Immersion blender with attachments
7 Best Immersion Blenders of 2023 – Top Hand Blenders
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
Best Overall Immersion Blender
Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
1
Best Overall Immersion Blender
Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
$130 at Williams Sonoma
Credit: BrevillePros
- Easy to use and operate
- Comfortable to grip for long periods
- Useful, dishwasher-safe attachments
Cons
- Blending cup can be too large for some tasks
This immersion blender offers 15 speed settings and has a lot of great features that make it our top pick. Some models create a vortex that pulls food into the blades and results in suction on the bottom of the container, but the Breville’s blade guard is uniquely shaped to reduce this, which allows you to raise the tool more easily as you blend and helps prevent splatters. It requires more up-and-down motion to blend uniformly, but we still found it easy to operate. The rubber handle is soft, narrow and comfortable to grip and the “on” button is easy to hold down. The nonstick edge on the blender arm means you can blend in your pots without fear of scratching. The blender attachment clips onto the motor with ease and feels secure.
This pick came with the largest lidded mixing jar we tested (42 ounces), which is helpful for larger batches but does require more maneuvering for smaller servings. In our test, we found that the jar was too large for a small-batch mayonnaise but that the blender itself made a beautiful mayo in a smaller vessel. The jar's lid doubles as an anti-slip mat to place under the jar while blending. We like that it can also accommodate the chopper attachment so that you can take advantage of the blending cup's handle. This model also includes a food processor and whisk attachment, and all attachments are dishwasher safe.
Weight | 3.8 lbs. |
---|---|
Number of speeds | 15 |
Accessories | Whisk, 3-cup chopping bowl, 42-oz. jug with lid |
Dishwasher safe | Blending arm, whisk and chopper |
2
Best Value Immersion Blender
Hamilton Beach Two-Speed Hand Blender
2
Best Value Immersion Blender
Hamilton Beach Two-Speed Hand Blender
Now 25% Off
$29 at Amazon$29 at Walmart
Credit: Hamilton BeachPros
- Affordable
- Quickly purees soup
Cons
- Cumbersome to operate for longer periods
This low-cost immersion blender does a great job blending softer foods like soups, milkshakes, whipped cream and dressings. It has a 225-watt motor, the lowest we tested, yet it was powerful enough to blend a pot of soup to a smooth consistency in under 90 seconds. It features two blending speeds (high and low) controlled by two large buttons that are easy to press down.
Of all the immersion blenders we tested, this one has the shortest shaft (5 inches), which is great for small-batch blending but would be difficult to use in a deep container like a tall pot of soup. It comes with a whisk and a food processor attachment, and both are top-rack dishwasher safe. Keep in mind that the plastic handle has a wide circumference, and it feels a little slippery, making it tiresome to hold onto, especially if you have small hands. The blending attachment did not feel as sturdy as other models we evaluated.
Weight | 2.59 lbs. |
---|---|
Number of speeds | Two |
Accessories | Blending arm, whisk and 3-cup chopping bowl |
Dishwasher safe | Blending arm, whisk and chopping bowl |
3
Most Versatile Immersion Blender
Braun MultiQuick 7 Hand Blender
3
Most Versatile Immersion Blender
Braun MultiQuick 7 Hand Blender
$100 at Amazon
Credit: BraunPros
- Adjustable blade height
- All four attachments are dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Blade attachment collects water and must be dried thoroughly
Unlike the other immersion blenders we tested, the Braun has a variable speed button: The harder you press the more powerfully it blends. Also, the height of the blade can be adjusted during blending when you push down with the handle. This adds versatility because you can blend smaller quantities by lowering the blade. This feature helped it create a thick, uniform and rich smoothie in our tests. It features a narrow bell-shaped blade guard that has no vents, which means you don’t have to stop the blender to remove food that can get stuck around the vents. It comes with a dishwasher-safe mixing jar, food processor and whisk attachment.
