Some of the most flavorful, tasty creations can be made by simply blending ingredients together. From dips to sauces, you need a device you can just grab from the drawer then give a quick rinse after use, ready for the next time.
Simple kitchen tasks such as chopping and whisking can be made so much easier with a blender too. Without one, you are denying yourself some delicious dishes.
You may only have a large traditional jug blender and it seems such an effort to use when all you want is a batch of soup. In such a large appliance, chances are some of the mixture will be lost when transferring from a pan to the blender and out again.
This is made even worse when making mayonnaise when you really need to prevent it from splitting or curdling and there is only one super-fast setting.
For making sauces, smoothies, and soups, you require the best immersion blender. These handheld tools come with a grip, a powerful motor, and blades to combine and whip up ingredients.
All while saving you from having to transfer the mixture into another pan and back again. An immersion blender is convenient, easy, and effective.
Best Immersion Blender
OUR TOP PICK
Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender
EDITORS CHOICE
KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender
BEST VALUE
OUR TOP PICK
Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender
A brand you can trust in your kitchen is Breville and their BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender combines comfort with performance.
Even for the most fibrous of soups, you can hold the rubber trigger grip naturally and know you are in control. There is limited splatter and anti-suction blending technology means more efficient puréeing.
Use it in your pans and you will be confident they will remain scratch-free which we enjoyed in our experience of this product. The added accessories are a nice touch too with a 42oz blending jug that really boosts up the capacity.
The whisk attachment is ideal for whipping up egg whites and the chopper can make light work of vegetables to save you so much time.
Pros
- Trigger Grip – The rubber grip increases stability and gives your hand a more natural position when holding the immersion blender
- Anti-Suction Blending Technology – A bell-shaped base and internal ribbing means less suction and more control
- Non-Scratch Base – Keep your pots and pans scratch-free with a base that will prevent contact with the blades
- Includes Accessories – The immersion blender comes with a 25oz chopping bowl, whisk attachment, and 42oz jug with an anti-slip mat
- Speed Settings – Choose from fifteen speed settings for controlled, accurate blending
Cons
- Lack of Comparable Power – At only 280W, there are more powerful immersion blenders available.
Also available directly from Breville
EDITORS CHOICE
KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender
Every kitchen should have at least one KitchenAid appliance. From the reliable brand comes the KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender and it does not disappoint.
One of the many bugbears with immersion blenders can be the cords that get in the way, that is no problem here. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, you can go cordless and still marvel at the impressive blending.
A detachable 8” blending arm makes cleaning and storage straightforward which we liked in our testing. That you can vary up the speeds also offer more control to get the texture you desire.
This is a piece of kit that proves effortless to use and as it comes from KitchenAid you can find the color that closely matches your kitchen.
Pros
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery – Go cordless with a battery that delivers a great performance with minimum fuss
- Removable 8” Blending Arm – Easy storage and cleaning with a blending arm that can be detached
- Variable Speed Trigger Switch – Decide on the desired smoothness and match it with a choice of speeds
- Range of Colors – Of course, being from KitchenAid you have a range of colors to choose from to match your aesthetic
Cons
- Heavy – The battery does mean that the blender is heavier than others
Also available directly from KitchenAid.
BEST VALUE
NutriBullet Immersion Blender
NutriBullet know a thing or two about blending as their range of smoothie makers and blenders will show. Their Immersion Blender comes in at a really affordable price yet does not scrimp on the functionality.
This model is ideal if you simply want a low speed and a high speed blender for all those soups, dips, and dressings you want to prepare. Blissfully simple functionality and a whisk attachment is also included to fluff up egg whites and cream.
A 350W motor may not be powerful enough for some yet for that price tag it is decent enough value. The compact size is also a feature we enjoyed in our experience of this product as it can fit well in many drawers. A durable design also means that you can rely on this blender when you need it most.
