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There are so many kitchen tools on the market, which is a good thing on the one hand. However, on the other hand, this can make it tricky to figure out which ones you should buy and which ones you can do without.
The panini press, the waffle maker, the bread machine… Sure, they all serve a purpose, but do you really need all of them? Probably not!
The egg cooker, the rice cooker, the stand mixer… Yes, they can all be quite useful at times, but are you going to use them every day or even every week? It’s unlikely.
When it comes time to buy kitchen gadgets and small appliances, it’s always best to purchase ones that you know you’re going to use on a near-daily basis. All that rarely used appliances do is fill up your cabinets and collect dust anyway!
Keep your space neat and tidy by picking up kitchen appliances that serve more than one purpose. That’s one of the main appeals of the hand blender!
If you’re looking for a new tool or a gadget that offers versatility in the kitchen, you’ll want to keep reading! We’ll go over the 18 best hand blenders that you can put to use often. But first, let’s take a closer look at hand blenders and all that they offer.
Our Favorite Hand Blenders:
What is a Hand Blender?
A hand blender is exactly what it sounds like – a small appliance that you hold by hand to blend all sorts of ingredients when making delicious meals and beverages alike. Also known as a stick blender or an immersion blender, a hand bender is a tool that some home cooks and professional chefs swear by.
All immersion blenders are designed with a main stick that has a blade on one end. The blade is used for the purpose of blending and pulsing food. But some hand blenders also come with even more benefits, the most common of which are whisk attachments and chopper attachments.
The more components and speed controls a hand blender has, the more you can do with it. Plus, there are so many different delectables that you can make with the help of a hand blender! Let’s take a look at what you can make with a hand blender.
What Can You Make With a Hand Blender?
So, what exactly can people make with the help of a hand blender? Well, all sorts of things!
With a hand blender, you can puree soups and make baby food. You can whip up tomato, pesto, hollandaise and various other sauces. You can prepare whipped cream and whisk egg whites into meringue. You can even froth milk for your morning coffee or use the hand blender to beat eggs in preparation for a scramble or an omelet.
Hand blenders can also be used to mix batter for cakes, pancakes and waffles alike. With its slow and pulsing speed, hand mixers can help you chop veggies for salsa or chickpeas for hummus.
And if you’re a smoothie fan, the hand blender is a must because you can use it to blend your smoothie ingredients directly inside of your travel mug. Then, just pop the lid on once the ingredients are mixed and you’ll have an instant breakfast to take with you anywhere!
Hand blenders are more versatile than you may think. In addition to all of the things you can make with one, there are other benefits to having an immersion blender in your kitchen. On that note, it’s time to take a closer look at the pros and cons of buying a hand blender!
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Hand Blender
It’s easy to love the hand blender for all that it can do. But what it doesn’t do is also rather interesting.
The Pros
Hand blenders don’t take up any countertop space at all. This is ideal for many people but it’s especially wonderful for people who live in small apartments or have a tiny kitchen with limited space.
Most hand blenders can be stored in a drawer rather than needing to be left on top of counters. By storing a hand blender in a drawer, you won’t have to dust it every single day or move it when it’s time to clean and disinfect the counter like you do when you have a countertop blender.
Hand blenders also don’t cost a fortune either. A hand blender costs significantly less than a countertop blender from the same brand. For example, the base model hand blender from KitchenAid costs $40, while their countertop blenders are priced at $100 and up.
The Cons
Overall, the hand blender is a great tool, but there are some drawbacks that you should consider before immediately buying one. For starters, a hand blender requires manual labor. With a countertop blender, you can just pop the lid on, hit a button and wait for the machine to work its magic. A hand blender requires that you blend your ingredients by hand, so there’s no walking away.
Another drawback to the hand blender is that it can create messes if you don’t know how to use it or if you use it in the wrong way. Consider this a pro tip: in order to prevent splatter caused by a hand blender, make sure you only use it inside of deep vessels. Otherwise, you’ll end up with food splashed all over your kitchen.
On the other hand, if you love to make frozen drinks that require heavy-duty ice chopping, a regular blender is the way to go. Immersion blenders are equipped with smaller blades, making them great for situations where you need to yield smooth consistencies. However, it’s not so helpful when it comes to crushing and pulverizing ice.
