Adding an immersion blender to your kitchen can make cooking and meal prep both easier and faster. Also known as a stick blender, this convenient appliance is much less cumbersome than a traditional blender, and it’s so compact that most immersion blenders can be stored away in a kitchen drawer. It takes just seconds to get these blenders out and get to use, so whether you’re making smoothies, pancakes, hummus, or any other food that needs blending, an immersion blender offers an efficient, versatile tool that can make your job easier.
But immersion blenders aren’t all made the same. The best immersion blender is one that suits your needs, is easy to hold, and that fits within your budget, too. To help you find the right product, we’ve identified the best immersion blenders on the market. We examined factors like ease of use, available accessories, and price to find the best products for your kitchen.
If you’ve been considering trying an immersion blender, this guide can help. Start by taking a look at our top picks, then be sure to read on for information on how to evaluate immersion blenders on your own.
Our Top Picks: Summary
- Best Overall: Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender
- Upgrade: All-Clad KZ750D Stainless Steel Immersion Blender
- Budget Pick: Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender
- Best Cordless: Cuisinart CSB-300 Rechargeable Hand Blender
The Best Immersion Blenders: Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Breville BSB510XL
Breville BSB510XL
Precision control, extra strong blades, and multiple attachments.
Why We Picked It
If you’re looking for control and precision in an immersion blender, the Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender’s design offers both. This blender’s bell-shaped base helps to reduce suction, so you have better control and more efficient blending. Fifteen variable speeds mean you can tailor the blender’s performance to the food that you’re preparing. The eight-inch immersion depth allows for large capacities, and the blender comes with multiple attachments for versatility, including a chopping bowl, extra-large jug, and whisk. Its blades are even capable of chopping ice; this blender is plenty powerful.
The ergonomically designed handle also differentiates this blender from other products. Its ergonomic shape and trigger control make for a natural position that helps to relieve hand fatigue and pain, perfect for anyone who plans to use the blender for longer periods of time. The soft touch finish reduces slipping, improving your grip without requiring you to tense up your hand.
Keep in Mind
Weighing 3.8 pounds, this blender is slightly heavier than some of the other models available, so it may not be the best option for someone with arthritis, nerve damage, or other hand or wrist issues.
In a Nutshell
- Offers excellent control and 15 variable speeds
- Strong blades capable of chopping ice are made more versatile by the multiple attachments
- Ergonomic handle helps to keep you comfortable during use
Upgrade: All-Clad KZ750D
All-Clad KZ750D
Powerful 600-watt motor and variable speed control for professional-level blending.
Why We Picked It
The All-Clad KZ750D Stainless Steel Immersion Blender is a step up when it comes to power. This blender has a powerful 600-watt motor, as well as a variable speed control dial that features power, turbo, and pulse settings for precise control. At 9.25 inches, this blender is extra-long, allowing for use with deep pots, pitchers, and bowls. The large blending head helps to reduce splatter, and the stainless steel construction adds durability. This immersion blender has the power and versatility needed to tackle countless projects, from chopping nuts to blending smoothies and more.
Keep in Mind
This blender doesn’t include accessories, but a mini chopper and whisk can be purchased separately.
In a Nutshell
- Powerful 600-watt motor and variable speeds and turbo settings offer the power for multiple tasks
- 9.25” length allows for use with deep pots, pitchers, and bowls
- Large blending head helps to reduce splatter
Best Budget: Cuisinart Smart Stick
Cuisinart Smart Stick
Good value and dependable performance make this a good choice for any home cook.
Why We Picked It
While the Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender may be available at a highly affordable price, no quality has been sacrificed in its design. The blender offers 200 watts of power and variable speed control for precision. A lock and unlock button located just above the power button is convenient, and the stainless steel finish is durable and attractive. This blender comes with a chef’s whisk and a three-cup beaker, giving you everything you need to get started making smoothies, sauces, whipped cream, and more. This blender is a great base model available at an accessible price.
Keep in Mind
Because this is a lower-power blender, it doesn’t have the chopping capacity and versatility that some of the upper-level models do. However, it still has plenty of power for tasks like making whipped cream or smoothies, and offers plenty of value for its price.
In a Nutshell
- 200 watts of power suitable for making whipped cream, smoothies, and more
- Variable speed control allows for precision
- Comes with a chef’s whisk and three-cup beaker
Best Cordless: Cuisinart CSB-300
Cuisinart CSB-300
20-minute battery life, numerous attachments, and easy cleaning.
Why We Picked It
The Cuisinart CSB-300 Rechargeable Hand Blender offers a cordless design that makes it easy to use even in the busiest kitchen. Its run time of 20 minutes per charge is more than enough to prepare multiple dishes, and the quick charge feature on the battery will have you up and running again promptly. Five speed settings give you precise control, and the long 8.75-inch stainless steel shaft allows for use with deep pots, pitchers, and more.
This blender comes with plenty of accessories, including a two-cup chopper with stainless steel blade, chef’s whisk, four-cup measuring, cup, and an electric knife attachment. All of the attachments and the blender fit into the storage pouch for compact storage in your kitchen.
Keep in Mind
This blender features an unlock and power button that must be pressed simultaneously. This takes a little getting used to, but it’s a valuable safety feature.
In a Nutshell
- Cordless design makes for easy use
- Five speed settings allow for precision
- Comes with many accessories and a storage bag
How We Chose the Best Immersion Blenders
When choosing the best immersion blenders, we focused on multiple features to gauge the quality of each product. By weighing factors like ease of use, comfort, available attachments, and more, we chose blenders that offer overall quality performance and value.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Since blenders are handheld, the ergonomics of their design and the comfort that they offer become even more important. We looked for models that were easy to hold, that were fairly lightweight, and that weren’t too cumbersome. We awarded extra points for ergonomic designs that made the blenders easy to grip without requiring extra hand strength.
