The Best Immersion Blenders in 2024 Tested & Reviewed

A specialist tool ideal for preparing quick meals, your immersion blender will come in handy for small batches of soups, sauces, or baby food. Some high-powered blenders can even handle tougher tasks like processing raw nuts or frozen fruit without much trouble. Distinguished by their portable design and the ability to work with nearly any container, they can also be life-savers for chefs with limited kitchen space or those wanting to get rid of countertop clutter.

How We Test

In reviewing immersion blenders, we aimed to assess each unit’s performance in real-word tasks. After researching what traits users considered most important, we formulated test recipes to evaluate how these devices are commonly used. Each recipe is inspired by our own Chef Tuyet. They include:

• Puréed Hot Soup: Using ingredients like carrots, pumpkins, onions, and celery, we designed this test to highlight each blender's capability in a simple but critical kitchen task. After cooking, we separated the vegetables from the broth and reheated the mixture to around 140°F prior to blending.  We used an identical 24-oz beaker for each blend, and ran the motor for 30 seconds. Blenders were then scored based on the smoothness of their output. 
• Frozen Fruit Smoothie: Our test smoothie consists of a demanding blend: frozen fruits (mango and pineapple), kale, and water. Testing took place in a 24-oz beaker, with periodic texture assessments to determine when the blender achieved its optimal texture. The outcomes inform us about the expected duration and the smoothness of the final drink. 

• We also conducted Mayonnaise, Almond Milk, and Whipped Egg-White tests to further evaluate the versatility and efficiency of each blender across a variety of culinary tasks. None of these tests are as simple as they sound, though. We had to go through a lot of failures along the way to ensure that they were both practical and revelatory as evaluations. 

For the blender’s design, we meticulously inspect its blending shaft, build quality, blending beaker, and power cord. And beyond these technical details, we also prioritize user experience, evaluating the blender's ease of use, blade assembly, handling, and cleanability.

Check out How We Test and Score Our Immersion Blenders in detail.

How Our Recommendations Are Made

Recommendations are based upon the resulting scores of our testing procedures. We take into account the specialized strengths of each product type, the situation it’s best suited for, or the personal circumstances it is likely to best match.

Our Top Picks

Now that you know our thought process, let’s move on to the product summaries for the top-rated immersion blenders.

1. Best Overall: Braun Multiquick 7 Hand Blender

$94.42

(Price at time of publish)

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Braun's reputation for quality is well-reflected in the MQ7035X, a model that stands out for its innovative design and upscale appearance. 

In our thorough testing, we found it to be highly capable in a variety of kitchen tasks. Its standout performance was evident in its smoothies; it easily blended a diverse array of ingredients, from frozen fruits to fibrous vegetables. It also performed impressively in soup puréeing, yielding a more refined texture than many of its peers.

This efficiency even extended to tasks requiring aeration. The blender’s whisk attachment proved to be highly effective, effortlessly whipping egg whites to stiff peaks. It also could emulsify egg yolk and oil into a smooth, creamy mayonnaise with ease.

A well-crafted product, this Braun’s appearance is characterized by a stainless steel blending shaft and a brushed metallic finish on the motor housing. In terms of usability, the blender’s design ensures a comfortable blending experience, offsetting its heft.  

It features an ergonomic, textured handle that promotes a secure grip, even when hands are wet or oily. The control button is strategically placed for convenient thumb access, allowing for effortless one-handed operation and minimizing blending mishaps.

Read our full Braun Multiquick 7 Hand Blender in-depth review

2. Upgrade Pick: Vitamix Immersion Blender

$146.87

(Price at time of publish)

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The Vitamix 5-speed ranks as one of the fastest, most efficient hand blenders we've tested, surpassing even the Braun MQ7035X in raw power and durability. It doesn’t earn our top recommendation, however, because of the steep price tag and the lack of additional accessories that could give it more capabilities.

Featuring a high-powered motor (625 watts), this blender can turn your foods into creamy, nutrient-dense purees in 30 seconds. Our tests yielded a refined hot soup, with a silky and consistent texture that would feel at home in high-end restaurants. For frozen fruit smoothies, it took just 1 minute to complete the task. The resulting smoothie was unparalleled. Among all the blenders we tested, only the Vitamix was capable of delivering such a dense, creamy beverage with virtually no trace of unblended solids.  

