EmailHand blenders vs. full-size blenders
Hand blenders do many of the same tasks as full-sized blenders, with greater convenience in some instances. With a hand blender, you can cook and puree food in the same pot, avoiding the hassle of having to blend hot liquids. 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. 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-sized blenders. Parents can use handheld blenders to prepare baby food, even while traveling, and coffee drinkers can froth milk. Arthritis sufferers can grip a hand held blender more easily than a whisk. Many stick blenders come with attachments such as whisks, choppers, food processors, spice grinders and bottle washers.
Hand blenders do, however, have some downsides. Experts say that they shouldn't be used for crushing ice or mashing potatoes. Operating most stick blenders requires you to maintain pressure on the on button, which can be tiring. The shaft on some hand blenders can be too thick to grasp easily, and some are heavy. Models with plastic shafts shouldn't be used over heat.
Be aware that a hand blender will splatter if the blending shaft is raised near the surface of a liquid while it is turned on. If the blade becomes clogged, it is important to unplug the hand blender before trying to unclog it.
Here's what reviews say about choosing a stick blender:
- The container you use is nearly as important as the blender. Some blenders come with jars that taper toward the bottom, which makes it easier to submerge the blender. Choose a container that's deep enough to allow you to move the blender up and down while blending. However, if you mainly plan to puree 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 on button before buying if possible.
- Stainless-steel shafts don't perform better, but they do resist staining and can be used over heat.
- Look for a removable blade or shaft, which makes clean-up easier.
- Look for a plastic blade guard. Metal guards may scratch saucepans, especially those with non-stick finishes. Some plastic blade guards can be flimsy. Sturdy plastic is the best bet.
- Don't worry about wattage. Professional testers say higher wattage doesn't guarantee better results. Revolutions per minute (RPM) matter more than wattage.