Imagine whipping up silky smooth soups or perfectly emulsified sauces with just the press of a button. Sounds amazing, right? But then you look at all the different immersion blenders out there, and the excitement fades. Which one actually works best? It can feel overwhelming trying to pick the right tool for your kitchen.
America’s Test Kitchen is famous for testing kitchen gadgets to find the very best. They put immersion blenders through their paces, so you don’t have to guess. We know you want a blender that’s powerful, easy to clean, and won’t break the bank. You want to spend less time struggling with your tools and more time enjoying delicious food.
In this post, we’ll dive into what America’s Test Kitchen discovered about immersion blenders. We’ll share their top picks and explain why they earned those honors. By the end, you’ll know exactly which immersion blender will make your cooking easier and tastier. Let’s get blending!
Our Top 5 Immersion Blender America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Immersion Blender America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Braun MultiQuick 7 3-in-1 Immersion Blender with Food Processor – Powerful Handheld Electric Stick Blender – Emulsifier for Chopping
Rating: 9.0/10
The Braun MultiQuick 7 3-in-1 Immersion Blender is a kitchen superhero! It’s a powerful handheld blender that can do so much more. You can chop, whisk, and even process food with it. It’s ideal for making smooth soups, creamy purees, and delicious smoothies. This blender is a game-changer for anyone who loves to cook and wants to make meal prep easier.
What We Like:
- America’s Test Kitchen highly recommends it for its comfortable grip and easy-to-use button.
- It features SmartSpeed technology, letting you control the speed by how hard you push the button. This means you can easily go from chunky to super smooth.
- The ACTIVEBlade technology moves the blade up and down, making it blend faster and smoother. It tackles even the toughest foods with its 500-watt motor.
- SPLASHcontrol technology keeps your kitchen clean by preventing splashes. It also has less suction, making it easier to handle.
- The POWERBell Plus with an extra blade helps blend big pieces and hard ingredients more easily.
- The EasyClick Plus system lets you switch between different attachments, like the chopper or whisk, in just one click. This makes it super versatile.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the SmartSpeed technology takes a little practice to master.
- While versatile, the food processor attachment might not be as powerful as a dedicated food processor for very large batches.
This Braun immersion blender is a fantastic tool for any kitchen. It offers great power, control, and versatility to help you create amazing meals with ease.
2. Braun MultiQuick 5 Immersion Hand Blender with Dual Speed + Turbo and Patented Technology
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Braun MultiQuick 5 Immersion Hand Blender, a kitchen powerhouse designed to make your cooking easier and faster. This blender, a top pick from America’s Test Kitchen, boasts patented technology for incredibly smooth results. It comes with a handy beaker and whisk, making it a versatile tool for all your blending needs.
What We Like:
- America’s Test Kitchen’s top pick – it’s proven to be excellent!
- Patented PowerBell System with strong stainless steel blades creates super smooth blends.
- SplashControl Technology means no more messy countertops; it keeps splashes away.
- German-engineered motor is built to last and runs smoothly.
- EasyClick system lets you swap attachments quickly for different tasks.
- Ergonomic handle is comfy to hold and won’t slip.
- Two speeds plus Turbo give you control for any recipe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 350W motor might be less powerful for very tough ingredients compared to higher-wattage models.
- While durable, some users might prefer a slightly longer warranty.
This Braun MultiQuick 5 blender is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering great performance and ease of use. It’s a reliable tool that helps you create delicious meals with less fuss.
3. KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53
Rating: 9.1/10
Whipping up quick and delicious meals just got easier with the KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53 in sleek Contour Silver. This handy tool is designed to help you blend everything from creamy smoothies to hearty soups with speed and precision. Its thoughtful features make it a great addition to any kitchen, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out.
What We Like:
- The removable 8-inch blending arm with its sharp 4-point stainless steel blade makes quick work of all your blending needs.
- You can easily control how you blend with the simple variable speed trigger switch.
- The US patented removable pan guard protects your pots and pans from scratches while you blend.
