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Greatest Appliances

Best Immersion Blenders for Soups, Sauces and Quick Prep

Compare hand blenders by the jobs they do best: pureeing soup in the pot, making sauces and dressings, handling small-batch prep, fitting tight storage, and cleaning up quickly.

Our 5 picks

Compare them side by side
  1. KitchenAid Cordless Hand Blender KHBBV53

    Top pickCordless with Long Runtime

    KitchenAid Cordless Hand Blender KHBBV53

    A strong place to start if you want a hand blender that balances everyday soup, sauce, and small-prep convenience.

    Pros

    • Portable, battery-powered design lets you blend anywhere without a cord
    • Fast-charge option gets a recipe ready when time is tight
    • Removable arm and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup quick

    Cons

    • Higher price than basic corded stick models
    • Battery life depends on ingredient density and will decline over many charge cycles
    View on AmazonRead the full review
  2. KitchenAid Corded Hand Blender KHBV53

    Pick 2Corded Variable-Speed Blender

    KitchenAid Corded Hand Blender KHBV53

    Pros

    • Delivers smooth, consistent results for soups, smoothies, sauces and dips
    • Easy texture control via intuitive trigger and multiple speed settings

    Cons

    • Corded design limits portability compared with cordless models
    View on AmazonFull review
  4. Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender

    Pick 4Five-Speed for Smooth Blends

    Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender

    Pros

    • Powerful enough to handle soups, smoothies and light ice-crushing
    • Ergonomic one-handed use speeds up prep and multitasking

    Cons

    • Corded design limits portability compared with cordless models
    View on AmazonFull review
  5. Braun MultiQuick 5 Hand Blender MQ505

    Pick 5Splash-Control

    Braun MultiQuick 5 Hand Blender MQ505

    Pros

    • Produces smooth, lump-free soups and purees quickly
    • Significantly reduces countertop mess for easier cleanup

    Cons

    • 350W motor is strong for everyday use but may be less effective on very dense, frozen or heavy-duty tasks
    View on AmazonFull review

Compare the picks

The main reason to choose each pick, and the trade-off that comes with it.

Side-by-side comparison of the picks in this guide
PickStandoutTrade-off

1. Top pick

KitchenAid Cordless Hand Blender KHBBV53View on Amazon
Portable, battery-powered design lets you blend anywhere without a cordHigher price than basic corded stick models

2.

KitchenAid Corded Hand Blender KHBV53View on Amazon
Delivers smooth, consistent results for soups, smoothies, sauces and dipsCorded design limits portability compared with cordless models

3.

Amazon Basics Multi-Speed Hand BlenderView on Amazon
Affordable performance for everyday home blendingNot intended for heavy-duty, continuous commercial use

4.

Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion BlenderView on Amazon
Powerful enough to handle soups, smoothies and light ice-crushingCorded design limits portability compared with cordless models

5.

Braun MultiQuick 5 Hand Blender MQ505View on Amazon
Produces smooth, lump-free soups and purees quickly350W motor is strong for everyday use but may be less effective on very dense, frozen or heavy-duty tasks

Find your immersion blender

Start with where you blend most often. A great soup blender may not be the best compact smoothie tool or attachment bundle.

Soup and sauces

Cordless convenience

Small kitchens

Baby food and purees

Attachments

Easy cleaning

How to choose an immersion blender

  • Pot safety: A blade guard or pan guard helps protect cookware, especially if you use nonstick pots.
  • Splatter control: Bell-shaped blade guards and variable speed control make it easier to start low and avoid spraying soup or sauce.
  • Attachments: Whisks, choppers, and beakers add versatility, but they also add storage and cleaning pieces.
  • Power and control: Prioritize steady control over a single wattage number; dense purees need gradual speed changes and enough liquid.
  • Storage: A slim hand blender is easier to store than a countertop blender, but attachment bundles may need a drawer or bin.

What immersion blenders can and cannot replace

Can often replace

  • Pureeing soup directly in the pot
  • Small batches of sauce, dressing, and mayo
  • Quick baby-food style purees
  • Light whisking when a whisk attachment is included

Usually cannot replace

  • Large frozen drinks and ice-heavy batches
  • Heavy nut butter or very thick mixtures
  • Slicing, shredding, and dough prep
  • Large smoothies for several people at once

For frozen drinks or larger smoothie batches, compare countertop blenders. For chopping and slicing, see food processors.

