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Best hand blenders: top stick blenders, as reviewed by Mumsnet users
Looking to whip up smooth soups and sauces but don’t have space for a jug blender? Compact hand blenders can deal with all your chopping, whisking and blending needs. We round up the best products to add to your kitchen, as recommended by Mumsnetters.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Mar 1, 2023
If you’re keen to be more efficient in the kitchen but are short on space, a hand blender is a great alternative to a traditional countertop blender. Frequently referred to as a stick or immersion blender, a hand blender is a compact and practical option for blending your ingredients, with attachments to help create everything from lump-free vegetable soups to delicious fresh fruit smoothies.
Mumsnet users certainly know their stuff when it comes to fuss-free family meals and many of them regularly use hand blenders to blend delicious dishes like soups, hummus, pasta sauces and even pancake mix.
Whether you’re looking for a budget hand blender, a cordless hand blender or a blender with attachments and accessories, we’ve rounded up recommendations from consumer champions on the Mumsnet forums to bring you a list of products that have been tried and tested in busy family kitchens.
Mumsnetters really know their stuff when it comes to small kitchen appliances. We've got roundups of the best toasters, the best microwaves, the best kettles, the best rice cookers, the best blenders, the best food steamers and the best soup makers, all featuring buying advice and recommendations from parents who like to save time and money in the kitchen.
Best hand blenders: Editor's picks
1. Best overall hand blender: Bamix Classic Hand Blender
Price: RRP £110 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Variable speed: Yes | Pulse: No | Accessories: Chopper, beater, whisk included | Dishwasher safe: No | Guarantee: 2 years
What we love
- Watertight housing allows for significant immersion
- Comfortable and quiet to use
- Excellent Swiss engineering
What to know
- Some users found it a little heavy
- Costly
What Mumsnet users say
“Bamix. Without a moment's hesitation. Mine was bought for me over 20 years ago. It's seen me through 2 kids weaning and I still use it 4 times a week - still going strong. They're not cheap but really worth it!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user StrongerThanIThought76)
“Another vote for Bamix. It's in a different league!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user TonTonMacoute)
Our verdict
Mumsnet users can’t speak highly enough of Bamix. In fact, whenever a forum post asks for recommendations on the best hand blender, this Swedish brand features time and time again. While more expensive than other models, Bamix hand blenders are high quality and built to last. They’re praised for both their superior performance and longevity - with some reviewers stating they’ve owned theirs for almost 30 years.
A little heavier than other products, this Bamix blender offers a comfortable hold and a choice of two operating speeds, with low noise levels despite its significant speed. Thanks to its water-tight casing, it can even be immersed into a deep pan of soup or pasta sauce while remaining quick and easy to clean.
Read next: The best blenders to buy, as tested by Mumsnetters
2. Best budget hand blender: Braun MultiQuick 1 MQ100 Hand Blender
Price: RRP £20 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Variable speed: No | Pulse: No | Accessories: 600ml beaker / measuring jug | Dishwasher safe: Yes (parts) | Guarantee: 1 year
What we love
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight and compact
- Comes apart for easy cleaning
What to know
- The casing can get warm when used for long periods
- Includes just the one blender attachment
What Mumsnet users say
“I’ve had the same Braun cheapo since 2001. I use it many times a week.” - Recommended by Mumsnet user Itisbetter
Our verdict
Recently voted the Which Best Buy/Best Value hand blender, the Braun MultiQuick is not only a budget-friendly choice but also a super compact model, ideal for those short on kitchen storage space.
The anti-splash design is great for creating smooth soups and rich creamy hummus without splattering your kitchen countertops and thanks to its detachable blades and wide design, it’s easier to clean than most.
It’s worth noting that this hand blender only comes with one attachment, but for most families, this is a great all-rounder that performs well and offers excellent value for money.
Read next: Our guide to the best blenders for smoothies
3. Best hand blender for soup: Kenwood Triblade HDP100WG Hand Blender
Price: RRP £39 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Variable speed: Yes - standard and turbo | Pulse: Yes | Accessories: None included | Dishwasher safe: No | Guarantee: 1 year
What we love
- Tri-blade technology for even blending
- Anti-splash design
- Textured handle for comfort
What to know
- The unit vibrates more than some models
- Tricky to clean
What Mumsnet users say
“I use my Kenwood stick blender almost every day in Autumn / Winter. It’s so quick and convenient, can’t imagine going back to the trouble of a jug. And I wouldn’t want a soup maker - I like doing it myself and am not interested in smoothness.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Aixellency )
“I've had a Kenwood Triblade for more than 20 years, still going strong.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user OooPourUsACupLove)
Our verdict
If you're looking to create smooth soups or ensure hidden vegetables in your pasta sauce won't get spotted by picky eaters, the Kenwood Triblade hand blender is the ideal solution. Thanks to its patented Triblade technology, the Kenwood ensures consistent blending of larger pieces of fruit and vegetables, with one speed plus a turbo speed setting for tougher blending and whisking.