Ease of Use
We also looked for blenders that are easy to use and clean. Multiple controls and speed settings allow for more precise operation, and we also considered how extra-long blenders could be used with deep bowls and pitchers. Additionally, we considered how each blender’s design allows for easy cleanup and storage.
Attachments
While not a dealbreaker, we appreciated blenders that came with attachments. Small whisks or choppers transform these blenders into more versatile tools and increase the preparation techniques that you can perform with them. Some of our top picks have attachments that can be purchased separately, while others came with a limited or a large selection of attachments so you have everything you need to get started.
Price
Price wasn’t a defining factor, as we did include blenders from a wide range of prices. We did look for justification behind each price, though, and chose blenders that offered a good value no matter what their price. Our selection included a base model, a more professional model, and a few options in between, so whether you’re looking for your first blender or are considering an upgrade, our top picks should apply.
Customer Reviews
We also considered what the customers who are using these products have to say. We weighed customer reviews and chose products that customers are largely happy with, especially after having used the blender for a few years. None of the blenders that we included had any significant issues that turned up repeatedly in reviews.
What is an Immersion Blender?
Immersion blenders are sometimes called stick blenders or hand blenders. Unlike traditional blenders, immersion blenders can be inserted directly into a pot or bowl, rather than having to pour the contents of the bowl into the blender, itself. Immersion blenders are designed so that you immerse their blades into the food in order to blend ingredients.
There are multiple benefits to using an immersion blender. These blenders are versatile and can be used to blend soup, whipped cream, smoothies, and more. That versatility increases if a blender comes with attachments, like whisks and knives for chopping nuts or even ice. They’re also very easy to use, and you can blend food in seconds with an immersion blender, while taking the time to get out a traditional blender would take much longer. Because immersion blenders are compact, they’re easy to both clean and take up minimal storage space in your kitchen.
How to Use an Immersion Blender
You can use your immersion blender for many things, like pureeing soup, making smoothies, making whipped cream, and more. With the right attachments, your blender may even be able to chop nuts.
Before you use your blender, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure that you choose the right attachment for the job and keep the power off while you attach the blades or attachment. You’ll also need to make sure that the blender is unplugged or powered off when you remove attachments and clean the blender. Your blender should have a safety lock feature that prevents you from accidentally powering it on, but always unplug the blender just to be extra safe.
Look for information on how to use the specific model that you have. Most models will have time limits on continuous use to keep you from overheating the motor. The manufacturer should also specify how to properly clean the model that you have. Be sure to always wash the blender and its attachments promptly after using it. In most cases, you can clean your blender by putting some dishwashing liquid into a clean container with water, then running the blender in the container for 30 to 60 seconds. Unplug the blender, then wipe it down with a moist cloth before drying it off.
Who Should Buy One?
Many people find that an immersion blender offers convenience and helps with meal preparation. Because these blenders are so versatile and easy to use, you’ll probably find yourself grabbing the blender more often than you’d anticipated. If you make smoothies, soups, pies, pesto, spaghetti sauce, salad dressing, hummus, pancakes, and more, then you will find plenty of uses for an immersion blender.
One of the major benefits of these blenders is their space-saving design. Rather than adding another cumbersome appliance to your kitchen, these blenders are small enough to be kept in a drawer. Because of their sleek design, they’re easy to clean, saving you time during both meal preparation and cleanup.
What to Look For in an Immersion Blender
When buying an immersion blender, you’ll want to find a model that works best for your needs and budget. The blender that’s right for your friend might not be right for you, depending on how you plan to use the blender. Be sure to consider the following when shopping for your new immersion blender:
Size and Weight
You’ll usually use an immersion blender one-handed, so look for a model that fits well into your hand. Make sure that the blender can also reach the bottom of the pan or pot that you’ll be cooking in. Many models are available with longer lengths which gives you more options, since you’ll be able to use the blender in deeper pots, bowls, and even pitchers. Be sure to also consider the blender’s weight – higher-quality and more powerful blenders tend to weigh more, but you may have to use them for less time because of their efficiency.
Many models are designed to fit well in your hand, and if you plan on using the blender frequently, it may be worth it to invest in a model with an ergonomic design. A blender with an ergonomically designed handle can feel secure and requires less effort to hold, and that can make a big difference when you use it frequently.
Included Accessories
The accessories included with an immersion blender can increase its versatility. Common accessories include whisks and measuring cups. Other accessories, like a cup chopper, allow the blender to chop nuts and sometimes ice. While having many accessories can be great, keep in mind that you’ll also need to store them. Look for a blender that comes with accessories that you’re likely to use to get the best value out of your purchase.
Ability to Clean
While professional chefs may not care too much about how easily an immersion blender can be cleaned, as a home cook, cleaning convenience matters. You’ll most likely prefer stick blenders that have detachable blades and sticks, since it’s much easier to clean these models.
Price
A higher price doesn’t always mean that a blender is better quality, but higher-priced models may have better features that can improve their performance. Paying a lot for an expensive blender won’t do you much good if you don’t use those features, though. When looking for a blender that’s right for your needs, think about the ways that you’ll want to use the blender and the types of foods that you’ll be preparing.
Related Resources
Be sure to also review the below resources that can help you find the best kitchen accessories so you can cook or bake like a pro:
