There exists a particular breed of kitchen gadget that promises liberation from the tyranny of transferring hot soup into a countertop blender – a process that inevitably ends with scalded hands, a splattered ceiling, or both. The immersion blender, humble stick that it is, has rescued countless home cooks from this indignity. We have spent considerable time testing these handheld warriors, obliterating everything from butternut squash to frozen berries in pursuit of the models actually worth your counter space.
The blenders below represent our picks for performance and durability – brands that build equipment meant to survive beyond the honeymoon period of kitchen enthusiasm. Whether you need a budget-friendly starter or professional-grade power, we will find the right match for your cooking style.
Three Key Things When Shopping for an Immersion Blender
Consider motor power and what you actually blend. A 350-watt model handles soups and smoothies perfectly well, but if you regularly attack frozen fruit or fibrous vegetables, stepping up to 500 watts or more prevents the motor from straining and extends the life of your investment.
Pay attention to shaft length and material. Stainless steel shafts resist staining from turmeric and tomato, while longer shafts reach into deep stockpots without submerging the motor housing – a genuine concern when pureeing gallons of soup for a crowd.
Look for comfortable grip and intuitive controls. You will hold this thing for minutes at a time, often with one hand while stirring with the other. Ergonomic handles and trigger-style buttons reduce fatigue considerably.
Our Picks for the Best Immersion Blenders
Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender - Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick is the Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender. The name Vitamix carries considerable weight in blending circles – these are the machines that populate professional kitchens and inspire the sort of devotion usually reserved for sports teams. This immersion model extends that reputation to handheld territory with a 625-watt motor that treats frozen berries like soft butter. The four-pronged stainless steel blade creates remarkably smooth textures without the endless blending sessions lesser motors require.
Five speed settings provide genuine control rather than the binary on-off approach of cheaper models. The ergonomic design works equally well for right and left-handed users – a thoughtful touch often overlooked. At eighteen inches long with a five-foot cord, it reaches into proper stockpots without requiring extension cord gymnastics. The unique bell guard protects your cookware from scratches while reducing the suction that makes some immersion blenders feel like they are trying to eat your pot.
Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender, Professional-Grade Hand Blender with 625-Watt Motor and Stainless-Steel Blade, Stainless Steel/Black
- 625-watt motor with five speed settings for complete control
- Four-pronged stainless steel blade for faster, smoother results
- 3-year limited warranty covers parts, labor, and return shipping
This is the blender for cooks who have outgrown entry-level equipment and want something that performs without complaint for years. The three-year warranty suggests Vitamix expects it to last considerably longer. If you blend regularly and value smooth results over saving a few pounds, this is the one.
KitchenAid Variable Speed Hand Blender - Best for Style
Best for Style is the KitchenAid Variable Speed Hand Blender. KitchenAid understands that some of us want our kitchen tools to look as good as they perform – a philosophy that has made their stand mixers the darlings of interior design magazines. This immersion blender arrives in Empire Red (among other colors) and looks genuinely handsome sitting on a counter. But pretty faces mean nothing without substance, and the variable speed trigger switch delivers satisfying control that sets it apart from models with clunky buttons.
The eight-inch removable blending arm features a four-point stainless steel blade that handles smoothies, soups, hummus, and everything between. A patented pan guard – removable for cleaning – protects your favorite cookware from scratches. The included three-cup blending jar with lid serves double duty for individual blending jobs and storage. At just over two pounds, it feels substantial without causing arm fatigue during longer blending sessions.
KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53, Empire Red
- Variable speed trigger switch for intuitive control
- Removable 8-inch blending arm with 4-point stainless steel blade
- Includes 3-cup BPA-free blending jar with lid
This suits home cooks who appreciate design and want their tools to match a curated kitchen aesthetic. The trigger-style speed control feels natural once you adjust to it, and the detachable parts clean up without drama. A solid mid-range choice for those who blend occasionally rather than daily.
Ninja Immersion Blender and Whisk - Best Budget Pick
Our Best Budget Pick is the Ninja Immersion Blender and Whisk. Ninja has built a reputation for delivering aggressive performance at prices that do not require a second mortgage. This model continues that tradition with a nine-inch stainless steel blending arm, four speed settings, and a bonus whisk attachment that transforms it into something rather more versatile than the average stick blender. The SmartTorque technology maintains consistent speed even with frozen ingredients – a claim that lesser budget models cannot honestly make.
The RapidWhisk attachment whips meringues, cream, and pancake batter with professional speed – a genuine bonus rather than a throwaway accessory. A built-in pan guard protects cookware, while the SplatterShield does what its name suggests. The four-cup blending pitcher handles smoothies when you do not want to drag out the countertop blender. All removable parts go straight into the dishwasher, which anyone who has hand-scrubbed blade assemblies will appreciate.
