What is an immersion blender?
An immersion blender is the kind of kitchen tool you don’t realise you need – until you do. Instead of tipping hot soup into a blender, you bring this one straight to the pot. No extra jug. No mess.
Also known as a hand blender or stick blender, it’s built for quick, everyday wins like smoothing out a sauce, blitzing a smoothie, or turning tomatoes into soup without splashing half the kitchen.
It’s slim, light, and easy to stash in a drawer. Most models have a long handle with a blade at the end, which you lower directly into your pot, jug or mixing bowl.
Compared to a traditional blender or food processor, it’s less bulky, easier to clean, and ready to go whenever you need it.
Immersion blender uses: six ways to use it
An immersion blender might look simple, but it’s surprisingly versatile. Whether you're making dinner from scratch or whipping up something quick, it makes everyday cooking feel a little easier.
Here are six of our favourite ways to use an immersion blender – no extra gadgets or clean-up required.
Using a hand blender for smoothies and shakes
Making a smoothie? Just drop your fruit, yoghurt and a splash of milk into a tall jug and blend until silky. You can even blitz it straight in your reusable cup.
When you’re finished, it’s a quick rinse and you’re done (because there’s no jug to disassemble). Great for rushed mornings or that 3pm pick-me-up.
Soups and sauces
This is where immersion blenders shine. Once your soup’s cooked, just lower the blade into the pot and blend until smooth. No ladling hot liquid into another appliance. No second pot to wash.
The same goes for sauces (like tomato, pumpkin or béchamel). If they need to be smooth, your immersion blender is ready.
Whipped cream, mayo and salad dressings
Yes, really. Add cream to a mixing jug, blend until thickened, and you’ve got whipped cream in under a minute.
It’s also brilliant for homemade mayonnaise and vinaigrettes – the blade action helps emulsify ingredients quickly, so your dressing won’t split.
Pancake batter and cake mix
Blending wet ingredients for pancakes, cupcakes or muffins? An immersion blender keeps things lump-free and fast – without hauling out the stand mixer.
It’s especially handy when you’re cooking in smaller batches or short on time.
Baby food and meal prep
Whether you're pureeing cooked veg or blitzing soft fruits, an immersion blender makes baby food prep straightforward and mess-free. It’s also great for turning leftovers into smooth soups or dips you can freeze for later.
Using a hand blender for chopping
While it’s not a full replacement for a food processor, your immersion blender can handle soft chopping jobs – like breaking up cooked veg or blitzing herbs into a sauce. Just don’t expect neat slices or perfect texture. Use a sharp knife or dedicated chopper for harder ingredients.
From morning smoothies to dinner-in-a-hurry, immersion blenders are one of those tools you’ll keep finding new uses for – once you start using them, they rarely go back in the drawer.
So that covers the different ways you can cook with one, now let’s go step-by-step through how to use an immersion blender.
How to use an immersion blender: step-by-step
Using an immersion blender is simple, but a few small tips can make a big difference. Here’s how to get the best results, whether you're blending soup, smoothies or sauces.
1. Choosing the right container
Use a deep bowl, jug or pot with high sides to avoid a splattered mess across your kitchen. If you’re blending something hot, a tall saucepan works best.
2. Add your ingredients
Don’t fill the container more than two-thirds full – leave space for the blender to circulate and help everything blend evenly.
3. Submerge the blade before switching on
Make sure the blade end is fully submerged before you press the button. Again, it helps you avoid making a splattery mess and helps the motor blend smoothly from the start.
4. Start blending with short pulses
Hold the blender upright and start with short bursts. You’ll feel the texture start to shift. Blend until it’s just the right kind of smooth for your recipe.
💡Tip: You’ll hear the motor change pitch as it moves through different textures – that’s a good sign it’s working.
5. Move slowly for an even blend
Tilt the blender slightly or move it gently up and down to break up any chunks. No need to rush – the blade does the hard work for you.
6. Switch off before lifting out
Always stop the blender before you remove it from the bowl or pot. It keeps your benchtop clean by avoiding flying soup.
