The hand blender is a popular kitchen appliance. It’s small, easy to use, and comfortable to clean. You will appreciate it, for example, when making cocktails, soups, sauces, vegetable purees, children's snacks, etc. The more advanced models contain useful accessories for chopping, slicing, crushing or whipping. There’s really something for everybody. Now let’s take a closer look at the parameters, so that you know how to choose the best hand blender for your needs.
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How to choose a hand blender?
Understanding power consumption
- Power consumption does affects the performance of the mixer, but it mostly just informs you how much electricity an appliance consumes.
- That said, you shouldn't buy a hand blender with a performance under 150W.
- For mixing soups and sauces, around 300W will suffice; if you are interested into multifunction models with different attachments, the power consumption should be at least 600W.
Speed
- More RPM means easier mixing. RPM indicates the number of revolutions the blender blade makes per minute.
- The really good blenders start at 11,000 RPM.
Some mixers give you the option to regulate the speed by pressing the switch. If you press harder, the mixing output gets a boost. Watch out for maximum recommended speed, though.
Control and speed settings
Stick blenders offer one or more speed settings depending on the model. Unlike a conventional tabletop blender, you have to keep the power button pressed while mixing. When buying a stick blender, pay attention to the location of the controls and the shape of the handle to ensure mixing will be as comfortable as possible.
Accessories and attachments
A basic stick blender is designed for handheld mixing and usually consists of 2 parts: a plastic handle and a removable mixer part. Stick blender attachments may include:
- Whisk - This removable attachment shaped like a classic whisk is suitable for preparing dough, mousses, creams, whipped cream and whipped egg whites.
- Chopper with a chopping bowl - this practical attachment is designed for chopping and crushing herbs, onions, nuts, ice, etc. When choosing, take into account the container volume.
- Containers for whipping and mixing - the blender may come with a practical measuring cup, lid, or funnel. Again, keep the container volume in mind when choosing.
In addition to the listed accessories, some hand blenders have other practical equipment that is similar in function to classic food processors. The accessories may allow you to grate, cut, and knead.
Material
The handle of the blender is usually made of high-quality, durable plastic. However, some stick blenders are made entirely of plastic, except for blades. They are perfectly fine for basic use, but we wouldn't recommend mixing hot foods with them. If you do have higher requirements, it is better to invest in a mixer that has mixing and other attachments made of high-quality stainless steel and will let you mix hot soups and sauces without having to wait for them to cool down. The attachments should be easy to remove and washable in the dishwasher.
Weight
Stick blenders are made for manual mixing. Therefore, it is important that the appliance is as light as possible. A light and compact mixer makes cooking easier and more comfortable.
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