Hand blenders are a versatile small kitchen appliance to have within reach when you’re whipping up a storm. From smoothies, sauces and soup to mashing potatoes and chopping nuts, they make light work of lots of mixtures, and many are now multi-use thanks to different attachments.
Compared to jug blenders, handheld stick blenders can be a lot easier to store and clean and can offer the user a lot more control over their recipe. This is without losing any power or possibilities.
We have tested and reviewed the best of the bunch to help you find one which will be a perfect fit for your kitchen and lifestyle.
The Best Hand Blenders – Our Top Picks
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Best Hand Blenders
Everything from KitchenAid is highly rated in terms of performance, design and quality, and their handheld blender is no different. There are three varying blades offered. They will tackle a whole host of tasks from crushing ice and chopping meat to frothing milk. You also get a whisk, blending pitcher, and the all-important chopper attachment. In all, there are eight accessories included. Five speeds to choose from may not seem like a lot, but they are all notably varying. They’ll be able to tackle the vast majority of tasks with comfort and ease, even though some of the more demanding will take a while. Switching between them all when the blender is in use is simple thanks to the dial operation. The jump up or down is smooth, so there is no risk of you losing control or your produce suddenly flying everywhere. The motor is powerful yet quiet, so you can get to work without disturbing everybody. There is a no-splash lid on the blending pitcher so you can keep mess at bay too. Overall, the KitchenAid hand blender feels sturdy and is comfortable to use. There’s a reassuring weight and balance. It isn’t the lightest or the most powerful, but the huge range of extras explains the higher-end price tag. The fact it isn’t light or powerful actually helps with control as it doesn’t go haywire. It also comes in a display storage case so that everything can be kept in one place and free of dirt and dust in between uses. KITCHENAID 5KHB2571 Hand Blender User Manual Fab quality, reliable and packed with extras which all work well, this is a blender for those who need something for a massive range of tasks at hand Ah, Smeg. Often more than just a pretty design and this hand blender is the perfect example. Firstly, to say it is a Smeg, the price is not much more than similar designs. They usually retail much more (and you definitely pay for the design and name), but with this option, you’re getting the efficiency too. There are five speeds which cover a good range so that you can tackle most foods. Simply turn clockwise to speed up and the opposite way to slow down. A turbo button will give you a little extra push if you’re getting nowhere. Smeg has designed their very own FlowBlend system here. The shape and size of the blade have been carefully designed to deliver the perfect blending of a wide range of soft and hard foods and let everything flow well. The stainless steel arm can be replaced by choice of another four attachments (Beater, Chopper, Potato Masher, Whisk), and they are all anti-scratch so you can even mix in your most precious saucepan and not suffer from any scratches. We were pleasantly surprised at the price and how effective it is. If you love Smeg, or usually can’t afford such luxuries, then now is your chance to expand your range or make your dreams come true. Smeg HBF02CRUK 50's Retro Style Hand Blender User Manual A solid choice which looks great and is simple to use and take care of - all anyone needs from a hand blender The most expensive on our list, but the Bamix is a household name that is worth the hype. It will tackle all of the jobs you could ask of a hand blender. The power in the motor isn’t large on paper but is more than capable of mixing cake batters, purees and sauces and dips. The number of speed settings may also not seem a lot, but with the ability to reach up to 17000 rpm, your mixtures will be blended in no time at all. Sealed right up to the handle with double insulation, it won’t mind being submerged in the most liquidy of concoctions. There is also a coating on the attachments so it can repel grease and odours, keeping it fresher and newer for longer. It comes with a little stand which is a nice touch, whether you want it out on display for all to see or just want to store it safely and keep everything together. Overall, it makes things a lot easier in the kitchen and feels robust. Some users have commented that older models have lasted for 20+ years so, despite the higher than usual price, it could be deemed as an investment. Perfect if you know you’re going to want something you can rely on with heavy use. bamix Deluxe Hand Held Food Processor User Manual There is a reason why the Bamix has stood the test of time and is still widely available - performance is high, and it feels very long-lasting With any stick blender, you want power, efficiency and durability. The Braun MultiQuick is one of the most popular on the market, and it is easy to see why. The motor features 750W of power, but it is barely noticeable when being used with a silent run. The stainless steel blades and clean-cut design makes changing speeds when you’re in the middle of mixing simple, and with no mess and splashing, as the blender is sucked down into the liquids