Immersion blender 101

Immersion blenders, sometimes called a hand blender or stick blender, are long, narrow, wand-like appliances that can submerge deeply into liquids (or frozen fruit and chunky tomatoes) to mix and emulsify. 

Oftentimes, this kitchen tool is used for large-batch cooking, such as making homemade guacamole to plop atop crisp corn tortillas, juicy pico de gallo, and lime-drizzled carne asada—or creating a creamy cheddar-topped broccoli soup for the whole family.

What is an immersion blender’s most valuable asset compared to different types of blenders? Its versatility.

With an immersion blender in hand, you can craft an array of tasty toppings, entrees, and sides, including:

● Dressings

● Smoothies

● Soup

● Sauces

● Cooking stocks

● Gravy

● Batters

● Marinades

● Butters

Unlike a traditional blender, immersion blenders allow cooks to blend the ingredients within the pots, bowls, and jars they’re already in—minimizing mess and countertop clutter. And with a quick rinse of the internal blender blade under the sink, you're set to embark on other mealtime mixings—without mingling incompatible ingredients. 

This handheld kitchen appliance can churn, chop, and whisk at variable speeds, too. 

While immersion blenders thrive in the large-batch space, they’re also optimal for solo stewing, particularly if you’re the only one craving homemade sriracha or strawberry smoothies.

How to use an immersion blender

To avoid Jackson Pollock-like spatters across your kitchen cabinets, you must tame the immersion blender. Luckily, unlike a countertop blender, they’re portable, lightweight, and rather intuitive so it’s easy to learn how to use a blender such as this.

Prior to blending, place the immersion blender into the liquid or batch of ingredients, blades down. Oftentimes, a blender will have a line along its spine that indicates how deep you can submerge the tool. To mitigate splashing, ensure the blender blades always remain below the liquid level.

Once in the liquid, start the appliance at a slow speed to avoid splattering potentially hot ingredients across your kitchen or onto your skin. When you become more confident, you can begin to increase the speed. 

From the bottom of the pot, pull the immersion blender up to ensure a smooth consistency throughout the entire batch. 

The suction solution

Oftentimes, when emulsifying your ingredients, even top of the range blenders will become suctioned to the bottom of the pot, bowl, or jar, making it difficult for you to lift the blender up. To prevent this—and the tsunami of splatter it can create—tilt the blender at a 45-degree angle to release the pressure. Also, it helps to start at a low speed and then gradually increase to the desired high speed setting. This helps to prevent splattering or scratching the bottom of your vessel.

The pros and cons of immersion blenders

The immersion blender is immersive in every way, delivering high-quality food that speaks to the senses and a riveting chance to emulsify like an expert. That said, no appliance can check all the boxes—there are so many ways to cook, sautee, and bake, after all. 

Alas, the immersion blender is a reliable tool you’ll want in your kitchen arsenal.

Looking for reasons to add an immersion blender to your kitchen? We have you covered:

● Portability – As a foodie, you’re often surrounded by an array of bubbling pots, sizzling skillets, and tantalizing tonics—all likely in need of a blend. Unlike a countertop blender, immersion blenders can be moved to different outlets – without having to lug around a heavy machine – allowing you to efficiently complete each task without having to move heated kitchen equipment or boiling liquids throughout the kitchen. Take this with you to prepare food at a family party or on vacation to make delicious fresh meals.

● Storability – There’s a time, place, and space for a full-sized countertop blender, but a sleek immersion blender can fit into the smallest of spaces like your kitchen drawer, leaving plenty of room for your mixers, sandwich makers, and espresso machine.

● Versatility – An immersion blender can operate at a variety of speeds with an array of attachments to create a bounty of tasty creations. Gearing up to craft a batch of pumpkin muffins? With a whisk attachment and a quick high-speed whirr, you can create an even-textured batter. And paired with a chopping bowl, making a crunchy walnut topping is a cinch.

● Cleanliness – To clean an immersion blender, simply detach the bladed head and wash it with hot water and a food-safe cleanser, ensuring you thoroughly clean the crevices. In a rush? Throw it in the dishwasher for hands off cleaning. To avoid build-up, completely dry the appliance before storing. 

That said, there are a few factors to keep in mind when working with an immersion blender:

● Ingredient contents – Compared to a regular blender, smaller immersion blenders may not have the power to blend extra-chunky batches or harder substances like frozen fruit or ice. Instead, search for a sturdy immersion blender with multi speed settings to ensure you can blend and process every snack, meal, and dessert with ease.

● Splattering – If used incorrectly, an immersion blender may detonate a kitchen-wide splatter explosion. To avoid splattering, hone your angle and opt to use the blender within deep, wide vessels. 

Mix and match with Breville

Immersion blenders provide hand-held mixing, crushing, and blending capabilities to simplify food prep—and no cuisine is off limits. Combine fruity ingredients for a creamy smoothie or mix your favorite vegetables and spices for a rich emulsion that elevates your oven-roasted asparagus to the next level.

At Breville, we consider home cooking a transcendental, all-immersive experience. And we have the kitchen appliances and accessories to master your culinary destiny.

The Breville Control Grip™ immersion blender features anti-suction technology, ergonomic grip, and a non-scratch base. Plus, it includes a bevy of blending accessories such as a chopping bowl, a whisk attachment, and a storage jug for expert mixing and matching. The the All in One™also features a variety of attachments for easy chopping, blending, mashing, and slicing. 

When you shop with Breville, you’re equipped to craft a mesmerizing and memorable meal, no matter the occasion. 

Sources: 

Central Restaurant Products Resource Center. Immersion Blender Uses in a Commercial Kitchen. https://resources.centralrestaurant.com/immersion-blender-uses-in-a-commercial-kitchen/