The Best Immersion Blenders

You know those perfectly-blended smoothies you get at that expensive all-natural cafe? They’re to die for. But you can make them too, save a ton of change, and make a whole lot of other recipes too with an immersion blender. We’ve rounded up some great options.

Buying Guide for Immersion Blenders

Why buy an immersion blender?

For any cook, but especially for those with a small kitchen or limited counter and storage space, an immersion blender (also called a hand blender or stick blender) is a handy tool. And even if you have a spacious kitchen, it’s still a wonderful tool for cooks and beverage enthusiasts to have in their cookware arsenal. It has all the functionality of a traditional blender, but the blade is placed upside-down. This way, you can control it with one hand. This tool is fantastic for soups, protein shakes, smoothies, sauces, and about a dozen other applications. Just place the stick blender directly into your pot, cup, bowl, or jar without the messy task of having to transfer your food to a stand mixer, bowl, blender, or food processor and blend away.

What should you consider when buying an immersion blender?

• Handle and Motor: An immersion blender’s motor is housed in its handle. Most motors are rated between 100 watts and 600 watts. Around 200 watts is powerful enough to puree, whip, or blend typical foods. If you want to use coarser ingredients like ice, you’ll need a blender with a higher wattage. Check the location of the controls on the handle to ensure you can use the appliance easily. Ideally, the handle will also be nonslip. Many brands emphasize the benefits of their multiple-speed blenders, but two speeds are usually sufficient.
• Wand and Blade: The wand contains the driveshaft and blade. This part of the blender can be detached for cleaning. However, you should check that these parts are dishwasher safe. The arm length should be long enough to reach the bottom of your pots if you’ll be using it in them. Some blenders include multiple blade attachments for specific blending jobs. Many immersion blenders also have attachments like whisks that can be very useful for making small batches of homemade whipped cream.
• Corded or Cordless: You should also consider your immersion blender’s power source. A corded immersion blender requires an outlet but never requires new batteries or a lengthy charge. A cordless immersion blender can be handy as you won’t need to fuss with a cord. So if your kitchen doesn’t have a conveniently placed outlet for appliances, opt for a cordless immersion blender instead. 

Is there anything you shouldn’t use an immersion blender for?

Immersion blenders are often powerful enough to make icy drinks, but be careful. Chopping through tough ice day after day may slow down or kill your immersion blender over time. If you’re a frozen drink enthusiast, consider a powerful standard blender instead and save your immersion blender for softer foods.

Our Picks for the Best Immersion Blenders

Pros: Vitamix has a huge fan base among foodies and smoothie lovers, and it’s no wonder why. Their blenders have outperformed others for decades. This stainless steel immersion blender uses the same ingenious technology in handheld wand form. Its robust 625-watt motor powers through frozen fruit, nuts, and more. As you maneuver the wand with the four-pronged blade through the ingredients shifting between five speeds, you can create a variety of textures. The bell guard prevents suction and scratches on your cookware and dishes. No matter the recipe, this immersion blender requires little time to achieve the perfect smoothie, tomato sauce, or baby food.

Cons: You may find this nearly 3-pound handheld blender a bit heavy.

Bottom Line: Even the culinary pros find little not to like about the Vitamix immersion blender. It’s a fantastic appliance for most kitchens.

 

Pros: This seven-speed cordless option is one of the best rechargeable immersion blenders. That’s because one of its top features is its speedy charge time. It only takes 20 minutes to fully charge, so you can return to making your favorite soups and smoothies. And it has a battery indicator light, so there are no unpleasant surprises, including the machine stopping in the middle of cooking. Its removable 8-inch blending arm has a four-point stainless steel blade design that efficiently blends ingredients for smoothies, milkshakes, soups, hummus, sauces, baby food, and so much more. And each purchase includes a patent-pending removable pan guard.

Cons: This immersion blender isn’t as powerful as some others.

Bottom Line: This best-selling name-brand immersion blender is one of the most convenient on the market today. It comes with a mixing container, so you can start creating your favorite recipes immediately. And it’s available in a variety of fun colors.

 

Pros: Sometimes, you have to go all-in for those three-in-one appliances, especially when they’re as qualified as the Mueller Smart Stick Blender. The stick blender features a copper 800-watt motor and four stainless steel titanium-reinforced blades to blend, chop, and whisk. With the 12-speed variables, you’ll be churning out the best-prepared salsas, smoothies, fluffy egg whites, and perfectly chopped meat and onions. Need more juice? Press the TURBO boost to achieve the texture you want.

Cons: It would be nice to be able to press the button once for that TURBO boost. Unfortunately, you have to hold it down.

Bottom Line: This is the toughest motor we’ve seen in immersion blenders. It has outstanding attachments for transforming into a whisk or chopper. This stick blender makes a powerful and user-friendly appliance with dishwasher-safe attachments and a hanging hook for easy storage.

 

Pros: Slim and sophisticated, this ergonomically designed immersion blender is easy to handle while blending your favorite foods. It’s made of solid stainless steel and has a powerful 500-watt motor. Each purchase also includes a milk frother and egg whisk as well as a user manual. The removable blending arm has a fixed blade that locks into the motor body for easy operation. And the stainless steel S-shaped fixed blade quickly blends ingredients for smoothies, milkshakes, soups, or baby food. If you like to blend every day, this blender is a great choice because it has a full copper motor that withstands continuous use. And it has nine variable speeds for increased customization.

Cons: The milk frother doesn’t froth as well as a stand-alone milk frother. It’s safer not to use it in plastic containers.

Bottom Line: Since most of the parts are dishwasher safe, this powerful immersion blender is super convenient. Because the motor is so strong, it’s recommended to blend only in metal or glass containers and never plastic. All in all, this is a wonderful immersion blender at an exceptional value.

 

Pros: This lightweight immersion blender offers up to 350 watts of blending power. Its ultra-hard stainless steel blades and unique bell-shaped blending shaft reduce suction and draw food inward for finer, smoother blending. The position of the blades also reduces splashing. The high-precision, German-engineered motor is balanced for power, durability, and smooth operation. The accessories are easy to change and easy to clean. Plus, all the plastic parts are BPA-free.

Cons: Compared to other brands, the buttons on this blender are less user-friendly.

Bottom Line: Whether you need to chop, whisk, beat, mash, or puree, this immersion blender can do the job. Additional attachments can be purchased separately, essential tools if you want to expand your culinary acumen. Also, this hand blender should last 10 years or more.

Final Thoughts

Immersion blenders are fantastic kitchen tools that avid cooks love. They are so diverse and multifunctional that you can make smoothies one minute and soups the next. And most are easy to take apart and clean for even more convenience. These top picks are all great options to add to your kitchen.