I watched a video one of my kids had found on youtube, of someone mixing an electrical product, I think it was an ipod. Not that I am thinking about producing some form of ipod soup, however it did show the power these machines are in possession of. Personally I have 2 , I've got a large super powerful food processor, which is too big for my cupboards therefore has to live in my utility. This is great for the real heavy duty work I sometimes set it. My other, as well as favorite blender is my new immersion blender or hand blender.
True hand held blenders can't do the most difficult of blending jobs, however it does perform 90% of the blending, whipping, chopping and grinding work that I have for it.
Enter the Immersion blender or hand held blender. No not the ones you wind yourself like a lunatic, the electric variety, that's small and light, can do many of the jobs its big tough brother (food processor) can perform, but at half the additional work, that's involved in shifting food from container to food processor, and without all of the clearing that's involved after (yes, I know the new food processors have self cleaning options, but not sure if I fully trust that).
Aside from the largest of ingredients which need to be cut up to allow the blades access to them, my blender has so far successfully taken on all challengers (ice, potatoes part boiled, nuts).
My favorite kitchen gizmo scores big on convenience as well, it lives in a draw, handy but off the kitchen surface, and is simple to wash, with the blade attachments even being dishwasher approved.
If you have not seen one a handheld blender is generally between 14 - 20 inches in length, with the electric motor housed within a specifically designed top end, that has been designed to easily fit within one hand, as well as allowing the fingers access to the various speed choices. Out of this top end the chopping, blending or whisking options can be fitted. With mine the blades are on the end of a 6 inch arm that allows the blender to be deeply immersed, within the food. Hand blenders tend to weigh between 2 - 5lbs so they are light enough for most people to use easily.
This really is great since it means you are able to blend, chop and mix food whilst it's in its original container, and even whilst it's still cooking. The clean up is really a piece of cake, simply push the eject button to release the attachments, which are all easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
You don't want to finish up wearing your blended food, and in this department these blenders have come on a ton. Between the splatter guard and the power controls, the food stays in the container, it is also possible to blend whilst wearing your smartest party dress for those who have to.
Development in battery technology mean that you can right now obtain cordless hand blenders, that is a brilliant step forward. I personally did not go for one of these, simply because I utilize mine so often that I didn't want to run the danger of requiring it, whilst it was re-charging.
A hand held or immersion blender costs from $20 to $500 for a super powerful bone mashing professional kitchen unit. I paid $80 got all the attachments I needed and am thrilled with mine.
For most of us that just plan to utilize your mini blender once in awhile for a soup, sauce, or dressing, there is not much need to spend more than $50. For an in your own home chef, $100-$150 can provide you additional power and finesse which you are looking for.
I certainly do not love my mixer more than my children. In order to read much more about
kitchenaid immersion hand blender or
kitchenaid immersion hand blender with chopper.