The Best Immersion Blender (Review) in 2020

Why You Need an Immersion Blender

An immersion blender is cheaper than the countertop devices and is a great place to start if you are setting up a new home or are new to home cooking. They are very easy to use and easy to clean and are a versatile kitchen device.

What to Consider When Buying a Stick Blender

Here are the main things that you should consider:

• What do you want to use it for? If you just want to make soup, you need a simple model with no attachments. If you want it to blend cakes, whipped cream, and chop nuts, you will need additional attachments.
• Speed and power: You should check out the power of the motor. The higher the number of Watts, the more powerful the device will be and the tougher jobs it can tackle. It is useful to have more than two speeds for versatility and check that the controls are easy to operate with one hand. Slower speeds are useful to prevent splatter. Also, check the running time if you need it for longer tasks.
• Ergonomics: Check that the device is comfortable to hold. A soft grip is useful to stop it from sliding out of your hand.
• Materials: You have a choice of plastic or steel (stainless). Whilst steel may be more durable, plastic will be kinder to your pots. You should look for high-quality steel or titanium-coated blades. BPA-plastic is the best choice.
• Cord or cordless? This depends on what and where you want to blend. If you will need to blend larger batches of food in your kitchen, a corded device would be the best option. Many of them come with cords that are up to 6-feet in length so you don't have to be that close to a power outlet. Cordless devices are best for smaller jobs and if you are traveling. They will have a maximum run time of around 20 minutes when fully charged.
• Ease of cleaning: It is very important to keep the blender clean. The attachments and the blending stick can be removed from the power base. They can all be cleaned in warm soapy water but you may want to put them in the dishwasher. This will be stated in the manufacturer's instructions.

Different Types of Hand Blenders

The main differences between blenders are whether they are made from plastic or metal and whether they have a power cord or not.

A cordless immersion blender is great if you do not have many power outlets in your kitchen or if you want to take it with you when you are traveling or camping. The downside is that you have to remember to charge it up and they do not tend to be so powerful.

The choice of material is a personal one. Some people prefer the appearance of plastic kitchen devices. They are available in several colors. However, other people prefer a stainless steel device as they feel it will be more durable.

Immersion Blenders vs. Countertop Blenders

Ideally, you would have one of each in your kitchen because they do different jobs. A countertop blender (also called a stand blender) takes up more space and is more hassle to clean. However, they are more powerful and more suitable for large batches of soup or anything that contains ice and other hard ingredients. You would use one of these for creamy soup, dips, smoothies that contain ice, and frozen cocktails.

Alternatively, an immersion blender is more compact and portable - you can even get a cordless blender that you could use when camping. They are generally easier to clean and quick to take apart and put together. This makes them ideal for quick and simple tasks.

You may see these devices called an emulsion blender because they are great for the emulsification process that you use for making mayonnaise. It takes just 30 seconds and you get a smooth and consistent result.

Best Immersion Blender FAQ:

Q: How do I clean an immersion blender?

A: To maintain food hygiene and to prolong the life of your device, you must make sure that it is cleaned properly after use. Some attachments can be put in the dishwasher but many cannot.

Always turn the blender off and unplug it before you clean it. Remove the attachments from the base and keep the base away from water. You can wipe it over with a soft damp cloth but never submerge it in water.

You can clean the attachments by holding them under warm running water at an angle so that the blades are cleaned. If you touch the blades, be very careful not to injure your hands. If food such as soup has dried onto the blades, you can also put warm soapy water in a tall glass and put the blender stick (blade side down) in the glass for a few minutes. You then rinse it in warm water.

It is also advisable to check if there is any built-up grime around the buttons once a month or so. If there is any, you must unplug the device and then use a cotton swab moistened with soapy water to clean carefully around it. Always make sure that all parts of the blender are dry before putting it away or mold and corrosion could form.

Q: Can a hand blender crush ice?

A: In general, a stick blender cannot be used to crush whole ice cubes. This is because the blades are not strong enough and will get damaged. Also, the motor will become overloaded and could burn out. Instead, you can crush them with a rolling pin and blend with plenty of liquid to make a refreshing drink or a cocktail. Then you can give it a quick whizz with the stick blender to finish it off.

The exception to this is blenders that have a specific attachment for crushing ice. The description for this attachment will clearly explain what type of ice cubes/ice can be used with the attachment.

Q: Can stick blenders be used in hot liquids?

A: Hand blenders can be very useful for soups and sauces and most of these are served hot. As long as the liquid is not boiling hot, it is unlikely that it will damage a blender. However, you should always remove it from the heat source and leave it for a few minutes before blending.

There is also a danger of you getting hurt. It is possible for stick blenders to create a spray of the liquid. If the liquid is very hot and you get splashed in the face, it could result in a nasty eye injury. For this reason, it is always sensible to let the liquid cool down first.

Q: Will immersion blender scratch pots?

A: The blades should not come in contact with a pot or container because there is a guard at the end of the blender. However, this guard will rest on the surface of the pot. Also, as the blades spin around, a suction effect can be formed and this will push down on the pot surface and could cause damage.

In general, plastic hand blenders are less likely to cause scratches than metal ones. However, even with plastic blenders, you should take great care with non-stick and ceramic pots.

Q: Are immersion blender blades dishwasher safe?

A: You should always check with the manufacturer's instructions before you put any part of any food processor into the dishwasher. Sometimes, it is possible to put some (but not all) of the attachments on the top shelf of the dishwasher. It would be a good idea to remove them as soon as the cycle is finished. This is because the blades can get damaged in the warm, damp atmosphere.

Our Top Pick

Our top pick of the best immersion blenders has three speeds and, for when you need to use a deeper pot, it comes with an 8-inch removable arm with an S-shaped stainless steel blade. It's perfect for making milkshakes, smoothies, soup, and baby food.

There is a soft control grip handle for safety and comfort. For whipped cream or egg whites, you can use the whisk attachment. It also includes a chopper attachment with a securely locking lid. You also have the option of using the included 3-cup capacity blending jar (and lid) which is BPA-free and can be washed on the top shelf of a dishwasher. As an alternative, you could use the 1-liter BPA-free pitcher which is large enough for batch-preparing smoothies. It is powered by a 5-foot power cord and comes in three attractive colors.