However, without a whisk attachment, the Vitamix failed the egg-white whipping test. And although it can create a decent batch of mayonnaise, it takes a long time to do so and suction problems at the container's bottom make it less efficient than blenders with whisk attachments. Nonetheless, these limitations are most significant for those who need a multifunctional device that doubles as an aerating hand mixer.  

The Vitamix's interface is user-friendly, with two front buttons that cycle through 5 different speeds. Its solid build, consisting of high-quality stainless steel, minimizes wear and tear over time. Although it’s a bit larger than typical models, the blender is far from cumbersome. This largely comes down to its smooth-operating motor, a rubber-coated handle, and a well-balanced design.

Read our full Vitamix Immersion Blender in-depth review

3. Best Immersion/Mixer Combo: Ninja Foodi Power Mixer System Blender

$94.10

(Price at time of publish)

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The Ninja CI101 Foodi shines in kitchens where culinary creativity is a priority and space isn't a constraint. More than a blender, it's a comprehensive kitchen multi-tool that handles everything from pureeing to beating to dough kneading. However, if you have limited space or simpler cooking needs, its size and complexity may be unnecessary.

Similar to the two previous products we reviewed, the Ninja impressed us with top-notch testing performances, churning out near-perfect results. In particular, it quickly created a flawless puréed soup in an astonishing 30 seconds. The final product was not just smooth but also impeccably uniform in texture. The blender also fared well in preparing frozen fruit smoothies, though the process took nearly three minutes.

As a professional-grade performer for aeration tasks,  the Ninja CI101 Foodi also excelled at making mayonnaise and whipping egg whites. The inclusion of well-designed beaters leads us to believe that it might even be effective at preparing dough for baked goods. 

Design-wise, the blender exudes luxury with its sleek, modern build. Beyond its intuitive controls and user-friendly attachments, its blade guard, crafted from a non-metallic material, is a thoughtful feature. It addresses the common complaint of scratched pots and pans that stems from all-metal models like the Braun MQ7035X.

Read our full Ninja Foodi Power Mixer System Blender in-depth review

4. Best Cordless: KitchenAid Cordless KHBBV53 Hand Blender

$89.66

(Price at time of publish)

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The KitchenAid KHBBV53 produced a range of outcomes in its blending tests. It shined by creating a near-flawless purée and a luscious frozen fruit smoothie, even though it occasionally needed manual adjustments. For mayonnaise, it delivered a blend that, while not ultra-creamy, was sufficiently light and airy.

However, when it came to non-dairy milk, the blender was not as good; it somehow incorporated an excessive amount of air into the liquid, resulting in an unusual foamy consistency. The foaminess could lead to messy overflows. Like the Vitamix 5-speed, it was also incapable of properly beating egg whites. 

Design-wise, we like the beauty and simplicity of the blender. Its controls are practical enough. You get multiple speed options through a very responsive trigger switch. The palm switch on the blender’s backside functions as a helpful safety mechanism.

Read our full KitchenAid Cordless KHBBV53 Hand Blender in-depth review

Nearest Competitors

A few quick notes on other immersion blenders we tested:

• Braun MultiQuick-5: This blender is a strong performer, holding its own against some of the best blenders in our tests. Its design, though, leans towards the basic side. It might not catch the eye but it is certainly a good fit if you value pure performance over high-end features. 
• Cuisinart Smart Stick: This is a budget option that often struggles with hard ingredients like frozen fruits. However, it still provides consistent performance for lighter-duty tasks and offers good value for the money.
• KOIOS 4-in-1: The blender is a valuable option if you are willing to compromise on heavy-duty performance. Its 400-watt motor lets you blend, puree, or grind with acceptable results while the solid body offers a reasonably comfortable, non-slip grip.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying an Immersion Blender

Get the most out of your immersion blender by focusing on what really matters. Power for precision blending, design for ease of use, and build quality for durable performance — these are the critical considerations we've distilled for you. Follow this guide to pick a top-tier immersion blender that not only meets but exceeds your expectations for quick, healthy meals every time.

