Best Hand Blenders

• The most important things in a nutshell
• A hand blender is a handy kitchen appliance that can be used to prepare smoothies, cream soups and purees in seconds.
• With different attachments, it becomes a true jack-of-all-trades, suitable for pureeing, blending and chopping food.
• While a battery-operated blender scores with its mobility, a mains-operated device is not dependent on the battery charge.
• An ergonomically shaped, non-slip handle, infinitely variable speed adjustment and well-placed switches simplify handling.
• The splashing, the amount of force required and the noise vary depending on the product being blended.

Mashing at the touch of a button

When preparing mashed potatoes, mashed peas and baby mash, many households used the tried and tested masher for a long time. However, this requires not only a lot of strength, but also time. The more convenient solution is a hand blender, also known as a hand blender. The electric kitchen gadget relieves hobby chefs and restaurateurs of tedious tasks such as chopping, whipping and pureeing, which previously had to be done laboriously by hand. In addition to making the work easier, users also benefit from a finer pureeing result. With a hand blender, you can whip up smoothies, cream soups and sauces in no time at all. The sharp blades not only puree fresh fruit, but also chop vegetables, meat and nuts; high-quality appliances even function as ice crushers. With its wide range of applications, the hand blender clearly stands out from the mass of kitchen appliances that can be found on the market. At the same time, its handling is so intuitive that it is also suitable for people who have little experience in cooking and baking.

Delicious dishes as if by magic

The hand blender made a name for itself early on as a portable kitchen appliance. In 1950, the Swiss Roger Perrinjaquet applied for a patent. Four years later, the ESGE company launched a hand blender on the German market under the name Zauberstab der Hausfrau. In Switzerland, however, the appliance was marketed under the name Bamix, a combination of the French words “battre et mixer”, meaning to beat and mix.

In addition to its handiness, it is especially its flexibility that makes the hand blender irreplaceable in many kitchens today. With its handy dimensions, the hand blender can also be conveniently taken along to a friend’s cooking evening. Depending on the amount to be cooked, it can be used in a small bowl or in a large pot. There is no need for tiresome decanting, as the food is chopped directly in the cooking pot. With a stand mixer, users must use the mixing cup provided. Unlike a food processor, which has numerous features but also takes up a lot of space, a hand blender takes up very little space. Thanks to its slim design, it can easily be stored in the cupboard.

Although it can replace a bulky food processor in many ways as a cheap alternative for occasional use, there are situations that push the hand blender to its performance limit. When kneading heavy dough or chopping particularly hard foods, for example, consumers are better off with a larger appliance. Finally, a food processor is also indispensable when grating vegetables or cutting them into thin slices. However, a hand blender rarely comes alone: in a set with a variety of accessories, it becomes a compact universal appliance.

Multifunctional helpers

Regardless of the manufacturer, all hand blenders have the same basic equipment: they consist of a handle with motor block and a blending foot with a rotating blade. With the exception of some cheap products, the base can usually be detached from the handpiece. The removable blender attachment makes cleaning much easier. On the other hand, it can also be exchanged for other attachments.

Stirring, mixing, foaming: The range of functions

The range of functions varies greatly from one appliance to the next. While simple hand blenders cannot go beyond simple pureeing and would be irreparably damaged if they came into contact with hard ice, some expensive brand-name appliances are real all-rounders. 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 sets make a food processor largely superfluous. The additional elements add numerous uses to the blender:

• a whisk for whipping cream,
• a beater for mixing cake batter,
• a milk frother,
• a universal chopper for chopping herbs, nuts and onions, as well as
• Attachments for grinding cereals and coffee beans.

Which attachments are really necessary depends on the user’s cooking preferences.

Blender jug, splash guard and blade guard: Accessories

Some manufacturers equip their hand blenders with additional accessories that would otherwise have to be purchased at great expense. Although additional accessories are not absolutely necessary, they do make working with the hand blender easier. In any case, a blender jug is useful. Ideally, it should be scaled, non-slip and fitted with a lid so that you can keep the blender jug sealed in the fridge. If the blender jug has a spout, not a drop will go astray when filling the shakes and smoothies. The filling capacity should be at least 500 millilitres. A rubber base also ensures a secure stand and a handle makes it easy to transfer or carry.

