Immersion Blenders: Should You Buy One?

Whenever our food processor leaves chunks in a puréed soup or we don’t feel like hauling out the mixer to make whipped cream, we think about buying an immersion blender. We’ve viewed this handheld blender an unnecessary additional kitchen gadget for years, but now we’re starting to revise our opinion.

The biggest thing an immersion blender has going for it is ease of use. It’s handheld, light, and easy to maneuver. Using one involves simply immersing it in a pot or a bowl and pressing “on.” This is so much easier than dragging out a heavy blender or mixer with all their accompanying attachments. Immersion blenders are also easier to clean – just scrub with soapy water, rinse, and dry (some even have machine-washable parts).

An immersion blender is also a multi-tasking genie. Puréeing soups into velvety goodness is only the beginning. You can also use an immersion blender to make whipped cream, mayonnaise and creamy vinaigrettes, fruit smoothies, and even pesto.

Surprisingly, immersion blenders are quite affordable. The Kalorik Sunny Morning Stick Mixer is only $16 on Amazon and it was given top mark by Cook’s Illustrated! Even KitchenAid, usually so expensive, makes an immersion blender that sells for a reasonable $50.

Take a look at these models:
• Cuisinart SmartStick Immersion Blender, $30 from Sur la Table
• Kalorik Sunny Morning Stick Mixer, $16 at Amazon
• KitchenAid Immersion Blender, $50 at Target

Honestly, we’re having a hard time thinking of any cons to buying an immersion blender, other than the fact that it might mean our food processor would gather dust in the cupboard.

Do you own an immersion blender? Do you love it?

Related: Which is Better: A Blender or a Food Processor?

(Image: Sur la Table)