Weight | 1.9 lbs. |
---|---|
Number of speeds | Variable speed depends on how hard you press the button |
Accessories | Blending arm, 20-oz beaker, whisk, 2-cup chopper |
Dishwasher safe | Blending arm, beaker, whisk and chopper |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best Immersion Blender for Emulsifying
Vitamix Immersion Blender
4
Best Immersion Blender for Emulsifying
Vitamix Immersion Blender
Now 17% Off
$125 at Amazon$125 at Sur la Table$125 at Walmart
Credit: VitamixPros
- Emulsified mayo with ease
- LED light indicators for speed
Cons
- Heaviest motor in our tests
- Accessories sold separately
This straightforward immersion blender from Vitamix created a thick and smooth berry smoothie in our tests. But what really impressed us was its ability to create a quick mayonnaise that was silky and flavorful. It emulsified the mixture easily within two minutes. While it was the heaviest motor in our tests, we found the grip comfortable to hold. We also appreciated that the speed settings are clearly marked with lighted indicators. It also has a scratch-resistant material on the tip of the blade guard that allows you to puree soup in your pots without damaging them.
Weight | 2 lb. 11 oz. |
---|---|
Number of speeds | Five |
Accessories | None |
Dishwasher safe | Blending arm only |
5
Best Immersion Blender for Soup
Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender
5
Best Immersion Blender for Soup
Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender
$60 at Williams Sonoma
Credit: Amazon6
Best Immersion Blender for Smoothies
KitchenAid Two-Speed Hand Blender
6
Best Immersion Blender for Smoothies
KitchenAid Two-Speed Hand Blender
$70 at Amazon
Credit: KitchenAidPros
- Powerful enough to blend even hard, tough foods
- Available in a variety of fun colors
- Tangle-free cord
Cons
- Lacks additional accessories
We were impressed with the quality of this KitchenAid immersion blender — one of the more affordable ones we tested. It quickly became our go-to for smoothies: fairly quiet, powerful and easy to use. It was able to effortlessly blend the ice and whole strawberries in our smoothie into a creamy drinkable consistency. It also didn’t suction to the bottom of containers as much as other immersion blenders we tested, and the blender attachment is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
One of our favorite features is the thick power cord that doesn’t bunch up or get tangled. This is helpful when trying to maneuver around a busy countertop — though if you'd prefer no cord at all, we were also impressed with KitchenAid's cordless model for smoothies. Also, the handle is rubberized for a comfortable grip and the trigger is easy to press. It doesn’t come with a lot of accessories, but it comes with a lidded 3-cup mixing jar that makes it easy to store leftover smoothies or dressing in the fridge, though we wish the jar was lipped for easy pouring.
Weight | 2 lbs. |
---|---|
Number of speeds | Two |
Accessories | Blending arm, 3-cup blending jar with lid |
Dishwasher safe | Blending arm, blender jar and lid |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Cordless Immersion Blender
All-Clad Cordless Rechargeable Hand Blender
7
Best Cordless Immersion Blender
All-Clad Cordless Rechargeable Hand Blender
$230 at Williams Sonoma
Credit: All-CladA cordless immersion blender is a smart choice if you don't want to be tethered to one spot in the kitchen or if you don't have an outlet by your stove. The rechargeable battery on this All-Clad model ran for over 15 minutes at high speed in our tests on a full-charged battery (it took about two hours to fully recharge from empty). Keep in mind you will need a little counter space for the charging unit.
We like the safety feature too: Tap the button on top to unlock, then press the trigger to operate. It will automatically lock itself if you don’t press the trigger after 30 seconds. The blade attachment and handle (which is narrow, comfortable and not slippery) are made of stainless steel. We were impressed with how powerful it was, and it has one of the quieter motors we evaluated — it also comes in a less expensive corded model.
How we tested immersion blenders
When the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab assess immersion blenders, we put each to the test in common tasks: blending a smoothie, making mayonnaise and pureeing soup directly in a pot.
The smoothie test evaluates a blender's ability to tackle ice and whole strawberries. The mayonnaise test indicates the capacity to emulsify, which needs to happen smoothly and slowly to create stability. The soup test helps us understand the blender's ability to puree large quantities of ingredients (including potato and broccoli) without splatter or leaving chunks.
We also consider the weight, comfort and available accessories for each machine. We review the instruction manual and appreciate quick start guides, helpful illustrations or images and tips or recipes.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Is an immersion blender worth it?
Our experts think it is worth it to add an immersion blender to your kitchen, especially if you are a lover of smooth soups and quick sauces. It's easy to use, reasonable to store and quicker to clean than a countertop blender.