Since the blades can cause splashes during blending that land on clothing or the worktop, a splash guard is recommended. A particularly high blender jug is often sufficient. Some manufacturers equip their appliances with a bell-shaped attachment at the lower end of the blender foot to prevent splashing. However, very high and deep blender foot bells cause a lot of residue to collect in them during pureeing.

Especially if the hand blender is stored in a kitchen drawer, it should be equipped with a blade guard. On the one hand, this minimises the risk of injury, and on the other hand, the blades do not come into contact with other objects, which could cause them to lose their sharpness. To ensure that the cable does not hinder users when pureeing, some appliances also have a small suction cup with which they can fix the cable to the kitchen tiles.

From power to weight

Cooking fans can derive great benefit from a blender. However, they need to make sure that the appliance comes with everything needed for the desired uses. In the following, prospective buyers will find some tips and advice for their selection.

A question of consistency: performance

Before buying a blender, it is important to consider which dishes the blender will be used for. For milkshakes and soups, a hand blender with low power is perfectly adequate. If, on the other hand, you frequently chop solid foods, you would be better off with a more powerful device.

The wattage

The range extends from products with just 150 watts to 1,000-watt models. The higher the wattage, the more efficiently even hard components can be chopped and the less force users have to apply themselves. The power should never be less than 200 watts, as the pureeing result would be uneven in this case. Nuts and frozen fruit would only be coarsely chopped or the motor might even overheat. At 600 watts and above, even the hardest ingredients are chopped. For everyday use, however, wattages between 200 and 500 watts are sufficient. The wattage required depends on what is to be shredded:

Mixed goods	Smoothies, milkshakes, cream, dips, quark, sauces, soft fruit such as bananas and berries	Harder fruit such as apples, pears and pineapple and pasta	Nuts, meat, frozen fruit, vegetables, seeds and ice cream
Power	300 to 350 watts	400 to 700 watts	from 700 watts

The speed

In addition to the wattage, the speed also influences the function and quality of a hand blender. The speed describes how often the blades rotate per minute (rpm) and can be between 10,000 and 20,000 rpm, depending on the model. Basically, the higher the speed, the finer the pureeing result. More solid foods such as frozen fruits and nuts require higher speeds, whereas soups and sauces need to be processed at a lower speed.

While the simple models only have an on/off switch, in other words a standard speed, and thus only have a few preparation options, other appliances are equipped with switching levels. Regulating the speed allows flexibility, as the speed can be varied individually depending on the consistency of the food. Although three levels are sufficient for normal household use, a stepless setting allows for even more precise operation. The adjustment is made either by applying pressure to the mixing knob, which requires some sensitivity, or via a wheel. However, appliances with stepless adjustment are not standard, but are found without exception in the higher price segment.

For fast, demanding chopping, a turbo button is useful. It provides full power and chops hard foods in no time. However, it is only designed for operation for a few seconds. If it is pressed for too long, overheating can occur.

How loud is a hand blender?

At speeds of more than 10,000 revolutions per minute, a high noise level is inevitable. The higher the speed, the louder the hand blender. In addition to the speed level, the noise level also depends on the food being blended. On average, values in the range of 60 and 80 decibels result. While a volume of 60 decibels is comparable to a loud conversation, 80 decibels is close to the noise of a lawn mower. However, since a hand blender is never used for very long, there is no health risk.

Cord versus battery: The operating mode

In terms of operating mode, consumers have a choice between mains-powered and battery-powered appliances. Mains-powered blenders are not limited by battery life. However, they are always tied to a mains socket, and their cable can sometimes be annoying, as it not only significantly restricts freedom of movement, but could also get caught on vessels placed on the worktop.

Cordless models have two decisive disadvantages. Their battery only lasts for a limited time. Users must therefore take forced breaks when the battery is empty. An LED light usually indicates the remaining battery power. So if you regularly want to puree larger quantities, you should go for a hand blender with a mains cable. For these, a longer operating time is no problem. In addition, battery blenders are usually heavier in the hand due to their powerful battery.

Flexible, simple and convenient: Handling

When choosing a blender, make sure it is easy to use. If you opt for a mains-operated hand blender, you will have to consider the length of the cable, for example. A short cable makes it difficult to use, especially if the socket is far away from the work surface. However, the power cable should not be too long so that it does not get caught on other objects. A cable length of between one and 1.5 metres usually offers enough leeway. A spiral cable is particularly flexible, as it only grows to over two metres long if necessary.

