Stick blenders - ignorant question

[Aridane]

Sorry to ask this basic question - but with stick blenders, can you use them direct in the pan to make soup, sauces etc? or do you need to transfer the food to the beaker thing that comes with the stick blender?

I looked on Amazon at stick blenders and it didn't indicate how actually you use them.

Also - if you have to transfer the food to the beaker, what advantage does a stick blender have over a regular food processor (other than being smaller and easier to store)?

Thanks!

Yes you can.

never transferred stuff. Soup etc. is blended in the pan it is cooked in. sometimes take some of the content out before blending, and then add it back to give a mixed texture.

Beware of splashback. Use a deep saucepan.

Definitely directly in the saucepan! Would be a pointless nuisance otherwise. (I use mine probably every other day.)

Obvs if you're blending raw ingredients you can use the vessel supplied. Mine has other incomprehensible added pieces and containers but I really only use the stick-y part.

Fine to use in the pan but can only echo MisterBurgess in making sure that the pan has plenty of room. There is a reason that beaker is so tall.

It's worth getting one with a whisk attachment! I used that a lot!

Right in the saucepan. That's why I love them. Less faff, less washing up and the food stays hot.
Mine (a Kenwood) has soup, mash and whisk attachments.

Thank you, all.

I had meant also to ask about splashback risk because, I know, with food processors they won't even operate without the lid on (but I guess food processors are higher powered). The tip about using a deep saucepan is a good idea.

Ignorant question to pickle - what might I use a whisk for?

And Youtube is your friend for this sort of stuff.

www.argos.co.uk/product/8376334
I bought this one from Argos recently - it wasnt at all expensive and I didn't even want the attachments but having now tried them, I have to say I'm impresssd. The attachments are a bit plasticky but the blades are really sharp and great for making pesto, even from whole almonds. Motor seems quite powerful too.
The only downside is they're not dishwasher safe.

If I don't have much to blend, like a tin of tomatoes, I put it in the tub provided, as if the food is too shallow it splatters. It doesn't matter about the size of the pan, it's the depth of food, if you see what i mean.

Yes, tins of toms definitely need to go in the tall beaker not a bowl for blending. I've tried this so you don't have to.

That Argos one is good value! Might see if there is something similar but with the attachments being dishwasher proof

Yep blend in pan

I use the beaker to make milkshakes with ice cream in so I can blend it rather then a glass

Thank you all.

I've purchased a Kenwood one from Argos complete with whisk and chopper thing. It has good reviews and the parts can go in the dishwasher.

Pick up tomorrow from Sainsburys.

Doesn't matter how deep the pan is if the blender blades break the surface but as long as they don't they're brilliant

Whisk bit I only really use for eggs.
I make soup in insta pot and blend in the pan just keep it upright so the blade is submerged or it spits.

Aha - thanks. So if there is enough stuff to submerge the blade, I should be good. Otherwise transfer to beaker

I make houmous - chickpeas, garlic, tahini, a bit of oil or liquid, some harissa/pesto/ seasoning, lemon juice if I have some.

Whisk for cream and egg whites.

Keep the stick vertical so the splash (geyser) doesn't get you. You can tilt the pan but not the stick.

Yes to blending things in the tin they come in! Refried beans, tinned fruit in juice for baby food, houmos...

I don't because I don't want to damage the non stick on the pan, but I transfer into another big bowl instead.

Mine came with a mini chopper attachment for free. It has ended up being more useful than the blender itself! I use it for herbs, it will fit an onion in it for fast small chopping etc.

It was a freebie when I got the blender for weaning, but he chopper has definitely been the winner!

(I also echo the call for a deep pan! Although my mum sometimes cut a hole in a paper plate and slots the blender in it as a kind of splash guard!

Used the stick blender last night - it was awesome, quite powerful and blitzed the stuff into a sauce in no time. I took care to ensure the blender was below the surface of the food being blended!

The only thing I didn't realise was how bulky all in the stick blender plus various attachments are. Was thinking they would perhaps be a bit more petite

Ooh you got the Kenwood! They are quite bulky, but robust. Mine is still like new after years and years. Happy blending!