Pros
- Compact Size – Whether in your drawer or your cup, the size is suitably compact
- Two Speeds – Ideal if you prefer the simple setup of just a low and high speed
- Durable Design – A soft-grip handle and hard plastic body is built for durability
Cons
- Lack of Anti-Scratch Design – You should be careful with your pans to avoid them getting scratched
Also available directly from NutriBullet.
RUNNER UP
Vitamix Immersion Blender
When you are considering the motor of an immersion blender, that wattage can take away from how useful the variable speeds can be. With the Vitamix Immersion Blender, you can have the best of both worlds.
A 625W motor is not to be trifled with and can get through whole foods including frozen fruit to create delicious smoothies.
A four-pronged blade and five variable speeds are ideal if you want to create different textures. Chunky or silky smooth soup, the choice is yours which we liked in our testing. With their uniquely designed bell guard, the powerful motor proves even more efficient to keep your pans scratch-free.
Pros
- 625W Motor – The powerful motor makes easy work of whole fruit and vegetables to create a smooth texture
- Five Variable Speeds – Choose how chunky or smooth you want it, whatever you are blending
- Bell Guard – The unique design reduces suction and enhances efficiency while protecting your pots and pans from scratches
Cons
- Lack of Attachments – With so many settings and a powerful motor, the lack of attachments seems like you are missing out on even more options
Also available directly from Vitamix.
RUNNER UP
Braun MQ9007 MultiQuick 9 Immersion Hand Blender
While most immersion blenders are ideal for blitzing soups and creating delicious smoothies, few are suited for puréeing mashed potatoes. Then there is the Braun MQ9007 MultiQuick 9 Immersion Hand Blender which has POWERBell Plus.
An extra milling blade that can get through harder, larger ingredients like potato chunks which we liked in our testing.
You will want to use this immersion blender extensively and SPLASHControl Technology should ensure excellent blending without having to mop it all up after.
A 700W motor is powerful enough for most substances yet ACTIVEBlade Technology uses a flexible shaft for even finer blending with less effort. Just silky smooth textures without much bother at all.
Pros
- ACTIVEBlade Technology – The shaft is flexible enough to move the blade up and down for more efficient, finer blending and makes great use of a powerful motor
- SPLASHControl Technology – Less splashing and better blending to keep your kitchen clean
- POWERBell Plus – One more milling blade means more slices for each rotation which is ideal for larger pieces
- Range of Accessories – Versatility comes from a whisk attachment, a mash attachment, and a 20oz plastic beaker
Cons
- Large Price Tag – With all that versatility and the powerful motor, you can expect to pay a bit more
Also available from eBay.
Buyers’ Guide
Immersion blenders have become a necessary piece of equipment to have in many kitchens. With a compact size and powerful motors, they can purée quickly and directly in the pot or pan you have been using. Imagine in the depths of winter you have simmered down a delicious pot of soup.
You want to keep the heat in and rather than pouring the hot liquid into a separate blender, you can simply use an immersion blender. Soon enough, that soup will be the texture you want and at the same piping hot temperature ready to serve.
If you are going to invest in an immersion blender, you should think about what you intend to use it for. The occasional batch of soup will not require an expensive model that comes with several separate attachments.
However, if you wanted to make a smoothie using frozen fruit, whip up some egg whites, or purée mashed potatoes you can expect to get good use out of one. You should also look out for a chopper as an accessory which can really save time when dealing with a large amount of vegetables.
Powerful Motor
Depending on what you are blending, you may not need an exceptionally powerful motor in your immersion blender. The most powerful models are ideal for puréeing frozen fruit and chunky vegetables into a thick, lump-free texture.
A motor of 700 to 1000W will efficiently create silky smooth mashed potatoes yet so can a 600W motor given a bit more time. You may tell the difference going down to a 300W motor in how quiet it is.
Variable Speeds
Having the versatility of a range of speeds can make a difference if you decide on having some texture to whatever you are creating. Some people prefer some chunks as opposed to a uniform smooth consistency.
That can mean a delicious curry paste with some of the ingredients still punching through, a thick, lump-free milkshake packed with fresh fruit and crushed ice, or a soup with a few chunks left in.