Ideally, blenders with interchangeable attachments have an easy-click system. This allows the blender foot to be removed with just one movement and without much effort. The quality of the handle zone is also important. An ergonomically shaped, rubberised surface not only provides slip resistance, but also ensures that the hand blender sits comfortably in the hand. The better the grip zone is adapted to the hand, the less force users have to exert when holding. For comfortable use, the switches must also be sensibly positioned. The on/off switch, as well as the speed settings, should be positioned so that they are easy to reach without having to use a second hand.

Safety first

Since a hand blender uses sharp blades, users should not neglect safety. Children are not the only ones to benefit from a child safety lock that prevents accidental switch-on; it also protects adults from injury, for example when reaching into the drawer. Even safer are appliances that have a latch or a pressure point that users have to press or hold down to start the motor and set the blades in motion. This safety feature ensures that the blender cannot be switched on without pressing the button.

A non-slip handle ensures that the appliance always sits securely in the hand, even when it is wet. A heat-resistant cable is particularly advantageous when dealing with hot stovetops. But even if the cable should withstand higher temperatures, the cable should not come into contact with hot pots and pans or even hot plates. It could melt and lead to a short circuit. The appliance itself should also have overheating protection, such as an indicator light that warns the user in good time. Some appliances switch off automatically before the motor gets too hot.

Lightweights are needed here

Hand blenders weigh between half a kilogram and one kilogram. At first glance, the differences in weight do not seem significant. However, it should be borne in mind that they are very noticeable during prolonged use when the hand begins to tire. In addition, handling a heavy hand blender requires a certain amount of strength for foods that offer greater resistance. A light weight, on the other hand, makes for easier handling. Here, just a few grams can make a big difference.

Just as important as the weight is the size of the blender. Small devices (approx. 30 centimetres) can be stored in a drawer to save space. However, it is difficult to use them in very tall containers and they can also cause burns on the hand if the food is hot. Longer blenders (about 45 centimetres) take up more space, but are more versatile and less likely to burn.

Stainless steel or plastic: The material

Since it is an object of daily use in many a kitchen and, on top of that, processes food, prospective buyers should make sure that the blender is of high quality. This applies to both the housing and the blades. However, the quality depends not only on the workmanship, but also on the choice of materials. Of course, the higher the quality of the materials, the more durable the hand blender.

The housing

When it comes to the housing material, buyers have a choice between plastic and stainless steel. Plastic, the cheaper alternative to stainless steel, is easy to clean and very hard-wearing despite its light weight. Users can choose from various colours and patterns. However, the material does not withstand high temperatures as well as stainless steel, which makes pureeing hot soups problematic. They are also more susceptible to breakage and scratches. Spices such as turmeric cause the material to discolour. Finally, prospective buyers should make sure that the appliances are free of plasticisers, or more precisely the hormonal pollutant bisphenol A (BPA).

Stainless steel blenders are more expensive, but they also have some advantages. The material not only looks more elegant than plastic, but is also much more stable. This goes hand in hand with a longer lifespan. However, a solid stainless steel version is somewhat heavier in the hand. The greater maintenance effort is another drawback. A good compromise are models with a stainless steel handle and a plastic body.

The knives

The quality of the blades plays an important role in the blending result. That is why most manufacturers use stainless steel, which ensures good and, above all, consistent cutting quality. Ideally, the stainless steel blades have undergone a special hardening process, which makes them extremely sharp, stable and durable. However, there is one material that even trumps stainless steel: knives made of titanium are not only exceptionally light, but six times as hard as stainless steel blades. This means they stay sharp longer and deliver very good results even with hard foods.

Number and arrangement of blades

Most hand blenders have two or three blades, but it would be better to have four (two vertical and two horizontal) so that you can chop harder foods quickly and effortlessly. The higher the number of blades, the finer and lump-free the blending result.

Correct use and cleaning

Using a hand blender is as easy as can be: put food in a container, hold the blade attachment on the food to be blended and press the start button. Thanks to its compact size, it can even be operated with just one hand, leaving the other hand free to hold the container, for example.