Attachment comparison

AttachmentBest forWatch for
Blending armSoup, sauce, dressings, pureesBlade guard shape, shaft length, detachable cleanup
Pan guardProtecting cookware while blending in a potFit with the blade guard and manufacturer guidance
WhiskEggs, whipped cream, light battersSplashing at high speed in shallow bowls
Mini chopperHerbs, nuts, small vegetable prepCapacity limits and extra parts to wash
BeakerSmall smoothies, mayo, dressingsTall narrow shapes can trap thicker mixtures

Corded vs. cordless immersion blenders

Cordless models are useful when outlets are awkward or you move between the stove, island, and sink. Corded models are simpler for long blending sessions because they do not depend on battery charge.

If you choose cordless, check the charging setup and storage location before buying. If you choose corded, check cord length and whether the cord stays clear of burners and wet areas.

Should you buy immersion blenders?

A good fit if you need

  • Soup makers who want to purée right in the pot — no transferring hot batches to a jar
  • Small kitchens where a full-size blender won't fit; a stick stores in a drawer
  • Quick jobs: mayo, dressings, smoothies for one, baby food in a single cup

Look elsewhere if you need

  • Crushing ice or frozen fruit in volume — countertop blenders have the torque for that
  • Large-batch blending; sticks fatigue your arm past a couple of minutes

How these picks were chosen

Will Henschell researches each category from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, owner-feedback patterns and published performance data, then narrows the field of immersion blenders to a short list with a clear reason for each pick. Picks are labelled as research unless the page includes documented hands-on test notes. No brand pays to be included or ranked.

Will Henschell

Researched and written by

What decided the ranking

  • Fit for soup, sauces, dressings, and small-batch purees
  • Corded vs cordless practicality for real kitchens
  • Included attachments such as whisk, chopper, beaker, and pan guard
  • Blade guard shape, pot safety, and splatter control
  • Cleaning steps and dishwasher-safe parts where manufacturer-supported

Sources reviewed

  • Manufacturer specifications and product pages
  • Retailer listing details and availability
  • Owner feedback patterns
  • Published expert or performance data, when it exists

Testing status

Sourced research. Nothing on this page is presented as hands-on tested unless test notes are shown.

Read the full methodology

The picks in detail

KitchenAid Cordless Hand Blender KHBBV53

Pick 1Top pickCordless with Long Runtime

KitchenAid Cordless Hand Blender KHBBV53

By KitchenAid. Full listing name: KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender Immersion Blender KHBBV53

KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender (KHBBV53) is a rechargeable handheld immersion tool built for versatility and kitchen convenience. Its removable 8" blending arm with a 4-point stainless-steel blade handles smoothies, soups, sauces and hummus, while a lithium-ion battery delivers multi-batch capacity and a 20-minute quick-charge option for last-minute recipes. Built-in battery indicator and safety switch increase confidence during use; included dishwasher-safe blending jar, lid and U.S. patent-pending pan guard protect cookware and simplify cleanup. Charger is compatible across the KitchenAid cordless suite; model KHBBV53 includes blender arm, blending jar with lid, pan guard and charger.

Pros

  • Portable, battery-powered design lets you blend anywhere without a cord
  • Fast-charge option gets a recipe ready when time is tight
  • Removable arm and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup quick
  • Variable speed and safety switch provide precise, controlled blending
  • Pan guard protects pots and pans from scratching during use

Cons

  • Higher price than basic corded stick models
  • Battery life depends on ingredient density and will decline over many charge cycles
  • 8" shaft may not reach the bottom of very deep stockpots
  • Not intended for continuous heavy commercial use; designed for home kitchens
  • Some complementary accessories (food chopper, hand mixer) are sold separately

Key features

  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with multi-batch performance
  • Quick-charge capability: 20 minutes for a single recipe boost
  • Battery indicator light to show charge status
  • Convenient charger included and compatible across the cordless suite
  • Removable 8-inch blending arm for storage and cleaning
  • 4-point stainless-steel blade design for efficient pureeing
  • U.S. patent-pending removable pan guard to protect cookware
  • Variable speed trigger with safety switch for precise control
View on Amazon
KitchenAid Corded Hand Blender KHBV53

Pick 2Corded Variable-Speed Blender

KitchenAid Corded Hand Blender KHBV53

By KitchenAid. Full listing name: KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53 Immersion Blender

KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53 in Contour Silver delivers professional-quality results for everyday cooking. This five-speed hand blender combines a powerful motor with an easy-to-use variable trigger to give you precise control over texture — from silky soups and hummus to creamy smoothies and milkshakes. The removable 8" blending arm locks on and off for quick switching and cleaning, while the 4-point stainless-steel blade cuts through fruits, vegetables and soft ice with even consistency. A US‑patented removable pan guard helps protect cookware during blending, and the included 3-cup BPA-free jar with lid is perfect for single-serve blending, serving and storage. Dishwasher-safe components and a comfortable Contour Silver handle make this model KHBV53 a convenient, durable addition to busy kitchens.

