After 25 years in commercial and test kitchens, my love of shortcuts has only grown stronger, especially when it comes to prep and cleanup. One of my favorite tools for saving time and effort is an immersion blender, also called a stick blender or hand blender. It can smooth a chunky soup, emulsify an aioli and blend a scratch-made dressing without dirtying a conventional blender or food processor. It also saves loads of storage space and cleans up super fast. Ultra-portable hand blenders can meet your dish where it is, in the pot, bowl or cup, helping you move through any task with less to clean.
To see which models made the cut, I tested 13 popular brands to assess their power, durability and handling. I attempted to purée vegetable soups to a silky-smooth consistency. I evaluated the comfort of the grip, weight and handle by using the blenders to emulsify an aioli. I made smoothies with frozen berries to test the strength of the motor and the effectiveness of various speeds to cut through the hard fruit and blend a thicker mixture. Finally, cleaning each blender by hand allowed me to see which models were a snap to clean and which were challenging. After more than 21 hours of combined testing, here are my top picks.
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What we like: The Ninja Foodi has it all: a powerful motor, thoughtful design, four blades and one-handed operation.
What to know: At just over two pounds, the Foodi is one of the heavier models we tested.
The Ninja Foodi Hand Blender combines a powerful, 650-watt motor in a sleek black housing with stainless steel accents. There is a slight indentation on the handle to make it more comfortable to hold, and the two buttons on the face of the blender control the speed. There is one button for the five initial speeds and a “Turbo” button—essentially a sixth speed and its highest setting. The blending arm clicks securely onto the motor and detaches when you press the side buttons. I especially liked that I could detach the blending arm from the base with one hand, which was helpful when I had my hands full and needed to drop it in the sink.
The blending arm is seven inches long and features a plastic-coated blade housing to protect your pans and bowls from scratching. The four blades tackled every task, blitzing the frozen fruit and zipping through fibrous vegetables, but they did require some work to clean under the blades. I love this hand blender’s design, ease of operation and power, which made it a clear winner, even if it was heavier than most contenders. An added benefit is that the Ninja has an attachment that turns it into a hand mixer, a creative and useful solution to a common kitchen storage problem.
Weight: 2.31 lbs. | Wattage: 650 | Number of speeds: 5, plus a Turbo setting | Accessories: Blending cup, hand mixer attachment, whisk attachment
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What we like: The KitchenAid’s speed is controlled via pressure on the power button, making it easy to operate with one hand.
What to know: This immersion blender required a little muscle to break down the frozen fruit for my smoothie.
One of the best things about the KitchenAid immersion blender is how easy it is to operate right out of the box. I immediately noticed how light, well-made and sturdy this blender felt. The motor body is covered in solid plastic and comes in many fun colors to suit any taste. The blending arm is stainless steel and offers six inches of blending depth, which is great for deeper pots of soup. The twist-style motor body attachment does not require the arm to align on a particular spot, making it easy to pop together quickly. The scallops and cut-outs on the blade housing help food circulate through and process quickly and evenly, and the snap-on pan guard is great for ensuring that the blade end doesn’t damage any surfaces.
I loved how easy it was to snap this blender together and start using it. The variable speed power button made it simple to control the motor with one finger and move through each task easily and quickly. Among the tests, I was only challenged a bit on the frozen berries in the smoothie and found myself having to press a little harder than with other blenders to break through the hard fruit. The shallow blade well was perfect for blending the egg and garlic in preparation for the aioli, and ultimately it emulsified the mixture very well. This model would have been my top pick if it only included an additional blade.
Weight: 1.75 lbs. | Wattage: 180 | Number of speeds: 3 | Accessories: Blending cup, pan guard
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What we like: The detachable battery is small enough to charge in any space and easily clicks onto the motor body.
What to know: The KitchenAid Go requires you to hold down two buttons during operation, which can be tiring.
The KitchenAid Go strongly mirrors the functionality of the corded variable speed model but offers the benefit of a cordless operation. The lithium-ion battery is about the size of a hockey puck and is a very light add-on; the entire unit weighs just under two pounds. A short USB cable quickly charges the battery, which attaches securely to the motor body with a simple click. It also has four small lights to indicate its charging progress. The motor and battery are housed in a matte black casing for a modern, upscale look. The blade has fluted edges and cutouts for better circulation and is attached via a simple yet secure twist connection.
