What Is an Immersion Blender? (And How It Will Make Your Life Easier)
You need one of these in your kitchen.
Affordable and handheld, immersion blenders are the most user-friendly tools in your kitchen. But, how do you use it? We'll tell you exactly what this fun appliance does and why you need it.
Tip!
Looking for more trendy kitchen gadgets? Check out our guide: 13 Cool Kitchen Gadgets to Change Up Your Cooking Game
What Is an Immersion Blender?
What Is an Immersion Blender Used For?
How to Use an Immersion Blender
How Is It Different from Other Blenders?
How Do You Clean an Immersion Blender?
What Is an Immersion Blender?
An immersion blender is a handheld kitchen tool that is used to blend together foods on a smaller scale than a full-size blender. It's typically used for soups and sauces to puree ingredients for a smoother consistency.
Every immersion blender will have at least two parts: the motor body housing and the blending arm.
Motor Body Housing:The motor body housing is the part of the appliance that you hold in your hand. This part will typically have buttons to turn the machine on and off, lock the blades, or change speeds. The body is directly attached to the power source, either through an electric cord that plugs into an outlet or by housing batteries.
Blending Arm: The blending arm is the attachment with the blade. This part is meant for direct contact with the food and can be easily removed or swapped with another attachment. If your immersion blender comes with multiple attachments, each is designed to connect directly to the motor body housing so that you can blend, chop, and whisk, all with the same tool (just different attachments!).
The most popular options are soups and sauces, but it works for anything liquid (or something you are trying to turn into a liquid!). Other great uses for an immersion blender are fruit smoothies, milk shakes, whipped cream, lattes, pesto, salsa, and hummus. What would you make with an immersion blender?
How to Use an Immersion Blender
Step 1: Attach the blending arm to the motor body housing. The two pieces connect in the center, with the blade and electric cord on opposite ends. Listen for a click to ensure the parts are securely connected. If you are having difficulty with this step, hold down the release button on the body when fitting the two pieces together.
Step 2: With your hands away from the blade and buttons, plug in your immersion blender. Insert the blade end into the container you will use for mixing. A container with high sides will prevent spilling during mixing.
Step 3: Hold down the On button or button of your desired speed. Move the blade through your food mixture until it is the consistency you desire. Once you release the button, the blender will stop. Note: Always be cautious as long as it is plugged in!
How Is It Different from Other Blenders?
An immersion blender is a handheld tool. Standard, full-size blenders are stationary appliances that you pour food into before blending. With an immersion blender, you merely insert the blending end of the tool into the container you will use for mixing. It's easy and portable, so you can mix multiple foods without having to endure major cleanup.
How Do You Clean an Immersion Blender?
Step 1: Turn off and unplug the blender. Remove the motor body housing from the blending arm. The arm (or other attachment) must be cleaned either by dishwasher or by hand (be sure to check the manufacturer's washing instructions!).
Step 2: If it is dishwasher-friendly, simply place the attachment into the dishwasher sharp-end down. If it is hand-wash only, use warm, soapy water and a sponge to clean off any food residue. Be careful not to cut yourself on the blade. Let it air-dry by laying flat on a dish towel so it doesn’t scrape your countertops.
Tip!
Always clean your tool if you are using the same end attachment for multiple mixings. Be thorough so there isn't a hint of flavors from previous blends.
Now that you know more about immersion blenders, it’s time to put this tool to use in your kitchen!
