Of all the kitchen gadgets I own, one of my favorites is my trusted immersion blender. Yes, I also own a real blender and a food processor but, because my immersion blender is quick to set up, easy to clean, and always within easy reach, I often grab it when I’m in a hurry and want to save time.
I use my immersion blender to make soups and hot sauces right in the pan where I cooked them. This is much safer than pouring the soup into a food processor. I’ve done that in the past and, trust me, it’s always a messy job; I’ve even managed to burn myself on occasion. I also use my immersion blender for making smoothies right in the glass I’m going to drink it from.
Immersion blenders are great if you don’t have a lot of counter or storage space – food processors and jug-type blenders can be a little on the large size. They are also often cheaper than more complicated blender options. That’s good news if you are being budget conscious.
I’ve owned several different immersion blenders over the years, and where some have been good purchases that lasted for years, others have broken down within a week. To save you wasting your money on a substandard immersion blender, I’ve researched and reviewed some of the most popular models, so you don’t have to. With this information, you should have no trouble finding the best immersion blender for your needs.
1. Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender
My favorite blender, and the one I use, is the Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender, available at Amazon.com. This is a high-end product which is reflected in the price; this is the most expensive immersion blender in this review.
The Breville Blender is a serious kitchen tool that is up to doing some heavy duty blending. The motor housing is plastic, but the stick blender is actually made of stainless steel which is both hard wearing and good looking. Because it’s made from metal, the blades are suitable for using with very hot ingredients that might otherwise cause plastic parts to melt. It’ll also smash ice with ease.
The blender shaft is over eight inches long which makes it safe and ideal to use in deep pots and pans; you can get right to the bottom and make sure all the ingredients are thoroughly blitzed.
The motor provides a hefty 280 watts of power so it’s up to the heavier blending jobs that might otherwise break a smaller motor. That bigger motor should mean it lasts longer too. However, the inclusion of the bigger motor combined with the stainless-steel parts does mean this blender is heavier than average – something to consider if you have weak wrists or want to take your blender on your travels.
The Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender offers a whopping 15 different speed setting so you should have no problem achieving the smoothness or consistency you desire.
This immersion blender is supplied with a multi-purpose chopping/blending blade and balloon whisk as well as a special measuring jug/blender bowl. The blender and the bowl fit together seamlessly, so you won’t get any spillage when you are using this appliance. The bowl also has a storage lid which doubles as a non-slip base so you can prepare your food and then pop it in the fridge for later. You also get a regular measuring jug too, making this a very versatile kitchen tool.
The Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender has a well-deigned, non-slip handle which makes it very comfortable to use. Like all immersion blenders, the motor and the blades separate easily for cleaning and storage.
This immersion blender scores an impressive 4.6 stars out of 5 on amazon.com. Most users report being very happy with their Breville Control Grip Blender which is hardly surprising given it is a top range model made with precision engineering.
Most the comments refer to how solid and sturdy the Breville Blender is and how well it has lasted. It’s also reported to be very quiet in use – much quieter than many other immersion blenders. That’s good news if you are an early morning smoothie drinker – like me! It is also fitted with a six-foot-long power cable, so it’s easy to use no matter where your sockets are located.
The only perceptible negative is that it’s is only supplied with a 12-month warranty. This is a little surprising considering that this is a high-quality immersion blender from a renowned manufacturer. You can, however, purchase a longer warranty from amazon.com.
This is a high-end product, and the price reflects this, but if you are looking for a good quality immersion blender that is hardwearing and versatile, the Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender is a good choice. Available at Amazon.com.
2. Cuisinart Smart Stick 2 Speed
The Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender, available at Amazon.com, is excellent value and the cheapest immersion blender I recommend. It’s available in several different finishes including brushed chrome, metallic black, metallic red, pink, and white so you can choose the color to match your kitchen.
It has a 200-watt motor which is not very big but it’s powerful enough for most small blending jobs, and it offers two speed settings, so you have control over how this power is used. The power can be locked on for longer blending jobs to save you having to keep the power button depressed yourself. This is a handy feature and very useful when you need to blend something for a long time. This button is conveniently located on the top of the blender.
Is made of plastic which means it’s light and easy to use, but you’ll have to be careful not to drop it as it might crack if you do. Like all immersion blenders, it can be used with any suitable pot, pan, bowl or beaker but is supplied with a plastic, dishwasher-safe, measuring cup for easy use.
This immersion blender is easy to hold and use and is designed for single-handed operation. The blender blade is easily removed from the motor so you can rinse it under a tap and keep it clean without getting the electrics anywhere near water. It has a contoured, non-slip handle so if you need to use it often or for a long time, you’ll have a comfortable grip.