An immersion blender is great for small jobs like making pesto, dips, mayonnaise, whipped cream and even scrambled eggs. Good immersion blenders can whip up smoothies, milkshakes and frozen drinks for one or two people — but that's where they cap out since the motor (and blades) are smaller than a countertop blender and cannot run for a very long time without overheating.
We do advise that you avoid hard foods (like nuts and seeds) or very fibrous ones (such as kale and carrots) because they generally won’t become silky smooth; for those, we do recommend a high-powered blender or food processor. Also note that with an immersion blender, the blade needs to be fully submerged to work; you may find that you have trouble blending very small quantities.
What to consider before buying an immersion blender
✔️ Corded vs. cordless: A cord offers constant power, but it can get tangled or burned or could knock things over on a busy kitchen counter and stovetop. Cordless models are portable and convenient, but they need to be charged between uses or they may lose power before you can finish the job.
✔️ Blade guard vents: The blade guard is the dome-shaped part of the blender arm that covers the blades. We found that wide blade guards with large vents do a better job of circulating the food for better and faster blending. They are also easier to clean because food stuck under the blades is more accessible. Just make sure the blade guard will fit easily in your favorite pots and smoothie cups.
✔️ Handle and grip: To operate an immersion blender, you’ll grip the handle with one hand and press the on, off or speed buttons with your fingers, so it needs to feel comfortable to hold and operate simultaneously. Your hands will fatigue if the handle is too large, if the buttons are too small or awkwardly placed or if the blender feels heavy. Also, the buttons should be easy to press without much force. Ideally, your fingers will fall naturally on the buttons when you hold the handle. We found non-slip rubber handles to be softer and easier to grip.
✔️ Design: Look for a model that's compact enough to store in a kitchen drawer. Though immersion blenders are easy to clean, we prefer models that have a removable blender attachment that is dishwasher-safe.
✔️ Additional attachments: Many immersion blenders function with a motor that can also be connected to attachments for chopping, processing, whisking or frothing. If you already have stand-alone versions of these appliances, you can save money by buying a model without the extras, but they can be a convenient option if you don't own the pieces or want to consolidate your storage. One accessory we highly recommend is a sturdy, tall and narrow blending jar: It helps ensure the blender is submerged, reduces splattering and makes the up-and-down motion needed to blend easier. Plus, you can serve or store food directly in it.
✔️ Wattage: We have found this is less important than other factors. The immersion blenders we tested had motors between 225 and 600 watts and although wattage is an indicator of power, we did not find that it’s a reflection of quality, performance or comfort.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Sarah Wharton
Deputy Editor
Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).
Myo Quinn
Myo Quinn is a professionally trained chef, recipe developer, food writer and on-air talent. When she’s not cooking or planning her next meal, Myo chases her three boys around Central Park in New York City. She is on an endless hunt for the best vanilla ice cream – it should be speckled, aromatic, not too sweet and the perfect balance of creamy and icy. She is also dipping her toes into improv.
10 Best Immersion Blenders 2022
10 Best Immersion Blenders 2022 | The StrategistEvery product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
Best in Class
Skip article listPhoto: Marcus McDonald
Photo: Marcus McDonald
- Best overall
- Best less expensive
- Best simple
- Best with multiple blade styles
- Best durable
- Best with pan guard
- Best cordless
- Best less expensive cordless
While many people find storing a blender in their kitchen to be worth it, the smaller (and overall less expensive) immersion blender can handle a lot of the same cooking tasks with less fuss. And while they may not be right for, say, big-batch smoothies or crushing nuts into butter (which takes a lot of force), they work totally great for emulsifying soups, marinades, dressings and aïolis and, yes, for making smaller smoothies. In fact, I found that it’s pretty common to own both a blender and an immersion blender — but that the ease of the latter is preferable whenever it can be employed. “I use mine way more than my full-size blender and food processor,” Simply Recipes associate general manager Emma Christensen told me. “It stores in a drawer and you can pull it right out. There’s no transferring. It’s much easier to clean.” No matter which model you’re drawn to — likely from one of the few brands that seem to dominate the market — Cristensen’s points ring true. The immersion blender? “It’s all about convenience.”
Some immersion blenders have set speeds, in which case I’ve listed the exact number you can choose from. Others have variable speed, meaning you control how quickly they’re whirring with a dial or button that moves gradually from low to high.
