The Best Immersion Blender | Gear Heads

[@shelbybradley9450]

The recipe that made me fall in love with my immersion blender: 5 minute creamy zucchini soup. - 2 to 8 zucchini coarsely chopped - enough water to just barely cover the zucchini in the pot - 2 Laughing Cow cheese wedges per zucchini Put the zucchini and water in the pot, bring to a boil, then simmer a few minutes to soften the zucchini. Add the cheese. Blend. Done. Very substitution friendly: other squashes, kale, chard, or mix. Can use any soft cheese, yogurt, or cream in place of the Laughing Cow.

[@emiliesarah]

This is my first time watching an ATK video - so informative, well broken-down and not bogged down with unnecessary "fluff." Just an honest, straight-forward analysis of the equipment and great review of specific products. Thank you!

[@anthonykristoffersonalonzo658]

Spot on

[@karenboyd6293]

It only takes one time to forget to turn it off after lifting it from the liquid. I have had a Cuisinart immersion blender for many years and I love it. I don't use it for specific recipes, but it is invaluable for lumpy gravy, turning canned diced tomatoes in to sauce or juice when a recipe requires that and you don't have any. I know have used it more many other things but at the moment I can not remember them.

[@needlesharp_diamondstrong8465]

I discovered the need to add an immersion blender to while making my first ginger carrot soup. Thanks for providing the info & recommendation needed! 👍

[@annlicano3416]

I bought one 5 yrs ago and love it for soups abd mayo etc. I did buy the Braun. Love the analysis you people do...extremely helpful.

[@twozerosix206]

I could watch these reviews all day. Heck I’d watch a top pick for chopsticks.

[@thomaskuhn6541]

I've had my Cuisinart Smart Stick for almost 10 years and it's still going strong. Use it every day for my smoothie, I also use it to puree soups and whole tomatoes in the can. I've retired my full size blender, one less thing to clutter up my kitchen counter.

[@furrybiker]

I have had a white plastic Braun immersion blender in my knife kit/chef kit for 30 years. Same one the entire time. Workhorse that just keeps on going. Favorite tool besides my chef’s knife and mini whisk.

[@careylee2595]

If I was restricted to only one electrical appliance, I would pick an immersion blender. I use it so much, I have gone through about 8 ( of various brands) in the last 12 years. The last 2 came with the mini food processor, which I surprisingly found to be very useful. Chopping nuts, making hummus, pesto, grinding oats for oatcakes, making nut butter. Really worth it. And thanks for what to look for design wise.

[@ajc5869]

Braun has been in the Immersion blender game FOREVER. If you’re a thriftier I see vintage Braun ones alllll the time. I’ve picked up tons, and give them to friends and family. I don’t think i’ve ever paid more than $5 for one. They last forever, some are made in Spain, some Germany and some Mexico, all are excellent.

[@epicuregal785]

I have my mom's Bamix. It's 40 years old and still works beautifully.

[@LinA-it9vd]

Bamix is superior hands down. No fiber left when blending.

[@Ladybrite1]

I have had my Braun for over 25 years and it still works wonders.

[@oiseau67]

I have an ancient Braun 200W (so old it was made in Spain, not China) in an all plastic build - it is still going strong! Only has one speed and does have the side vents, so you have to be careful about food depth. It came with a beaker, a chopper (that's rarely used) and a cream whip attachment (that I recall working pretty well). I kept my mom's whisk, which came from a different Braun model, that comes in handy.

[@daniellecomeau2996]

I have the same one and it is still going strong. It is white plastic. It gets used a lot. Money well spent. It is at least 20 years old. Contrary to the atk review, I use the mini chopper/food processor all the time and it is great. Processing bulk garlic, onions, mirapois, is a breeze.

[@NZtechfreak]

They don't make them like that any longer. If you use ones made in at least the last decade or so to blend hot liquids the garbage design where the blade part articulates with the motor will fail - its plastic and heat transmits from the blades to that plastic.

