A stick blender, also called an immersion or hand blender, is a slim motorized wand with a blade at one end. You dip it into a pot, jug or bowl to puree soup, whip sauce or blend a smoothie without moving the food to a countertop blender.
The six models below span a plain two-speed corded blender, mid-range corded models with variable speed and a cordless option. We have not used these products ourselves, so please confirm every detail on the current listing before you buy. Attachments, speeds and cup sizes change between versions, so read the box contents carefully.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Power source | Corded models run steady; cordless models move freely but need charging |
| Speed control | Variable speed helps you avoid splashes |
| Shaft | A removable shaft makes cleanup easier; metal shafts resist staining |
| Attachments | A whisk, chopper or beaker adds range |
Specs at a Glance
| Blender | Power | Shaft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braun MultiQuick Hand Blender | Corded | Stainless steel | Plenty of reviews on long-running models |
| Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender | Corded | Stainless steel | Control grip with variable speed |
| KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender | Corded | Stainless steel | Variable speed with several attachments |
| Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender | Corded | Stainless steel | Smart Stick line with a simple build |
| Vitamix Immersion Blender | Corded | Stainless steel | Premium positioning from a blender specialist |
| Hamilton Beach Hand Blender | Corded | Stainless steel | Two speeds, simple controls |
The 6 Best Stick Blenders
1. Braun MultiQuick Hand Blender
A long-running German-design stick blender with a stainless shaft and a clear focus on soups and sauces. The MultiQuick line is sold in several tiers, so check which one is listed. Check the listing to see whether a whisk or chopper comes in the box.
Suits: soups and sauces. Strengths: a familiar design and good control. Weaknesses: accessories differ by tier. Skip it if you want a cordless blender.
View Braun MultiQuick Hand Blender on Amazon
2. Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
A corded stick blender with a soft grip and a dial for speed. The bell-shaped base is made to limit scratching in pots. It is worth reading the cord length before you decide.
Suits: non-stick pots. Strengths: comfortable grip and speed dial. Weaknesses: bulkier handle. Skip it if you want a very slim wand.
View Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender on Amazon
3. KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender
A corded blender with variable speed and a detachable shaft. KitchenAid sells it in several colors, which suits a matching kitchen. Pair it with a tall beaker to cut down on splashing.
Suits: a matching kitchen look. Strengths: color choices and a removable shaft. Weaknesses: details vary by set. Skip it if you want a cordless model.
View KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender on Amazon
4. Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender
A familiar immersion blender from an appliance house that has sold the line for years. It has a simple build and is often offered with extra attachments. The listing should tell you which attachments are included.
Suits: everyday blending. Strengths: straightforward controls. Weaknesses: less control than variable speed. Skip it if you want a cordless blender.
View Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender on Amazon
5. Vitamix Immersion Blender
A stick blender from the maker of high-end countertop blenders. It is meant for heavier jobs and offers variable speed control. It is a good fit for soup season and small kitchens.
Suits: serious cooks. Strengths: a premium build and strong blending. Weaknesses: higher tier than basic models. Skip it if you want a basic budget-friendly blender.
View Vitamix Immersion Blender on Amazon
6. Hamilton Beach Hand Blender
A budget-friendly two-speed model that is easy to find. It is meant for small jobs like sauces, baby food and smoothies. Its light body is easy to store in a drawer.
Suits: light use. Strengths: simple controls and a friendly tier. Weaknesses: less power for dense food. Skip it if you blend hot soups every week.
View Hamilton Beach Hand Blender on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Unplug the blender before you remove the shaft.
- Rinse the shaft right after use so food does not dry on it.
- Wash the shaft by hand unless the maker says it is dishwasher-safe.
- Wipe the motor body with a damp cloth, never submerge it.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Lifting the blade out of liquid while it spins.
- Blending in a shallow bowl and splashing the counter.
- Putting the motor body in water.
- Ignoring the box contents list before you buy.
Stick Blender FAQ
What can I make with a stick blender?
Soups, sauces, smoothies, mayonnaise and whipped cream are common uses.
Is a stick blender safe for non-stick pots?
Choose a model with a guard around the blade, and avoid scraping the base on the pot.
Corded or cordless?
Corded models run without limits; cordless ones are easier to move but need a charged battery.
The Short Version
For a proven soup tool, the Braun MultiQuick. For a soft grip, the Breville Control Grip. For color choices, the KitchenAid. For a familiar set, the Cuisinart Smart Stick. For heavier jobs, the Vitamix. For a simple budget-friendly option, the Hamilton Beach.