How to make every dish a success: Tips for food preparation

When using a blender, a certain amount of caution is always advised. The following tips and hints should be observed when preparing food:

• When chopping hard foods, it is helpful to add a little water.
• For foods that contain a lot of liquid, it is advisable to puree at short intervals and only increase the speed slowly to avoid splashing.
• Cut the fruit and vegetables into smaller pieces beforehand to make pureeing easier.
• Assist the blender by moving the appliance up and down while holding the container.
• Be careful not to raise the blender foot too high, as this will cause splashing.
• Use slim, tall blender jugs to avoid splashing. If you do not have these to hand, a tea towel or piece of kitchen paper placed over the container will help.
• If the mixing cup is a little wider, it helps to make light circular stirring motions to speed up the mixing process.
• For smaller quantities, a mixing cup with a smaller diameter is better so that the mixing foot can be completely immersed.
• When processing hot liquids, it is important to keep a distance. If splashes occur, there is a risk of burns.
• Only press the start button when the blender head is completely immersed in the food.
• The blender head should never reach all the way to the bottom, but always keep a sufficient distance.
• If food residues get stuck between the blades, remove them with a brush or sponge, but not with your bare fingers.

Smoothies, creams and more

A blender is ideal for smoothie creations. In addition to frozen fruit, you can add water, milk or yoghurt as desired until the desired consistency is reached. There are no fixed preparation rules when combining the ingredients: You can combine fruit and vegetables with oat flakes, chia seeds, spices or fresh herbs as you like. Adding ice cubes makes the smoothie refreshing. Apart from smoothies, a blender can also be used to make protein shakes, sauces, pestos, cream soups, sorbets, salad dressings and dips, among other things.

Clean in seconds: Cleaning tips

After the work is done, the blender needs to be cleaned. This is particularly important to ensure that food preparation always remains hygienic. Conveniently, most appliances have a removable attachment that can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Ideally, you should clean the appliance immediately after use, as this prevents food residues from drying. After a while, some residues can prove to be very stubborn, making them difficult to remove even in the dishwasher. It is generally advisable to wash the knife attachments by hand, as the high temperatures in the dishwasher will cause them to lose their sharpness in the long run. If you do not have the time for a complete cleaning, it is helpful to temporarily soak the blender foot in a container with water and some washing-up liquid. Make sure the attachment is completely submerged in water and switch on the appliance briefly.

Clean the housing and the cable every now and then with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth to remove any splashes. However, the motor block must never be immersed in water. Sharp cleaners, alcohol and scouring pads are also unsuitable. To prevent discolouration on the blender foot or measuring jug, rub the affected areas with cooking oil and then wash off.

The most popular brands

There is now a wide variety of hand blender models in different price ranges on the market. Simple appliances without accessories and only little power are available for as little as ten euros. In the medium price segment, i.e. for about 30 to 40 euros, the hand blenders are of a higher quality. They are usually equipped with a higher output of about 500 to 600 watts and at least one blender jug. From 60 euros, consumers get top models with high-quality workmanship, a powerful motor and numerous accessories. The more money those interested in buying spend, the more accessories they receive in the scope of delivery.

Braun, for example, is among the well-known manufacturers on the market today. Some of its high-quality blenders have long been bestsellers, including the new flagship in the range, the Braun Multiquick 9 hand blender MQ 9087X. In addition to a powerful 1,000-watt motor, the all-rounder has a wide range of accessories for food preparation, be it for pureeing, kneading or mixing, which can also be replaced with just one click. Thanks to ActiveBlade technology, the knife blade moves up and down depending on the amount of pressure applied, with 2.5 times the active cutting zone and 40 per cent less effort.

Another multinational with German roots is Bosch. The manufacturer has many high-quality products in the home sector. Its blenders are generally high-quality and can be found in various price categories. High-priced Bosch products are characterised by their stainless steel housing and 4-blade system. Philips offers very powerful hand blenders with matching accessories for flexible and convenient use. Lower-priced entry-level models with a lower wattage can be found at Siemens, among others.

However, a lower wattage does not have to mean a loss of performance: The ESGE wand may only have 200 watts, but it is still a popular wand blender in both private and professional kitchens. This is due on the one hand to its solid, durable workmanship, and on the other hand to its 17,000 rpm performance. The WMF brand, which scores not only with its design but also with its specially developed material Cromargan (a mixture of chrome and argan), is also in the field of high-quality household and gastronomy products. Cromargan is particularly durable, acid-resistant, tasteless, easy to clean and rustproof. Kenwood also offers a similarly stylish design.