Imagine whipping up silky smooth soups or creamy sauces in seconds, without dirtying a big blender. That’s the magic an immersion blender can bring to your kitchen! But with so many models out there, how do you pick the one that truly works best? It can feel overwhelming, especially when you want a tool that’s reliable and makes cooking easier, not harder.
You’re not alone in this kitchen gadget quest. Many home cooks face the same challenge: sifting through endless reviews and features to find an immersion blender that’s powerful, easy to clean, and built to last. That’s where the trusted expertise of America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They put blenders to the test so you don’t have to.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into what America’s Test Kitchen discovered about the best immersion blenders. You’ll learn what makes a great immersion blender stand out, what common problems to avoid, and which models they recommend for different needs. Get ready to find the perfect blending companion that will transform your cooking!
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: 9.2/10
The Braun MultiQuick 7 3-in-1 Immersion Blender is a kitchen powerhouse that makes meal prep a breeze. America’s Test Kitchen highly recommends it for its comfy grip and easy-to-use trigger button. This blender is designed for single-hand operation, thanks to its smart speed technology. You don’t need to pick a speed; just press the button more or less to get the texture you want. It’s a super handy tool for anyone who loves to cook or wants to make healthy smoothies and soups.
What We Like:
- Highly Recommended by America’s Test Kitchen: Praised for its comfortable grip and well-placed trigger button.
- Intuitive Single-Hand Operation: Easy SmartSpeed technology lets you control speed by how hard you press the button.
- Faster, Smoother Results: ACTIVEBlade technology with a flexible shaft creates more cutting surface for truly smooth purees.
- Powerful 500-Watt Motor: Easily tackles tough ingredients.
- No More Splashes: SPLASHcontrol technology keeps your kitchen clean.
- Extra Blending Power: POWERBell Plus with an extra milling blade blends large pieces and hard foods easily.
- Quick Attachment Changes: EasyClick Plus system lets you switch between blending, chopping, whisking, and mashing in seconds.
What Could Be Improved:
- The food processor attachment might be a bit small for very large batches.
- While versatile, some users might prefer more distinct speed settings for very specific tasks.
This Braun immersion blender is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its smart design and powerful performance make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
2. KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53
Rating: 8.6/10
Whipping up delicious meals and drinks just got a whole lot easier with the KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53 in stylish Contour Silver. This handy tool is designed to help you blend everything from creamy smoothies and thick milkshakes to smooth soups and creamy hummus in a flash. Its powerful motor and smart design make it a must-have for any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The removable 8-inch blending arm makes it super easy to clean.
- Its 4-point stainless steel blade works fast to blend ingredients perfectly.
- You get full control with the easy-to-use variable speed trigger switch.
- The US patented removable pan guard protects your pots and pans from scratches.
- The 3-cup BPA-free blending jar is great for making single servings and for storing leftovers.
- It comes with everything you need: the hand blender, blender arm, blending jar with lid, and pan guard.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the cord means you need to be near an outlet.
- For very large batches, you might need to blend in stages.
This KitchenAid hand blender is a fantastic addition to your kitchen, offering both power and convenience for all your blending needs. It makes preparing your favorite recipes a breeze.
3. Braun MultiQuick 5 Immersion Hand Blender with Dual Speed + Turbo and Patented Technology
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to simplify your kitchen tasks with the Braun MultiQuick 5 Immersion Hand Blender. This powerful 350W blender, recognized as America’s Test Kitchen’s top pick, makes blending, chopping, and whipping a breeze. It comes with a handy beaker and whisk, making it a versatile tool for any home cook.
What We Like:
- America’s Test Kitchen’s top pick for immersion blenders.
- Patented PowerBell System with ultra-hard stainless steel blades for smooth blending.
- SplashControl Technology virtually eliminates messy splatters.
- German-engineered motor provides smooth, comfortable, and durable operation.
- EasyClick system lets you switch attachments quickly for various tasks.
- Ergonomic, slip-proof handle ensures a comfortable grip.
- Dual speed settings plus a Turbo function offer maximum blending efficiency.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 350W motor might be less powerful for very tough ingredients compared to higher wattage models.
- While durable, the plastic components could be a concern for some users seeking all-metal construction.
This Braun MultiQuick 5 blender is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly kitchen helper. Its smart design and powerful performance will help you create delicious meals with ease.
4. Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender, a kitchen powerhouse designed to make your cooking and blending easier. This blender boasts a strong 625-watt motor that tackles tough ingredients like a champ. Its smart design lets you blend with just one hand, freeing up your other hand for adding ingredients or holding your container. You can achieve the perfect texture for anything from silky smooth soups to chunky salsas with its five different speed settings and special four-pronged blade. Plus, its unique bell guard protects your pots and pans from scratches and helps ingredients move smoothly into the blades. This blender works in any container that’s 3 inches wide or bigger, making it super versatile. And with a generous 5-foot cord, you have plenty of reach to blend wherever you need to.
What We Like:
- The 625-watt motor blends even tough ingredients with ease.
- One-handed operation is convenient for multitasking in the kitchen.
- Five speeds and a four-pronged blade offer precise texture control.
- The unique bell guard protects your cookware.
- It blends effectively in a variety of containers.
- The 5-foot cord provides ample reach.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some users might prefer a slightly lighter model for extended use.
- The price point is an investment, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers.
This Vitamix immersion blender is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to cook. It offers power, precision, and convenience to elevate your everyday kitchen tasks.