The sizeable textured grip handle is comfortable to hold, although it does vibrate a little during use, which may become uncomfortable during longer blending sessions. Some reviewers also found that the white plastic is prone to staining after prolonged use with tomato-based sauces.
Read next: The best things to make in a blender: 9 brilliant things to blitz
4. Best cordless hand blender: KitchenAid 5KHBBV53BBM Cordless Hand Blender
Price: RRP £129 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Variable speed: Yes | Pulse: Yes | Accessories: Pan guard and 700ml blender jar | Dishwasher safe: Yes (parts) | Guarantee: 2 years
What we love
- Cordless and lightweight design
- Pan guard included
- Turbo speed for more challenging ingredients
What to know
- Pricey
- Need to press two buttons simultaneously to operate which can be uncomfortable for longer blending sessions
- No extra attachments included
Our verdict
Thanks to its rechargeable lithium battery, this cordless and lightweight KitchenAid hand blender provides the ultimate freedom to move around your kitchen without being restricted to the location of your nearest plug socket.
Both sturdy and stylish, you can achieve variable speeds, shifting between standard and turbo depending on how hard you press.
While it doesn't come with any extra attachments, we love the addition of a pan guard that can help protect non-stick coatings when used straight in the pan.
Read next: The best juicers to buy, as tested by Mumsnetters
5. Best hand blender with accessories: Dualit 700W hand blender
Price: RRP £100 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Variable speed: Yes - 5 levels | Pulse: Yes | Accessories: Chopping bowl and measuring jug | Dishwasher safe: Yes (parts) | Guarantee: 1 year
What we love
- Attractive metal design
- Wide range of attachments and accessories
- Dishwasher-safe parts
What to know
- The handle is not gripped
What Mumsnet users say
“I rate our Dualit hand-blender. It’s very robust.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user fiorentina)
Our verdict
A versatile hand blender with a wide range of attachments, this stylish silver Dualit hand blender can also be used to whisk, chop and puree. The set even includes a chopping bowl and a blending jug, ensuring you’ve got everything you need to prepare a range of dishes from pureed baby food to some perfect meringue peaks.
There are 5-speed settings to choose from, including a turbo option to make tougher or thicker food blending a breeze. With a powerful motor and an anti-suction wand, it’s also comfortable to hold and control, meaning you can easily navigate around your pan without scratching or splattering.
Read next: The best kettles to buy, as reviewed by Mumsnet users
6. Best quality hand blender: Braun MultiQuick 5 MQ5237 Hand Blender
Price: RRP £109 | Buy now from Currys
Key specs
Variable speed: Yes - 21 speed settings | Pulse: Yes | Accessories: Whisk, chopper, masher and 600ml beaker | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Guarantee: 2 years
What we love
- Great variety of included accessories
- 21 speed settings
What to know
- Some reviewers found it tricky to clean
What Mumsnet users say
“I use a Braun stick blender, just used it to blend a Tikka Marsala sauce actually. I used to have a jug blender and found it a pain to wash all the bits and put it back together again.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Cameleongirl)
Our verdict
An upgraded version of the budget Braun MQ100, this hand blender comes with a range of attachments and a choice of 21 speed levels, making it a great choice for smoothies and soups, while also being able to tackle challenging chopping and whisking tasks.
A high quality blender with a curved gripped handle for comfort and control, it’s easy to swap between attachments as required. Some reviewers did find this model a little tricky to clean by hand, however, unlike some other models, it's suitable to pop in the dishwasher too.
7. Best multipurpose hand blender: Ninja Foodi 2-in-1 Hand Blender & Mixer CI090UK
Price: RRP £100 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Variable speed: Yes - 7 speed levels | Pulse: No | Accessories: No additional | Dishwasher safe: Yes (parts) | Guarantee: 1 year
What we love
- Multi-tool offering a hand blender and mixer in one
- Saves storage space
What to know
- No measuring jug included
Our verdict
Short on space in your kitchen, or looking for a kitchen gadget that can mix as well as blend? The innovative Ninja Foodi 2-in-1 uses one base with two attachments, creating a powerful mixer and blender tool in one. It’s a practical product that can help wannabe chefs and bakers create anything from a light and fluffy cake mixture to a thick and comforting soup.
With two speed options for blending and five for mixing, it also comes with a turbo mode to tackle tougher ingredients and is evenly weighted, enabling use with just one hand. A trusted brand, Ninja also has a 3-in-1 option including a chopper for those who wish to maximise this blender’s potential.
