This category brings together more than 400 blenders and mixers: immersion blenders, tabletop blenders, hand mixers, a small number of sport blenders and a few stand mixers. They suit everyday home cooking, from puréeing soup to making smoothies, batters and whipped cream.
Most models come from Bosch, Philips, Braun and SMEG.
How to choose a blender or mixer
Type. An immersion blender goes straight into the saucepan to purée soup, or into a tall jug for a smoothie. A tabletop blender copes better with larger batches, ice and thick smoothies. A hand mixer is made for whisking egg whites and cream and for mixing thin batters.
Power. Our range runs from roughly 400 W to 1200 W. A few hundred watts is usually enough for a hand mixer, but a tabletop blender for ice and hard fruit is better at 1000 W or more. Blade shape and jug size matter as well as the wattage.
Cleaning. Parts of many models can go in the dishwasher, which saves time after every use. Check which parts are covered, since the motor unit must never go in the dishwasher.
Accessories. An immersion blender set often includes a chopper, a whisk and a measuring jug, while a hand mixer usually comes with beaters and dough hooks. Choose according to what you cook most often, and avoid paying for attachments you will not use.
Power source. Almost all models run from the mains. A few are battery powered and easy to take to work or the gym, though such models usually have less power.
Brands in our range
- Bosch: the brand with the most models in this category, known for immersion blenders, hand mixers and other kitchen appliances.
- Braun: one of the first makers of immersion blenders, which remain the core of its kitchen range.
- Philips: a household appliance maker offering both tabletop and immersion blenders.
- SMEG: an Italian maker known for retro-style appliances in pastel colours, with blenders and stand mixers that match its other kitchen products.
- Tefal: a French maker known for non-stick pans and small kitchen appliances.
- Ariete: an Italian maker of small household appliances.
Also in our range: Adler, Maestro, Esperanza, BLACK+DECKER, Salter and Zelmer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an immersion blender and a tabletop blender?
An immersion blender is held in the hand and placed into a pan or jug, while a tabletop blender has its own jug and stands on the worktop. The immersion type is easier to handle and clean, so it suits soups and purées. A tabletop blender handles ice and large batches better.
How powerful should a blender be for crushing ice?
For crushing ice, a tabletop blender of at least 1000 W with sturdy blades is usually recommended. Our range includes 1000 W and 1200 W models. Lower-powered appliances may only suit soft fruit and vegetables.
Can a hand mixer knead dough?
A hand mixer works for thin and medium-thick mixtures such as sponge cake batter or pancakes. For heavy yeast dough, a stand mixer is a better choice, as its motor can run longer without overheating. Our range includes a few stand mixers.
Are blender parts dishwasher-safe?
Jugs, blades or attachments of many models can go in the dishwasher, but the manufacturer states this for each model separately. The motor unit should never be put in the dishwasher, so wipe it with a damp cloth.