7. Rinse and clean straight away
Unplug the blender and detach the blade end (if removable). Rinse under warm water or clean with soapy water and a soft cloth. Most attachments are dishwasher-safe, but check your model’s guide first.
When to use an immersion blender vs other tools
Does an immersion blender do the same job as your countertop blender or food processor? Not quite – each tool has its strengths. There are times to reach for your stick blender, and times when something bigger might suit the task.
Using an immersion blender vs a regular blender
If you’re blending a big batch of smoothies or crushing frozen fruit, your jug blender has its place. But for hot soups, small sauces or anything you can blend right in the pot, the immersion blender is an easy choice.
There’s no transferring, no second bowl to wash, and no risk of steam building up in a sealed jug.
💡 Quick tip: If it’s a small volume or hot liquid, use your immersion blender. For frozen fruit, nut butter, or larger quantities, go with the jug.
Using an immersion blender vs a food processor
Food processors are brilliant for chopping, slicing and dough-making – but they’re not built for smooth blending.
If your goal is to puree, emulsify or blitz, the immersion blender does it faster and with far less clean-up. Think soups, dressings, or anything where you want a smooth finish without dragging out another appliance.
In short:
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Use your immersion blender for blending, pureeing and small-batch mixing.
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Use your regular blender for frozen or fibrous ingredients.
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Use your food processor for chopping, grating or dough prep.
Each tool has its moment – but the immersion blender fills a handy gap that quickly makes it one of the most-used things in your kitchen.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Even confident cooks can have a run-in with flying soup or split dressing. The good news? These are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.
Not keeping the blade submerged
Mistake: Turning the blender on before the blade is fully covered. What happens: Splatter – everywhere.
The fix? Make sure the blade is completely submerged before switching on, and always stop before lifting it out.
Overfilling the container
Filling the bowl or jug to the top means there’s no room for the mixture to circulate, which makes blending uneven — and extremely messy (it will erupt over the top in moments).
Keep it to two-thirds full. That gives the blade room to work without sending soup skyward.
Blending too harshly
Sometimes, we move the blender around too quickly or at too much of an angle. What happens? Air pockets, inconsistent texture, or splashes.
Always blend in short pulses, keep the stick steady, and tilt or move slowly if needed.
Using it on the wrong ingredients
Don’t try to crush ice or blitz tough, raw veg. The motor strains and the texture doesn’t turn out right. Stick to soft, cooked, or liquid-based ingredients. For harder tasks, go for the jug blender or food processor.
What to look out for in a good immersion blender
If you’re thinking about upgrading or buying your first immersion blender, there are a few features that make a real difference in everyday use.
A comfortable grip
You’ll be holding it with one hand, often over a hot pot or deep jug. Look for a handle that feels stable and easy to control.
Variable speed settings
Not everything needs full power. A blender with adjustable speeds lets you go gentle for dressings or ramp it up for a chunky soup. Bonus: it helps reduce splatter.
Removable blending arm
A detachable arm makes cleaning easier and storage simpler. It’s also great if you want to switch between attachments.
When you’ve got the right tool, everything flows. Explore KitchenAid hand blenders – so comfy and simple to use, and ready for silky soups, fast sauces, and fewer things to wash.
FAQ: Using a hand blender
How do you use a hand blender without making a mess?
Start by using a deep jug, bowl or saucepan – something with high sides to catch any splatter. Always keep the blade end fully submerged before you switch it on, and release the button before lifting it out. Use short bursts and slow, steady movements to stay in control.
How do you clean a hand blender?
Unplug it first, then remove the blending arm (if detachable). Rinse the blade end under warm water straight after use — or wash it in soapy water with a soft cloth. Most blending arms are dishwasher-safe, but it’s best to double-check your model’s care guide.
Hand blender vs regular blender - when should you use each?
Use your hand blender for hot soups, dressings, or anything small that you want to blend directly in the pot or jug. Regular blenders are better for frozen fruit, nut butter, or larger batches. If it’s hot, messy, or you’re short on time – the hand blender is your best friend.
Want to know more? Read our guide: What is an immersion blender?