Ninja Immersion Blender and Whisk, Hand Stick Blender, 4 Speeds, with SplatterShield and PanProtect, 4-Cup Blending Vessel, Dishwasher Safe, 5-ft Cord, Ergonomic, Deep Navy, CI201ND
- SmartTorque technology maintains speed with thick, frozen ingredients
- Includes RapidWhisk attachment for meringues and whipped cream
- 9-inch stainless steel arm with built-in pan guard
Perfect for first-time immersion blender buyers or anyone who wants solid performance without premium pricing. The included whisk and blending pitcher add genuine value, making this feel like more than just a budget compromise. For eighty dollars, it punches well above its weight.
Braun MultiQuick 7 Immersion Blender - Best for Control
Best for Control is the Braun MultiQuick 7 Immersion Blender. America’s Test Kitchen – those meticulous souls who test every kitchen gadget with scientific rigor – gave this model their highly recommended rating, and they do not hand those out casually. The standout feature here is SmartSpeed technology, which abandons traditional speed settings entirely. Instead, you control the power intuitively through pressure on a single button: push gently for coarse results, press harder for fine. It sounds gimmicky until you use it, then it feels like the obvious way things should work.
The ACTIVEBlade technology incorporates a flexible shaft that moves the blade up and down during operation, creating 250 percent more cutting surface than static designs. Braun claims this produces smoother results faster, and our testing supports that claim. The 500-watt motor handles hard ingredients without strain. SPLASHcontrol technology reduces the mess that makes some immersion blenders feel like kitchen hazards. The EasyClick Plus system allows quick attachment changes between the blender, chopper, and whisk.
Braun MultiQuick 7 3-in-1 Immersion Blender with Food Processor - Powerful Handheld Electric Stick Blender - Emulsifier for Chopping, Beating & Whisking - Ideal for Soup, Puree, Smoothies & More
- SmartSpeed intuitive pressure-based speed control
- ACTIVEBlade technology with 250% more cutting surface
- Highly recommended by America’s Test Kitchen
Ideal for cooks who want precise control without fiddling with speed dials or buttons. The intuitive pressure system genuinely reduces the learning curve, and the splash control keeps your kitchen walls presentable. A thoughtfully engineered tool that justifies its mid-range pricing.
All-Clad Stainless Steel Immersion Blender - Best for Deep Pots
Best for Deep Pots is the All-Clad Stainless Steel Immersion Blender. All-Clad made its name producing cookware that serious home cooks and professionals trust with their reputations. Their immersion blender extends that pedigree with an extra-long nine-and-a-quarter-inch driveshaft that reaches into stockpots and deep bowls without submerging the motor housing – a genuine concern when pureeing large batches. The variable-speed dial combined with a turbo button provides proper control rather than the guesswork cheaper models require.
The 600-watt motor handles everything from milkshakes to baby food to delicate sauces without strain. That beautiful stainless steel exterior is not merely decorative – it complements All-Clad cookware and resists the staining that plagues plastic housings. The stainless steel shaft detaches easily for cleaning and storage. An ergonomic soft-grip handle reduces fatigue during extended blending sessions, which matters when you are pureeing soup for a crowd.
All-Clad Electrics Stainless Steel Immersion Blender 2 Piece Turbo Function 600 Watts Detachable, Variable Speed Control, Hand Blander, 9-1/4-inch
- Extra-long 9-1/4 inch driveshaft reaches into deep pots
- 600-watt motor with variable speed dial and turbo button
- Stainless steel exterior complements All-Clad cookware
This suits cooks who already own All-Clad cookware and want matching quality in their tools. The extended reach genuinely matters for large-batch cooking, and the stainless construction feels built to last decades. Premium pricing for premium build quality and materials.
Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender - Best Accessory Bundle
Best Accessory Bundle is the Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender. Breville has developed a particular talent for anticipating what home cooks actually want – thoughtful design touches that solve problems you did not realize you had. The standout innovation here is anti-suction blending technology, a bell-shaped base with internal ribbing that reduces the vacuum effect causing lesser blenders to stick to pot bottoms and splatter everywhere. The ergonomic trigger grip puts your hand in a natural position, reducing the cramped-finger syndrome plaguing awkwardly designed competitors.
The eight-inch immersion depth handles large quantities, while a non-scratch base protects your pans from the scratches that mark less careful designs. But the real value appears in the accessories: a 42-ounce blending jug with dual-purpose storage lid, a 25-ounce chopping bowl with its own blade system, and a whisk attachment. The jug cleverly houses the chopping bowl for compact storage – another example of Breville thinking through the details that competitors ignore.
Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender, Brushed Stainless Steel
- Anti-suction blending technology reduces splatter and sticking
- Ergonomic trigger grip for natural hand position
- Includes 42-oz jug, 25-oz chopping bowl, and whisk attachment
Ideal for cooks who want a complete blending system rather than a standalone tool. The anti-suction technology works noticeably better than standard designs, and the accessory bundle adds genuine value. Premium pricing, but you receive more than just a blender.
SMEG Handheld Immersion Blender - Best Retro Design
Best Retro Design is the SMEG Handheld Immersion Blender. SMEG has built an empire on the premise that kitchen appliances should look like they belong in a 1950s Italian design museum. Their immersion blender continues this philosophy with smooth curves, a polished chrome button ring, and colors (this one in Cream) that transform a utilitarian tool into a countertop statement. The nonslip ergonomic handle feels genuinely comfortable rather than merely decorative, and the five speed settings plus turbo boost provide enough control for serious cooking.