Pros

  • Delivers smooth, consistent results for soups, smoothies, sauces and dips
  • Easy texture control via intuitive trigger and multiple speed settings
  • Protects cookware with a patented pan guard while blending directly in pots
  • Convenient single-serve jar that doubles as storage to reduce extra dishes
  • Quick cleanup thanks to removable, dishwasher-safe parts

Cons

  • Corded design limits portability compared with cordless models
  • 3-cup jar is small for large batches or family-sized portions
  • Not intended for heavy-duty chopping or prolonged commercial use
  • Requires holding the trigger continuously during extended blending tasks

Key features

  • Removable 8-inch blending arm with 4-point stainless-steel blade for fast, even pureeing
  • Five selectable speeds with an easy variable trigger switch for precise texture control
  • US‑patented removable pan guard to protect pots and pans while blending
  • 3-cup BPA-free blending jar with lid for single-serve prep, serving and storage
  • Dishwasher-safe blender arm for quick cleanup
  • Includes: Corded Hand Blender (KHBV53), dishwasher-safe blending arm, blending jar with lid, and pan guard
View on Amazon
Amazon Basics Multi-Speed Hand Blender

Pick 3Multi-Speed Blender

Amazon Basics Multi-Speed Hand Blender

By Amazon. Full listing name: Amazon Basics Multi-Speed Immersion Hand Blender for Kitchen Mixing

Amazon Basics Multi-Speed Immersion Hand Blender delivers reliable kitchen performance at a wallet-friendly price. This 500 Watt powerful, silver hand-held immersion blender makes quick work of smoothies, soups, sauces and baby food with adjustable speed control for precise texture. The elongated, detachable stainless-steel blending stick reaches tall containers and deep pots while reducing splatter for safer hot-liquid blending, and a silicone non-slip grip provides comfortable one-handed operation. Compact and lightweight, it stores easily in a drawer or cabinet so you can keep counter space clear. it’s an economical choice for everyday blending tasks.

Pros

  • Affordable performance for everyday home blending
  • Adjustable speed lets you fine-tune texture for different recipes
  • Detachable shaft reaches deep pots and cleans up quickly
  • Secure grip enables comfortable one-handed operation
  • Compact footprint preserves kitchen storage and counter space

Cons

  • Not intended for heavy-duty, continuous commercial use
  • Single blending attachment limits versatility compared with multi-accessory kits
  • May struggle with very thick mixes or large batches
  • Corded design (if applicable) can restrict reach compared to cordless models

Key features

  • Powerful 500 Watt motor for fast, consistent results
  • Multi-speed control to adjust texture from chunky to silky-smooth
  • Elongated, detachable stainless-steel blending stick for tall containers and deep pots
  • Designed to reduce splatter and give better control with hot or cold liquids
  • Silicone non-slip grip and durable stainless-steel hardware for comfortable handling
  • Compact, lightweight design stores easily in a drawer or cabinet
  • Ideal for smoothies, soups, sauces, and quick kitchen mixing tasks
View on Amazon
Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender

Pick 4Five-Speed for Smooth Blends

Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender

By Vitamix.

The Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender combines professional-grade power with one-handed control for fast, precise results in any kitchen. Driven by a 625-watt motor and fitted with a durable stainless-steel shaft and 4-pronged blade, it delivers consistent textures across five adjustable speeds so you can puree hot soups, whip smoothies, emulsify dressings and chop soft ingredients without changing appliances. A specially designed bell guard minimizes suction and protects pots and jars, while the long 5-foot cord and compatibility with 3-inch (or larger) openings — including wide-mouth Mason jars and smoothie cups — let you blend right in the container you’re already using. Sleek stainless steel and black styling makes it as attractive as it is capable.