Most immersion blenders come with more than just one stick and blade. For this, I’ve listed all the additional attachments (whether that’s different styles of blades, whisks, or choppers à la a food processor), as well as any pitchers or cups that will give you a mini blenderlike setup.
Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
$130
$130
Speeds: 15 speeds | Extras: Whisk, chopping bowl with blades, storage jar with lid
The majority of the experts I spoke to named the Breville Control Grip as their favorite immersion blender. With 15 speeds, it’s the most high-tech of the bunch. “It is on the bigger side,” says food writer and editor Alyse Whitney, “but it’s really powerful.” Food writer and editor Matt Rodbard has had his for more than five years. “For me, it’s just really brought a lot of utility when making soups and sauces,” he says. “Plus I love the way it feels in my hand.” Posie Brien, a recipe developer and writer for the food site 600 Acres, has had hers for even longer — more than a decade. “I love it,” she says. “It’s so easy to use and clean. It’s sturdy and substantial and the motor is great. I really think everyone should be using an immersion blender more often. It’s good for eggs — if you blend your scrambled eggs with one, they’ll be so much creamier and better. It’s good for smoothies. It’s good for sauces of any kind, really.” And no matter what you’re doing, the rubberized lip means it won’t scratch the bottom of any pots, pans, or bowls.
Plus there are all the attachments. “You can use the blender function to purée pumpkin or smooth out a custard for a cream pie, then swap it out for the whisk attachment to whip up some cream to top it with,” says Petra Paredez, the owner of Petee’s Pie Company in Brooklyn and the author of Pie for Everyone. “It has a cup attachment that lets you use it as a regular blender, too, so it can replace multiple tools that would otherwise take up a lot of space.”
Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender
$70
$70
Speeds: Low to high variable | Extras: Whisk, chopper, measuring cup
The Cuisinart Smart Stick, favored by two of the pros I spoke with, has a variable speed dial that takes the handheld machine from low to high. That’s actually one of the features Christensen likes about it. “The controls are really, really easy,” she says of the stick, which she has owned for about five years. “Clearly, it’s built to last.” Chef and author Virginia Willis can certainly attest to that too — she had an older-model Cuisinart immersion blender for 15 years and only recently replaced it with this one. “I find it to be such a great tool,” she says. “Especially when it comes to making soups, it’s so much safer and easier than pouring the liquid into a blender. Plus if you’re making something like refried beans, it’s easy to control going partway blended instead of fully.”
Mueller Ultra-Stick 9-Speed Hand Blender
$30
$35 now 14% off
$30
Speeds: Nine | Extras: Jar, whisk, milk frother
The Mueller Ultra-Stick was a favorite of Strategist readers from a previous version of this article — and we can understand why. It has four and a half stars and close to 40,000 ratings on Amazon, with glowing reviews about the quality you get for the price. Many people noted the strong stainless-steel body and the force of the blade (it has a turbo speed setting for when you really need to kick it up). “At 500 watts, this immersion blender is more powerful than most,” says one. “The steel feels substantial, and the attachments are very easy to change.” Speaking of those attachments, the Mueller is the only one on this list that comes with a milk frother, a bonus if you like to make lattes at home.
$30 at Amazon
Buy
$35 at Walmart
Buy
Braun MultiQuick 5 Immersion Hand Blender
$84
$84
Speeds: Two | Extras: Whisk and blending jar
Cookbook author Julia Turshen uses her Braun immersion blender primarily for two tasks: making salad dressing directly inside a deli container (so she can store it in the fridge without dirtying two bowls) and blending soups, especially when she’s looking to purée just some to thicken the body. She appreciates the simplicity of its two speeds, which work perfectly for her needs without giving her too many choices, and she doesn’t “find the cord impacts my usage at all since nothing in my kitchen is terribly far from an outlet,” she says. “Most kitchens can probably say the same.” For two years, this straightforward model has held up great, Turshen says.
