Finding yourself wanting an immersion blender? These easy to use gadgets are a lifesaver when it comes to making soups, dips and gazpacho on the fly. With one of these all you have to do is to stick the blender into the bowl or pot with your ingredients and viola, you’ve blended it right there and it’s done. Want to froth your hot chocolate? Mix fresh strawberries into your yougurt in just a few seconds? The immersion blender is especially great when it comes to doing some of those smaller tasks (we probably wouldn’t have even thought of doing without it). Now you need a certain amount of liquid for it to work properly, immersion blenders can’t do much with only dry ingredients and when it comes to that morning smoothie, best to stick to the countertop version since it does a better job. But if you’re a cook who likes to whip things up on the fly, the immersion blender is a great, handy, time-saving device.
Alas, all are not created equal.
Kitchenaid Immersion Hand Blender
Cost: Approximately $100.00
Pros:
- Easy-to-use design.
- Blade detachs from motor for safe and easy cleaning.
- Variable speed control dial and one touch on/off button.
- Ergonomic, non-slip grip.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Included attachments, whisk and mini chopper, are
more trouble than they’re worth. - There may be problems with faulty inner seal (as cited in customer reviews).
- Complaints about breakdown prior to one year of use are pretty common.
- Complaints about a suction effect, making raising the blender from the bottom of bowl or pot while blending are also fairly common.
The Miallegro 9090 Immersion Blender
Cost: From $70.00 – $80.00
Pros:
- Rated a great buy by Consumer Reports in 2011.
- Attachments and accessories: chopper bowl, whisk attachment and measuring/mixing cup are nicely constructed.
- Nice, Italian looking design. Not as impressive looking at the Kitchenaid brand, but it’s cute.
- Comes with four interchangeable multifunction blades: chopper, puree, aerator and blender.
- Blade remover tool also included.
- Ergonomic, silicone handle.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Changing blades, even with the included tool may be too much of a hassle for some people.
- This company is based in Venezuela. Product is made in China (FYI). Manual instructions are in English and Spanish but English version may be hard to follow.
- If you purchase from Amazon or another 3 party retailer, bear in mind the 15 month warranty may not be in effect!
**Pro or con (you decide) it looks like the way the blade locks in the housing shaft has recently been redesigned. Prior complaints about blades breaking (on the older models) can be found on Amazon.
Cuisinart CSB-75 Smart Stick 2-Speed Immersion Hand Blender
Cost: $60.00 – $85.00
Pros:
- Detachable shaft for easy cleaning.
- Operates with one touch control for easy, one-touch blending.
- Ergonomics grip, modern-looking design.
- Available in a wide variety of different colors.
- Dishwasher safe.
- A no-fuss model, great for people who want something that’s a no brainer.
Cons:
- Only has 2 speeds. Most reviewers say the lower speed is fine and preferable for making soups.
- Complaints about “plastic gear” inside the blender can be found on Amazon. Others give the blender glowing reviews, so take that into account as you immerse yourself in finding the best immersion blender for you.
I earnestly wish I could tell you, dear readers, which model is the best. Alas, I can’t thanks to the fact that reviews are really mixed. So, tell me what immersion blender has worked best for you! I’m also turning to my chef friends and asking them what they think. Expect an update in the near future.