[@JustAThought155]

I had a Cuisinart immersion blender, years ago; actually, it was the one in the tilted pot instructional image. That blender was a wonderful machine, and it was made without the lock.😉

[@erikfreitas9288]

Nobody better than Gear Heads!

[@speedbuggy7240]

I just got my Braun immersion blender today. I've already used it to make cinnamon butter, BBQ sauce and tomato soup.. I LOVE it so far... Thank you so much for the vid! It helped me out A LOT.. 👍

[@jenniferr2057]

I am anti-gadget but my immersion blender is a must have. This week I have made cream of asparagus soup and will make cream of zucchini soup tonight. Family favorite? Butternut squash soup!!!

[@BHaha-n2q]

Cuisinart SmartStick here from the last millennium, still in use several times weekly: STICK for in-the-pot purée part of leguminous soups, full purée for cream mushroom, Stella Parks’ Nordstrom tomato soup upgrade, 18 litres worth of windfall applesauce last autumn. Favorite smoothie: overripe banana, spoonful cocoa, egg, milk. WHISK for a few egg whites, cream, Yorkie/popover batter in 3c plastic tub, lid on to rest after, emulsified dressings. Minichop for minced parsley, mushrooms, onion, endless battutos, dried eggshells for BARF, larger Q minced garlic +/ ginger.

[@BHaha-n2q]

Got rid of the blender soon after SmartStick arrive, no regrets in 2+ decades.

[@slavkochepasov8134]

My wife uses Braun Hand Blender for 20 years. Never let us down.

[@inquisitiveone3579]

I received the white Braun model with the green button back in 1986 for Christmas. Yes you read that correctly. 1986! It still works, it’s lightweight and cleans easily. Thank you Santa.

[@ChristopherCurtis]

@@inquisitiveone3579 I have the same one, but I'm sure I bought it in the early 90s. Recently had to replace the blade in the chopping jar - I think it cost as much as the blender did. On that note I like the chopping jar: handy for blending down spices like chilis or chopping down nuts. Wish it came with the whisk but it's been 3 decades and I've managed fine without it.

[@justjane922]

@@inquisitiveone3579 me, too!

[@FlashOhJoy]

I have a really old Braun that just won’t quit… I use it for soups and gravy…

[@inquisitiveone3579]

@@FlashOhJoy I use mine for making leek soup. Plus mixing cream cheese and shrimp, salt, pepper and lemon juice to make dips. It’s very versatile.

[@NJ-Cathie]

I use my Braun for mashed potatoes all the time mainly because of ease of use. It gets the lumps out without creating a mess.

[@stephengunnell5048]

I just moved from a corded Cuisinart to a Braun like the one you recommend and I found it a significant downgrade. I've never had much issue with the holes in the bell and they reduce the amount of food getting stuck above the blades and make it a lot easier to process a whole pot of material. They also make it easier to clean. I've not yet found a situation where the high speed button on the Braun is an asset and the small stiff buttons are tiring to use.

[@evileyelash8094]

Can't live without my immersion blender! A must for immulsifying mayo, hummus, sauces, soups and more!

[@tangojuli209]

Just dropped into my online shopping cart. Thx!

[@headerahelix]

I like the higher end multiquick 7 because it comes with other tools I use (dicer and grater for making olivier salad, herring under a fur coat, etc), the little food processor is super handy for herbs, nuts, cheeses, and the spring action really helps with getting everything when blending in a pot.

[@mgfroyo]

On the little blender jars that come with them-we had this Cuisinart 2 cup plastic measuring cup that we used for everything until it cracked one day. We searched to find a replacement but couldn't find anything normal except measuring cup sets, not the tall clear plastic one we had. Finally found that it only comes with an immersion blender and we all said "well we don't have an immersion blender, that's so weird" and just forgot about finding the cup to purchase. Years later we are organizing the kitchen and find a Cuisinart immersion blender in a seldom used cabinet drawer. After we found it we made lots of pureed soups and homemade mayonnaise.