Cuisinart CSB-175 Smart Stick
$50
$90 now 44% off
$50
Speeds: Two | Extras: None
For an even simpler blender that also has two speeds but doesn’t come with any attachments, this Cuisinart model is all you need. In 2017, Strategist contributor Hannah Howard said it “changed he5r life” — and all these years later, she still feels the same. When originally surveying the immersion-blender landscape, Howard saw that many came with fancy attachments and extraneous features, like bendable arms, and usually went for upward of $100. She wanted something simpler, so she settled on this extremely affordable unit. “What I love most about it is that it just has two speeds,” she writes, noting that she uses the lower one for things like pesto and the higher one for smoothies and purées. “It has 200 watts of horsepower, which is plenty for a hand blender.” And since it weighs about a pound and a half, it maneuvers easily into all sorts of pots, bowls, and jars (and fits in Howard’s “tiny Brooklyn kitchen drawer”).
KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Blender
$146
$146
Speeds: Five | Extras: Whisk, chopper, pitcher, three different bell blades
Though it has fewer speeds than the Breville, this KitchenAid model has always been flexible enough for recipe developer and cookbook author Jessie Sheehan. “It’s a tool you might not think you really need, but it’s actually super-helpful,” she says. “I have a salad-dressing phobia — I always want other people to make it for me. But this really helps. I can make mayo or a fruit compote, or I can whip egg whites for baking with the whisk attachment. We have a Vitamix we use when we’re making smoothies en masse, but it’s nice to be able to make smaller portions too.” One of the attachment bell blades that come with the 5-Speed is, in fact, meant to be especially efficient at crushing ice. “It’s easy to use, and the cord has never been a problem because it’s quite long,” Sheehan says. “Plus it’s not crazy expensive.”
GE Immersion Blender
$69
$69
Speeds: Two | Extras: Whisk and blending jar
The GE Immersion Blender comes recommended by Richard Rea, executive chef at the Butcher’s Daughter, who uses one at home and in his professional kitchen. In the latter, he says he probably uses it even more than the commercial model they also have on hand, pulling it out for creamy soups, cashew ricotta, hummus, and all types of salsa. “It’s very strong,” he says of the powerful motor and super-sharp blades. “It breaks through nuts — even some big, bulky blenders don’t do that. And it’s super lightweight and doesn’t make much noise (a little hum, but that’s it).” Rea has had the blender in his restaurant for two years (with daily use), and it’s still performing beautifully.
KitchenAid Corded Variable Speed Hand Blender
$55
$60 now 8% off
$55
Speeds: Low to high variable | Extras: Blending jar with lid, pan guard
I’m a fairly recent immersion-blender fan, but so far, this KitchenAid model has performed great. Like Turshen, I’ve used it for bigger-batch salad dressings (it emulsifies a large amount quickly) and soup. In the latter case, I’m especially appreciative of the pan guard, which fits snugly around the appliance’s sharp metal cage but still allows the blades to whir freely. When I’ve accidentally touched the bottom of my beloved Dutch oven, it doesn’t leave a scrape. Another bonus: I own the black, but it comes in nine colors, if aesthetics are important to you.
$55 at Amazon
Buy
$60 at Best Buy
Buy
All-Clad Stainless Steel Cordless Hand Blender
$187
$187
Speeds: Five | Extras: None
Gaby Dalkin, the cookbook author and blogger behind What’s Gaby Cooking, has tried a lot of different immersion blenders over her 13 years as a recipe developer — and she says this is the best one she’s ever used. The main reason is that it’s cordless once you’ve finished charging it in a dock, which is especially useful for anyone who doesn’t have an outlet right next to their stove (as blending soups is one of the main functions of an immersion blender). It also means there’s nothing getting in the way, ever. Dalkin charges hers once a week and is able to use it several times during the subsequent days before returning it to the dock (though she says it definitely would last even longer for home cooks). And while it might be a stretch to call any immersion blender particularly stylish, this one has a stainless steel body with no visible plastic parts, giving it a sleek look — so much so that it’s one of Dalkin’s most-asked-about products when she does an Instagram live-cooking demonstration, she says.
$187 at Amazon
Buy
$187 at Amazon
Buy
KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender
$90
$100 now 10% off
$90
Speeds: Low to high variable | Extras: Blending jar with lid, pan guard
In addition to her Breville, Whitney has this cordless immersion blender. Although it also comes with a pan guard, its standout feature is that it’s battery operated. “It’s helpful to not have a cord when I’m blending soup in particular,” she says. “You just charge it up like you would anything. And the charge lasts for a really long time — 25 uses, according to the website. I definitely don’t charge it very often.” Instead of a dial, this one has a variable speed button, which Whitney says is very straightforward.