Related: Stop Making this ONE Smoothie Mistake
The 18 Best Hand Mixers on the Market Today
Now that you know why you should buy a hand blender and what you can do with it, are you ready to start shopping? If so, we’ve got you covered! Here are the best immersion blenders to use in your kitchen today.
1. Cuisinart Smart Stick 2 Speed Hand Blender
With a 200-watt motor and its stainless steel body, the Cuisinart Smart Stick 2 Speed Hand Blender offers excellent value for all that it does. This hand blender can be used continuously or on a pulse action, making it perfect for pureeing and blending all sorts of ingredients.
It comes with a beaker glass for measuring, a comfort grip handle that makes it easy to hold and an eight-inch blending shaft that can be used in all sorts of jugs, jars, pots or bowls. Also, this immersion blender offers additional functions because it includes a whisk attachment and a food grinder. That way, you can chop your ingredients to the perfect size before blending them all together.
2. Braun 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender
The Braun 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender is perfect for the home cook who’s looking for a compact tool that can serve multiple purposes. This hand blender is rather powerful with its 350-watt structure. It also includes all sorts of attachments that make it possible for you to chop, process, whisk and mash.
This set comes with a beaker, a whisk attachment, a mashing attachment and a two-cup food processor-meets-chopper. The blender itself features a bell-shaped shaft with stainless steel blades.
It also has a turbo boost button that you can implement when you need to make use of a bit more speed and power. The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to grip and an easy-click feature lets you switch out attachments in a matter of seconds.
3. Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
Powerful and versatile, the Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender might just be our favorite handheld blender to make this list. This Breville delivers a solid amount of power thanks to its 280 watts.
It offers precision blending with 15 different speed settings that range from low speed to high speed. It also includes a 25-ounce chopper bowl and a 42-ounce blending jug, which is deep enough for you to not have to worry about splashing food all over the place.
This design has an ergonomic trigger grip that allows you to hold it in a natural, comfortable position. It also has a bell-shaped base so that you don’t have to worry about suction when you’re blending, whipping or emulsifying. But wait! There’s more. It also includes a whisk attachment and comes with a recipe book.
4. KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender
Hate the thought of being tethered to an electrical outlet while you cook? With the KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender, you won’t be!
This cordless hand blender doesn’t come with all of the bells and whistles that some of the other blenders on this list offer, but the fact that it’s cordless more than makes up for what it lacks. It still comes with the essentials, including a blending pitcher with a lid, a removable pan guard, a cord, a charger and a dishwasher-safe detachable blender arm.
Like most small kitchen appliances from KitchenAid, this immersion blender is available in a variety of cool colors, though we’re partial to the matte black finish for its sleek and professional look!
5. Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick Immersion Multi-Purpose Hand Blender
Mueller Austria might not be as well-known of a brand as Cuisinart or KitchenAid, but even so, their ultra-affordable Ultra-Stick Immersion Multi-Purpose Hand Blender has 4.5 stars with over 38,000 reviews on Amazon.
One particular fan is Jessica Randhawa, the recipe creator and writer behind the blog, The Forked Spoon. She notes that “without a doubt, the absolute best hand blender on the market today is the Mueller Ultra-Stick Immersion Hand Blender. It can even blend vegetables and beans in a perfectly smooth texture similar to my top-of-the-line Vitamix, which costs about 25 times more.” Randhawa uses it for her black bean soup and her curried pumpkin soup.
With nine speeds and 500 watts of power, this blender features a copper motor, S-shaped stainless blades and a comfortable, ergonomic grip on the handle. It comes with a whisk attachment and a milk frother, making it perfect for crafting fancy coffee drinks.
However, it does not come with a jug, a beaker or a pitcher for mixing purposes. You’ll either have to buy one separately or blend ingredients in a vessel that you already have at home.
6. KOIOS 12-Speed Immersion Hand Blender
If you’re working on a tight budget, the KOIOS 12-Speed Immersion Hand Blender will only set you back about $30!