[@kinolibby6580]

In Europe a popular brand is Kenwood. I've had a Kenwood immersion blender with all the attachments and never used any of them apart from the normal blender but this latest one came with a potato masher and honestly I'm impressed. I actually use it fairly regularly.

[@DeltaLimaActual-t2o]

We had a battery powered model, but rechargeable batteries have a finite life in charge cycles. In this case the manufacturer no longer supports the blender nor provides replacement battery packs. Thanks to your review, I ordered the Braun Multiquick 5. Perfect. Thank you

[@roninbadger7750]

I love my Braun, it came with the spiralizer and food processor attachments. has two speeds, adjustable and full. its like the next step to the linked multiquick 5.

[@krishnakanthcake]

Bamix is awesome from Swiss . It’s a classic

[@LinA-it9vd]

The best!

[@tomsaaristo6294]

I've had my Kitchen Aid forever (or so it seems). The blade housing does have vents which is a big pain in the keister. It came in a kit and I promptly got rid of everything that wasn't the handle and the shaft (much easier to store) I will consider the Braun when the K.A. dies. Thanks, ladies!

[@louisel.sinniger2057]

I’ve had my Vitamix for many years and it is a great work horse so I bought their hand held immersion blender. Yes, a bit pricy BUT I happened to have purchased BOTH on sale. So far I am happy. Thanks

[@josephalexander3884]

The cleaning tip is genius. Thank you.

[@necrosiskoc9617]

I bought the Braun one based on ATK's recommendation a couple of years ago and it's been great

[@xarophti]

Velcro cord wraps. I put those things on everything.

[@vwood2]

Thanks. I’ve had the same model for over 15 years and it still performs perfectly. Very easy to clean and store.

[@mrkingsudo]

I got an Immersion blender for my birthday a year ago and I've used it at least once a week minimum. It's so useful!

[@MikeTaffet]

I’m surprised to not see Bamix in the lineup. IMO the best on the market

[@MartinWassmann]

Bamix is a complete no-brainer. It's the stable in all professional kitchens for a reason. Braun and the likes feels like toys instead of tools in comparison. I have previously held ATK's recommendations in high regard, but I can't have faith in them anymore.

[@arevee9429]

I have a Bamix, and it's good, but if it sits too long, it binds up. But yes, the build quality is fantastic.

[@jam6875]

''Powerful and sturdy, this blender was among the fastest and most thorough models we tested, and it consistently produced silky smoothies and smooth soups. We liked its simple controls, consisting of two buttons on the handle that each offered a different speed option. Unfortunately, this long model was heavy and cumbersome, and its small, flat blade guard did little to help prevent splatter. We were most disappointed that this model’s blending shaft wasn’t detachable, which made cleaning and storing this blender difficult due to its bulk.''

[@LinA-it9vd]

@@jam6875funny because I never detach it to clean it. I put it in hot soapy water and run it briefly. It’s not cumbersome and stores in its wall mount holder easily. I found this review to be inaccurate.

[@boogiedaddy3434]

I have a KitchenAid model from about 8-9 years ago and though it does have vents on the blade guard, as well as a dial to change speeds, I find it works very well. I agree that the chopper attachment is quite small and I've only used it around 3 times. My standalone mini-chopper hold 2 cups more and is much more convenient. The whisk is fast, but can be messy. I'll keep the Braun in mind if mine ever dies. I won it in a giveaway so I don't have anything invested in it.

[@hofweb]

I have that exact Braun model, and I love it. I do have one gripe, however: I wish the blade guard had a silicone-tipped option for my nonstick cookware.

[@MargaretRichardson6]

Oh that's a good idea. I would love that as well

[@erwinl.8152]

The Vitamix immersion blender has that. It’s the easiest to clean as well.

[@bdh3949]

I do have one and use it seasonally. Favorite recipes are Gazpacho and Butternut Squash and Ginger soup.

[@BobZoom2U]

Vitamix immersion blender. I had the Braun. My wife bought the Vitamix. No contest. Now I use the Vitamix. The Braun isn't bad, but doesn't have the power of the Vitamix. The Vitamix also feels better in the hand. Downside to the Vitamix: it's pricey. Worth it? To us it is.

