An immersion blender lets you puree soup right in the pot and whip up smoothies in a tall cup, with far less to wash than a countertop blender. The best ones balance power, comfortable control and a blade guard that will not scratch your cookware.
The six picks below cover corded and cordless designs from established brands. We have not used these products ourselves, and attachments, speeds and included parts differ by version, so confirm the details on the current listing before you buy.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Power | A stronger motor handles thick soups and frozen fruit |
| Speed control | Variable speed prevents splashes at the start |
| Blade guard | A guard protects non-stick pots from scratches |
| Attachments | A beaker, whisk or chopper widens what it can do |
| Cord | Cordless is flexible; corded does not run out of charge |
Specs at a Glance
| Blender | Material | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Control Grip | Stainless steel shaft | Hand-held | Variable speed; ergonomic grip |
| Braun MultiQuick 5 | Stainless steel shaft | Hand-held | Often sold with accessories |
| KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed | Stainless steel shaft | Hand-held | Battery powered |
| Cuisinart Smart Stick | Stainless steel shaft | Hand-held | Corded; simple controls |
| Vitamix Immersion Blender | Stainless steel shaft | Hand-held | Variable speed |
| Ninja Foodi Power Mixer System | Plastic and steel | Hand-held with cups | Bundled accessories |
The 6 Best Immersion Blenders for Soups and Smoothies
1. Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
A well-regarded stick blender with a comfortable grip and variable speed control. Breville is known for thoughtfully designed kitchen appliances, and this model is built to work in a pot or a tall jug.
Suits: soups and everyday blending. Strengths: a comfortable grip and speed control. Weaknesses: the stick is longer than a mini blender. Skip it if you want a tiny, cheap blender.
View Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender on Amazon
2. Braun MultiQuick 5 Hand Blender
Braun helped popularize the hand blender, and the MultiQuick 5 line is a long-running choice. Check which accessories come with the version you choose, such as a beaker or chopper.
Suits: a reliable everyday stick blender. Strengths: a trusted maker and a proven design. Weaknesses: accessories vary between bundles. Skip it if you want a cordless model.
View Braun MultiQuick 5 Hand Blender on Amazon
3. KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender
A battery-powered stick blender with adjustable speeds, so you can move it from pot to cup without hunting for an outlet. Make sure the battery and charger are included in the listing.
Suits: cordless freedom. Strengths: no cord to tangle. Weaknesses: the battery needs recharging. Skip it if you blend large batches often.
View KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender on Amazon
4. Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender
A corded hand blender from a respected brand, with a simple design that works for soups, sauces and smoothies. Cuisinart offers it in several versions, so compare the speeds and extras.
Suits: simple, dependable use. Strengths: an easy design and a known name. Weaknesses: cord limits reach. Skip it if you want a high-end motor.
View Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender on Amazon
5. Vitamix Immersion Blender
Vitamix is famous for its countertop blenders, and its immersion blender carries the same reputation for power. It suits cooks who want a durable stick blender for frequent use.
Suits: serious cooks. Strengths: a strong motor and a quality brand. Weaknesses: it is a premium purchase. Skip it if you blend rarely.
View Vitamix Immersion Blender on Amazon
6. Ninja Foodi Power Mixer System
A hand blender bundle with several accessories, so one motor handles soups, smoothies and chopping jobs. Ninja sells it as a system, which suits people who like a multi-use set.
Suits: a kitchen starter set. Strengths: a bundle that does many jobs. Weaknesses: more pieces to store. Skip it if you want a simple single tool.
View Ninja Foodi Power Mixer System on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Rinse the blade end right after use so food does not dry.
- Wash the shaft by running it in warm soapy water.
- Never submerge the motor body.
- Keep the cord or charger dry.
- Store the blade guard on so the blades stay safe.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Lifting the blender out of the pot while it is running.
- Using the blender in a hot pot with the blade guard scratching the base.
- Blending in a shallow container that causes splashes.
- Starting on the highest speed.
- Skipping the cooling time before blending hot soup.
Immersion Blender FAQ
Can an immersion blender make smoothies?
Yes, for soft fruit and liquid. For very hard ice or large frozen batches, a countertop blender is stronger.
Is it safe to blend hot soup?
Take care. Let it cool a little, use a deep pot and keep the blade submerged to avoid splashes.
Corded or cordless?
Corded models do not run out of power. Cordless models are easier to move around.
Will it scratch my pots?
A blade guard helps, but be careful in non-stick pans.
The Short Version
For comfort, the Breville. For a classic choice, the Braun. For no cord, the KitchenAid cordless. For simple use, the Cuisinart. For power, the Vitamix. For a bundle, the Ninja Foodi.