A handheld blender is a stick-style blender you hold in one hand and lower into the food. It purees soup in the pot, blends sauces in a jug and mixes smoothies in a cup, and it stores far more easily than a countertop blender.
The six models below range from a cordless option to a professional-style stick, so there is a choice for casual and frequent users. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm every detail on the current listing before buying.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Power source | Corded gives steady power; cordless gives freedom |
| Shaft length | A longer shaft reaches deep pots without wetting the motor |
| Blade design | A guarded blade protects pans and speeds blending |
| Attachments | Whisks and choppers add flexibility |
| Grip | A comfortable handle helps during long soup sessions |
| Run time | Cordless models should be charged ahead of long jobs |
Specs at a Glance
| Model | Power | Build | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KitchenAid Cordless Hand Blender | Battery | Metal-tipped shaft | Cordless; check runtime on the listing |
| Cuisinart Smart Stick | Corded | Detachable shaft | Simple controls |
| Breville Control Grip | Corded | Stainless shaft | Grip-style speed control |
| Bamix Mono | Corded | Stainless shaft | Swiss-made pro design |
| Vitamix Immersion Blender | Corded | Stainless shaft | Premium brand |
| Mueller Ultra-Stick | Corded | Stainless blade | Value-oriented stick |
The 6 Best Handheld Blenders
1. KitchenAid Cordless Hand Blender
A battery-powered stick blender that frees you from the cord at the stove. Runtime and charging details differ between kits, so check the listing before you decide. It is handy for hot pots on the stove without stirring in a jug.
Suits: stovetop soups and sauces. Strengths: no cord to manage. Weaknesses: limited battery runtime. Skip it if you blend large batches.
View KitchenAid Cordless Hand Blender on Amazon
2. Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender
A familiar corded handheld blender with a detachable shaft and simple controls. Some versions include a whisk or chopping bowl, so read the contents closely. Many cooks pair it with a tall jug for sauces and smoothies.
Suits: a simple, proven stick. Strengths: easy operation. Weaknesses: a basic look. Skip it if you want cordless freedom.
View Cuisinart Smart Stick on Amazon
3. Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
A corded stick with a grip-style control that lets you adjust speed with your thumb. Breville pairs it with a guarded blade designed to protect pans. The grip-style control lets you change speed without taking your hand off the handle.
Suits: cooks who like fine control. Strengths: a comfortable grip and speed control. Weaknesses: a larger body than basic sticks. Skip it if you want the smallest tool.
View Breville Control Grip Blender on Amazon
4. Bamix of Switzerland Mono Hand Blender
A long-running Swiss stick blender often used in professional kitchens. It is compact and sturdy, and it supports a range of blades sold separately. It is compact enough to tuck into a drawer, and many cooks keep it for sauces and dressings.
Suits: frequent, heavy use. Strengths: a durable pro reputation. Weaknesses: a higher spend for a tool you may not need. Skip it if you blend only now and then.
5. Vitamix Immersion Blender
A corded stick blender from a premium blender maker, built with a strong metal shaft. It makes sense for cooks already invested in the Vitamix range. It also suits soups, dressings and baby food when you want a solid, metal-shafted tool.
Suits: soups, sauces and dressings. Strengths: a premium build. Weaknesses: a premium approach to a simple job. Skip it if you want a basic stick.
View Vitamix Immersion Blender on Amazon
6. Mueller Ultra-Stick Immersion Blender
A value-oriented corded stick with a stainless blade and speed control. Accessories vary by listing, so check what is included. It is aimed at everyday blending, and extra attachments depend on the kit you choose.
Suits: budget-friendly everyday use. Strengths: a simple, uncluttered feature set. Weaknesses: less proven over many years. Skip it if you want a famous brand.
View Mueller Ultra-Stick on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Rinse the shaft immediately so food does not dry.
- Never put the motor body in water.
- Use a tall jug to cut splashing.
- Check the manual for dishwasher-safe parts.
- Charge a cordless model before big jobs.
- Wipe the head and shaft clean after each blend.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Lifting the blade out while it spins.
- Blending near the pot’s non-stick surface.
- Overfilling a hot pot.
- Using a short cup that splashes.
- Ignoring the maker’s run-time limits.
- Pressing the blade to the bottom of the container.
Handheld Blender FAQ
Is a handheld blender the same as an immersion blender?
Yes. Both names describe a stick blender used inside the container.
Can I blend hot soup with it?
Most makers allow it with care. Keep the pot partly filled and follow the manual.
Can it crush ice?
Some can, but check the maker’s guidance. A jug blender suits ice better.
Cordless or corded?
Corded suits long jobs. Cordless suits quick tasks and tidy counters.
The Short Version
For cordless use, the KitchenAid. For simplicity, the Cuisinart. For grip control, the Breville. For heavy use, the Bamix. For a premium build, the Vitamix. For value, the Mueller. Whichever you choose, check the listing for the included attachments, the shaft length and whether the blade guard suits your pans.