Hand blenders vs. full-size blenders

Hand blenders do many of the same tasks as full-size blenders, sometimes with greater convenience. With a hand blender, you can purée food in the same pot you cooked in, avoiding the hassle of having to transfer hot liquids. And rather than disassembling a full-size blender and washing multiple parts, you can simply remove the blending shaft on a hand blender and stick it in the dishwasher. If the shaft isn't removable, it can be rinsed or wiped off. Instead of taking up the counter or cupboard space that a full-size blender requires, a hand blender can be slipped into a drawer or mounted on a wall.

Those who want to prepare food without disturbing others will find hand blenders significantly quieter than full-size blenders. Handhelds can be used to prepare baby food, even while traveling, and coffee drinkers can easily froth milk. In addition, arthritis sufferers can grip a handheld blender more easily than a whisk. Many stick blenders come with attachments including whisks, choppers, food processors, spice grinders and bottle washers.

Hand blenders do have some drawbacks, however; experts say they shouldn't be used for crushing ice or mashing potatoes. Also, be aware that a hand blender will splatter if the blending shaft is raised near the surface of a liquid when turned on. If the blade becomes clogged, it's important to unplug the hand blender before trying to unclog it.

Operating most stick blenders requires you to maintain pressure on the power button, which can be tiring. The shaft on some hand blenders can be too thick to grasp easily, and some units are heavy. In addition, models with plastic shafts shouldn't be used over direct heat. Complaints on user review sites aren't usually limited to a particular model; standard problems with hand blenders in general include having to continuously press the power button, the motor or handle becoming hot after several minutes of blending and an inability to crush ice. Keep in mind, however, that hand blenders aren't intended for crushing ice, and the recommended usage time for most units is one to two minutes.

Here's what reviews say about choosing a stick blender:

  • Get the best results by using the proper container. Some blenders come with beakers that taper toward the bottom, which makes it easier to submerge the unit. If yours doesn't have a beaker, choose a container that's deep enough to allow you to move the blender up and down during use. However, if you mainly plan to purée soups in their cooking pots, you might not need a beaker accessory at all.
  • Look for an easy-to-press button. Test the blender's power button before buying, if possible.
  • Choose stainless-steel construction. While stainless shafts don't perform better, they do resist staining and can be used over heat.
  • A removable blade or shaft will make cleanup easier.
  • Keep your saucepans in good shape with a plastic blade guard. Metal guards may scratch pans, especially those with nonstick finishes. Because some plastic blade guards can be flimsy, sturdy plastic is the best bet.

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