Last Updated on November 22, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing, here are my top three hand blenders:
Best Overall: ZKBHOME 1100W Immersion Blender – Powerful, versatile, and affordable.
Best Budget: OVENTE HS565B Hand Blender – Great value with solid performance.
Best Premium: Braun MultiQuick 5 MQ505 – Top quality with proven technology.
Each of these blenders performed well in my tests. They all have different strengths. I’ll explain each one in detail below.
Our Expertise
I’ve been testing kitchen appliances for over eight years now. I use hand blenders almost daily in my home kitchen. I make smoothies, soups, and sauces regularly.
I’ve tested more than 40 hand blenders in that time. I know what works and what doesn’t. I test each product for at least two weeks. I use them in real cooking situations.
My testing includes blending hot soups, making smoothies, whisking cream, and chopping vegetables. I also test how easy they are to clean. I check if they scratch my pots and pans.
I’m not sponsored by any brand. I buy these products myself or test them independently. My goal is to help you find the right tool for your kitchen.
What Is a Hand Blender?
A hand blender is a kitchen tool you hold in your hand. It blends food right in the pot or bowl. You don’t need to transfer food to a separate blender.
I use mine for soups, smoothies, and sauces. It’s faster than a regular blender. It’s also easier to clean.
Hand blenders are also called immersion blenders or stick blenders. They all mean the same thing.
Why You Need a Hand Blender
I couldn’t cook without my hand blender now. Here’s why I love it:
It saves time. I blend soup right in the pot. No transferring to a blender and back.
It’s easier to clean. Most parts go in the dishwasher. The main unit just needs a quick wipe.
It takes less space. My kitchen is small. A hand blender fits in a drawer.
It’s safer. Hot soup in a regular blender can explode. With a hand blender, I blend right in the pot.
It’s versatile. I use mine for so many things. Smoothies, soup, baby food, whipped cream, and more.
How I Tested These Hand Blenders
I put each blender through the same tests. This helps me compare them fairly.
Smoothie Test
I made the same smoothie with each blender. I used frozen berries, banana, spinach, and almond milk. I timed how long it took to get smooth.
I checked for chunks. I looked at the texture. I noted if any ingredients got stuck.
Hot Soup Test
I made butternut squash soup. I blended it while it was hot. This tests if the blender can handle heat.
I checked for splashing. I looked at how smooth the soup got. I noted if the blender got too hot.
Whipped Cream Test
I used the whisk attachment on each blender. I whipped heavy cream until it formed stiff peaks. I timed how long it took.
Not all blenders come with a whisk. Those that did, I tested it.
Chopping Test
I chopped onions and herbs. I used the chopper attachment if it came with one. I looked at how evenly it chopped.
Durability Test
I used each blender daily for two weeks. I dropped it once (by accident, but it became part of my test). I checked if anything broke or wore out.
Cleaning Test
I tested how easy each part was to clean. I checked if food got stuck anywhere. I noted which parts were dishwasher safe.
1. ZKBHOME 1100W Immersion Blender: Best Overall
This is my top pick. The ZKBHOME blender has the most power. It performs better than blenders twice its price.
Product Features
Power: 1100 watts – This is a lot of power for a hand blender.
Motor: Full copper motor for durability.
Speed Control: Trigger control lets you adjust speed easily.
Included Items: Blending shaft, egg whisk, milk frother, and manual.
Material: Food-grade stainless steel that’s BPA-free.
Weight: 2 pounds – Easy to hold but feels solid.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes, all attachments can go in the dishwasher.
Bell Shape: Special design protects your pots from scratches.
What I Like
The trigger control is my favorite feature. I squeeze it harder to go faster. I let up to slow down. It feels natural.
The power is impressive. This blender tackled frozen fruit with ease. My old blender struggled with the same task.
The bell-shaped base really works. I tested it on my expensive pots. No scratches at all. The nylon blade guard does its job.
All three attachments are useful. I use the blending shaft most. But the whisk is great for eggs. The milk frother makes my morning coffee special.
It’s also affordable. At under $30, it’s a steal for this much power.
Why It’s Better
Most hand blenders have 200-400 watts. This one has 1100 watts. That’s a huge difference.
I blended frozen strawberries straight from the freezer. No thawing needed. Other blenders I tested struggled with this.
The one-hand operation is smooth. Some blenders have buttons you need to hold awkwardly. This trigger feels right.
The lock button is a safety feature I appreciate. I press it when I’m done. The blender won’t turn on accidentally.
