We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Also known as a hand blender or stick blender, an immersion blender is a convenient tool that would benefit many home cooks. While immersion blenders aren’t as powerful as traditional countertop blenders, they are beneficial for specific tasks.
They’re particularly useful when it comes to creating purees for soups and other recipes, letting you use just one pot rather than transferring multiple batches into a standing blender. These handheld blenders are also great for sauces, homemade mayonnaise, baby food, and even smoothies. Plus, immersion blenders are smaller than their standard counterparts, so they’re easier to use, clean, and store.
If one of these handy helpers sounds like it would be an asset in your kitchen, read on to learn what features will suit your cooking style and why the following models are considered among the best immersion blenders on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick 9-Speed Immersion Blender
- BEST CORDLESS: All-Clad Cordless Stainless Steel Immersion Blender
- BEST FOR BABY FOOD: KitchenAid KHB1231AQ Pro Line Hand Blender
- BEST FOR SOUPS: UTALENT Immersion Hand Blender
Features to Look for in the Best Immersion Blender
When shopping for an immersion blender, keep these factors and features in mind.
Power
An immersion blender’s primary function is creating smooth purees—and that takes power. While most models can easily blend softer fruits and vegetables, only the highest-quality immersion blenders can crush ice and frozen fruit, blend fibrous greens, and even turn nuts into nut butter. It’s important to note that most manufacturers stipulate that their immersion blenders should only be used continuously for a minute or two at a time. Most immersion blenders on the market have power capacities of between 225 and 600 watts.
Corded vs. Cordless
Immersion blenders can be either corded or cordless.
- Corded models must be plugged into a wall outlet to function. While this makes them somewhat more difficult to maneuver, corded models are typically more powerful than cordless immersion blenders.
- Cordless models offer optimal convenience and portability because they needn’t be plugged into a wall outlet. They are also safer because there’s no risk of your blender’s cord coming into contact with a hot surface. They do, however, tend to be less powerful than their corded counterparts.
Speed Settings
Many immersion blenders simply offer two speeds: high and low. While this is sufficient for most tasks, a wider variety of speed settings does have its benefits. Varied settings let you gradually increase speed as you blend, which can prevent spattering. If you intend to use your immersion blender primarily for making hot soups, look for a model that has three or more speed settings.
Blades
Immersion blenders have two major components: the motor and the blade. A quality model will have a blade that’s designed to prevent spattering, which will prevent users from being splashed with hot or messy liquids during use. Immersion blenders always include a blade guard or cage that covers the blade and may be vented to encourage optimal circulation. Some models may include different blade attachments to perform varied tasks.
Handle and Grip
Unlike standing blenders, immersion blenders are hand tools and require the user to stabilize them. Since it might take a few minutes to blend a large batch of soup, it’s important that the blender have a comfortable and lightweight handle. Some models come equipped with easy-grip ergonomic handles, so you can blend for longer periods in comfort. Tapered handles tend to be preferred by most users, as are models with conveniently placed easy-press buttons.
Noise Level
Due to their powerful motors, immersion blenders can potentially be noisy. If you or someone in your household is sensitive to noise, shop for a model that is described as performing quietly.
Ease of Cleaning
Some users may be intimidated by cleaning an immersion blender for fear of allowing water to come into contact with the motor. Many immersion blenders circumvent this issue by including a removable blending wand that can be detached for easy cleaning. Some removable blending wands are dishwasher safe, while others require hand washing.
Some higher-end immersion blenders have fixed rather than removable wands; this makes them more durable because there are fewer parts that can potentially break. Fixed-wand models may also be more powerful. This style of immersion blender can be cleaned by inserting it into a tall glass of soapy water and powering it on.
Attachments
Immersion blender models with removable blending wands also allow for the use of various attachments. Whisk and chopper attachments add versatility, letting you perform a wider variety of cooking tasks. With a whisk attachment, you can make whipped cream or beat eggs, while a chopper attachment can dice small vegetables. Some models are sold with extra attachments included, and other models’ attachments are sold separately.
Our Top Picks
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on immersion blenders, it’s time to start shopping. The following selections consider the criteria detailed above, including power, noise level, speed settings, and extra attachments. This list offers a variety of choices for a top-notch immersion blender that suits your needs and budget.