This immersion blender has stainless steel titanium-plated blades and includes a whisk attachment and a milk frother attachment so you can perfect your latte art skills. A bell-shaped housing over the blade helps prevent splashing, but it doesn’t come with a blending vessel like the more expensive models do.
The truth is that you can froth milk with any immersion blender, but for serious coffee lovers, the milk frother wand adds a nice touch!
7. All-Clad Cordless Stainless Steel Immersion Hand Blender
If you’re a diehard All-Clad fan, you’re in luck. The All-Clad Cordless Stainless Steel Immersion Hand Blender is one of the best rechargeable blenders on the market.
This cordless immersion blender features five-speed settings and 600 watts of power, making it one of the most effective hand blenders for chopping frozen fruits and chunkier items. With its extra-long shaft, you can mix soups and sauces right inside a deep pot, though All-Clad recommends not using it directly inside nonstick pans or cast iron pots.
All-Clad makes whisk and chopper attachments that are compatible with this model, but they’re sold separately, so you’ll have to fork over a little extra for those extras.
8. Hamilton Beach Immersion Hand Blender
This Hamilton Beach Immersion Hand Blender offers impressive function and excellent value. It’s not quite as powerful as the more expensive models, but if you’re looking to test out an immersion blender from a trusted brand, this is a great choice.
In addition to the blending wand, this design comes with a three-cup chopping bowl and a whisk attachment so you can blend, puree, chop, dice and prepare all sorts of meals with ease. It has a 225-watt motor, which is less powerful than some of the other blenders on this list but still powerful enough to tackle most of your daily needs.
9. GE Immersion Hand Blender
If you’re looking for the perfect combo of power, function and value, check out the GE Immersion Hand Blender. This baby has a performance power of 500 watts, making it super easy to whip up shakes, smoothies, soups and all sorts of other tasty things.
This GE hand blender features a stainless steel and black design with two speeds and an ergonomic handle. It comes with a whisk attachment and a chopping jar, offering versatility so you can make all sorts of meals and beverages.
That it only has two speeds may seem like a drawback, but the fact is that having only two-speed options takes some of the guesswork out of immersion blending. If you’ve never used a hand blender before, this is a great one to get started with.
10. Braun MQ7025X MultiQuick 7 Immersion Hand Blender
This Braun MQ7025X hand blender features a flexible shaft for 250% more cutting surface. The 50 speed settings are activated via a simple touch and the more pressure you apply to the handle, the faster the blending.
Additionally, the head design is claimed to decrease suction by 25% so that you hardly ever need to take a break to clean chunks of food out of the blender head. The design also helps cut down on splashing.
In addition to the blending head, the blender also comes with a whisk attachment and chopping attachment. Just use the head eject button to swap them out.
The plastic and aluminum hand blender is partially dishwasher safe. Plus, it weighs just under two pounds, so it’s incredibly lightweight. It’s available from Bed, Bath & Beyond for easy store pickup, too!
11. Nutribullet Immersion Blender
If you’re a Nutribullet fan, you’ll want to check out this budget-friendly hand blender option. Compact, weighing two pounds and featuring an extra whisk attachment, the blender doesn’t offer as much of a splash guard or as many speed settings as some of the other hand blenders on our list, but the well-reviewed appliance receives high marks from home cooks regardless.
Reviewers report using it to make baby food, soups and more. Others note that it’s particularly comfortable to hold as well as use.
12. Dash Chef Series Immersion Hand Blender
Another budget-friendly pick, this Dash Chef five-speed stick blender also includes a whisk attachment. The long body measures 17 inches, resulting in its ability to be used to access large pots of soup or deep glasses filled with smoothies and milkshakes.
The blender is available in six colors, so you can pick the hue that matches your current kitchen decor. Reviewers report that the blender features an admirable amount of power and it can be used for everything from smoothies and veggies to nuts and more!
13. Bamix M133 Mono Immersion Hand Blender
Comparatively, this hand blender is a little more expensive than some of the above, but you get a lot for the price. The hefty, powerful blender comes with three attachments for various uses, plus a wall mount, so you can keep it handy and always in reach. The Swiss-designed blender features two speeds and the minimalistic shaft eliminates any annoying suction.
