Our Favorite Immersion Blenders Make All Kinds of Kitchen Tasks a Breeze
Courtesy of Sur La Table
Immersion blenders, which also go by the terms hand blender or stick blender, are as versatile as they are convenient, and a good one will make the need for a clunky countertop blender nearly obsolete. Small enough to tuck away in a utensil drawer and a cinch to clean, you will find yourself reaching for an immersion blender for all sorts of jobs, but where they really shine is when they are put to work on smaller tasks.
For puréeing a large batch of fibrous stewed carrots, you might still want to use a traditional blender if you have one; the stronger motor power and bigger blade will make quick work of blending them into a smooth product. But for smaller recipes, like homemade mayonnaise, whipped cream, creamy salad dressings, and milkshakes, a hand blender will perform flawlessly with a fraction of the clean-up effort.
Read on to find out our picks for best in class, from splurge-worthy to budget-friendly.
Best All-Around Immersion Blender: Braun MultiQuick Hand Blender
Best Splurge Immersion Blender: Vitamix Immersion Blender
Best Budget-Friendly Immersion Blender: Mueller Austria Hand Blender
Best Immersion Blender Accessories: Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
Best CordlessImmersion Blender: KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender
Related: Our Favorite Smoothie Recipes Come in a Glorious Rainbow of Colors
Best All-Around: Braun MQ505 MultiQuick Hand Blender
Easy to use and powerful enough to pulverize ingredients like frozen fruit, this mid-range option from Braun comes with a whisk attachment and cup. For us, it's the simple two-speed system, splatter-prevention design, and lightweight body that makes using this gadget a joy from the start.
Shop Now: Braun MQ505 MultiQuick Hand Blender, $63.71, amazon.com.
Best Splurge: Vitamix Immersion Blender
This handheld model from Vitamix is a new release from the company that's most famous for their stellar line of blenders. And just like the countertop version, you can count on this immersion blender to be a sturdy, quiet, and smooth-running kitchen helper for decades to come.
Shop Now: Vitamix Immersion Blender, $149.95, williamsandsonoma.com.
Best Budget: Mueller Austria Hand Blender
If you're looking for an option delivers without breaking the band, this blender, which features a copper motor, four blades, and 12 speeds, is the one to consider. What's the catch? The hefty horsepower this motor packs can cause it to jolt when booted up, potentially making a mess. The motor is also prone to overheating with prolonged use, so it isn't likely to last you a lifetime. Cons aside, this one is still great choice if you need a lightweight and ultra-powerful blender on a budget.
Shop Now: Mueller Austria Hand Blender, $34.97, amazon.com.
Best Accessories: Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
Breville's reputation for turning out dependable workhorses speaks for itself, so we already knew how easy it was going to be to use their immersion blender to make root vegetable soups and frozen fruit smoothies. It's the better-than-average accessories that are worth noting here: The six-foot power cord, an extra-roomy blender jar, and smartly designed whisk and chopper attachments make this option a must-have.
Shop Now: Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender, $99.95, surlatable.com.
Best Cordless: KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender
If you're someone who doesn't like to be tied down-with cords, that is-then a rechargeable cordless hand blender is the way to go. Stylish, speedy, and strong, this tether-free model from KitchenAid is our pick for when we want to purée a simmering pot of potato soup right on the stove without worrying about where the wires are.
Shop Now: KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender, $99.99, bedbathandbeyond.com.
