Wellness Origin HubThe best immersion blenders for soups and smoothies
The best immersion blenders for blending soup in the pot and quick smoothies in a jug, with what to look for in a stick blender and three worth buying.
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Our picks at a glance
For most kitchens, the best immersion blender is a corded model with a metal shaft, a variable speed and a bell-shaped guard that does not suck onto the bottom of the pan. The Braun MultiQuick 7 is our pick for that balance. The Breville Control Grip is the better buy if you blend in deep pots, and the Cuisinart Smart Stick does the basics well for very little money.
When a stick blender beats a jug blender
An immersion blender, also called a stick or hand blender, goes into the food rather than the other way round. You can blend soup straight in the pan with no hot liquid poured into a jug, then rinse one shaft under the tap. It is also handy for a single smoothie in a tall cup, salad dressings, mayonnaise, puréed baby food and pancake batter.
It is not a full replacement for a countertop blender. A stick blender struggles with lots of ice, hard frozen fruit and fibrous kale, and it will not make silky nut milk or very smooth green smoothies. For those, see our guide to the best blenders for smoothies.
What to look for
- Metal shaft. Stainless steel will not stain or melt in a hot pan. Plastic shafts are lighter but less durable.
- Blade guard shape. A bell or ribbed guard reduces suction, so the blender moves around the pot instead of sticking to the base. It also helps protect non-stick pans.
- Speed control. A variable trigger or several speeds stop splashing when you start and let you finish fast.
- Comfort. You hold the motor in your hand, so weight and grip matter more than raw power.
- Attachments. A whisk and a small chopper bowl are common and useful. A blending beaker with measurements is handy for smoothies and dressings.
- Corded or cordless. Corded models are lighter for the power and never run flat. Cordless is convenient but heavier and adds a battery that will age.
How we chose
We looked at shaft material, guard design, speed controls, attachments, warranty and the long-term reputation of each model. We have not run our own tests. Prices change often, so check before you buy.
Best overall: Braun MultiQuick 7 Hand Blender
Around $100
A well-balanced stick blender that handles soups, sauces and smoothies with little splashing. Squeezing harder speeds it up, so you control it with one hand. Check which bundle you are buying, since the attachments included change from listing to listing.
What we like
- Pressure-sensitive trigger adjusts speed as you squeeze
- Bell-shaped guard with low suction
- Comfortable grip
- Attachments available for chopping and whisking
Keep in mind
- More expensive than basic stick blenders
- Attachment sets vary by bundle
Best for deep pots: Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
Around $100
The pick for big batches of soup. The longer shaft and ergonomic trigger make it easier to blend a full stockpot without getting your hand near the steam, and the guard is designed not to scratch pans.
What we like
- Long shaft reaches the bottom of tall stockpots
- Ribbed bell guard reduces suction
- Trigger grip is easy to hold
- Comes with a blending jug and whisk
Keep in mind
- Heavier than some rivals
- Takes up more drawer space
Best budget: Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender
Around $40
For occasional soups, sauces and single smoothies, it does the job and costs little. If you mostly blend cooked vegetables and soft fruit, you may never need more.
What we like
- Inexpensive
- Light and simple
- Detachable shaft for cleaning
- Widely available
Keep in mind
- Fewer speeds and less power
- Can struggle with thick or frozen mixtures
- Basic guard with more suction
At a glance
| Blender | Best for | Speed control | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braun MultiQuick 7 | Most kitchens | Pressure-sensitive trigger | Varies by bundle |
| Breville Control Grip | Large pots of soup | Variable, trigger grip | Jug and whisk |
| Cuisinart Smart Stick | Occasional use, budget | Basic | Depends on model |
How to blend soup without splashing
- Take the pan off the heat and let the soup stop bubbling.
- Put the blender in before you switch it on, with the guard fully under the surface.
- Start on low, tilt the pan slightly so the blade stays covered, and move slowly around the pot.
- Switch off before you lift it out.
- Unplug, detach the shaft and rinse it straight away; a quick whizz in a jug of warm soapy water cleans the blade.
Questions people ask
Can an immersion blender crush ice?
Some can manage a few cubes in liquid, but it is hard on the motor and the blade. Use a countertop blender for frozen drinks and lots of ice.
Can I use a stick blender in a non-stick pan?
Yes, with care. Choose a model with a guard that covers the blade fully, keep it upright and do not drag it across the base. Many cooks pour soup into a separate jug or bowl to be safe.
Is a stick blender good for green smoothies?
It works for soft greens such as baby spinach, as in our green smoothie for beginners, blended with plenty of liquid. Kale stems and seeds stay gritty, which is where a jug blender is worth it.
Photograph: AI-generated image