Unfortunately, this particular option isn’t dishwasher-friendly. However, you will like that the various head attachments provide a wide array of functionality, whether you want to aerate, beat, emulsify, blend, chop, mince or puree.
14. Philips ProMix Hand Blender
This well-reviewed hand blender comes with a large handle and only one button and is designed to work harder, the harder you squeeze. A light touch allows for whipping, while a firmer grasp will result in blending.
You only get the one blending head attachment with your initial purchase, but there are four other head attachments available from Philips and sold separately, including a double beater attachment that is similar to what you might see on a traditional hand mixer. It also has a special head attachment for mashed potatoes.
15. The CRUX Artisan Series 7.5” Cordless Immersion Blender
This immersion blender is incredibly easy to use. It’s cordless, so there’s no fighting with a too-short or too-long wire as you try to puree a soup on the stovetop. It only features one button, so it’s easy to figure out. It even features a lock setting, which can give you a little extra peace of mind if you frequently have kids in the kitchen.
The blender comes with a whisk attachment, beaker and charging port. The charging port features a suction cup on the bottom, so you can easily attach it to your countertop.
16. Waring Commercial Quik Stik Light Duty Immersion Blender
Need something that’s a little more heavy-duty? Go with a commercial option, like this light duty immersion blender that’s easily available on Amazon. Since it’s designed for commercial use, the blender is extra-powerful and can handle large quantities of ingredients. It can puree up to three gallons of soup in one go!
However, while this blender is on the robust side, it’s also on the simpler side. Don’t expect any fancy attachments or features. It does one thing and one thing only — but it does this one thing really well. Unfortunately, the two-speed blender isn’t dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to spend a little extra time cleaning it by hand.
17. Bosch Hand Blender
This heavy-duty Bosch handheld electric mixer features a long and durable shaft and an ergonomic handle design. The blender comes with a blending cup with a sturdy base, so you can quickly whip up your morning green smoothie without worrying about spills or splatters. The shaft is dishwasher safe, too.
18. CWIIM Triblade XL Hand Blender
This hand blender comes with an admirable number of beater attachments. There’s the normal blending head, but then also a whisk, a potato masher and even a miniature chopper that’s very similar in function to what you might get from a larger food processor.
It’s ideal for chopping or mincing those items that are just too small or fine for your normal hand blender to take on, such as herbs. All of these accessories can be attached to the blending beaker, which is outfitted with a comfortable handle for easier use.
What To Look for in a Hand Blender or Hand Mixer
No matter which immersion electric hand mixer you decide to go with, always make sure you consider the following key pieces of criteria when shopping for hand mixers.
Power
First of all, you’ll want to ensure you’re buying an immersion handheld mixer that can actually blend and mix things. However, you may need a more or less powerful blender depending on what you’re blending.
For example, if you often blend already-soft items, such as cooked vegetables when making soups or purees, then you might not need a blender with too much power. However, if you’re blending hard and rigid items, you might want to go with something that has a power advantage so that it can handle things like ice or nuts.
Size
You’ll also want to look at the size of the hand blender you’re considering. Is the blender long or short? Large or small?
Larger hand blenders can be unwieldy and heavy, especially if you’re using them for longer periods of time at once, but they also can allow you to blend greater quantities of ingredients at one time. Smaller hand blenders, on the flip side, may be easier to use, but unsuitable for making large quantities of food.
Ease of Cleaning
Arguably the worst part of cooking is all the cleaning that comes afterward. If you don’t care for the clean-up bit of the cooking process, look for a blender head that will detach from its body, for easy cleaning in the dishwasher.
Cord vs Cordless
You’ll find that immersion blenders either come with or without a cord. If you have lots of counter space and your kitchen isn’t cramped, the cord likely won’t bother you. However, if you’re working with crammed counters and not a lot of range of motion when cooking, the cord could be a problem.
Do note that rechargeable, cordless hand mixers do come with a charging port instead, so you will need to find a place for that. You’ll need a place for accessories as well, as these mixers often do not come with a storage case.
Are Hand Blenders Safe?
Just like regular stand mixers, blenders and other kitchen appliances, such as air fryers, toasters or coffee makers, hand blenders are mostly safe, if used correctly and under the right circumstances. You still, though, wouldn’t want to give a stick blender to a toddler who’s helping you in the kitchen.