Having a variable speed can be really helpful when wanting to create something delicate. Being able to slow it down can make the difference for certain foodstuffs that can lose their consistency in no time at all. If the speed of your immersion blender is excessively fast you could easily curdle mayonnaise so keep it sensible.
Some models can have up to 20 variable speeds which may be versatile yet also bewildering. Having just five variable speeds can give you enough control over your cooking. You may even prefer simply a low and high speed setting. One feature to look out for is a pulse function that can break down tough foods when you need it.
Easy Cleaning
Consider the material if you want an immersion blender that you can easily clean. A durable, stainless steel model is easy to wipe away any splashes and debris after a quick rinse. If you were to blend brightly colored fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes and mangoes, there is more chance that plastic can stain.
Cleaning your immersion blender should be easy and you should only need soap and water. Run the blade in some soapy water to loosen any lodged debris then give it a quick rinse and leave to dry or use a light towel.
A detachable blending head is also ideal for leaving it in the dishwasher for a comprehensive clean. These heads can be somewhat frustrating to detach and reattach yet their two-part construction can be easier for storage too.
Color
Anyone that has a kitchen with a specific aesthetic may want to match every appliance to that color scheme. Immersion blenders tend to come in a few colors and most come in either a matte-black finish or plain white and stainless steel. You can also expect a black rubber grip but little in the way of color.
That is unless you get a KitchenAid, in which case you can expect the usual White, Black Matte, Onyx Black, and Matte Charcoal Grey finishes but with Blue Velvet, Empire Red, and Passion Red available too.
Accessories
Several attachments and accessories can be included with your immersion blender. A whisk attachment can prove really useful for creating a meringue from scratch by whipping up egg whites. Having a separate chopper can save some time when getting through numerous vegetables when preparing soup.
The same accessory can be used to finely slice or julienne certain vegetables to create uniform pieces to save you the hassle of doing it manually. You could also have a jug included which should be suitable for smoothies or milkshakes as you can simply pour them when smooth enough.
Cables Vs Cordless
When you are using an immersion blender, you may get sick of the cable that can get in the way. A cordless model can run from a lithium battery with digital lights to indicate when you may need to recharge it.
The charging is typically done with a USB charger for handy convenience and can take a couple of hours for a complete charge. You should also look out for how long you can continuously use the blender on a full charge.
Twenty minutes to half an hour is usually enough as most foodstuffs should be blended after only a few minutes. Some models even have a quick-charge feature if you quickly need to blitz some soup or hummus.
Blade Guard
When preparing a batch of soup, you really need a blade guard to keep your kitchen clean when blending and a domed cover can prevent splatters.
Wide blade guards equipped with large vents are known for better circulation of foodstuffs for more efficient blending though that can mean more food escapes. With that risk comes more accessible blades which makes them easier for cleaning.
Grip Handle
The grip handle should be comfortable in your hand with an ergonomic design. A lot of models incorporate the controls into the grip handle for easy one-handed use.
That should mean you can use your free hand to add seasoning or further ingredients as you blend. Most grip handles are made of rubber for a reassuringly comfortable hold and a natural position in your hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Wattage Should I Look For In My Immersion Blender?
The wattage of an immersion blender is an indicator of how powerful it is. However, with certain features, you can get as much use out of a relatively low-wattage model as you would with a few hundred more watts.
A pulse or turbo boost can effectively blend hard ingredients as finely as a more expensive, more powerful model. An ergonomic design with a different movement of the blades can also do wonders with a lower-wattage immersion blender. Even one as low as 100W could outperform a 600W model with a design that better circulates the food.
How Do You Use An Immersion Blender For Mashed Potatoes?
Some immersion blenders use a particular attachment to create a creamy mash. There is the risk with an immersion blender that if it is blended too quickly, your potato mash can become over-starched and result in a sticky, gloopy mess.
Using a lower variable speed can give you more control and you can check how smooth it is as you go. Where an immersion blender becomes really useful is when you want to incorporate other vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, to create a smooth, blended mash.
