Best Immersion Blenders | What is the Best Immersion Blender?
- by Dino Paccino
- Last Updated: June 28, 2023
From soups and salad dressing to smoothies and purees, immersion blenders are extremely versatile small appliances that belong in every Kitchen.
Be that as it may, Immersion blenders are still grossly under-utilized, and while most people own a countertop blender, far too many kitchens are missing a quality hand blender.
If this describes your kitchen, and you’d like to do something about it, then read our review of the best immersion blenders – all of which our team has thoroughly tested.
Immersion Blenders Top Picks and Quick Summary
- 1. Editors Choice - KitchenAid Corded Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender
- 2. Premium-Grade Model - Breville Control Grip BSB510XL
- 3. Best Budget Option - Mueller Ultra-Stick 9-Speed Hand Blender
- 4. Professional Grade Hand Blender - Vitamix Immersion Blender
- 5. Most Compact - Nutribullet Immersion Blender
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1. KitchenAid Corded Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender
Complete with an 8″ blending wand and a 1 liter blending capacity, this Immersion Blender by KitchenAid offers the perfect mix of sturdiness, quality, and affordability.
It’s also one of the most well-reviewed handhelds on the market and is the subject of over 10,000 positive reviews on Amazon.
Interestingly, the item is available in both a corded and cordless option. If you opt for the cordless option, know that the stick blender comes to a complete charge in just 20 minutes and can blend 25 bowls of soup on a full charge.
We also like how the model comes with replaceable Lithium Ion batteries. Why does this matter? Far too many immersion blenders come with non-replaceable batteries, meaning when the battery starts to go, there isn’t much you can do about it.
Finally, the blade is outfitted with KitchenAid’s patent-pending pan guard. When installed, this pan guard protects the edges of your pots, pans, and other cookware from the rotating blender blade.
Pros
- Available as a corded and cordless model
- Handy blade guard included
- Blending jar/to-go cup included
- Charges in just 20 minutes
- Removable, dishwasher safe blending wand
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Variable speed dial can slip
- Plastic grip can be slippery when wet
2. Breville Control Grip BSB510XL
If you don’t mind dropping a few extra bucks on a truly top-self hand blender, the Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender should be at the top of your list of options.
Featuring an extra-wide blender head that’s permanently covered by Breville’s unique pan guard, this model is extra strong can mix up to 1.2 liters at once.
When testing it out, we found the bell-shaped based helped reduce suction (a common problem with stick blenders), making it easy to handle and control.
However, due to it’s extra-wide blade head, the blender shaft doesn’t fit into a normal-sized mason jar – one of the only major downsides we came across.
Nevertheless, the item is great for blending soup, crushing ice, and even whipping cream. What’s more, it’s backed by a 1 year warranty and comes with a 3-cup chopper bowl with stainless steel blades.
Pros
- Variable speed settings
- Easy to grip handle
- Unique design reduced suction
- 1 year warranty
- Mini chopper included
- Can blend up to 1.2 liters at once
Cons
- No cordless option available
- Blending head can't fit into a normal-sized mason jar
3. Mueller Ultra-Stick 9-Speed Hand Blender
For something built with quality yet wallet friendly, the Mueller 9 speed Immersion Blender is your best bet.
Fitted with a heavy duty 500 watt motor, this model delivers some serious power for the price, and the full copper motor is built to withstand continual use and abuse – allowing it to last up to 3 times longer than most other hand blenders.
To help you power through tough foods, the model comes with a ‘Turbo’ setting. When we tested this setting out, we were pleasantly surprised by how powerful it was, especially when crushing ice for smoothies
If you’re making nut butter or kneading dough, this Mueller immersion blender can even double as a food processor if you’re in a pinch.
The only major downside is the size of the item, which can feel a bit small at times. Moreover, the blending wand doesn’t reach as deep as many other immersion blenders. Nevertheless, it does come with an egg whisk attachment and a milk frothier that works great for making whipped cream.
Pros
- Powerful motor for the price (500 watt)
- Excellent value
- Turbo speed setting included
- Fully-copper motor
- Comes with a whisk attachment
Cons
- Handle and blending shaft are a bit small
- Not cordless
4. Vitamix Immersion Blender
As we all know, Vitamix makes some of the best countertop blenders on the market, and as you would expect, their immersion blender is top shelf as well.