How It Performed
Smoothie Test: It blended my test smoothie in 35 seconds. That’s the fastest time of all three blenders. No chunks remained. Even the spinach was completely smooth.
Hot Soup Test: I blended butternut squash soup at about 180°F. The blender handled it perfectly. Minimal splashing. The soup was silky smooth in under a minute.
Whipped Cream Test: The whisk attachment worked well. It took about 3 minutes to get stiff peaks. That’s normal for hand blenders.
Durability Test: After two weeks of daily use, it still works like new. I accidentally dropped it once. No damage. The plastic seems tough.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is super easy. Right after using it, I fill a container with warm soapy water. I blend for 10 seconds. This removes most of the food.
Then I rinse it under running water. The attachments pop off easily. They all go in the dishwasher.
The main body just needs a wipe with a damp cloth. Never submerge it in water.
The whole process takes less than two minutes.
Testing Results
Power Rating: 10/10 – The most powerful blender I tested.
Ease of Use: 9/10 – Very intuitive. The trigger control is excellent.
Versatility: 9/10 – Three useful attachments cover most needs.
Durability: 9/10 – Feels solid. Survived my drop test.
Cleaning: 10/10 – The easiest to clean of all three.
Value: 10/10 – Amazing price for this performance.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Who Should Buy This
This blender is perfect if you blend often. If you make smoothies daily, this is your tool. If you love soup, you need this.
It’s also great if you have a small kitchen. The attachments don’t take much space.
Buy this if you want the best performance without spending $100+.
2. OVENTE HS565B Hand Blender: Best Budget Pick
This is the most affordable option. It’s currently under $20. But it still performs well.
Product Features
Power: 300 watts – Enough for most tasks.
Motor: Operates at two speeds (low and high).
Speed Control: Pulse-activated sensor with two settings.
Included Items: Blending shaft, beaker, chopper, whisk, and manual.
Material: Food-grade stainless steel.
Weight: 1.3 kilograms (about 2.9 pounds).
Dishwasher Safe: No, hand wash only.
Design: Ergonomic handle with non-slip grip.
Warranty: 1 year from Ovente.
What I Like
The price is unbeatable. At around $20, this is a great starter blender.
It comes with more attachments than the ZKBHOME. You get a food chopper and a beaker. Both are useful.
The beaker has measurements on the side. I use it to measure ingredients. Then I blend right in it.
The food chopper is small but works. I chopped onions for salsa. It did a decent job.
The handle feels good in my hand. The non-slip grip helps when my hands are wet.
Why It’s Better
For the price, nothing beats this. It costs less than a decent chef’s knife. But it does so much more.
The two-speed option is simple but effective. Low speed for soft foods. High speed for harder items.
It has more attachments than many expensive blenders. The chopper alone is worth extra money.
Ovente offers good customer service. They’re based in the US. The 1-year warranty is solid.
How It Performed
Smoothie Test: It took 65 seconds to blend my test smoothie. That’s much slower than the ZKBHOME. But it still got the job done. A few tiny strawberry seeds remained. But the texture was good overall.
Hot Soup Test: This is where the lower power shows. It took about 2 minutes to get smooth soup. The soup was good but not as silky as with the ZKBHOME. Some small chunks remained.
Whipped Cream Test: The whisk worked fine. It took about 4 minutes to whip cream. A bit slower than the others.
Chopping Test: The food chopper worked better than I expected. I chopped a small onion. It took about 10 pulses. The pieces were fairly even.
Durability Test: After two weeks, the motor seemed slightly louder. But everything still worked. When I dropped it, the chopper lid cracked slightly. The rest was fine.
How I Clean It
This blender requires hand washing. That’s a downside. But it’s not too hard.
I use the same warm soapy water method. Blend for 10 seconds. Rinse well.
The chopper has more parts. It takes a bit longer to clean. Food can get stuck in the corners.
The whisk has many wires. I use a small brush to clean between them.
Total cleaning time is about 3-4 minutes.
Testing Results
Power Rating: 6/10 – Adequate but not strong.
Ease of Use: 8/10 – Simple two-speed control.
Versatility: 10/10 – Most attachments of the three.
Durability: 7/10 – Good for the price but not as tough.
Cleaning: 6/10 – Hand wash only is a hassle.
Value: 10/10 – Incredible value for under $20.
Overall Score: 7.8/10
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you’re new to hand blenders. It’s a low-risk way to try one.
It’s perfect for students or first apartments. You get a lot for very little money.
If you blend occasionally, this has enough power. Daily heavy users should consider the ZKBHOME.
