Immersion blenders have recently gained popularity among home chefs. It purees large batches of soup, makes emulsified salad dressings, and smoothies at the touch of a button. An eight-inch shaft that is common on most blenders will reach the bottom of deep pots and pitchers. Imagine a quick fresh salsa, gazpacho, or home vinaigrette without the added sweeteners and preservatives. It is no longer necessary to worry about pouring hot liquid in a blender or dirtying extra cookware.

Most are dishwasher safe with removable parts that make them simple to clean after every use, and the blades are stainless steel for durability and longevity. Units are available with attachments that will allow one tool for many jobs. This is a necessity in any functioning kitchen.

Immersion blenders are available with a single or multi-speed motor. Single speeds are great for salad dressings and items that could separate during blending. High speed is meant for liquefying or fine pureed marinades for meats or fish. If power is a concern, always look for a blender that has a robust motor with stainless steel components for the best culinary results. Other immersion blenders are available in durable plastic that are less expensive. Use this type of blender to save time and expand your cooking style.

What to look for? I’ll discuss many different types that include attachments, multi-speed, and basic blenders. If you are a beginner, I suggest using the immersion blender in its simplest intention. Choose one of the following that is designed for that purpose. If you are confident, you’ll expand your cooking and recipe knowledge with a more advanced blender; so choose accordingly. Once you are used to an immersion blender, you may wonder why your counter top unit is still sitting out, taking up precious space!