Measuring a total of 18 inches in length, this extra-large hand blender makes it easy to blend just about anything with its 625 watt motor. The model is also outfitted with 5 speed settings and a neat LED light display that shows you which speed you’re using.
Interestingly, Vitamix has gone with a 4-prong blade instead of the standard S-shaped blade. Upon testing, we found this 4-prong blade noticeably superior to its S-shaped counterpart, especially when pureeing tough foods or crushing ice.
It’s also our favorite immersion blender when it comes to aesthetics and appearance. Fitted with a stainless steel body and ergonomic handle, this immersion blender will fit in well with any sophisticated-looking kitchen. What’s more, its 5-foot long charging cable means you can use it while it’s plugged in!
Pros
- Fully stainless steel body
- Powerful, 625 watt motor
- 4-prong blade (superior to S-blades)
- Ergonomic design (use it with one hand)
- 5-foot long charging cable
Cons
- Not cordless
- Expensive
5. Nutribullet Immersion Blender
Built to American and Canadian electrical standards, this compact Immersion Blender from Nutribullet is another high-quality, budget option. At just 16″ in length, it’s perfect for small kitchens or those who are already lacking in storage space.
We also really liked the handle. Far too often, you run into handles that are either too thick or too small. This Nurtribullet Immersion Blender, on the other hand, fits perfectly in the middle.
Moreover, the speed controls are located at the top of the handle, making it hard for your hand to slip and accidentally increase or decrease the speed.
Despite its small size, Nutribullet was still able to pack a 350 watt motor into the body. However, we did find it underpowered at times, and if you plan on kneading dough or blasting through tough food items, you may be better off with the Vitamix immersion blender.
Still, for under $30, few immersion blenders offer the mix of value, quality, and usability as this offering from Nutribullet.
Pros
- Very affordable (under $30)
- Comfortable handle
- Stainless steel construction
- Compact (can be easily stored in a cutlery drawer)
- Lightweight (2.88 pounds)
- Comes with a whisk attachment
Cons
- Can feel underpowered at times (350 watt motor)
- Charging cord is a bit short
6. Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-179
For some, the major drawback of a regular blender is the loud noise it makes – especially if you live with roommates. If this is an issue you sympathize with, then check out the Cuisinart Smart Stick.
Equipped with a quiet-friendly 300 watt motor, this variable speed immersion blender is one of the quietest models on the market. Versatile and durable, the 8″ blending arm is made from solid steal construction and can mix up to 1 liter of liquid at a time.
The model is also backed by a 3 year warranty, which compared to the 1-year coverage most brands offer, is pretty good.
Upon testing, one feature that stood out to use was the lock feature. When engaged, the lock feature keeps the blade spinning, meaning you don’t have to keep the button pressed down.
Pros
- Minimal noise
- 3 year warranty
- Whisk attachment and blending cup included
- Lock button (not available on most models)
- 3-cup mini chopper also included
Cons
- Only 2 speed controls
- 300 watt motor can be underpowered
7. KitchenAid KHB2351CU 3-Speed Hand Blender
While most people find cordless blenders more convenient, they are typically more expensive than their corded counterparts.
For a cordless immersion blender that’s both well-built and affordable, the KitchenAid KHB2351CU is our top pick.
Designed with an 8″ blending arm and an S-shaped blade, the KHB2351CU comes with 3 speed settings, a whisk blending attachment, and a 3-cup blending jar with a lid.
Because the blending cup fits snuggly to the base of the blender body, the cup can be used like a Nutribullet, making it highly convenient. Although all parts are dishwasher safe, we did find the blade guard design tends to collect water, which can be annoying if you’re not careful.
This minor issue aside, the KHB2351CU is a good immersion blender for value and one of the best cordless options in its price range.
Pros
- 3-cup BPA-free to-go jar included
- Excellent value for price
- 3 powerful speed settings
- Whisk attachments included
- Blending cup includes a no-splash lid
Cons
- Blade doesn't fit in mason jars
- Not the easiest to clean
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Immersion Blenders
When deciding which of our top Immersion blender picks are right for you, consider the following criteria:
Motor Power
When looking at different hand blender, always check the motor wattage as this will determine what you’ll be able to blend and how much at a time. Most hand blender motors fall into 300 to 620 watt range.
If you plan on performing intense tasks, like ice crushing or kneading dough, you’ll want to pick a higher wattage model. If all you’re doing is mixing soups and sauces, then anything in the 300 to 350 watt range will be sufficient.