1. Motor Power

The blender’s efficiency and capability is often heavily dependent on the motor’s power. In other words, the higher the wattage, the better your machine performs and the wider range of food it is able to handle. As such, it’s best to decide what types of ingredients you’re likely to blend before you start shopping for a device. 

A power output of between 200W and 600W will be enough for the basic tasks of whipping, blending, chopping, and preparing baby food. If you’re trying to find a winner that is capable of performing heavy-duty tasks such as crushing ice or grinding seeds, you may have to invest in a model rated at around 1,000W instead. 

Be aware that higher power can also mean more noise. That might be a consideration if you’re blending in the morning while your baby is still asleep.

2. Price 

For less than $50, you can own a medium-quality immersion blender with a motor and blades that are sturdy enough to deal with almost all types of greens. It should remain operational for years with only moderate maintenance.

High-quality models appear more frequently in the $80 - $150 range, with some exceeding $200. They are better built and have heavier-duty motors. At higher price points, you may also get more significant accessory packages.

3. Stainless Steel Blending Shaft

Hand blenders typically come with a detachable blending wand that is either made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel blade shafts are usually more durable than their cheaper plastic counterparts.

Steel also limits the risk of warping or cracking if properly cared for. It will hold its shape in the face of both high torque and hot cookware that might melt or warp cheap plastic.

4. Speed Controls

Ideally, you should find a hand blender with two speed options (Low and High). That will cover most of your needs and usually doesn’t drive the price up.

Multi-speed blenders (those with more than two settings) offer more flexibility, of course. They are also helpful for when you want to start slow and progressively increase the speed so as to avoid spilling or splattering food. However, they may take a bit of practice to operate smoothly and are likely to cost more.

5. Additional Attachments

Some models include additional attachments with the blender. Other companies only offer them as add-on products. 

Since most people use hand blenders purely for simple tasks, they don’t always need extra accessories. But if yours comes with an extra whisk, chopping blade, blending cup, etc, you may find yourself trying new tasks with it. It’s good to experiment if you have the option.

6. Ease of Cleaning

While it seems as if the most important aspect of a good immersion blender is its motor power, the ease of cleaning can also be a significant factor. A well-designed blade guard that keeps food from getting stuck and a detachable shaft that you can throw in soapy water will be a real convenience.

It’s good if the attachments are dishwasher-safe as well. If not, you’ll have to wash them by hand, adding time to the whole cycle of preparing and cleaning.

Best Immersion Blender Brands 

Vitamix 

Engineered and assembled in the USA, Vitamix’s blenders are known for their elegance and durability. The generous warranty package adds to their overall appeal as well. Vitamix sells only a single immersion blender product—the Vitamix 5-speed—which is designed for heavy-duty applications. 

Braun 

There are many mid-range immersion blenders, but Braun went out of its way to make its products feel particularly special. Indeed, Braun’s immersion blenders are stylish and diverse. They aren’t built like tanks, but they’re beasts in the kitchen, delivering good value with their suite of user-friendly features and strong blending performance. 

Cuisinart 

For decades, Cuisinart has produced different product lineups, and immersion blenders are one of its highlights. Overall, Cuisinart’s blenders don't go as far as some rivals such as Vitamix, both in terms of quality and technology, but their performances are mostly above-average, especially considering the budget-friendly price. You can find a great Cuisinart blender for around $50. 

KitchenAid 

KitchenAid is a famous brand based in the USA. Since 1919, they have launched many great products, which today are usually eligible for free shipping on Amazon. A KitchenAid immersion blender with two speed settings (or more) will cost about $50-$150.

Our Expertise 

As a dedicated product tester at Shouldit, Tina has been on a quest to uncover the actual practicality of immersion blenders since 2018. That extensive research allowed her to identify the 15 top models on the market, both with and without cords. She then tested each one over the course of two years. 

Her evaluation was made even more comprehensive by her collaboration with Chef Tuyet Pham, Consultant Luna Regina, and Test Lead Lap Vo. Each of them brought their expert culinary skills and technical knowledge to the table in order to add an extra layer of expertise to the testing process.

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