Does anyone out there have an immersion blender? If so, what brand is it and what was the cost and do you like it. I have never owned one but think I would like one. Opinions pleas?
My mind is a garden. My thoughts are the seeds. My harvest will be either flower or weeds. --Mel Weldon
I like it but I don't really think IMO it replaces a regular blender. But it is nice for soups for you can blend in the pot and that is mainly what I use it for. Cleanup, too, is a breeze. I think mine is a Kitchenaid and it was more expensive than some of the cheaper models but I have found that paying a bit more means a better product and is more cost effective in the long run.
I have had a Cuisinart and still have a large Braun. Both were purchased at garage sales for 2-3 dollars? The Braun is still in my cupboard. I used to use it for whipping drinks mostly. Have not had it down in a couple of years, however.
I have a Braun which I won at a raffle. As an immersion blender, I use it mainly for soups. It works great.
It also came with a mini bowl, chopping blade, and extension piece that you hook the blender into to transform it into a mini food processor. I've used that feature for many small jobs where I didn't need to haul out my big Cuisinart (nuts, herbs, veggies, etc.). It's very versatile. It's not something I would have gone out and bought, but I'm sure glad that I now have one!
Hammer, I'm glad you asked the question because I had the same one!! I have a food processor and blender but for hot things like soups, it's just not convenient to use either of them. And, the transfer of hot liquids can be dicey. Glad to hear the reviews.
I have a cheapo Hamilton Beach. Have had it for over 10 years and it's all I need. It's great for whipping up eggs for french toast, scrambled, etc. Beats mixing with a fork. Can't think what else I use it for. Cleaning is a breeze. Just put a lil water in the bowl you used or measuring cup, a lil soap and whip that together. Cleans the bowl and the immersion blender. Just rinse and air dry.
Posts: 4213 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: Dec 01, 2003
Don't remember the brand (and too lazy to get up to check...sorry). I use it for soups, particularly chili. I maserate the beans and liquid which allows it to thicken naturally as it cooks.
Has added benefit that neither me nor The Husband likes whole or chopped beans. So, we get the fiber without the texture of whole or chopped cooked beans.
I used to manually mash the beans, and the IB is so much easier!
Posts: 4062 | Location: In the beautiful Tennessee Valley, between the Cumberland Plateau and the Great Smoky Mountains. | Registered: Jul 12, 2005
I have a cheap one...I've had it for about 15-20 yrs. & it works just fine! I do milk shakes in the glass with it besides soups and doing eggs for scrambled eggs...usually forget to take it out for eggs to go into baking items. And I'm like Nance...it cleans easy!
"The soil is the source of life, creativity, culture and real independence." David Ben-Gurion
Indexlady, what a wonderfull idea blending up the beans, I love them brother hates them. Going to buy one just for that. Can you do small amounts of mashed potatos??
Wow, I got some great responses......you guys are always quick to respond and sounds like there are some seasoned cooks here. I would use it most for soups I think. So I suppose a reasonably priced one would be all I need.
My mind is a garden. My thoughts are the seeds. My harvest will be either flower or weeds. --Mel Weldon
We have a 3 in 1 Russell Hobbs brand. When we first received it, I used it mainly for the immersion blender. Then, I discovered all the other things it could do. You might say...I used it so often, we're back to using only the immersion blender portion.