The KitchenAid Go was by far the best cordless model I tested and ranked right up with the top corded blenders. It was easy to operate and maintained its power consistently through all my tests on a single charge. I also liked the small footprint of the battery, which makes it easy to charge anywhere in the kitchen and store easily. I got smooth soup and an excellent emulsion on my aioli, and frozen fruit didn’t pose a challenge for this KitchenAid hand blender. While cordless operation is a preference, not a must, it is a very nice feature if you have lots of different working areas (or a lack of outlets) in your kitchen. Though the unlock button is a smart safety feature, holding this down in addition to the power button to operate the blender can get tiring for longer tasks like emulsifying a salad dressing or aioli.
Weight: 1.93 lbs. | Volts: 12 | Number of speeds: 3 | Accessories: Blending cup, pan guard, battery, charging cord with USB connector
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What we like: This three-blade blender is an incredible value.
What to know: The blade is more recessed and doesn’t access shallower items well.
This stick blender has the signature look of the Beautiful line, with the “B” logo in gold on the face of the white plastic motor body (though it is available in other muted colors). The handle includes an inset near the buttons, providing a better grip and comfortable hold while blending, and the two speeds can be controlled with a single finger, which is ideal when you are trying to hold a bowl or cup with your other hand. The blending arm connects to the motor with a simple twist and offers a 6.75-inch depth for blending in deeper pots.
The Beautiful was one of the lightest blenders I tested, which makes it easier to use for longer jobs such as making an aioli. However, the deeply recessed blade made blending shallower ingredient depths more challenging; the process was complicated when I started with a one-egg mixture. It was great at emulsifying once the mixture reached a greater depth in the container, but smaller quantities might be challenging for this model. The power on both settings was effective for puréeing my soup, and I experienced no issues when blending frozen fruits. However, I did find that the deep blade well presented a challenge after making aioli; the three blades block the full depth of the blade well and may require a little extra work to fully clean. Additionally, the stainless steel edges of the tulip-shaped blade housing can damage pans, so you’ll want to avoid letting them come in contact with your cookware.
Weight: 1.56 lbs. | Wattage: 400 | Number of speeds: 2 | Accessories: Blending cup, whisk, 16-oz. chopper
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What we like: Like its famous blenders, the Vitamix is a powerhouse with four blades and a great design.
What to know: At 2.62 lbs., the Vitamix is quite heavy, making it difficult to hold for too long.
Standing slightly above 16 inches, the Vitamix Immersion Blender features a silicone-coated grip with a comfortable and ergonomic curve. The power level is clearly indicated with lights on the top of the motor body, while the power level is controlled on the face of the unit with a two-finger operation. The blending stick is brushed stainless steel with a secure twist connection, including seven inches of blending length and four blades. The blade well has cutouts for better circulation and is covered in black plastic to provide built-in pan protection. The power indicator lights are a nice touch, though being able to operate this model with one finger instead of two would be nice to mitigate fatigue.
The Vitamix is a workhorse from the moment you turn it on. The 625-watt motor delivers steady, high power that cuts through frozen fruit in a flash. Fibrous tomato skins were no match for this stick blender, and the soup puréed beautifully. Blending the egg and garlic was initially challenging due to the depth of the blade well, but emulsifying a greater volume of ingredients was not an issue. Though the price is on the high side, the Vitamix delivers for every dollar invested.
Weight: 2.62 lbs. | Wattage: 625 | Number of speeds: 5 | Accessories: None
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What we like: The Mueller comes with a wide array of accessories, allowing you to whisk, chop and froth in addition to the blending functions.
What to know: Switching among the 12 speeds requires two hands or stopping blending and turning the dial.
The Mueller Ultra-Stick motor base is covered in gray plastic and brushed steel. Curved at the top, the Mueller is ergonomic and comfortable to operate. The power and turbo buttons are easy to control with your operating hand; however, the 12-speed power dial requires either using your other hand or stopping the machine entirely to switch speeds. The blending arm attaches securely with a simple push-click and detaches by pressing two side buttons. The blade on the Mueller is titanium-reinforced stainless steel. It is not deeply recessed, but the blade well is a deep tulip shape with a fully stainless steel design.
