There are two different types of blenders primarily recognized in the culinary world: the countertop blender and hand blender. A good blender is one of the most versatile and convenient kitchen tools available. In addition to smoothies and frozen cocktails, you can use a blender to make pureed soups, nut butters, batters and dips. Both classic countertop and immersion blenders can handle all these tasks and more—so which blender is best for you?
The right choice will depend on what you plan to make and how often you plan to use it. Keep reading to get the rundown on both products so you can make the right choice for you.
Now the question is: which is the best blender for you?
What is a Countertop Blender?
The countertop blender is made up of a motor housing and a bowl (which can be removable). The ingredients are placed in the container, which is then covered with a lid. By pressing the button on the blender’s handle, the process of chopping or cooking will begin.
Countertop Blender: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Powerful and efficient
- The capacity of a blender jar is large enough to blend larger batches
- There are multiple speed settings for different tasks.
- Use different blades to mix, puree, crush or grind ingredients
- It can be used to crush ice and grind solids
Cons:
- The counter space is taken up by a heavier, bulkier product.
- Cleaning up requires more effort
- Motors that are noisy and powerful
- Immersion blenders are more expensive
- You may struggle to blend smaller task.
What is a Hand Blender?
Hand blenders are also called immersion blenders and stick blenders. They are small kitchen appliances designed to blend, puree, or emulsify ingredients in a bowl, pot or other container. The handle is long and thin, with control buttons, a motor and an attachment for blending at the other end. Immersion blenders can be a useful tool in the kitchen for professional and home chefs. They offer convenience, versatility and efficiency. Continue reading to discover the many benefits and uses for hand blenders.
Hand Blender: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- More power.
- Blends are smoother
- Perfect for blending hot ingredients
Cons:
- Less Versatile
- Louder
Why Do You Need a Countertop Blender?
Countertop blenders are versatile, powerful appliances that simplify meal preparation and improve your cooking experience. It is designed for efficiency and consistency and can perform a variety of tasks, from blending soups and smoothies to crushing ice and even pureeing. This blender will be a great addition to your kitchen if you prepare large quantities of food or have to blend difficult ingredients.
Here are the features of blender.
- A blender’s main advantage is its capacity and power.
- The powerful motor and sharp blades of this blender can handle demanding tasks such as grinding nuts or making creamy sauces.
- Some models have preset functions that make it simple to get consistent results.
- A countertop blender is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to create delicious recipes or enjoys making smoothies.
Why Do You Need a Hand Blender?
Immersion blenders are similar to food processors or countertop blenders. This blender can be used in any bowl, but unlike those two other types of blenders, they are especially useful for mixing small amounts.
These are great for blending sauces and purees on the stove. You don’t have to transfer your sauce from the stove into a jug first. You don’t need extra bowls to blend, so you can clean only your blender and saucepan.
Immersion blenders have many other features that are important.
- Immersion blenders produce very little noise, even when they are at the highest speed.
- Choose cordless hand blends that are powered by rechargeable batteries.
- Hand blenders can be equipped with extra attachments such as blades, whisks and choppers to increase their effectiveness.
What are the Uses of Countertop Blender and Hand Blender?
Hand blenders and countertop blenders are designed to perform different tasks in the kitchen, from pureeing soups to blending smoothies.
Uses of a Countertop Blender
- Smoothies and Drinks: Ideal for blending fruit, vegetables and ice to create smoothies, drinks or cocktails.
- Crushing Ice: This powerful tool will crush ice to make frozen desserts or drinks.
- Pureeing Sauces and Soups: Ideal for large quantities of creamy soups or sauces.
- Making Nut Butters and Spreads: Nut butters and spreads can be made with powerful motors that grind nuts into a smooth butter.
- Prepare batters: This is useful for pancake and cake batters, which require thorough mixing.
- Blending Frozen Inputs: Handles frozen fruits and vegetables easily for sorbets and slushies.
Uses of a Hand Blender (Immersion Blender)
- Pureeing Soups in the Pot: Reduces cleanup by eliminating the need to move hot liquids.
- Making small batches: Ideal for smoothies, baby foods, or dressings.
- Whipping and Frothing Attachments: They are available for whipping milk, mixing eggs, or frothing cream.
- Blending in Tight Spaces: Useful to blend directly in jars or bowls.
- Quick Mixing Tasks: Ideal for emulsifying dressings or blending lighter ingredients.
- Compact and portable: Ideal for small kitchens or cooking on the go.
Should I buy a countertop blender or a hand blender?
Countertop blenders and immersion blenders are both valuable additions to any kitchen. Each offers their own benefits and conveniences. The decision you make will be based on how you intend to use your blender and what you want to do with it. The most powerful, versatile and durable blender you can buy is a high-performance countertop model. If you want to save space in the kitchen, then an immersion blender is an excellent alternative.
What is the difference between a countertop and immersion blender?
An immersion blender is simply a handheld device that can be used to quickly and easily blend food when it’s placed inside a container. Blenders are stationary appliances that are used to blend foods placed in their jars or pitchers.
Which blender is best for smoothies?
It is better to use a countertop for smoothies if you are using frozen ingredients and making multiple servings.
Final Thoughts
Countertop blenders and hand blenders are used for different purposes in the kitchen. The choice between a countertop and immersion blender is based on the frequency of blending, the amount of ingredients and the type and style of food that you will be making.
The two types of blenders each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Your choice will depend on your preferences, needs, and budget. You should choose a blender whose features match your cooking style.
This guide should make it easier to choose between an immersion blender or a blender.