Best Overall
Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender
Not all immersion blenders are powerful enough to blend frozen fruit or fibrous vegetables, but this Breville model, with 280 watts, manages these tasks with ease. It’s even capable of grinding peanuts, cashews, and the like into butter. There’s a comfortable ergonomic handle with a rubber grip as well as an easy-to-use trigger-style power button. Its 15 speeds are controlled using a dial at the top of the handle, allowing you to gradually increase speed to avoid spattering.
This model features a metal cage over the blade of the blending wand with a plastic rim that serves to protect your cookware from scratching. While many immersion blenders can suction to the bottom of your pot, making them difficult to maneuver, the Breville Control Grip is specifically designed to avoid this.
Weighing in at 3.8 pounds, the Breville Control Grip comes with a 42-ounce blending jar and includes a chopper and whisk attachment, allowing you to dice onions or whip cream in a flash. The blending wand and attachments are dishwasher safe.
Best Bang For the Buck
Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick 9-Speed Immersion Blender
The Mueller Austria 9-speed immersion blender has a budget-friendly price tag but stands up to many high-priced models. It has an impressive power capacity of 500 watts and features two fixed speeds as well as eight variable speeds in between.
The blending wand is detachable and dishwasher safe, making for easy cleaning. It also includes both a whisk and a milk frother attachment, making this product versatile for creating a number of dishes. It’s lightweight at just 2 pounds and has a sleek appearance with stainless steel construction.
Best Cordless
All-Clad Cordless Stainless Steel Immersion Blender
If you don’t want to be tethered to a power source while pureeing, this All-Clad cordless model can set you free. It uses a 1500mAh lithium-ion battery for durability and impressive power and has a small charging unit that can stay on the counter. There are five speeds, allowing you to gradually increase power, and it can run for up to nine minutes before it needs to be recharged.
The blending wand is made from stainless steel and detaches for easy cleaning. It comes equipped with a safety lock, requiring the user to tap a button before blending—a key feature for a cordless model to ensure that accidents don’t happen. At 2.99 pounds, the All-Clad is fairly lightweight.
Best For Baby Food
KitchenAid KHB1231AQ Pro Line Hand Blender
While new parents can buy specific devices for making baby food, this immersion blender from KitchenAid can easily do the job while also being versatile enough for other cooking tasks. This model has two speeds and comes with a BPA-free 3-cup jar—a great size for holding your little one’s purees—with a secure plastic lid for storage.
The blender boasts a soft-grip nonslip handle that makes it easy to maneuver, and the 8-inch blending wand is removable for easy cleanup. It also comes in a wide range of fun colors to match with kitchen decor or other KitchenAid appliances. It’s lightweight at 2.71 pounds and can be plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet.
Best For Soups
UTALENT Immersion Hand Blender
When blending soups with a hand blender, variable speeds are useful so that you can gradually increase the power and avoid having hot liquid spatter. This model features eight speeds and has a detachable, dishwasher-safe blending wand. It also includes a number of attachments, such as a milk frother, a whisk, and a chopper. It has a 250-watt motor that is quiet but powerful, allowing you to blend even tough vegetables. The unique four-blade system brings an ultra-smooth finish to whatever you puree, and at just 1.66 pounds, you can avoid arm fatigue when making a large batch of soup.
FAQs About Immersion Blenders
If you still want more info about immersion blenders, consider the answers to some commonly asked questions.
Q. What is the difference between a hand blender and an immersion blender?
There is none! The terms “hand blender,” “stick blender,” and “immersion blender” all describe the same tool.
Q. What can you make with an immersion blender?
Immersion blenders can be used to make soups, smoothies, mayonnaise, baby food, and sauces. Depending on the attachments, such as a whisk or a chopper, you may be able to dice small vegetables or make whipped cream.
Q. How do I choose an immersion blender?
Look for an immersion blender with a removable blending wand that offers ample power, multiple speeds, and an ergonomic handle.
Q. Will an immersion blender scratch pots?
An immersion blender can safely be used with any cookware that is compatible with metal utensils. Some models have plastic-covered blade guards that make them even less likely to cause scratching.
Q. How do I use my immersion blender without making a mess?
High-quality immersion blenders are designed to prevent spattering. To avoid making a mess, always blend in a high-sided pot or container, and turn on the blender only when the blade and blade cover are fully submerged.