$90 at Amazon
Buy
$100 at Target
Buy
A cheaper KitchenAid (that's especially great at puréeing)
Buy at Amazon
The blender two professional bakers use at their pie shop
Buy at Amazon
A blender that's also a whisk, masher, ice crusher, and more
$120
$160 now 25% off
Buy at Williams Sonoma
• Posie Brien, recipe developer and writer
• Emma Christensen, associate general manager at Simply Recipes
• Gaby Dalkin, cookbook author and blogger at What’s Gaby Cooking
• Hannah Howard, Strategist contributor
• Petra Paredez, owner of Petee’s Pie Company
• Richard Rea, executive chef at The Butcher’s Daughter
• Matt Rodbard, food writer, editor, and author
• Jessie Sheehan, recipe developer
• Julia Turshen, cookbook author
• Alyse Whitney, food writer and editor
• Virginia Willis, chef and author
• Laura Wright, creator of The First Mess
get the strategist newsletter
Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.
The 10 Very Best Immersion BlendersEvery product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
Today's Top Clicked
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream
Buy at Walmart
Universal Standard Very US Outfit Box
Buy at Universal Standard
Away Carry-On
Buy at Away
Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-on Spinner Suitcase
$84
$84 $89 6% off
Buy at Amazon
Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Pillow
$48
$48 $61 22% off
Buy at Target
Blender attachments: types and applications
Author: Philips expert Anna Titkova
Anna Titkova has been working at Philips for 10 years, participates in the development of kitchen appliances, creates recipe books, writes articles, participates in the filming of various TV programs and photography projects. Cooking is her passion and she loves to share her personal experience, tips and tricks for making delicious homemade meals.
So you've decided to buy a hand blender. The first thing you need to do is decide what dishes you plan to cook with it. This will help you understand which kit to choose. Modern hand blenders have quite a lot of different attachments and, of course, the equipment for the models varies. It is very convenient when accessories can be purchased separately - in this case, you yourself select the set you need. But, in any case, let's figure out what each nozzle is for.
Immersion nozzle (or “leg”)
You want to prepare: cream soups, cocktails, baby purees, mayonnaise and other smooth sauces, mix liquids and various other ingredients.
What you need: The immersion nozzle (or “foot”) is an integral part of every hand blender, so you get it anyway. Pay attention to the material of the immersion nozzle - the metal one allows you to process even hot foods, for example, grind freshly cooked soup to a creamy state.
Chopper Attachment
You want to cook: minced meat from a small amount of lean meat without sinews, minced meat, various sauces, both homogeneous and with pieces, chop herbs, cheese, nuts, vegetables, fruits and others ingredients (for main dishes, fillings for pies, pancakes, etc.).
You will need: chopper attachment. Available with most hand blenders.
Choppers are available in compact (0.3 l), medium (0.5 l) and large (XL - 1 l). Choose a size based on how much food you plan to grind in one go. There are models with two choppers included: this is very convenient when you often cook and chop different amounts of food, depending on the ingredient or number of servings.
For minced meat and large quantities of food, the XL chopper with double blade is well suited.
Ice Crusher
Whether you want to make cocktails with ice or just crush ice.
What you need: Choose a hand blender with a chopper that comes with a special serrated blade for crushing ice. But if you often make cocktails with ice, consider purchasing a stationary blender.
Whisk
You want to cook: fluffy creams, beat eggs, cream and other ingredients.
You will need: whisk attachment. Available with most hand blenders.
Food processor bowl
You want to cook: gratins, stir-fries for soups, salads, grind ingredients for toppings for pies, pancakes, just slice, chop and grate food.
You will need: food processor bowl with slicing and shredding attachment. The volume of such a bowl is 1.5-2 liters, which means that a large number of products will fit in it. This bowl also includes a chopping knife.
Dicing attachment
You want to cook: Russian salad, vinaigrette, okroshka, fruit salads and simply cut the ingredients into cubes.
You will need: food processor bowl with dicing attachment. The volume of such a bowl is 2 liters, which means that a large number of products will fit in it. The set of such a bowl also includes a nozzle for cutting and shredding.
Potato masher
You want to prepare: mashed potatoes and also mash other vegetables with a high starch content.