Pros

  • Powerful enough to handle soups, smoothies and light ice-crushing
  • Ergonomic one-handed use speeds up prep and multitasking
  • Multiple speeds let you dial in textures from chunky to silky
  • Bell guard protects cookware while improving ingredient circulation
  • Long cord and jar compatibility increase versatility around the kitchen

Cons

  • Corded design limits portability compared with cordless models
  • Not intended for very large batch or heavy commercial use
  • Requires containers with at least a 3-inch opening for effective operation

Key features

  • 625-watt motor provides high-torque performance for tough ingredients
  • One-handed operation supports both right- and left-handed users
  • Five adjustable speeds with a 4-pronged blade for precise texture control
  • Unique bell guard reduces suction and protects cookware from scratches
  • Fits containers with a 3-inch (or larger) opening, including wide-mouth Mason jars
  • Long 5-foot cord for flexible, dependable reach
  • Stainless steel shaft and black accents for durable, modern styling
View on Amazon
Braun MultiQuick 5 Hand Blender MQ505

Pick 5Splash-Control

Braun MultiQuick 5 Hand Blender MQ505

By Braun. Full listing name: Braun MultiQuick 5 Immersion Hand Blender Immersion Blender MQ505

Braun MultiQuick 5 MQ505 (350W) is a high-performance immersion blender designed for fast, splash-minimized blending of soups, baby food, smoothies, sauces and dips. Voted America's Test Kitchen’s top pick in its category, this black MQ505 combines Braun’s patented PowerBell System and SplashControl Technology to reduce suction and splatter while delivering finer, smoother results. The German-engineered 350W motor provides balanced, reliable power with dual-speed plus a Turbo boost for tougher blending tasks. Stainless-steel UltraHard blades and a bell-shaped shaft cut through ingredients efficiently, and the EasyClick accessory system makes switching to the included whisk or other attachments quick and tool-free. Compact, comfortable and built with an ergonomic soft-grip handle, the MultiQuick 5 comes with a blending beaker and whisk so you can purée, whip and mix right out of the box.

Pros

  • Produces smooth, lump-free soups and purees quickly
  • Significantly reduces countertop mess for easier cleanup
  • Reliable German-engineered motor for long-term, even performance
  • Fast attachment changes speed up meal prep and increase versatility
  • Includes beaker and whisk so you can start blending and whipping immediately

Cons

  • 350W motor is strong for everyday use but may be less effective on very dense, frozen or heavy-duty tasks
  • Package includes beaker and whisk only—additional attachments sold separately
  • Two speed levels may offer less granular control than multi-speed professional units

Key features

  • Patented PowerBell System for reduced suction and finer blending
  • SplashControl Technology and bell-shaped shaft to minimize splatter
  • 350W high-precision, German-engineered motor for consistent power
  • Dual speed settings plus Turbo for extra processing power
  • Ultra-hard stainless-steel blades for efficient, long-lasting cutting
  • EasyClick accessory system for fast, tool-free attachment changes
  • Includes 600 ml beaker and wire whisk for immediate use
  • Soft-grip, ergonomic, slip-proof handle for comfortable control
View on Amazon

Cleaning and ownership

  • Rinse the blade guard soon after blending so soup, sauce, and puree do not dry around the blade.
  • Detach the blending arm before washing when the model supports it.
  • Follow the product manual for dishwasher-safe parts; not every motor-adjacent component can go in the dishwasher.
  • Store blades, whisk, and chopper parts together so small accessories do not disappear in a drawer.

Immersion blender FAQ

Can an immersion blender replace a countertop blender?

It can replace a countertop blender for many soups, sauces, dressings, and small purees. Keep a countertop blender for large batches, frozen drinks, very thick blends, and recipes that need a strong blending vortex.

What attachments are worth having?

A whisk helps with whipped cream, eggs, and light batters. A mini chopper helps with herbs, nuts, and small prep jobs. A blending beaker is useful for smoothies, dressings, and emulsions when you do not want to blend in a pot.

Will an immersion blender scratch my pot?

It can if the blade guard contacts the surface aggressively. Use a pan guard where included, keep the blade head slightly lifted from the bottom, and be extra careful with nonstick cookware.

Corded or cordless immersion blender?

Choose cordless if outlet access and quick movement matter most. Choose corded if you want steady power for longer blending sessions and do not want to think about charging.

How do I clean an immersion blender?

Detach the blending arm if the model supports it, rinse the blade end right after use, and follow the manufacturer's dishwasher guidance for the shaft, beaker, whisk, and chopper parts.