[@C2C.]

Agree. It's powerful enough that I hardly use my blender (also Vitamix), except for very big batches or making nut/seed butters.

[@kimlindseyOH]

Thank you Lisa & Kate for the great review, first of all, and second of all for letting me know that it's not my fault that stuff sometimes sprays around when I use my immersion blender! It's an older model & has vent holes halfway up the head - exactly where you said liquid could spray out! It still works, but I would use it more if it didn't have that weakness ... maybe an upgrade in my future?😉

[@heard3879]

I bought the Vavsea immersion blender about a year ago. I wish this video had been available back then. I had been considering the one they recommended in this video, too. I’ve used the Vavsea only 2 or 3 times since purchasing it because it is a huge hassle.

[@OneWorldLikeItOrNot]

Thank you for being so direct and to the point. No BS

[@franks4973]

Thx for the updated review, I bought my multitoro Italian blend years ago before these got good. I never use my wish or stir attachment just the chopper and the gears on my mini chopper died 10 years ago. Love the tip to blend in the can.

[@etplayer7]

I like really using the small chopping blades for small jobs of mincing garlic. Really easy and beats hand mincing when you want a lot of garlic.

[@limenade1911]

I don't know if Bamix is even available in the States but these are the best in my opinion and I see many chefs using them as well

[@catylynch7909]

I have a very old immersion blender ... it may have come over on the MAYFLOWER. I don't have occasion to use it often. But, after viewing this presentation, I took a closer look at it. It wouldn't pass ATK's standards. I was surprised to see that there is no "brand," name written, or embossed on the all-plastic body. So, I don't know what make it is. A small sticker reads "QC - 02 - Passed." I assume that means it passed "quality control," in 2002 ... possibly 1902. I'm not sure that my need is such, that I will replace it. I will say that my favorite use for it is in blending all-natural peanut butters, in the jar, to incorporate the peanuts, and the oil, before refrigerating. Should I ever think that I need to replace it, I'll recall your advice on this video.

[@LesaBear612]

I have a Cuisinart that I got for a dollar, yes $1, at a garage sale a couple years ago. I love it. I have a silicone blending jar that is a great companion to it. I use it for pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, chutneys, and soups.

[@matttypes2695]

I personally recommend the Vitamix immersion blender. Yeah, it’s roughly double the price of ATK’s recommendation and it weighs more but, it’s immensely powerful, and the tip is coated so it doesn’t scratch your non-stick pots.

[@lydiapostma6380]

I love my vitamix immersion blender. It has a mini food processor attachment that works fantastic. I wish I saw their opinion on it.

[@juliamelvin7381]

Thank you so much for this info! I've always wanted an immersion blender but had no idea how to choose the right one. You're the Best

[@intractablemaskvpmGy]

I'm on my second waring pro. The second one doesn't detach. Now I understand how much easier and effective it is to clean by just rinsing it off then submerging the blades into something full of hot soapy water and pulsing it

[@bmljenny]

I just recently picked up a cordless model (random Amazon brand, there are about 50 that look identical) and I really like it. It does have the safety lock button you have to press first, but it's right on top and easy to do with one hand. The closest outlet to my stove is not in a convenient spot and I used to have to loop the cord around my neck to keep it up and out of the way, so cordless was a great option for me.

[@mywaterfountain]

I have the Braun and I love it. The only issue I have is that because the bottom is metal I cannot use it in my Le Cruset because I’m worried about scratching the enamel.

[@glynislailann9056]

My Kenwood Tri-blade is my favorite kitchen tool.

[@ChefChrisDay]

I have a Cuisinart stick blender with a food processor attachment. Works beautifully though I do agree that the one drawback of it andany current models is the safety lock and speed dial. I don't mind the safety lock and getting around the speed dial really is just a matter of always leaving it on high and forgetting that it even is there. Processing attachment is perfect for me and my lifestyle considering that I usually am cooking for to 1.5 or two people max.