you’re mixing. To change the speed, simply turn the wheel on the base of the blender with your thumb. One-handed operation makes it so much easier to keep in control of what you’re doing and means you don’t have to interrupt it all. There are a huge 21 speeds to choose from, too. No matter the job at hand, there will be a perfect setting. From chopping carrots and cabbage for a homemade coleslaw to preparing a smoothie with soft fruits, the results will be perfect rather than the blender being too harsh on the produce. It comes with the chopper attachment, as well as a whisk and a 600ml capacity beaker to make it easier to control the blender and contents. Unfortunately, you have to hold down the power button to keep it running. Some feature a switch operation that frees up your fingers a bit more. But this Braun can be a bit cumbersome to hold if you are using it for a long time. The fact that it still tops our list shows that this is isn’t a huge issue though. It is simple to get to grips with it. BRAUN MultiQuick 5 MQ5035 Hand Blender User Manual Great quality, great price and very easy to clean and adapt to whatever you need it to do - no wonder it tops best-selling lists One of the more budget-friendly and perfectly suitable for anyone who will be undertaking the basic soup/smoothie/sauce making tasks so doesn’t need any of the fancy extras. It comes with a jug featuring a lid to help you cut down on the amount of mess you make. It is also easy to hold and grip thanks to the comfortable non-slip handle. A masher attachment is also included which makes a nice touch. If mashed potato is a recipe which you’ve never quite been able to get the hang of, the Kenwood Triblade could help you out and make you a mashing star. It came out lump-free every time we tested it which is worth the money alone. There is only one speed plus a pulse function, but it can still handle most of the common tasks such as soups and smoothies. It isn’t necessarily a replacement for a full-size blender, or the best choice if you regularly make dips, pestos or chop vegetables. It is also quite noisy in operation. But as we say, the masher is a really great touch and well worth the price alone, and at the end of the day, it does the job. Kenwood HDP300WH Triblade Hand Blender User Manual Make your soups and smoothies just as easily as your mashed potatoes with this (pretty revolutionary, in our opinion) blender Another offering from Braun which cements them as the Kings of the hand blender. Newer than the MQ5035, it features revolutionary technology which could well transform the world of hand blenders. Smart Speed Control means the more you squeeze, the more power you get. No turning any dials or having to stop in the middle of the job to readjust. It does, understandably, take a little while to get used to how much pressure results in how much power. But the overall idea plays out very well. The soft grip handle makes holding and controlling the blender easy so even the longer mixing tasks don’t become tiresome to navigate. Because it is on the heavy side, some people may need to grip it tighter to feel in control which alters the speed. The heaviness makes it well-balanced and powerful naturally, but getting the happy medium is a challenge the first few uses. Having said that, it is certainly not a factor which should put anyone off – it is quick and easy to use, very quiet and incredibly versatile. Braun MQ745 Multiquick Hand Blender User Manual Innovative and user-friendly, for the ever so slight jump in price compared to the MQ5035, it is a great option for anyone who finds they struggle with the usual dial operations With a name like MaxxoMixx, you’d expect this blender to be incredibly powerful and noisy. It certainly is the former, but thankfully not the latter. There are 12 speeds to choose from, and the motor is specially designed to be low vibration. There is not only low noise, but it is also easy to control. The chopper will tackle onions, nuts and chocolate and the balloon whisk will whip up cake and pancake batters, cream and eggs for your other culinary delights. Attachments are removed at the press of the eject button. The mixing jug has measurements on so you can stick to one device to get you from A to B. It also features a lid to reduce splashing and make storing your mixes in the fridge a lot easier. We found that with some of the more demanding mixtures, it sometimes got a little hot and then cut out, so we had to rest it for a few moments. This can be a little frustrating if you have a particularly thick or solid mix to get through, but at least it keeps you and the appliance safe. On the plus side, it is easy to clean afterwards. Plus, it doesn’t splash, so your workbenches are also left without a mark on them. Bosch MaxxoMixx Hand Blender User Manual A powerful yet quiet motor which will get through the majority of the mixes you throw its way One of the most powerful on the market, and designed to make life easier for you, this Tefal hand blender makes tackling the job a breeze. The specially designed bell-shaped head reduces splashing and eases movement, to give you more control over the mixture. It does this by pulling in the mix as opposed to just working around it for optimum flow. An additional blending beaker is included for the preparation of single servings or small batches. The balloon whisk will whip cream or egg whites, and a 500ml mini chopper will cut down herbs, meats