What Is an Immersion Blender?
If you’ve ever made a smoothie, a soup, or a sauce, you know that it takes effort to get the ingredients perfectly blended.
The immersion blender is designed to make blending easier by allowing you to blend foods directly in the pot or bowl where they are being prepared.
This makes it easier to get foods smooth and prevents spills when pouring from a pot into a bowl.
How does it work?
An immersion blender has an attachment at the end of its power cord that looks like a wand with blades on it…. You stick this wand into the food you want to blend and turn it on.
The blades whirl around inside of the pot or bowl, chopping up whatever is inside and blending it together into one homogenous mixture.
In fact, many cooks prefer them over traditional blenders because they can use them directly in their pots and pans without transferring everything into another container first.
There are two main types of immersion blenders: corded and cordless…. Both work well, but there are pros and cons to each type of device.
Corded models typically cost less than cordless models but require an outlet nearby where you’ll be cooking; cordless models have rechargeable batteries that allow you more freedom when using them at home or on the go.
What Is the Best Immersion Blender Out There?
It is hard to single out just one as there are so many really good choices…. However, to make a judgment call I am going to go with the Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender…. I also have images of Mueller and Vitamix immersion blenders on this page because they are also excellent brands.
The best immersion blender is a highly versatile kitchen tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks…. From blending soups and sauces to making smoothies, an immersion blender is one of the most useful tools you can have in your kitchen.
Choosing the best immersion blender for your needs depends on a number of factors, including power, blade type, size, and price.
You should also think about what you’ll be using your immersion blender for, as these are all important considerations when choosing the right model.
Other important considerations are:
Speed Settings: Immersion blenders come with a number of different speed settings that allow you to control how much power is being used when blending your food…. Some models also offer pulse setting options, which give you more control over what’s going on inside of the container.
Stability: If you’re going to be using your immersion blender for more than just making smoothies or soups, then you might want to consider getting one that has a wide base so that it doesn’t tip over easily on your countertop…. This will also help keep it from slipping too much while in use.
How do you use the Breville immersion blender?
The Breville immersion blender is a food processor and blender in one…. It has a motorized base with a stainless steel blade, and it comes with a whisk attachment that fits into the end of the handle.
How to use a Breville immersion blender:
- Pour your ingredients into the bowl.
- Attach the whisk attachment to the end of the handle, then place it in the bowl with your ingredients.
- Push down on the top of the handle until it’s submerged in liquid or food up to its base level — but not so far that it touches the bottom of your pot or bowl (you’ll break off its blade).
- Turn on your immersion blender by pressing down on its start button until it starts spinning smoothly at medium speed (low speed if you’re blending thick items like hummus).
- Hold onto the handle while you blend until everything is smooth and combined well (don’t forget to check underneath!).
You can use it to make soups and sauces, puree baby foods, grind nuts and seeds, make smoothies and more.
How do I clean my Breville immersion blender?
Breville immersion blenders are easy to clean…. Simply rinse the blade and shaft in hot water, then allow them to dry before using again.
To clean your Breville blender by hand, simply fill a large bowl or sink with hot water and place the immersion blender into it.
Add a small amount of soap and swirl around until the residue dissolves off of the device’s blades…. Once this is done, rinse with more soapy water before drying completely with a soft cloth.
Does Breville make a cordless immersion blender?
Yes, Breville does make a cordless immersion blender…. It’s called the Breville Blender Smart Pro BSB510XL.
The blender uses a rechargeable lithium battery that can be charged using the included charger…. The motor only runs when you hit the switch, so there’s no danger of accidentally turning it on by sticking it in the pot.
It has three speeds and a pulse mode…. The motor is strong enough to blend everything from smoothies to soup with ease.
Do I really need an immersion blender?
You don’t absolutely need one but they sure do make kitchen life so much easier!
The main benefit of an immersion blender over a traditional one is that it’s easier on your hands and wrists because there’s no need to transfer hot liquids or soups into a traditional blender pitcher…. These blenders are also smaller than traditional blenders, so they’re easier to store when not in use.
Immersion blenders are not only multipurpose kitchen tools that can be used to make smoothies, sauces and dips but they also help save time by reducing the steps needed to prepare food.