The 350-watt motor is modest compared to some competitors, but handles soups, smoothies, and sauces without complaint. The included 47-ounce beaker suits mayonnaise and aioli preparation, while a 16.9-ounce chopping bowl tackles onions, herbs, and nuts. A wire whisk handles eggs and cream. All BPA-free and made from Tritan Renew plastic with stainless steel blades. The twist-and-lock assembly makes cleaning and storage straightforward, and that generous five-foot cord provides welcome flexibility.
SMEG Handheld Immersion Blender with Beaker, Chopping Bowl w/Lid, Wire Whisk, 5 Speed Controls, made with Stainless Steel Blades and Ergonomic Design (Cream)
- 5 variable speeds plus turbo boost button
- Includes 47-oz beaker, chopping bowl, and wire whisk
- Retro Italian design with polished chrome accents
This suits cooks who consider aesthetics essential and want their tools to complement a carefully designed kitchen. The 350-watt motor handles everyday tasks, though those tackling frozen ingredients regularly might want more power. Pay for the design, stay for the genuinely pleasant user experience.
Best Immersion Blenders Buyer’s Guide
Motor Power and Performance
When your recipe involves frozen berries, fibrous vegetables, or anything tougher than soup, motor wattage becomes the difference between smooth results and a blender straining to keep up. The Vitamix 5-Speed delivers 625 watts of power – substantially more than budget models – which translates to faster blending times and the ability to handle ingredients that would stall lesser motors. Higher wattage also typically means longer motor life, as the blender works less hard during each session.
Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender, Professional-Grade Hand Blender with 625-Watt Motor and Stainless-Steel Blade, Stainless Steel/Black
- 625-watt motor handles frozen ingredients without strain
- Four-pronged stainless steel blade for faster results
- 5 speed settings for complete control
Intuitive Speed Control
Traditional speed dials and buttons require you to look down and adjust settings mid-blend – not ideal when you are watching texture develop in real time. The Braun MultiQuick 7 solves this with SmartSpeed technology: no preset settings, just push gently for coarse results and press harder for fine. This intuitive approach reduces the learning curve considerably and lets you focus on what you are blending rather than what button to press.
Braun MultiQuick 7 3-in-1 Immersion Blender with Food Processor - Powerful Handheld Electric Stick Blender - Emulsifier for Chopping, Beating & Whisking - Ideal for Soup, Puree, Smoothies & More
- SmartSpeed pressure-based control system
- ACTIVEBlade technology with flexible shaft
- Highly recommended by America’s Test Kitchen
Accessories and Versatility
An immersion blender that only blends limits its usefulness to soup season. The Breville Control Grip arrives with a complete kit: a 42-ounce blending jug, 25-ounce chopping bowl with blade system, and whisk attachment. This transforms a single-purpose tool into something approaching a mini food processor. The jug houses the chopping bowl for storage, demonstrating the thoughtful design that distinguishes Breville from manufacturers who include accessories as afterthoughts.
Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender, Brushed Stainless Steel
- Includes 42-oz jug, 25-oz chopping bowl, and whisk
- Anti-suction blending technology
- Compact nested storage design
Build Quality and Durability
Cheap immersion blenders often reveal their budget origins through plastic housings that stain, crack, or simply feel flimsy in hand. The All-Clad Stainless Steel model takes the opposite approach with a full stainless steel exterior that matches their renowned cookware. This is not merely aesthetic – stainless resists staining from tomato and turmeric, cleans easily, and survives the inevitable drops and knocks of busy kitchen life. The 600-watt motor and variable speed control justify the premium pricing.
All-Clad Electrics Stainless Steel Immersion Blender 2 Piece Turbo Function 600 Watts Detachable, Variable Speed Control, Hand Blander, 9-1/4-inch
- Full stainless steel construction
- 600-watt motor with turbo function
- Extra-long 9-1/4 inch driveshaft
In Conclusion
Immersion blenders have evolved from simple soup-pureeing sticks into versatile kitchen tools that blend, chop, whisk, and process with genuine competence. The market in 2026 offers strong options across every budget and need, from the budget-friendly Ninja that punches above its weight to premium models designed for decades of service. Each of the blenders reviewed above has a clear role and audience, making it easier to match a tool to your cooking style, kitchen size, and tolerance for motor noise during Sunday morning smoothie preparation.
Our top recommendation remains the Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender. Its 625-watt motor, professional-grade build quality, and three-year warranty combine to make it the most dependable choice for cooks who blend regularly and expect smooth results without fuss. The price sits in the premium range, but the Vitamix reputation for longevity means you are buying years of reliable service rather than a disposable appliance.
Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender, Professional-Grade Hand Blender with 625-Watt Motor and Stainless-Steel Blade, Stainless Steel/Black
- 625-watt motor with five speed settings
- Four-pronged stainless steel blade for smooth results
- 3-year limited warranty with return shipping included