So, to be safe when using your hand blender, be sure to read all of the product instructions and warnings that come with the blender. These will give you an idea as to how long your blender is designed to run before overheating. Most of them are designed to only be used for brief periods of time. If you feel the blender handle becoming warm, that’s a sign to turn your blender off and give it a rest.
Additionally, when using your hand blender, if it’s just plugged in and not turned on, keep your fingers away from the blades and out of your cooking receptacle.
Tips For Using Your New Hand Blender
Want to get the most use out of your new hand blender? Make sure you’re using it in the best ways possible.
Fully Submerge the Blade
Whatever you’re blending, be sure to keep your blender blade submerged at all times. If not, you’ll end up splattering yourself and your kitchen in lots of goopy, blended food. For best results, submerge your blender head into the food before turning the blender on.
Then, when you’re done blending, turn it off before removing it from the food. The only time you don’t want to do this is when you’re creating a whipped item that needs lots of air, such as whipped cream, meringues or mayonnaise.
Make the Cleaning Process Easier
Want to clean your hand blender in a snap? Rather than let it linger in your sink until you get around to washing the dishes after dinner, clean your hand blender immediately after you’re finished using it.
Just submerge it in some soap warm water and give it a few blends. This will easily sweep away any food residue before it has a chance to dry and harden.
Opt For Large Containers Instead of Small Ones
Even if you have your blender blade fully submerged, you can still experience some splatter if you’re not using the correct cooking vessel.
If you’re trying to blend an item you’re cooking, opt for using a soup pot or pan with high sides instead of something like a saute pan. Similarly, if you’re blending a cold or uncooked item, opt for blending it in a tall and narrow container rather than a short bowl.
Move the Blender Around
Even the largest hand blenders are usually still on the small side. Well, at least when compared to whatever you’re trying to cook. To quickly, easily blend an entire batch of soup or sauce, move the blender around, so you cover more area, faster. The blender doesn’t need to remain in one spot for long, in order to do its job.
Get Creative
While soups, smoothies and sauces might be your first thought when considering how to use your immersion blender, don’t be afraid to get creative and explore other ways to use your new kitchen appliance. You might just find that it’s way handier than you first assumed!
From frothing milk to go atop your favorite caffeinated beverage to fluffing up some egg whites for scrambling, there’s lots of ways to use a hand blender in the kitchen. The only areas where you’ll be limited is when mixing or kneading things that you might normally use a stand mixer for, such as cookie doughs or bread dough.
Avoid Blending in Certain Containers
Unless you’re entirely positive that a container is scratch-resistant and shatter-proof, avoid using your hand blender in/around it. Instead, opt for non-glass mixing bowls, pots and pans that do not feature a non-stick coating.
Is a Hand Blender Better Than a Regular Blender?
From pureeing baby food to whisking eggs to whipping up healthy smoothies, a hand blender is a useful addition to any modern kitchen.
When shopping for one, consider the cost and buy one that’s within your budget. Remember that the higher the wattage, the more powerful it is. And pay attention to the attachments it comes with. The more attachments it has, the more versatile it will be!
You might also be interested in: The 9 Best Portable Blenders For Life On The Go
The 18 Best Hand Mixers and Blenders in 2022 For Mess-Free Cooking:
- Cuisinart Smart Stick 2 Speed Hand Blender
- Braun 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender
- Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
- KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender
- Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick Immersion Multi-Purpose Hand Blender
- KOIOS 12-Speed Immersion Hand Blender
- All-Clad Cordless Stainless Steel Immersion Hand Blender
- Hamilton Beach Immersion Hand Blender
- GE Immersion Hand Blender
- Braun MQ7025X MultiQuick 7 Immersion Hand Blender
- Nutribullet Immersion Blender
- Dash Chef Series Immersion Hand Blender
- Bamix M133 Mono Immersion Hand Blender
- Philips ProMix Hand Blender
- The CRUX Artisan Series 7.5” Cordless Immersion Blender
- Waring Commercial Quik Stik Light Duty Immersion Blender
- Bosch Hand Blender
- CWIIM Triblade XL Hand Blender