For example, if you’re making soup from scratch, using an immersion blender allows you to chop up vegetables without having to transfer them into another container before blending them into the soup stock…. The same goes for blending homemade salad dressings or sauces like pesto.
Some people prefer using an immersion blender because it doesn’t require additional cleaning time after use.
Unlike a traditional blender that has multiple parts that need to be cleaned separately, the immersion blender will only have one part (the blade) that needs cleaning after use — which means less time spent on cleanup!
Will an immersion blender damage pots?
While these devices can be convenient for small tasks, they can also cause damage to pots and pans if not used properly…. Here are some ways to avoid damaging your pots when using an immersion blender:
Make sure the blade isn’t touching the bottom of your pot or pan when stirring or blending ingredients; this will prevent scratching or marring of your cookware’s surface.
If needed, use a rubber spatula or spoon as well as the motorized part of your immersion blender to get everything mixed well without damaging anything below it.
The blades of an immersion blender are not sharp enough to cut through metal, but they can scratch them if you press too hard against the sides or bottom of the pot…. The scratches may not show up right away and only become visible when you wash them down with water afterwards.
Can immersion blender crush frozen fruit?
The blades on immersion blenders are very powerful, so they can make quick work of crushing ice in your drinks…. The blades are also sharp enough to chop up frozen fruit, like frozen raspberries or strawberries.
The blades on some models may not be as sharp as others, so if you want to crush ice for a drink, look for a model with sharp blades.
Immersion blenders can also chop up frozen vegetables that are added to soup…. However, because the blades are so close to the food, you need to be careful when using an immersion blender in this way.
If you have small children or pets around while using an immersion blender near them, be careful not to let them get too close while you’re blending something with hot liquid in it (this includes soups).
What is the difference between hand blender and immersion blender?
Hand blenders can be easily moved from one place to another…. They come with a shaft that plugs into the outlet, so you don’t have to worry about finding an extension cord or worrying about whether your blender will reach the countertop.
But hand blenders are generally less powerful than immersion blenders, so they’re better for smaller jobs like blending smoothies, soups and sauces.
Immersion blenders are more versatile because they’re designed to blend in the container where you’re working — usually directly in a pot or bowl.
They come with longer shafts that allow them to reach all the way down into deep pots and containers without splashing hot liquids on your hand.
Some immersion blenders have attachments for whisking eggs as well as chopping nuts and vegetables, but these features aren’t common on all models.
Will an immersion blender scratch cast iron?
Yes, an immersion blender can scratch cast iron. In fact, any tool you use to scrape or clean cast iron is going to scratch it…. That’s because the surface of the utensil and the surface of the pan are made of different materials and don’t always sit well together.
However, it is worth pointing out that not all immersion blenders are created equal…. The cheaper ones may have metal blades that will scratch your pots or pans.
But if you spend a little more money and buy a high-quality one, then you will be able to use it on nonstick cookware and other types of cast iron without damaging them.
It should also be noted that the metal blades can scratch any kind of surface as well, including glass, ceramic and plastic ones.
Can I use immersion blender in plastic bowl?
Immersion blenders are designed to be used in a variety of containers, from glass to stainless steel…. The main thing to remember when using an immersion blender in plastic is that you should never use it on the plastic lid of a jar or other container.
The blades inside can easily get stuck on the lid, and then you’ll have an even bigger mess on your hands than you would have had if you simply blended in an unbreakable mixing bowl.
In addition, make sure that your plastic container isn’t too thin or flimsy — otherwise, it might not be able to handle the pressure created by the blade spinning at high speed…. If possible, stick with sturdy plastics like heavy-duty food storage containers or Tupperware.
How do I store my immersion blender?
Your immersion blender is small and compact…. It works best when you store it with the blade folded down. When you are not using the immersion blender, it’s a good idea to put it away in a safe place.
To store your immersion blender, first make sure that the power cord is unplugged from its power source.
Make sure that there are no food particles stuck on the blade or shaft of your immersion blender before storing it away…. If necessary, wash off any food residue with warm water and soap.