8. Most comfortable hand blender: Bosch ErgoMixx MS6CA4150G Hand Blender
Price: RRP £70 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Variable speed: Yes | Pulse: Yes | Accessories: 600 ml measuring jug, chopper and whisk attachments | Dishwasher safe: Yes/No | Guarantee: 2 years
What we love
- Easy to clean
- Minimal vibration
- Quick and simple to swap attachments
What to know
- Cheaper models are available if you only need the blender attachment
What Mumsnet users say
“I use a Bosch stick blender and it works fine (as long as it never breaks the surface!)” - Tried and tested by Mumsnet user GiantKitten
Our verdict
Another Which Best Buy, the Bosch ErgoMix Hand Blender features QuatrroBlade Technology - a sharp and hardened four-wing blade for speed and efficiency.
With 12 speed settings and additional attachments including a chopper and a whisker, this versatile hand blender makes it incredibly easy to switch between tasks, simply pushing a button to release, before slotting the desired attachment back into place.
The large buttons are easy to operate, while the curved handle and minimal vibration ensure a secure and comfortable hold.
9. Best compact hand blender: Cuisinart 3-in-1 cordless hand blender
Price: RRP £150 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Variable speed: Yes - 5 speed options | Pulse: No | Accessories: Mashing and Whisk attachment | Dishwasher safe: Yes (parts) | Guarantee: 5 years
What we love
- Convenient cordless design
- Striking stainless steel premium look
- Practical charging stand for compact storage
What to know
- Needs regular charging by returning to the base
Our verdict
A compact design that offers the freedom to blend at both your hob and kitchen island, the cordless Cuisinart blender looks every bit as premium as you’d expect for the price tag. Made from robust stainless steel complete with its own charging stand, it’s a stylish addition to any modern kitchen and comes with a 5-year guarantee for peace of mind.
With an ultra-sharp blade, the Cuisinart 3-in-1 blender comes with a whisk and mashing attachment, making it a convenient choice for creating everything from hot soups to salsa and pureed baby food.
10. Most stylish hand blender: SMEG 50s Retro Style Blender
Price: RRP £149 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Variable speed: Yes | Pulse: No | Accessories: 1.4L measuring jug with lid, chopper, whisk and masher attachments | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Guarantee: 2 years
What we love
- Available in a choice of colours to match your kitchen
- Chunky, ergonomic hold
- Excellent attachments included
What to know
- Switching attachments requires some strength
- Costly
Our verdict
With a vintage design that can be colour matched to your kitchen, the SMEG 50’s Retro Style Blender combines a classic style with a variety of modern attachments including a whisk, masher and large measuring jug with lid.
The long ergonomic handle is easy to grip, while the anti-scratch rim ensures it won't damage your pans when used on the hob. While it looks stylish and performs well, you’re paying for the luxury of the SMEG brand. Some reviewers also found attachments a little tricky to remove and replace.
What can a hand blender do?
Hand blenders are designed for chopping, blending and pureeing food. Unlike larger jug blenders that can take up significant space, hand blenders (otherwise known as immersion or stick blenders) can be used directly in the pan or cooking bowl by immersing the blender head into the liquid.
What’s the difference between a hand blender and a hand mixer?
Hand blenders and hand mixers are two popular but very different kitchen gadgets.
Unlike hand blenders, hand mixers are best suited for mixing and whisking ingredients, adding air to the mixture to create light and fluffy bakes. Hand mixers are great for those who like to bake occasionally at home, without having to sacrifice countertop space to house a larger, more expensive stand mixer. They can be used with your own mixing bowl and are small enough to stash away when not in use.
What wattage is best for a hand blender?
Hand blenders vary considerably in terms of their wattage, with lower-wattage hand blenders being cheaper to run. In most cases, a low-wattage blender with one or two-speed settings will be perfectly sufficient, but if you want to tackle tougher blending tasks including thick vegetables or ice, you’ll most likely need a blender with a wattage over 250 watts.
Multi-tool and 3-in-1 blenders tend to have a higher wattage than stand-alone gadgets. It’s worth remembering however that you won’t be using even the most powerful blenders for long to achieve the desired effect, making them relatively cheap to run in terms of energy consumption.
What’s the best hand blender to buy?
The best blender for you and your family will very much depend on your budget and the importance of additional accessories. That said, the answer is fairly unanimous among Mumsnet users. The Bamix Classic Hand Blender performs well, is built to last and allows for significant immersion when preparing soups, sauces and salsas on the hob.
If you prefer to spend a little less and are less bothered about mashing and whisking, the Braun MultiQuick 1 is both affordable and effective - offering impressive blending, easy cleaning and a lightweight, comfortable hold.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
There is a lot of debate within the Mumsnet forums on how to make the perfect soup, salsa and pasta sauce, with many users sharing their hints and tips on both the best ingredients and the best tools for the job.
First, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, to get their feedback on hand blenders, as well as the hand blenders that they rate, recommend and have used in their own homes.
We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, difficult to clean or simply struggled to tackle tougher blending tasks.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace, including those recommended by food experts, chefs and consumer champions such as Which.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best hand blenders on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Argos, Currys and John Lewis to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.