What you need: Special potato masher. With such a nozzle, the most delicate puree will be ready in a matter of seconds, and you no longer need to make efforts using the pusher. Using a conventional immersion blender nozzle, you should not make mashed potatoes - it turns into a paste and has an unpleasant taste and texture.
Whipping and mixing glass
The glass is suitable for mixing and whipping ingredients: cocktails, puree soups, baby food, sauces, cream, batter and other dishes. Glasses come in different volumes - 0.5 l or 1 l, with or without a handle, as well as a special shape. For example, the cup of some hand blenders is triangular in shape, the same as the immersion nozzle. Thanks to this, the ingredients are mixed even more efficiently.
The beaker is convenient because it has high walls and liquid ingredients will not splatter. You can store a previously prepared dish in a glass. At the same time, a glass is rather a pleasant addition than a necessary accessory, and you can use another container you have to mix and whip the ingredients.
Other specialized attachments or accessories
The hand blender may also come with various attachmentsThe blender may also come with various specialized attachments for dishes that we cook less frequently, such as milk frother or mayonnaise and etc. If you are really going to use such nozzles, then it makes sense to purchase them. But it is very likely that they will lie idle with you, take up space, and therefore think again whether it is worth overpaying for them. Moreover, mayonnaise, for example, can be prepared using a conventional immersion nozzle.
Now that you know what each attachment is for, you can choose the hand blender you need. But if it’s hard for you to immediately decide which attachments will definitely come in handy, or you can’t find a model with the right set of attachments, I recommend paying attention to those hand blenders, accessories for which can be purchased separately. Firstly, you will only have those attachments that you will actually use, and will not overpay for unnecessary ones. And secondly, if you change your mind later, you can always buy the necessary nozzles.
Of course, there are other features that you should pay attention to when buying a hand blender - read about them and you will learn how to choose the best one.
Choose the right technique and cook tasty and healthy meals!
Why you need an immersion blender
To open and successfully operate any catering establishment, there is a rather impressive list of necessary tools, equipment and items that a restaurateur must acquire. And if it is impossible to do without a stove, refrigeration equipment, is a blender really necessary in a restaurant kitchen?
What is an immersion blender?
Until recently, a blender was considered a waste of money. Today it is indispensable for the preparation of special dishes and drinks and reduces the preparation time by almost half.
The immersion blender is designed as follows:
-
The first is a handle with control buttons on which the attachments are attached. The handle can be made of metal or plastic. The name of the device speaks for itself. The blender is immersed in a container for grinding or whipping products.
-
The second part of the device is the attachments. There are three of them in the standard set - a nozzle with knives, a whisk and a special container for shredding products.
The possibility of using different attachments makes the immersion blender a multifunctional device. It will replace your mixer, coffee grinder and meat grinder. Of course, this format is only suitable for small establishments. Restaurants with high traffic and industrial production require high-grade equipment with high efficiency rates.
What is it for?
The immersion blender is equipped as standard with only one attachment, the “leg” with knives. Knives are made of steel, which is why their service life is quite long. With such a nozzle, the blender is already capable of a lot: chop food, crush ice, chop meat. But usually, blenders are equipped with three nozzles, as mentioned above. Consequently, the scope of work is much wider: with the help of a whisk, liquid masses are whipped and even dough is kneaded, and coffee, chocolate, and nuts can be ground in a special container.
An important advantage is the ease of use, lightness and compactness of the equipment. It is easy to transport if, for example, you are going to use it at outdoor events or workshops.
How to use?
Care must be taken when handling the immersion blender. First, consider that the device is not omnipotent. Stones and foods that are too hard should be removed before chopping. Blenders have at least two rotation speeds. To find the right speed, go empirically - start with the minimum and increase.
The equipment is very easy to use. Powered by the network, comfortable in the hand, easy to operate. To avoid unpleasant situations, immediately use dishes with high walls so that food does not scatter all over the kitchen.
Tip functions
Pay special attention to the tips. An immersion blender is often used to puree vegetables. An unpleasant discovery for you will be the preparation of mashed potatoes prepared with a basic nozzle with knives. Due to the high speed, the starch is knocked out of the potatoes, and you get a dish that resembles glue in consistency and taste.
In order not to spoil your culinary masterpieces, carefully study the functionality of each nozzle.
