In 2019, approximately 25.8 million blenders were sold over retail channels in the United States. As immersion blenders become more popular, consumers may want to understand how to use an immersion blender. In addition, due to their expanded uses, some users opt for one instead of a traditional blender. The good news for these users is that some of the most popular blenders available are immersion blenders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Immersion blenders provide consumers with an ideal method of mixing, chopping, and pureeing ingredients.
- Consider how much power you will need, considering that more solid ingredients require a more powerful motor, including items like frozen fruit.
- This kitchen gadget helps chefs make hot foods, including pureed soups and sauces.
What Can You Use an Immersion Blender For?
Many refer to an immersion blender as a stick blender or hand blender. The kitchen gadgets can be used to accomplish many of the same tasks as countertop blenders. A handheld immersion blender acts as a conduit to emulsify liquids and puree dry ingredients. These kitchen tools help to blend ingredients in a hot soup or for larger or smaller quantities than a standard blender. Additionally, they also function in a similar capacity as a food processor with the right blender attachments. You can get an appliance you are happy with if you know what to look for in a good blender.
Professional chefs and home chefs make hot sauces, hot soups, cold drinks, and emulsified liquids using an immersion blender. Additionally, these kitchen appliances can help blend ingredients into baby food or chop nuts and herbs. Among the attachments available, the chopping one helps reduce the need for a food processor, while the milk frother perfects your espresso in a few short seconds. Blenders have different parts and it’s worth taking the time to know all the parts and their functions. For example, where the rubber gasket goes on a blender and what it does.
How to Use an Immersion Blender
- If you purchase a new hand blender, you should consider the motor and whether the power level is enough to cut through the ingredients you regularly use. For example, the sharp blades may chop dry ingredients more effectively with a more powerful motor, especially since the forces that propel liquid should be stronger. In addition, you should consider whether you want a corded or cordless hand blender and whether you want a 1- or 2-speed hand blender.
- Gather your components. You will need the blender assembly to use your immersion blender, including the grip, cutting blades, and any desired attachments. You should pull your ingredients together at this point as well. Place solid ingredients that need to be chopped up on your dish first, then add liquid ingredients after chopping.
- Run your blender. If you have multiple speed options, start with the slower one first to work into the second option. To operate this appliance, you will need to ensure that you have a power source attached. A cordless version requires batteries, while a corded version gets plugged into the wall. Then, hold down the power button to run the device at the current speed setting. Finally, make sure your stick blender blade is fully immersed in your food.
- Blend to your desired consistency. For example, if you are making a fruit-filled smoothie for breakfast, you should blend until all pieces break up. By combining until the mixture has a smoother texture, you can drink it more easily. Additionally, soups with a creamy texture, batter, and baby foods should have a smooth texture overall. Frozen fruits or vegetables takes more time and power to blend than fresh.
- Enjoy your blendings. Whether cooking a pot of soup or a cold shake, you should enjoy the result. Ensure you wash this handy kitchen tool, its grip, and any interchangeable blades or attachments you used.
F.A.Q.S
What’s the difference between immersion blenders and regular blenders?
Immersion blender blades become fully immersed in the food in your desired dish. Hot foods can be mixed in their cooking vessel. Regular blenders require you to place the ingredients in the specially designed blending jar.
What food will your hand blender help you make?
A hand blender can make hot soups, sauces, dressings, batter, drinks, and many other dishes.
Can you puree with an immersion blender?
Immersion blenders can puree ingredients just like a standard blender. Additionally, they puree hot mixtures as well, which a regular blender cannot.
STAT: In 2019, approximately 25.8 million blenders were sold over retail channels in the United States. (source)