The Mueller Ultra-Stick is a great blender, tackling all my tests with ease and, with such a large accessory package, providing a wide variety of functions beyond blending. The 12 speeds also create more blending options: At lower speeds, the Mueller can break down foods into a mince and, at the higher speeds and turbo, blend chunkier items thoroughly for a smooth finish. With no cutouts in the blade well, there was a bit of suction when blending close to the bottom of any vessel. Additionally, the full depth of the blade well can be challenging to access with a sponge for cleaning, especially with foods that cling, such as aioli. I also would have liked a pan guard to protect the pans’ bottom and sides. Still, for the available options, this is an excellent multi-purpose choice.
Weight: 1.62 lbs. | Wattage: 800 | Number of speeds: 12, plus Turbo setting | Accessories: Blending cup, whisk attachment, frother attachment, 16-oz. chopper
The Bottom Line: The Best Immersion Blenders
If you want an immersion blender that can do it all, the Ninja Foodi Power Mixer System Hand Blender and 5-Speed Hand Mixer Combo (view at Amazon) is the best choice. If you are new to stick blenders or working with a tighter budget, try the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Hand Blender (view at Walmart). Both blenders come with helpful accessories, have strong motors and will save you time and effort on a host of kitchen tasks.
Choosing an Immersion Blender
Power and Speed
Power plays an essential role in the proper function of an immersion blender. A strong, consistent motor can sustain the vigorous work of the blade through tough items like frozen fruit and longer tasks like emulsifying aioli. Choosing a model with a strong motor will ensure that your blender can muscle through tasks.
Speed determines how much your blender will break down ingredients. In comparison to models with only one speed, variable machines provide a range of blending speeds, from low to high. The lowest setting can help start the blending process on tougher blends or emulsifications, but it can also stir together a sauce or dressing nicely. Lower speeds can quickly chop small amounts of garlic or onion. Higher speeds, coupled with a powerful motor, cut through fibrous foods and thick mixtures, like hummus or smoothies with frozen fruits.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Holding any motorized appliance with one hand can be challenging. Thankfully, many models include ergonomic features that make operating your immersion blender feel more natural and secure in your hand, which is important because your other hand will usually be holding a pan or jar. Having controls that are easy to operate with a single hand can make your tasks easier and quicker, as you won’t have to stop and start again constantly. Finally, the weight of the model can affect your choice. Some blenders weigh over two pounds, so it is helpful to know what weight will work for your comfort level.
Attachments and Accessories
An immersion blender needs only its motor body, blending arm and a cord or battery, yet many come with additional attachments, which may include a chopping accessory with a removable blade, a whisk attachment, a frother or even a hand-mixer conversion kit. A blending cup is great for smoothies and other items you might want to blend and store or transport, while a pan guard that snaps onto the blade well can save your cookware from scratches.
Ease of Cleaning
The basic parts of an immersion blender should be hand-washed . Wipe down the motor body with a damp towel, and submerge the blending arm in hot, soapy water. Getting under and around the blade well is critical for a thorough cleaning; if the well is deep or there are several blades, this can be more challenging. Washing your blending arm soon after use is the best way to ensure the food doesn’t dry and get stuck in tough places. Though some brands may indicate that the blending arm is dishwasher-safe, hand-washing will ensure the blade’s longevity.
Our Immersion Blender Tests
To test each stick blender, I prepared an asparagus soup with potato, a creamy asparagus soup and a sheet pan tomato soup. Asparagus and cherry tomato are fibrous vegetables that can challenge the blender’s ability to purée to a velvety-smooth consistency. When blending the soups, I assessed the efficacy of the variable speeds on each blender, how easy it was to adjust the speed with one hand and how well the blender puréed the soup. Additionally, while using the blenders in the soup pot, I noted any marks the blenders made.
Making a garlic aioli, which requires two hands, allowed me to see how easy it was to operate each blender while adding the oil for emulsification. The process takes longer than a simple blend, so the comfort of the grip, the weight of the model and any vacuum effect that might tip the blending container were easier to assess. This test also revealed which blenders needed more volume to operate properly.