Speed Settings
While some blenders come with just 3 speed settings, other contain up to 9. Also look out for auxiliary settings like ‘Pulse’ or ‘Turbo’, especially if you plan on doing some heavy blending.
That said, speed settings on an immersion blender aren’t as important as speed settings on a regular blender. If you see a model you like, but it only comes with a few different settings – don’t worry – it’s probably alright.
Warranty
Whether you buy a luxury or budget model, make sure it’s covered by some kind of warranty. Luckily, most options included in our list come with a minimum 1-year manufacturers warranty.
However, some warranties offer better coverage than others, and it’s good to read through the different warranties to see exactly what is covered.
Attachments
Most immersion blenders come with attachments, the most common being a whisk and milk frother. However, many models also come with a mini-chopper that’s useful for dicing onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables before blending them.
Moreover, many models include a small to-go cup – some of which can fit snuggly to the base of the blender, allowing you to use it like a small Nutribullet.
If you plan on making soups, butters, or sauces, you’ll want to choose a model that comes with these attachments (the whisk and chopper at the very least).
Types of Immersion Blenders
Unlike regular blenders, there aren’t many different types of immersion blenders and all follow more or less the same design. However, some come with different special settings (like ‘Pulse’ or ‘Turbo’) that are also worth considering.
How To Use An Immersion Blender
To use an immersion blender, make sure the device is off and lock the blending wand into place. Next get whatever you wish to blend ready and place it in a hard bowl or pot on a sturdy surface.
From there, place the blender head into the food and turn it on, adjusting the speed as necessary. To learn more about how to work an immersion blender, refer to our How to use an Immersion blender article.
Different Uses of An Immersion Blender
Smoothies and soups are by far the most common uses of an immersion blender. However, these handy devices can also be used to make purees, mash potatoes, mix salads and sauces, and much more.
Powerful immersion blenders – like the Vitamix immersion blender – can also be used to knead bread. To learn more about the different uses of an immersion blender, refer to our detailed immersion blender uses guide.
FAQs for the Best Immersion Blenders
What Brand Has the Best Immersion Blenders?
KitchenAid has the best immersion blenders. They offer a great mix of quality and affordability and are backed by a 1-year warranty. For something a little more expensive, Vitamix and Breville also make some excellent models.
How Many Watts Should a Good Immersion Blender Be?
A good immersion blender should have between 300 and 620 watts. However, this answer depends on what you want to blend.
For example, if you’re blending basic soups and sauces, anything between 300 and 350 watts will be sufficient. If you plan on blending thicker stuff, you’ll want a blender in the 500 watts and above range.
Is an Immersion Blender as Good as a Regular Blender?
No, an immersion blender is not as good as a regular blender. The best blenders typically have an 800 – 1200 watt motor, making it much more powerful than hand blenders.
That said, immersion blenders aren’t without their benefits and are much more convenient when it comes to tasks like mixing soups, sauces, and salad dressings.
What Is Better Cordless or Cord Immersion Blender
For ease of operation, a cordless immersion blender is better. However, corded immersion blenders typically have more power, making them a better fit for tough jobs like kneading bread and blending nuts.
What Should I Look For in a Stick Blender
when buying a stick blender, you should look at several factors, including motor power (wattage), grip comfort, blade attachments, and warranty. You should also check if the blender comes with a blade guard. If it doesn’t there’s a good chance the blender will damage the inside on your pot, pan, or bowl.
Our Recommendation
Overall, the KitchenAid Hand Blender comes in as our top pick. Available in both a corded and cordless model, it can blend up to 1.2 liters at once and up to 25 bowls of soup on a full charge. It’s also backed by a 1-year warranty is outfitted with KitchenAid’s special blade guard that’ll protect your cookware.
Our second choice, the Breville BSB510XL, is a premium-grade immersion blender with an extra-wide blending head that can blend up to 1.2 liters at once. The design also reduces suction and torque, making it easy to handle with one hand.
Lastly, our third pick – the Mueller Ultra-Stick 9-Speed Hand Blender – is a great budget option perfect for the thrift shopper. Fitted with 9 speed settings, the 500 watt motor is made entirely of copper, meaning it lasts 3 times as long as regular stick blenders.
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Dino Paccino
Dino is a lifelong writer and home improvement specialist. He enjoys bringing cutting-edge information on home renovation and remodeling to Kitchen Infinity.