and more. Whatever the task, one of the 20 speed options will be the perfect fit and are adjustable via the dial on the base. There is also a turbo option for those harder jobs which need a little help to get going. The blending wand and accessories are all dishwasher safe, and the rubber handle is non-slip. This will keep the blender in prime position and secured. Because the base is flat as opposed to rounded, you can set it down if you need to pause. This is without creating any spills and mess. Great if you have a few batches to get through. Tefal HB643140 Optichef Quartzite Hand Blender User Manual If you need something for frequent use, then this Tefal is well worth the price and the quality of the attachments will see it last years This immersion hand blender from Russell Hobbs comes with 4 attachments to solve all your kitchen needs in one handy appliance. With a whisk, beaker, chopper and of course the original hand blender, you’ll have no problem whipping up snacks and soups with minimal fuss and of course, less washing up. From chopping veggies to whisking your cake batter and liquefying soups, this blender has you covered. The stylish design means the Russell Hobbs Desire Blender won’t look out of place in even the most sleek kitchens, but it is also small enough to store away in the cupboards if you’re low on space or hate clutter. Russell Hobbs Desire 3-in-1 Hand Blender user manual An excellent choice for those who want a robust multifunctional blender.KitchenAid 5KHB2571
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SMEG HBF02CRUK 50’s Retro Style Hand Blender
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bamix Deluxe Hand Held Food Processor
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Braun MultiQuick 5 MQ5035
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Kenwood Triblade HDP300WH Hand Blender
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Braun MQ745 Multiquick
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Bosch MaxxoMixx
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Tefal HB643140 Optichef Quartzite
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Russell Hobbs Desire 3-in-1 Hand Blender
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Hand Blender Buying Guide
Price
Hand blenders come in at a range of prices. You can get models for around £30, and they increase upwards of £150. You may even be able to grab a supermarket own brand model for less than £10.
Those at the lower end of the scale may see less power and speed settings, be very basic looking and come with fewer attachments. But from our reviews, most are just as capable as those at the higher end of the scale, and you’re often just paying more for name or style. There are a few exceptions to both arguments, however, so you need to research before you buy and not let cost limit you too much if you want the best of the best.
Speed Settings
Not a massively important point, but if you know you will need to get through a lot of thicker mixtures and don’t want to spend all day getting the job done, it could come in handy.
Most have at least five, with some around 20. Perhaps most important is how the speed is changed – the majority of models have a dial on the base you can flick with your thumb, but some have switches or buttons which will require two hands.
Attachments
Every hand blender set comes with different attachments and extras, but some common ones which you may wish to look out for are:
- Balloon whisk
- Chopper
- Potato masher
- Mixing bowls or jugs
These will come in handy if you don’t want several separate appliances for different jobs. Also bear in mind that for some of these tasks, you may need a higher power or speed setting so ensure they all balance out.
Power
Power is perhaps more important than speed, especially if you are going to be getting through thicker mixtures, although still doesn’t make a massive difference in performance.
Most have a power of around 750/800W, but there are a few at 180W. While the latter is still great for most day to day tasks, don’t expect to be chopping nuts for a long time and have the motor stay cool and working.
Material
Stainless steel or metallic blade necks are much less likely to stain than plastic ones when submerged, so if you want a blender which will look great in the long run and be easy to clean this will be important. The downside is that metallic models may be heavier.
FAQs
How Do I Use A Stick Blender?
They work by drawing in the liquid or food and blending it and require no action from you. Simply insert into the mix, turn on and let the hard work be done on your behalf. You may have to move it around to accommodate all ingredients, but it won’t be too strenuous.
Always start on a lower speed and work up so as not to disturb the ingredients too much.
What Are Some Uses For A Stick Blender?
The aim of any blender is to break down food into softer or liquid forms.
Bearing this in mind, there are loads of uses for a handheld food blender, just as with jug blenders. You can make soups by blending vegetables, smoothies and milkshakes by blending fruit or make homemade baby food.
Use a hand blender the same way as a whisk, to beat eggs or cream and make mayonnaise or meringue. They can also be used to mince meat like a grinder, or mash potatoes.
Many come with several attachments which can convert them into jug blenders or hand whisks, rather than using the traditional blending attachment.