[@Bonafide188]

Suprised Bamix isn't on here. From the options I reviewed a year ago, Bamix came out on top and has been performing great

[@broodlum]

Yeah, they're the best.

[@rejoyce318]

My Bamix is at least 20 years old. Changing the blade is a little fiddly, but otherwise I love it.

[@DonoVideoProductions]

The original and best.

[@TheAmazingAnders]

First thing I looked for when I watched this vid. Shocked to not see the OG Bamix. Everything else just seems generic.

[@joshbenda351]

ATK downgrades Bamix because the shaft does not come off for cleaning. Also the body is thicker and heavier than some newer models.

[@mattymattffs]

I love the vents on the vitamix. It definitely creates more pull overall

[@Tmanaz480]

Definitely one of my go-to kitchen tools.

[@botch3936]

If any tool cried out for a rechargeable model, it's an immersion blender. Yet last time I checked the only one available cost more than my countertop model. Messing with a cord over a hot stove is just a no-go for me.

[@sherrard5492]

Move your pot to the countertop next to where your immersion blender is plugged in. EZPZ and a more comfortable workspace for the task.

[@erwinl.8152]

I adore my rechargeable hand mixer. Every time I use it, I feel my grandma’s jealousy in not having to find a place to plug it in.

[@billm.8220]

I’ve had one for the last 10 years. Works wonders for soups, sauces & mayonnaise !!

[@tomwestbrook]

The small Braun chopper jar thing makes a great garlic chopper for when you need to small dice 4-10 cloves.

[@katydidiy]

I love mine. It also came with a wire whip and mini food processor. That does a better job than my mini kitchen aid.

[@urssoz]

I have the Braun Multiquick Vario and it's amazing, the adjustment in speed is awesome for using the mini-processor attachment, but as a hand blender I just leave it at top speed.

[@tarjei99]

I use my Braun to shred carrots. It works good enough. And I like it a lot for making mayo.

[@christineb8148]

I was given a Braun immersion blender about 20 years ago, probably a lower end model made from all plastic, and i have used it constantly ever since. The rubber button is beginning to disintegrate a bit but the motor is still great. Hard to decide if I should make some repair attempt of buy a new one but it's indispensable in my kitchen.

[@theastewart6721]

Great video gals! I have a much less expensive immersion blender that works just fine. I don’t use it all the time but I’m more than satisfied. Had I seen this video last summer when I bought it, I may have gone with the Braun. Either way, thank you both for your reviews and tips. Very helpful!😊

[@caroldragon7545]

I love your reviews and purchased my chef's knife and Breville blender based on your recommendations. I liked the fact that you didn't discuss just the Breville or the one knife. You showed the other choices and their prices, which allows someone within a budget to choose a second or third choice if they can't afford the first choice. Why didn't you do this with the immersion blenders? I would like to have seen you describe a few of the other models as well as the Braun.

[@wilkbor]

I love my hand blender for all the reasons listed here. I use it almost every day, but have never used the whisk attachment. By coincidence it happens to be the Braun shown here.

[@imaginative-monkey]

Ninja has one that double acts as a hand mixer, it's on my holiday wishlist! 😄

[@RudigerVT]

I have the Breville, which has multiple speeds. I like that.

[@lemonz1769]

Breville is great for small volume low liquid applications. I use it to make pastes of fibrous roots and other aromatics.

[@bubblewhip382]

I got a Chinese cordless immersion blender that charges on type c from Amazon. As sketchy as it was it's one of my favorite kitchen tools

[@gorettiip9347]

I have my Bamix 43 years ago, still using it

[@katecondon5077]

When my standard blender died a few years ago, I discovered that my immersion blender (or occasionally my food processor) could cover all my blending needs.No more counter top blender. More storage place!

[@JohnStevenson-bm2no]

Thank you. This answered a few questions I had.

[@jupplut6159]

Thanks so much for the experiences of the usefulness of the immersion blender. I already have countertop blender and small cup blender, so I don't need hot sup blender.