- It comes with a handy 3-cup BPA-free blending jar with a lid, perfect for blending, serving, or storing.
- The whole package includes the hand blender, dishwasher-safe blender arm, blending jar with lid, and the pan guard.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the corded design means you need to be near an outlet.
- For very large batches, you might need to blend in smaller portions.
This KitchenAid hand blender offers excellent control and convenience for a variety of kitchen tasks. It’s a reliable helper for everyday blending needs.
4. Braun MultiQuick MQ7025X Hand Blender
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for smoother sauces, chunk-free smoothies, and perfectly pureed soups with the Braun MultiQuick MQ7025X Hand Blender. This kitchen tool is designed to make your cooking easier and faster. It’s even recommended by America’s Test Kitchen for its comfy grip and easy-to-use button.
What We Like:
- Easy SmartSpeed lets you control blending with just your finger. Push gently for chunky results or press harder for super-smooth blends.
- ACTIVEBlade technology moves the blade up and down. This means more blending power and smoother food, with no tough bits left behind.
- The 500-watt motor is strong enough to handle even hard foods.
- SPLASHcontrol technology keeps messes to a minimum. You get great blending without splatters.
- The POWERBell Plus has an extra blade. This helps it chop up big pieces and hard ingredients quickly.
- The EasyClick Plus system makes switching attachments a breeze. You can chop, whisk, mash, and blend with just a click.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention if it’s dishwasher safe, which would be a great convenience.
- While it’s great for many tasks, it might not be powerful enough for extremely heavy-duty blending like crushing ice for large batches of drinks.
The Braun MultiQuick MQ7025X Hand Blender truly lives up to its name, offering faster and finer blending with simple, intuitive controls. It’s a versatile and powerful addition to any kitchen.
5. KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53
Rating: 8.5/10
Whip up delicious creations with the KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53 in eye-catching Empire Red. This powerful little tool makes blending smoothies, milkshakes, soups, and even hummus a breeze. Its smart design means less mess and more flavor.
What We Like:
- The removable 8-inch blending arm easily reaches into pots and pitchers.
- A sharp 4-point stainless steel blade cuts through ingredients quickly.
- You can adjust the speed with the simple variable speed trigger switch.
- The US patented pan guard protects your pots and pans from scratches.
- It comes with a handy 3-cup blending jar with a lid for easy storage or serving.
- The Empire Red color adds a pop of style to your kitchen.
- Cleanup is easy since the blender arm is dishwasher-safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cord length might limit placement in some kitchens.
- While versatile, it might not be as powerful as some larger immersion blenders for very tough jobs.
This KitchenAid hand blender is a fantastic kitchen helper for everyday tasks. It offers great control and convenience for all your blending needs.
Choosing the Best Immersion Blender: A Guide from America’s Test Kitchen
An immersion blender, also known as a stick blender, is a kitchen tool that helps you blend ingredients right in the pot or bowl. America’s Test Kitchen has tested many of these blenders to find the best ones. This guide will help you pick the right immersion blender for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an immersion blender, a few things are really important.
1. Power and Speed Settings
- Motor Power: Look for a blender with a strong motor. More power means it can handle thicker foods like soups and smoothies without struggling. A motor of at least 200 watts is a good starting point.
- Variable Speed Control: Blenders with different speed settings give you more control. You can start slow to avoid splatters and then speed up for smoother results. Some blenders have a turbo or boost button for extra power when you need it.
2. Blending Attachments
- Standard Blender Wand: This is the main part that goes into your food. Make sure it’s long enough to reach the bottom of your pots.
- Whisk Attachment: This is great for whipping cream or egg whites. It makes baking easier.
- Chopper Attachment: Some blenders come with a small chopper bowl. This is perfect for nuts, herbs, or small amounts of vegetables. It’s like having a mini food processor.
3. Ergonomics and Design
- Comfortable Grip: You’ll be holding the blender for a while, so it needs to feel good in your hand. A non-slip grip is a big plus.
- Weight: A lighter blender is easier to maneuver. Heavy blenders can be tiring to use.