5. Braun MultiQuick MQ7025X Hand Blender
Rating: 9.0/10
The Braun MultiQuick MQ7025X Hand Blender is a kitchen powerhouse that makes blending easier and faster. America’s Test Kitchen highly recommends it, noting its comfortable grip and easy-to-use button. This blender is designed for simple, intuitive operation, helping you create delicious meals with less effort.
What We Like:
- The Easy SmartSpeed technology lets you control blending speed with just one hand. Just push the button more or less to get the texture you want.
- ACTIVEBlade technology moves the blade up and down. This gives you more blending power and smoother results, even with tough ingredients.
- The 500-watt motor is strong and handles hard foods easily.
- SPLASHcontrol technology keeps your kitchen clean by preventing splatters.
- The POWERBell Plus has an extra blade that slices ingredients better.
- The EasyClick Plus system makes switching between attachments super quick. You can blend, chop, whisk, mash, and puree with ease.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the SmartSpeed is intuitive, some users might miss having specific speed settings for very precise tasks.
- The comparison to older Braun models might not be relevant for those new to the brand.
This blender offers fantastic performance and versatility for any home cook. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen tools.
Choosing the Best Immersion Blender: America’s Test Kitchen Guide
An immersion blender is a kitchen superhero. It helps you blend soups, sauces, and smoothies right in their pot or container. America’s Test Kitchen has tested many immersion blenders to find the best ones. This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
1. Power and Speed Settings
A good immersion blender has enough power to handle tough ingredients. Look for blenders with at least 300 watts of power. More power means it can blend thicker things faster. Different speed settings are also helpful. You can start slow for delicate ingredients and then increase the speed for tougher jobs. Some blenders have a turbo button for extra power when you need it.
2. Blade Design
The blade is the heart of the blender. Look for sharp, durable blades. Some blenders have a bell-shaped head. This design helps prevent splattering. It also creates a vortex that pulls food into the blades.
3. Attachments
Many immersion blenders come with useful attachments. A whisk attachment is great for whipping cream or making meringue. A chopping bowl is perfect for nuts or small amounts of vegetables. Some blenders even include a beaker for blending drinks. Think about what you’ll use the blender for most often. This will help you decide which attachments you need.
4. Cord Length
A longer cord gives you more freedom to move around your kitchen. Make sure the cord is long enough to reach from your outlet to where you’ll be blending.
Important Materials
The materials used in an immersion blender affect its durability and performance. Most immersion blenders have a plastic body. Look for sturdy, BPA-free plastic. The blending shaft is often made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong and won’t rust. It’s also easy to clean. Some high-end blenders might have metal components for added durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Blender Great
- Strong Motor: A powerful motor blends smoothly and quickly.
- Sharp Blades: Sharp blades cut through food easily.
- Ergonomic Design: A comfortable grip makes blending easier.
- Easy Cleaning: Detachable parts that are dishwasher safe are a big plus.
What Can Make a Blender Less Ideal
- Weak Motor: A weak motor struggles with thick ingredients. It can overheat.
- Dull Blades: Dull blades make blending take longer. They can also leave chunks.
- Poorly Designed Head: A head that splatters food creates a mess.
- Difficult to Clean: Blenders that are hard to take apart and clean are frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an immersion blender is usually very simple. You just place the blending wand into your pot or container and press the button. It’s much easier than transferring hot soup to a standing blender. People use immersion blenders for many things.
Common Uses
- Soups: Blend creamy tomato soup or chunky vegetable soup right in the pot.
- Sauces: Make smooth hollandaise sauce or pesto.
- Smoothies: Blend single-serving smoothies in a cup.
- Dressings: Whip up homemade salad dressings.
- Purees: Create baby food or fruit purees.
- Whipped Cream: Use the whisk attachment to make whipped cream fast.
A good immersion blender should feel balanced in your hand. It shouldn’t be too heavy. The controls should be easy to reach and understand. America’s Test Kitchen looks for blenders that are quiet and don’t vibrate too much.
Frequently Asked Questions: Immersion Blenders
Q: What is the main advantage of an immersion blender?
A: The main advantage is that you can blend food directly in the pot or container it’s in. This means less mess and fewer dishes to wash.
Q: Are immersion blenders good for making smoothies?
A: Yes, they are great for single-serving smoothies. You can blend them right in a tall glass or cup.
Q: How powerful should an immersion blender be?
A: For most tasks, a blender with at least 300 watts of power is recommended. More power helps it blend thicker ingredients.
Q: Can I blend hot liquids with an immersion blender?
A: Yes, that’s one of their best uses! You can blend hot soups and sauces directly in the pot.
Q: What kind of materials are best for immersion blenders?
A: Look for stainless steel blending shafts and sturdy, BPA-free plastic bodies. These materials are durable and safe.
Q: How do I clean an immersion blender?
A: Most immersion blenders have detachable blending shafts that can be rinsed under warm water or put in the dishwasher. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Do I need attachments for my immersion blender?
A: It depends on what you plan to make. A whisk is good for whipping cream, and a chopper is useful for nuts.
Q: What does “splatter guard” mean on an immersion blender?
A: A splatter guard is a design feature on the blending head that helps prevent food from splashing out of the pot while you’re blending.
Q: How long should the cord be?
A: A longer cord, around 5-6 feet, gives you more flexibility in the kitchen.
Q: Are expensive immersion blenders always better?
A: Not always. America’s Test Kitchen often finds great value in mid-range blenders that perform well and are durable.
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.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!