Hand blender buying guide: The best appliances for soups, dips and shakes
21.1.2020
Translation: machine translated
While Grandma used to mash the soup or porridge by hand, today I prefer to use a hand blender. But not all hand blenders are the same.
The hand blender takes a lot of work off my hands, especially when I'm only chopping small amounts of food. The hand blender is also handier and cheaper than a large blender.
If you want to buy a new stick blender, the first thing you should ask yourself is what exactly you want to do with it. There are many different uses, ranging from dips, salad dressings, pestos, sauces, soups, porridge, shakes, smoothies and whipped cream to dough - if you have the right accessories. If you want to use it to chop hard foods such as nuts or raw vegetables, the hand blender needs plenty of power. Here you can use the manufacturer's specifications for the wattage as a guide: The higher it is, the more it can do. However, the revolutions per second also play a major role. The higher the number, the finer the pureed result.
Does it sit comfortably in the hand?
Although the hand blender makes work in the kitchen easier, you still have to hold it in your hand for a few minutes when pureeing - and that shouldn't be a struggle. At first glance, they all have the same shape, but this is deceptive. Some are thicker or thinner, heavier or lighter, have indentations, are longer or shorter than others. This variety is important because everyone has different hands and finds different shapes and weights comfortable. When buying, you should make sure that the wand feels good in your hand and that all the buttons for switching on or adjusting are within easy reach. Cleaning also plays a major role when it comes to the topic of comfort. This is particularly easy if the lower part of the blender is removable and can ideally be put in the dishwasher.
Functions and material
Most hand blenders are connected to the socket with a cable. Some manufacturers offer hand blenders with a rechargeable battery. Although this is practical as there is never a cable in the way, there is a risk: after a while of non-use, the battery could run out just when you need the blender. The only thing that helps is to remember to charge the battery before cooking.
Multiple speed settings prove to be practical in everyday life. You can prevent splashing during preparation or only use the power setting when you really need it. After all, although a lot of power and a high speed ensure finely pureed results, they often also make a lot of noise and are not always necessary.
When looking at the price in particular, it becomes clear that inexpensive models usually have a rod or body made of plastic. At high temperatures - with hot soup, for example - it is quite possible for plastic particles to come loose and get into the food. If your budget allows, a stainless steel appliance is the better choice. This also looks better than most plastic models.
Do you need accessories?
Some manufacturers only offer the hand blender without accessories. This is sufficient if you mainly use it for soups in a pot or if you already have accessories. If not, a set is an advantage. After all, you don't usually prepare dips, dressings, shakes and the like in large quantities. A cylindrical blender jug with a slightly larger diameter than the blade head of the hand blender is ideal for this. Wide ranges of accessories are usually available. Depending on the manufacturer, these include a whisk attachment, dough hooks, a wall bracket, replaceable blades or a blender jug with separate blades for chopping nuts, onions or garlic, for example.
Conclusion: Get it and spend a little more
When it comes to hand blenders, it's all about how you personally feel when using them. The shape and weight should make a good impression and the buttons should also be comfortable for you to operate. For the best results and flexible application options, a stainless steel hand blender with high performance and lots of accessories, such as the Braun MQ 9047X or Bosch MSM88190, is the best choice.
Stefanie Enge
Autorin
Most of the time I'm living between bits and bytes, testing alternative Android operating systems and trying to make my life smarter with Open Source technology - always with a focus on privacy and data protection. When I'm not testing cool gadgets, I'm developing video games, writing stories and playing the accordion.