- Cord Length: A longer cord gives you more freedom to move around the kitchen.
Important Materials
The materials used in an immersion blender affect how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel Blades: These are strong and sharp. They blend food effectively and are less likely to rust or dull over time.
- Plastic Housing: Most blenders have a plastic body. Look for sturdy, BPA-free plastic. This makes the blender lighter and easier to clean.
- Metal Blending Shaft: The shaft that holds the blades should be made of metal, like stainless steel. This part will be in contact with hot liquids, so it needs to be durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make an immersion blender great, while others can make it less useful.
Quality Boosters
- Powerful Motor: As mentioned, a strong motor is key. It means the blender can do more jobs well.
- Sharp Blades: Sharp blades cut through food easily, making blending faster and smoother.
- Good Build Quality: A well-built blender feels solid. It doesn’t rattle or feel cheap. This usually means it will last longer.
- Easy Cleaning: Blenders that come apart easily are much simpler to clean. Dishwasher-safe parts are a bonus.
Quality Reducers
- Weak Motor: A weak motor will struggle with thicker foods and might overheat.
- Dull Blades: Dull blades make blending take longer and can leave chunky bits.
- Poorly Designed Attachments: If attachments don’t fit well or are hard to use, they won’t be helpful.
- Difficult to Clean: Blenders that are hard to take apart or clean can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
An immersion blender is super handy for many kitchen tasks.
- Soups and Sauces: This is what immersion blenders are famous for. You can make creamy tomato soup or smooth hollandaise sauce right in the pot. No need to transfer hot liquids to a regular blender.
- Smoothies: While a regular blender might be better for large batches, an immersion blender can make a single-serving smoothie right in your glass.
- Purees: Baby food or vegetable purees are easy to make with an immersion blender.
- Whipping and Emulsifying: The whisk attachment can whip cream for desserts or make mayonnaise and dressings.
- Chopping: The chopper attachment is useful for small jobs like chopping herbs or nuts for a recipe.
Using an immersion blender is usually straightforward. You simply place the blending wand into your food, press the power button, and move the blender around until everything is smooth. Always be careful of splatters, especially when starting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Immersion Blenders
Here are answers to common questions about immersion blenders, based on what America’s Test Kitchen looks for.
Q: What is the most important feature of an immersion blender?
A: The most important feature is a powerful motor. This allows the blender to handle a variety of tasks, from thin liquids to thicker purees, without struggling.
Q: Are all immersion blenders easy to clean?
A: Not all of them. Look for models where the blending shaft detaches easily. Many parts are also dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning even simpler.
Q: Can I use an immersion blender for hot soups?
A: Yes, you can! That’s one of the best uses for an immersion blender. You can blend your soup right in the pot it was cooked in.
Q: How much power do I need in an immersion blender?
A: America’s Test Kitchen suggests a motor of at least 200 watts for good performance. More watts generally mean more power.
Q: What are the benefits of having different speed settings?
A: Different speed settings give you more control. You can start slow to prevent splattering and then increase the speed for smoother results. A turbo button is also helpful for extra power.
Q: Are chopper attachments worth it?
A: Yes, if you often chop small amounts of ingredients like herbs or nuts. A chopper attachment turns your immersion blender into a mini food processor for these small tasks.
Q: What kind of material should the blades be made of?
A: Stainless steel blades are best. They are sharp, durable, and won’t rust.
Q: Can an immersion blender replace a regular blender?
A: For some tasks, yes. It’s great for soups, sauces, and small batches. However, a regular blender is usually better for making large quantities of smoothies or crushing ice.
Q: How do I avoid making a mess when using an immersion blender?
A: Make sure the blender head is fully submerged in the liquid before you turn it on. Start on a low speed setting. You can also tilt the pot slightly to help the blender work more efficiently.
Q: What makes an immersion blender high quality?
A: High quality means a strong motor, sharp blades, good build construction, and easy cleaning. It should feel sturdy and perform well for various kitchen tasks.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.