The hand blender, also known as an immersion or stick blender, is the Swiss Army knife of the modern kitchen. Velvety soups, creamy purées, homemade sauces, quick smoothies... it can do it all, or nearly. But with the jungle of available models, how do you find your way?
Our editorial team's mission: to help you see things more clearly. This guide breaks down the criteria that truly matter and presents our selection of the best models on the market today. The goal is simple: to help you make the right choice, free from confusing marketing jargon.
Before we dive in (no pun intended) to our top picks, let's review the key points for finding the perfect appliance for your needs.
Power, measured in watts (W), is the key to performance. It determines your blender's ability to handle all types of ingredients.
A stick blender on its own is great. But with the right accessories, it transforms into a true mini food processor. The most common ones are:
The cordless hand blender is all the rage. It promises absolute freedom of movement in the kitchen, far from the constraints of cables and outlets. The downside: you have to keep an eye on the battery life and plan for charging times. Corded models, on the other hand, guarantee constant power and are always ready to use.
And now for our top picks! Here are three models that caught our eye, each catering to a specific user profile.
Its key feature: This Severin model goes all-in on total freedom with its high-performance Li-ion battery. Delivered with a full range of accessories, it stands out as a true cordless multi-functional blender.
Key features:
Who is it for? For anyone who wants to cook without constraints and can't stand juggling cords anymore. It's the ideal all-in-one solution for chopping, whisking, mashing, and blending without the clutter.
The sensible choice: The MultiQuick 2 from Braun gets straight to the point: a simple, efficient, and reliable corded blender for daily use. With its 600 W motor and two speeds, it focuses on the essentials.
Key features:
Who is it for? The perfect companion for those looking for a reliable and simple blender for soups and sauces. An excellent choice for a first-time purchase or for everyday preparations, without any fuss.
Power meets precision: The MultiQuick 7 is the Formula 1 of Braun hand blenders. With its 1000 W motor block and advanced technologies, it targets demanding cooks seeking absolute control over texture.
Key features:
Who is it for? For enthusiasts and foodies who love to experiment with complex recipes. If you dream of making your own nut butters, crushing ice for your cocktails, or achieving chef-quality velvety soups, the MultiQuick 7 is for you.
The hand blender is incredibly versatile, but it can't do everything. For very specific needs like grinding coffee beans, pulverising spices, or preparing protein powders, a dedicated appliance like a grinder or a specialised blender will be more effective.
To discover other types of appliances, explore our dry grinders category.
It all depends on your usage! For everyday soups and purées, 400-600 W will do the job. To tackle hard ingredients (nuts, ice, fibrous vegetables), aim for a powerful hand blender of at least 800 W. This ensures both efficiency and durability.
A well-equipped multi-functional blender (with a chopper, whisk, and masher) is incredibly versatile: soups, sauces, purées, smoothies, mayonnaise, minced herbs... the list is long. However, it is not designed for kneading bread dough or extracting fruit juice, which are tasks that require specific appliances.
It couldn't be simpler! The golden rule: detach the blending shaft from the motor block. Rinse it immediately under hot water to prevent anything from sticking. Most shafts and accessories (beakers, whisks) are dishwasher-safe (check the manual to be sure). Warning: the motor block itself must never be submerged! A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all it needs.