Immersion nozzle
Immersion nozzle, or as it is often called - "leg", suitable for making cream soups, sauces, cocktails. Manufacturers prefer to use chrome steel as a material, which has a positive effect on the quality of the nozzle. By the way, the metal nozzle is also convenient because it calmly reacts to working with hot products.
Whisk attachment
Every cook will be familiar with this attachment. It is with the help of a whisk that air creams are created, cream, eggs and dough are whipped. In some cases, the whisk helps in the preparation of cocktails. In general, with liquid products that need to be whipped, the whisk copes very well. But for serious production - a confectionery or a large bakery - it is better to choose a full-fledged mixer.
By the way, some manufacturers offer a mixing attachment. It resembles a whisk, only it is made of a denser material and two blades are fixed on the nozzle.
Chopping glass
It is a small glass (usually made of plastic, rarely glass) with a volume of about 0.5 l with built-in knives. The blender handle is attached to the lid. The bowl is used for more rough processing of products: chop vegetables for frying, chop salad ingredients, grind meat or fish. Some manufacturers can also find glasses with a volume of 2 liters, which is much more convenient when using a blender in the kitchen of a small establishment.
Potato masher
Yes, due to the characteristics of this vegetable, you are offered to purchase a special nozzle. Since mashed potatoes are a fairly common dish on the menu, you should not save on quality. The nozzle is made of plastic and resembles an ordinary pusher. And air puree is obtained due to a plastic knife.
Any products containing starch are better to puree with such a nozzle.
Additional nozzles
Perhaps we have listed the basic equipment, which can be easily found in most manufacturers. But there are additional nozzles that are less common, but their functionality is quite justified.
-
Ice Crusher
Ice can be added to cocktails, spirits or certain dishes. For this there is a special knife with notches.
-
Dicing attachment
It's simple - now a fruit or vegetable salad is made in a couple of minutes. A special nozzle with a bowl will cut perfect cubes.
-
Vacuum system
This attachment is quite rare. With the help of a pump, air is pumped out of the container with the product, which allows to increase the shelf life. You can read about the use of such a function on a larger scale here.
Pros and cons
Blender design has advantages and disadvantages.
advantages of devices include:
-
Functionality
This is what attracts when choosing an immersion blender. Using different nozzles allows you to expand the possibilities in the kitchen. -
Size
Compared to the same stand blender, the immersion blender is much more compact. It is also convenient to take to outdoor events. -
No need to purchase additional utensils
You can use the immersion blender in any utensil. But remember - choose walls higher so as not to splatter the kitchen. -
Easy to use
It's easy to figure out how it works. Nozzles change easily and quickly, care of them is very simple. -
Position adjustment
There are some exceptions to chopping or whipping foods. So with an immersion blender, you can easily adjust the angle of inclination.
Disadvantages of hand blender:
-
Must be handled
At first glance, such an insignificant minus. But if you whip cream with an immersion blender ... You'll have to try. -
Difficult to achieve a uniform consistency
This is where the human factor comes into play. If ingredients can be loaded into a stationary blender and it will automatically grind the contents, then with a submersible blender you need to carefully monitor the process so as not to miss anything. -
Doesn't always handle solids
This is more of a question about attachments. We have already described what kind of nozzle and why you need it. But if they can not cope, it is better to purchase special-purpose equipment. For example, in a coffee shop, it is better to use a coffee grinder to grind beans, rather than a blender with a glass.
What can you cook with it?
In general, whatever one may say, without a blender, the functioning of the institution will be quite difficult. At a minimum, the absence of a blender is a reduction in positions on the menu. So here are a few more reasons why you need an immersion blender in your kitchen.
Puree Soup Recipe
An exceptionally fine dish. Mushroom and gazpacho are considered popular cream soups.
The ingredients for mushroom soup are standard, except for the mushrooms used by the chef. After the soup is ready, the final touch is to turn it into a creamy soup using an immersion blender.
Spanish gazpacho soup, contrary to popular belief, the dish is quite simple. And here you only need to prepare the products, and the submersible blender will do the rest.
Gazpacho ingredients:
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 bulb
- Glass of cold water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- A little bit of vinegar
- Greens for decoration
Wash the products, cut in half and grind with a blender until smooth.Learn more