[@melodynakamura4028]

I have an All-Clad and I love the turbo button for that extra boost of power when needed. It has a dial on top for choosing the speed. I actually discovered it makes a difference in what is being blended because I find I need to adjust the speed depending on what I am blending. I disagree with the wattage not mattering. I have a lower wattage immersion blender and it does not do as good a job as my All-Clad,

[@Cathy-xi8cb]

My Breville doesn't have an eject button. But the on/off button is more ergonomic than this one, and the attachments are terrific. Use the chopper container and the pitcher for smoothies. I am single, in a NYC apartment. Bought the monster of a Cuisinart food processor. Tossed the countertop blender. Never looked back.

[@marilynturcotte5304]

I have a Braun Immersion Blender that dates back to the 1980s, if not earlier. I lost the whip attachment, but that's what a hand mixer is for.

[@maryannd3651]

I love having an immersion blender along with my other tools

[@AnnSarasvati]

I love my immersion blender. Soups and smoothies. We use our 4 cup measuring cup to make smoothies. My motor doesn’t separate from the blending shaft. I end up in ER with a sliced finger because I didn’t unplug it before cleaning. I’m very careful now 😮

[@anekcm]

I love my Multiquick! I'm glad I followed the ATK rec before buying.

[@saragianettitamargo990]

I use a Braun immersion blender first smoothies, soups, and salad dressing mostly.

[@jonas36699]

Surprised the Swiss Zauberstab from ESGE isn't on the list. With its detachable blades it's so much easier to clean. Its on the more expensive side, but it's famous for it's good design. Guess thats why it didn't change since the 50ties. It is so much easier to clean than all others I've tried in my lifetime, and from the looks of the test models, also way easier to clean than those.

[@kentonbolte931]

I like to give a few zaps to my cooked black beans to turn them into more of a refried bean. Keep the beans a bit chunky

[@frankpeter6851]

Probably the most essential piece of equipment in my kitchen. I prefer the more powerful high wattage models.

[@markfisher7962]

One other factor to consider (for corded units) is the cord. Some units save money by using cheaper, stiffer cords that are harder to store.

[@erwinl.8152]

I have the Vitamix after a cheap Costco cuisinart one. I use it more than my food processor and blender combined. Just used it today to emulsify some tzatziki.

[@NeuroChique-z6d]

Really useful video that answered so many questions. Thank you.

[@lisajburden3274]

Lisa and Kate... great team!

[@alexf9709]

I'm really excited to use one to make salad dressing at home!

[@tomasgulas]

I just bought Dynamic, made in France.there is also Bamix, made in Switzerland, but I could not find their smallest model. So I went with Dynamic. There is almost no videos or review on these small models, inguess because they manly make large, restaurants or industrial size equipment.

[@lamarwilliams185]

I’ve been watching for years. You need to start doing a commercial edition of ATK. Set me up for the audition or remote tester. LOL ( example - certain models of rubber maid containers are good. Camco containers are the best)

[@nushur]

I love Lisa ❤ I'll buy anything you recommend!

[@angelbulldog4934]

Had a Black and Decker for over 20 years. When it crapped out on me, I bought a Hamilton Beach about 5 years ago. This one has 2 attachments. Cost about 20 bucks. I like it. Does the job, easy to clean, stores in a drawer...what more could I want?

[@WastrelWay]

Yes. I have had an immersion blender for about 20 years that I bought at the grocery store for about 20 bucks. Therefore I don't want or need a countertop blender. The handle does not detach from the blade for cleaning, and that's a good thing, because it's only another mechanism that might fail.

[@mdleweight]

Posting this before I watch the video. I have an immersion blender that I love. It is the current Cuisinart model. Let's see if they agree.

[@wayne_jkl]

I love mine for making gazpacho!

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

have an old Braun which splits to clean , it is also good at mixing paint and other liquids ,just remember to wash immediately s

[@peteaulit]

Went from lifelong Braun to vitamix and saw the difference and not just in price. Those gadgets are just that, gadgets.