Making smoothies with frozen fruit tested the power of each motor, the strength and efficacy of the blades and the operation of each model at its highest speed. I also tested how well the blenders fit and functioned in any included blending cups.
Cleaning the blenders after each use allowed me to see how foods with different thicknesses and compositions stuck to the blades, cutouts and blade wells. I could also see which models would mostly rinse clean and which required more work to wash off stuck-on food.
We Also Considered
All-Clad Cordless Stainless Steel Hand Blender ($225 at Amazon): The All-Clad Cordless is sleek and modern, with a low profile and handy charger, and it’s great for small spaces. The motor cut out frequently, however, and it has a steep price tag.
All-Clad Immersion Blender ($120 at Amazon): This All-Clad model did well in our tests but emitted a burning smell while processing the smoothie.
Breville the Control Grip ($130 at Amazon): The Breville has a nicely designed grip for more comfort when blending for longer times, but its blending performance was not as good as that of the other stick blenders.
Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Hand Blender ($64 at Amazon): The Cuisinart worked well with the soup and aioli, but holding two buttons for extended periods was tiring. The instructions indicate that this model should also stay plugged in to preserve the battery life, taking up outlet and counter space.
Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender ($53 at Amazon): The Smart Stick is a good blender at a reasonable price but didn’t rise to the level of our winners. It couldn’t purée the soup to a smooth consistency, and the two-button operation became tiring.
Hamilton Beach 4-in-1 Electric Immersion Hand Blender ($35 at Amazon): The Hamilton Beach was just not able to purée my soup or blend the frozen fruit. After 30 seconds, there was a burning odor that was also concerning.
Nutribullet Immersion Blender – Deluxe Set ($50 at Nutribullet ): The Nutribullet seemed to process a little more slowly than the other models, though it did accomplish a smooth soup and, with some muscle, a nice smoothie. Getting water under the blades to clean it well was challenging due to the closed design of the blade well.
Common Questions
What is an immersion blender used for?
An immersion blender is optimal for recipes with a relatively high liquid content (think blender, not mixer). For mincing, some of these models have low speeds that can handle the task, but mainly sticking to blending, puréeing and emulsifying is best. A stick blender is a solid option if you want to make mayonnaise at home. If you want to make mashed potatoes, you need to get a ricer or hand mixer. (Even with a lot of liquid, the potatoes will over-mix and become gluey with an immersion blender.) That said, your blender won’t sit around collecting dust if you like to make puréed soups, dressings, aioli, hot sauces and smoothies. Additionally, many of the models I tested came with accessories that make quick work of small chopping and whisking jobs, saving you from cleaning up your larger equipment.
How do you use an immersion blender?
The best way to use an immersion blender for soups and sauces is to fully immerse the blade into the mixture before you begin and keep it under the liquid throughout the blending process. Moving the blending stick in and out of the liquid while on will cause splatter. If you are unsure how the liquid will react, start at the lowest speed and build slowly to stay in control.
For emulsified mixtures like mayonnaise, keep the blade housing close to the vessel’s base while the oil is added to engage the blade with the mixture as much as possible. This is one of the reasons why a blade well that creates a vortex and helps pull your food through the blades is ideal, since your hands will be tied up adding oil to the mixture and holding the blender.
Do immersion blenders scratch pans?
A blender with a pan guard, either built-in or attachable, is key to protecting your pans from scratches. The sharp edges on the stainless steel blade well are typically what causes scratches. If you use your stick blender in pans frequently, having pan protection is worth the investment. It will allow you to get to the bottom of the pan and thoroughly purée or blend all of the mixture without worry.
Our Trusted Expertise
Tiffany Vickers Davis tested each of the immersion blenders featured in this article. She is a chef, writer and food entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. Having started in high-profile restaurant kitchens, Tiffany now owns and operates a fresh-prepared meal company that ships nationally. Before starting her company, she was the test kitchen director at Cooking Light magazine, testing hundreds of products during her 14-year tenure with the brand. A life-long lover of soups, she uses her immersion blender mostly in winter months, though during the testing for this article, she developed a quick-and-easy gazpacho and fell in love with fresh smoothies.
This article was edited by Katie Tuttle, a commerce editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats.
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