite nice. That said, there are a couple of features that set it apart from its rivals. The first is a 625-watt motor that's more powerful than almost anything else out there (aside from super expensive professional blenders). This makes it ideal for people who want to make drinks that require crushed ice but may not have a large blender stored in their pantry. Its protective hood also has a unique shape designed to reduce suction and better attract ingredients to the blade, while the rubber tips help prevent scratching your blender container (bowls, pots, etc.). And despite being super powerful, the blender head is still small enough to fit inside a quart wide-mouth glass jar, which is great for quickly blending a sauce or salad dressing without dirty a bunch of extra dishes.
amazon&price=144.95&salePrice=144.95&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1ZpdGFtaXgtSW1tZXJzaW9uLUJsZW5kZXItU3RhaW5sZXNzLWluY2hlcy9kcC9CMDhEREpNQlpNP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC12LWkxLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIyMzMwNzkwOC1mM2VkLTQ0NzgtOGY5Yy1jZDE0MTk0M2E2MzkifQ&signature=AQAAAYJJcVa28TDhq1QAr7XpQoeswQFdZPr_hr6gJiJj7P2R” rel=”noopener noreferrer nofollow” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;cpos:4;elmt:chooseForMe;pdid:Vitamix Immersion Blender;pid:manual_23307908-f3ed-4478-8f9c-cd141943a639_1715347472130;aid:manual_23307908-f3ed-4478-8f9c-cd141943a639_1715347472130;itemcost:$145;itmId:$145;sellerN:amazon;ll3:product-available;ll4:productoffer-manual;elm:affiliate_link;itc:0;slk:$145 at amazon;pkgt:horizontal-cta-1;pos:4″>$145 on amazon
