A hand held blender is a handy kitchen tool. Also known as a stick blender or immersion blender, these compact blenders are ideal for a number of cooking and blending applications. Compact in design and construction, a hand held blender can be corded or battery-operated.
The hand blender was first developed in Switzerland during the 1950’s. This unusual looking stick-like appliance was the answer to the age-old situation of cooking in one pot and then having to transfer the food item into another container for blending. Using the hand blender, it’s possible to blend or puree soups and sauces in the same pot.
Not all stick blenders can be immersed into hot foods, so when shopping for a hand held blender, it’s important to note whether or not the wand is immersible in anything other than water for cleaning. It may say that it is suitable for stovetop use or some similar verbiage. For easy and quick clean up, read up on the stick blender to make sure that the pieces are dishwasher safe.
Some models of immersion blenders also feature attachments that will chop or grind harder food items. The shafts on stick blenders vary as well, so depending on how you’ll be using this small kitchen appliance, make note of the length of the shaft. For smoothies or drinks, the shorter stick blender would work well. However, for pureeing soups and sauces in a deeper stockpot, an 8-inch stainless steel shaft may be a better choice for your purposes.
What are the advantages of a handheld blender as opposed to a jar blender?
· Small and compact for ease of storage
· Has the same capability as a jar blender, but has a smaller footprint
· Convenient and user-friendly
· Handles small jobs easily
· Great for travel if it’s battery-operated
· Some come with a handy measuring beaker and a whisk attachment
· Blends hot foods right in the cooking pot
· Variable speeds located right on the handle
One disadvantage of a stick blender would be that it is not designed to chop larger pieces of foods, nuts, or ice, so if that’s a concern for you, choose a jar blender instead.
There are several companies that produce handheld blenders. A few of the brands rated top-notch by consumers are Kitchen Aid, Braun, Cuisinart, Dualit, and Breville. Consumers loved the way these brands of handheld blenders were easy to use, washable either by hand or in the dishwasher, and the terrific results every time. There are other brands of immersion blenders on the market, but they didn’t receive high marks from consumers who had actually used them in the kitchen.
Handheld blenders are available in several different colors and styles. Basic white, black, red, and stainless steel gray are a few of the colors available which means you can match or compliment your kitchen décor with ease. These compact tools can be stored in the drawer or conveniently displayed using a wall mount.
Just because you own a jar blender doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the convenience of a handheld blender in your kitchen as well, so go shopping and enjoy the hunt for just the right hand held blender for your kitchen.
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