Unlike some more expensive immersion blenders, the Cuisinart Hand Blender does not come supplied with a balloon whisk or any other add-ons. This is a budget model.
However, despite the low price, this IS a good quality kitchen tool and comes complete with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty so you can buy with complete peace of mind. That’s two years’ longer than most other immersion blender warranties.
This hand blender scores a decent 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com, and most of the reviews are very favorable. People like how easy it is to use and clean and, of course, the budget price.
On the downside, this blender is only supplied with a three-foot cable which means it may be a little short depending on the location of your wall sockets. Some people also reported that the blender blade broke, but this is probably because they tried to blend big chunks of ice or other hard ingredients; this is not a blender for heavy duty blending jobs as it only has a small motor.
I like the Cuisinart Smart Stick blender , available at Amazon.com; it’s easy to use, quick to clean, and ideal for light blending jobs. It’s also exceptional value for money.
3. Braun MQ505 Multiquick Hand Blender
The Braun MQ505 Multiquick Hand Blender, available at Amazon.com, is a mid-range product that combines quality with good value for money. It’s a simple device that offers just two speeds plus a turbo setting, but it’s made with German precision engineering and has a very powerful 350-watt motor which is the most powerful of all the blenders on review. With power like that, you’ll have no problem smashing ice or making the smoothest of smoothies!
It has a plastic motor housing, but the blending shaft is made from hard wearing, hygienic, and easy to clean stainless steel. Hardened steel blades ensure that it’s up to even the toughest blending job and should be very hardwearing. The stainless-steel blender shaft is heat resistant and ideal for use with very hot ingredients, for example, when making soup in a pan.
The mixing blades have a unique bell-shape to them which ensures that whatever you are blending is directed down rather than out or up. This makes all your blending jobs much less messy, and you should experience no accidental spillages during use.
The handle is ergonomically shaped for a comfortable grip, and the power controls are easily accessible. This immersion blender is definitely designed for single-handed use.
Attachments are fitted and removed easily – just one click is all it needs. Speaking of attachments, the Braun MQ505 Multiquick Hand Blender comes supplied with a balloon whisk which is ideal for making batters and meringues that need to be light and airy. It is also supplied with a large capacity, dishwasher safe mixing jug which doubles as a measuring jug.
Weighing in at only 1.6 pounds, this is a lightweight immersion blender and ideally suited for traveling. It’s also compact and stores easily – good news of you have an already crowded kitchen. It is supplied with a 12-month limited warranty however you can purchase greater peace of mind with an extended warranty from Amazon.com.
Scoring 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com, the Braun MQ505 Multiquick Hand Blender has received some rave reviews and has been very well received by most of the people who bought it. Despite the large motor size, it’s quiet in use, easy to clean, and really works well. It’s been reported as very hard wearing and a good mid-budget choice. Available at Amazon.com.
Which one is best for you
Each of these immersion blenders will serve you well for making soups, sauces, and smoothies. They all have decent motors, offer variable speeds, and come apart for easy cleaning. They are simple to use and take up very little space when stored – unlike a jug-type blender or food processor.
Immersion blenders are suitable for everyday use as they are quick and easy to operate. They are a viable alternative to bigger, more expensive jug blenders and food processors. But which one to choose?
If you’re looking for a professional blender, the Breville Control Grip, get it at Amazon.com, is a great choice. Powerful, supplied with lots of handy gadgets and a very smooth operator, you certainly get what you pay for with this top-of-the-range model.
If budget is your primary consideration, you can’t go wrong with the Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender, available at Amazon.com. It offers excellent value for money and, even though it has the smallest motor of the three immersion blenders on review, it’s still up to all but the toughest blending jobs. Be careful if you intend to crush ice or blend other tough ingredients; that might be too much for this particular model.
If you want a balance between performance and price, the Braun MQ505 Multiquick Hand Blender, available at Amazon.com, is your best choice. It’s got the most powerful motor on review but is simple to operate and only comes with minimal add-ons. It’s a sturdy, strong immersion blender that should last you many years.
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1 Comment
I have been really trying to find a way to replace my blender…which I loved….with a much less bulky version. These immersion blenders seem like they are convenient and has the ability to store beautifully in a drawer. The only thing is the power. Does it have enough power to make my daily smoothies? This was the question I asked myself every time I passed one in the store. The packaging could say one thing and by the time you get it home and use the blender it disappoints because it doesn’t do what I want. Thanks so much about mentioning the ice blending because that is my worry. I would think twice about using this type of machine for making smoothies.