Compare Blenders: Countertop or Immersion?

Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
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Compare Blenders
Which Type to Buy: Countertop or Immersion

Various Blender Types

Blenders are very useful kitchen gadgets. They can be used to prepare purees, soups, smoothies, baby meals, sauces, deserts and just about anything else you can imagine. When you compare blenders before you get your own, you may be wondering whether you should get the countertop or the immersion (also known as handheld or stick) model.

Both types of blenders have their pros and cons. Your choice should really depend on your answers to the following two questions:

1. What will you be using most your blender for?
and
2. Under what type of conditions will you be using your blender?

The following will detail the points to consider when you compare blenders before you get the correct type of blender for your needs.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Countertop and Immersion Blenders

Advantages of Handheld (Immersion) Blenders Over Countertop Blenders

With a handheld blender (also known as immersion blenders) you are not limited by the size of the blending bowl you are using (as opposed to a countertop blender which requires the use of the bowl that comes with it). Because the blending can be executed directly in the cooking pot, you are allowed to work with larger amounts of liquids and soft ingredients. You are really only limited by the size of the cooking pots you own. In addition, because you are directly blending in the cooking pot, you are allowed to work with hot liquids and ingredients. This is quite useful and time saving when you make soups.
The handheld blenders do not really need any counter space for storage as they can easily be hidden away in a kitchen cabinet or drawer. So they are quite suitable for small kitchens with little counter space.
Handheld blenders come nowadays in cordless versions which are very suitable for traveling and camping. Because they are so small they can easily be carried to your camping or vacation site in a bag and run on battery .
Cleanup is much easier with handheld blenders as there is no additional bowl and lid to clean.

Advantages of Countertop Blenders Over Handheld (Immersion) Blenders

Handheld blenders are very good for blending liquid and soft ingredients. But they are not adapted to blending efficiently harder, larger and thicker ingredients even when the additional attachments that come with some brands are used. If harder, larger and thicker foods are to be blended, a countertop blender which is better equipped to achieve thorough grinding or pureeing should be used.
Even though handheld blenders are easy to use, you have to be careful in order to prevent splashing and spilling of foods, in particular when hot ingredients and liquids are used. Since countertop blenders come with a bowl and a lid, they present no such problem

So, when you compare blenders, you should carefully consider what you will mostly use your blender for, and the conditions under which you will be using it. Of course, if you can afford it, you could also get one of each type so that you would be properly equipped with the right type of blender no matter what the cooking requirements and conditions might be.

You will find below popular blenders of both types offered on Amazon.

Popular Immersion Blenders on Amazon

Please click the Amazon link image below for the immersion blender of your choice to see exact price information or to purchase.
Please Note: For non-US customers, when you click the links below, you will be provided with the Amazon links for your country (such as Canada or UK), if the product is available in your country.
Also, note that being an Amazon affiliate, a commission will be earned by this website each time a product is purchased.

Hamilton Beach Professional Hand Blender 59750 with Variable Speed

This corded blender has a one-hand speed control and a nonslip rubber grip. From the lowest speed to minimize splatter to a high speed for whipping, this hand blender has a wide range of speeds to handle every blending task.
Powerful 300 watt motor handles more blending tasks such as pureeing soups, blending smoothies, mixing dressings or whipping cream.
Stainless steel stick design reaches into pots, pitchers, jars, and bowls to extend blending options.
LED screen provides visible, illuminated indication of your speed level to maximize your blending control and precision.