Once your immersion blender is clean and dry, fold down the shaft so that the blades are not exposed…. Then place the appliance in a drawer or cabinet where it will be out of reach of children but still within easy reach when you need it again.
Can I use NutriBullet instead of immersion blender?
The NutriBullet is a great alternative to an immersion blender…. It can be used to blend soups, smoothies, sauces and more.
The advantage of the NutriBullet is that it’s compact and easy to use…. You don’t have to worry about getting your hands dirty because you just have to put your ingredients in the cup, twist it on and press the button.
The disadvantage is that it doesn’t have as many features as some other blenders…. For example, it doesn’t have multiple speeds or heating options, which makes it harder to make things like hot soup.
Can an immersion blender replace a food processor?
A lot of people ask if an immersion blender can replace a food processor…. The answer is yes and no — it depends on your needs.
If you’re looking for a tool that will blend soups, sauces and smoothies, then the answer is definitely yes! Immersion blenders are great for blending thick liquids like soup, sauce and smoothies…. They also work well for blending small amounts of soft foods like dips and dressings.
However, if you’re looking for a tool that can handle larger quantities of food or make doughs and batters, then an immersion blender may not be the right choice for you.
This is because an immersion blender has only one blade that moves back and forth in a chopping motion rather than multiple blades rotating at different speeds like a food processor does.
Does a hand mixer work as an immersion blender?
The answer is yes…. A hand mixer can be used as an immersion blender, but there are some considerations to take into account.
Hand mixers, like other electric mixers, have a cord…. This means that you can’t use one in places where there are no outlets and you need to be able to keep the mixer in one place.
For example, if you’re using it to make soup or sauce in a pot over the stovetop, you’ll want an immersion blender instead…. If you’re making something in an electric skillet or slow cooker, then a hand mixer is a good choice.
The other consideration is power…. A hand mixer has less power than an immersion blender and will take longer to do its job…. This might not be an issue with some tasks — say making whipped cream — but could pose problems when trying to process foods like ice cream or soup ingredients into purees.
Can you use an immersion blender in a nonstick pan?
Yes, you can use an immersion blender in a nonstick pan…. However, you should be careful when using an immersion blender in nonstick pans.
However, you do need to be careful.
The blades of the immersion blender will scrape against the bottom of your pan, which may cause scratches and other damage over time.
Can you use an immersion blender in a Lodge Dutch oven?
The answer is yes you can use an immersion blender in a Lodge Dutch oven. This is actually pretty common, because most people have a Lodge Dutch oven, and they also have an immersion blender.
But again, be careful not to allow the brades hit the bottom or touch the sides of the dutch oven to avoid scratches.
Can I use an immersion blender in a glass jar?
Yes, you can use an immersion blender in a glass jar…. Just make sure the jar is deep enough to accommodate the immersion blender’s head.
A good rule of thumb is that the jar should be at least 3 inches deep (or wider than the diameter of the head), so that you can immerse part of its blade into the liquid.
The blade attachment on immersion blenders has a very short shaft and is designed to work in small spaces — like inside a jar — where they can blend liquids and purees without splashing or spilling.
Are immersion blenders messy?
Immersion blender messiness depends on your recipe and how you choose to use the tool…. You can minimize the mess by following these tips:
Use the right container — try not to use a narrow container with a small opening because it will make it difficult to remove the immersion blender from the liquid.
Instead, use a wide-mouth bowl so that you can easily get your hand around the bottom of the bowl and remove it from your food before turning off your immersion blender.
Don’t overfill your bowl or pot with ingredients…. If you do, when you turn on the blender, all of those ingredients will shoot out of the opening and splatter around in a very messy way.
Add water or broth if possible (or even better, use the liquid that comes from cooking rice or beans)…. This helps prevent splattering, since it’s easier for the blender’s blades to move through liquid than through solid matter like carrots or potatoes.
In summary, Breville has done it again with this Immersion Blender by producing another top-quality product that’s one of the most sought after and highly-rated immersion blenders that has so many benefits the list is endless.
The Breville immersion blender will quickly become your new best friend in the kitchen!
We also recommend our article… Is Breville A Good Brand For Blenders
You may also be interested in… What Can You Use An Immersion Blender For? (14 Ideas)
