Stick/Immersion blender recommendations

[amkirkland]

I'm looking to get a stick blender, but I don't know what to get. I've seen some for as low as 20 buck, kitchenaid ones that run about 40 and the waring pro for 60. If there's a reason to get a more expensive one then I will, but I hate wasting money. Hence, likewise I don't want to spend 20 bucks on a powerless tool. FYI, i will usually use this for pureeing soups and sauces.

[lrohner]

I have a Dualit that I don't think I could live without. I wrote an article that reviewed several of the leading brands. You can find it here: http://hubpages.com/hub/Immersion-Ble...

Be careful with some unless you're just going to use it for soup and drinks. If the blades are too high up in the shaft, it can make some jobs difficult. It also helps to have one that has variable speeds, and dishwasher safe is really, really convenient! :)

[Candy]

Ultimate in stick blenders is the Bamix. This is an investent though. They are very powerful and should last many many years.

[Will Owen]

If I could afford a Bamix I'd get one, but for under $30 at Bad Breath & Beyond the Cuisinart was too good to pass up. It's single speed, but so am I ;-) , and if it lasts two years it will have earned its keep. Its primary function is puréeing stuff that's too hot to put into the jar blender; secondary is stuff that's in too small amounts. One modification I'm going to make will be to shorten the cord, since I'm about to mount power strips to get electricity no more than 18" away from any food processing area, and that 5 feet or so of cord is a PITA to wind and unwind.

[oskar]

I own a Braun and would recommend it except that Braun is no longer available in North America(?). They are readily available in second hand stores and at flea markets for less than $10.00.

[Knives and Coffee]

My advice to anyone buying any kitchen equipment it to look at Williams Sonoma, or at least the brands that they carry. My logic is that ANYTHING purchased at W-S comes with a lifetime guarantee. It breaks or scratches, you are not happy with the product etc., bring it back and they will give you a new one, no questions asked.

I have used this return, no questions asked feature on many things, even Calphalon pans that I purchased elsewhere. A lifetime warranty is worth paying for.

[ctl98]

I have the most basic braun one and I'm very happy with it. It can't handle raw meat but for my purposes (fruit shakes, pureed veggies, soups) it's works very well!

[RichardM]

Braun like many manufacturers make a variety of models at different price points. Mine is powerful enough to make shaved ice from ice cubes.

[Buckethead]

The KitchenAid adjustable speed model is the best one I've used. You can start it off on a low speed so you don't make a mess or puree your soup too much, then turn it up if you need to. The detachable head makes cleanup a breeze.

[RichardM]

If you want one for soups and sauces I would suggest the type with the SS stem. It will handle the temperatures w/o picking up flavors like plastic might.

I have the Braun 400w and I've found it more than powerful enough. BBB usually has it and the 20% coupons are everywhere. It comes with a number of accessories including nice little polycarbonate pitcher which is perfect for making OJ. Also, mini-foodprocessor attachment.

[amkirkland]

for making OJ? do you puree it and strain or what?

[RichardM]

Sorry it wasn't clear. The pitcher is exactly the right size for a 12oz can of frozen OJ. Mixer is not involved for the 'recipe'.

[laonion]

I have the Braun with the stainless stick. It's great! I have used it for soup. I have even used ice crushing attachement and it handled that job well. It's great versatile tool for a smaller kitchen that can replace a lot of stuff without taking up that much space (although my littel kitchen is just totally overcrowded!(

[free sample addict aka Tracy L]

I am on my second braun the first one lasted about 15 years. I was looking at the stainless steal ones but I found my new-to-me braun at a thrift store for $3. Works better than the first one. They seem to get donated often, so I have my eye out for a cordless cuisinart or the stainless steel type.

[sel]

I also have an old Braun that has worked well for a lot of hot chocolate, mayo and all the usual stuff mentioned by others. I will say that the larger high power models at restaurant supply stores look like a better way to go if you can justify the expense and will be using it often.

[sel]

Just to update, Costco Business Centers carry a Waring Commercial (industrial grey color) stick blender for a bit over sixty bucks.

[scubadoo97]

that would be the WSB33 correct?

[sel]

Not sure of the model # but when I googled your # it does look like that.

[foodiegrl]

Kichenaid. I got one on clearance for $35 on their website, and I now find myself planning menus just so I have an excuse to use it. I can't tell you how many pureed soups we're going to see this winter...

[Seattle Rose]

I use a Cuisinart that I bought about ten years ago. It still works great, and is handier than my regular blender for many tasks. I think it was about $50 back then. I bought it at Wms Sonoma, so probably paid top dollar.

[Candy]

I have the Cuisinart too, corded and about the same age. It is still going strong. It is very handy to have and has a permanent counter top home.

[mrgdess]

I just killed my corded Cuisinart stick blender after only 2 years. The plastic spokes that attached the motor to the blending attachment wore all the way down. Yes, I was using it often to make babyfood, but I was amazed that it didn't last longer. I'm now thinking of purchasing a KA model, which will hopefully last longer.

[janniecooks]

The same thing happened to me after probably only about 5 or 10 uses. I called Cuisinart and they sent me a replacement at no charge. Obviously a design flaw of which they were aware, as the replacement has a slightly different mechanism.

[PDXpat]

KitchenAid here too. I'm very pleased with mine, and if you believe Cook's Illustrated, in their test they decided KA is the one to buy. I think I paid about $30 on Amazon.

[cheryl_h]

I have a Cuisinart cordless which I use to puree soups, sauces, ice cream bases. It has never seemed to lack power. I appreciate not having the cord to manage when I'm in a hurry to get something smoothed out quickly.

[adampaul]

Another vote for the KitchenAid - I was surprised how powerful it is, it's easy to clean, and blends up a batch of soup quickly.

[AmblerGirl]

I love my Kitchenaid. It is like a power tool. It was $49 on Amazon and totally worth it. I'm sure I'll have it forever.

[rainey]

I got a KA after I'd blown out a couple Brauns and who-knows-what-else. It has a very powerful motor, a simple variable speed knob up on the top where it stays clean and ungummed and the blade end pops off for dishwasher cleaning. I've been punishing this one for about 4 years and I highly recommend it.

[slacker]

I have a braun one that I bought about probably 15 years ago. It was less than $20 and I think still is about that range. Still works great. I use it for soups. Easy cleanup.
The newer stick blenders where the "stick" part is stainless and more streamlined looks great, and I'd like to try those, but mine still works just fine, so no real need to buy another.

[nicolars]

I have an older braun stick blender as well, it still works like a charm. It was not a terribly expensive model either, but I've used it for blending all kinds of things and have never had any problems with it.

[amkirkland]

I was hoping I'd have an excuse to buy some fancy, shiny tool. You're bursting my bubble!