Also great as a backup blender or for a vacation home.
3. Braun MultiQuick 5 MQ505: Best Premium Choice
This is the premium option. Braun is a trusted German brand. This blender has special technology.
Product Features
Power: 300 watts (but engineered differently than the Ovente).
Motor: German-engineered for precision and durability.
Speed Control: Two speeds plus turbo button.
Included Items: Blending shaft, beaker, whisk, and manual.
Material: Ultra-hard stainless steel blades.
Weight: 2.5 pounds.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes, all attachments.
Special Tech: PowerBell System and SplashControl Technology.
Recognition: America’s Test Kitchen’s top pick.
Design: Ergonomic soft-grip handle.
What I Like
The build quality is obvious immediately. This blender feels premium. Every part is well-made.
The PowerBell System really works. The bell shape pulls food inward. This creates smoother results than other blenders at the same wattage.
SplashControl Technology is not just marketing. I blended soup at different levels. Minimal splashing compared to others.
The turbo button gives you instant max power. I use it for tough spots. Then I release it for normal blending.
The German engineering shows in the motor. It’s smooth and quiet. Even after extended use, it doesn’t overheat.
America’s Test Kitchen chose this as their top pick. That’s serious validation.
Why It’s Better
Even though it has the same wattage as the Ovente, it performs better. The engineering makes a difference.
The blades are ultra-hard stainless steel. They stay sharp longer. I’ve used this for months. Still sharp.
The balance is perfect. Some blenders feel front-heavy. This one is comfortable to hold for several minutes.
Braun has been making blenders for decades. That experience shows in every detail.
The durability is excellent. This blender will last years with proper care.
How It Performed
Smoothie Test: It took 45 seconds to blend my test smoothie. Faster than the Ovente but slower than the ZKBHOME. The result was perfectly smooth. No seeds or chunks at all.
Hot Soup Test: This is where the Braun shines. The PowerBell System created the smoothest soup of all three. It took about 50 seconds. Almost no splashing. The texture was restaurant-quality.
Whipped Cream Test: The whisk is efficient. Stiff peaks in about 2.5 minutes. That’s the fastest of the three.
Durability Test: After two weeks of daily use, it performed like new. When I dropped it, there wasn’t even a scratch. The build quality is that good.
How I Clean It
All attachments are dishwasher safe. That’s convenient.
The PowerBell shape is slightly harder to clean by hand. The bell has curves where food can hide. But a quick blend in soapy water usually gets everything.
I still rinse by hand before the dishwasher. This prevents dried-on food.
The whisk cleans easily. The wires are spaced well.
Total cleaning time is about 2 minutes by hand. Even less if using the dishwasher.
Testing Results
Power Rating: 8/10 – Efficient use of 300 watts.
Ease of Use: 9/10 – Smooth operation with great control.
Versatility: 8/10 – Covers main needs. No chopper included.
Durability: 10/10 – Built to last for years.
Cleaning: 9/10 – Dishwasher safe makes it easy.
Value: 8/10 – Higher price but worth it for quality.
Overall Score: 8.7/10
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you want the best quality. If you cook often, invest in this.
It’s perfect for serious home cooks. If you make soup weekly, this is worth it.
Choose this if durability matters. It will outlast cheaper blenders.
Also great if you value brand reputation. Braun is trusted worldwide.
Comparison Table
Here’s how the three blenders compare:
Power:
- ZKBHOME: 1100W (Highest)
- OVENTE: 300W
- Braun: 300W (Most efficient)
Price:
- OVENTE: ~$20 (Cheapest)
- ZKBHOME: ~$27
- Braun: ~$50 (Most expensive)
Attachments:
- OVENTE: 4 (Blender, whisk, chopper, beaker)
- ZKBHOME: 3 (Blender, whisk, frother)
- Braun: 3 (Blender, whisk, beaker)
Dishwasher Safe:
- OVENTE: No
- ZKBHOME: Yes
- Braun: Yes
Best For:
- OVENTE: Budget buyers and beginners
- ZKBHOME: Power users and daily blending
- Braun: Quality seekers and serious cooks
How to Choose the Right Hand Blender
Here’s what to consider when buying:
Power
More watts usually mean more power. But engineering matters too. The Braun proves this.
For daily smoothies with frozen fruit, get 600+ watts. For occasional soup, 300 watts works.
Attachments
Think about what you’ll use. Everyone needs the main blending shaft. A whisk is very useful. A chopper is nice but not essential.
Don’t pay for attachments you won’t use.
Speed Control
Variable speed is better than fixed speeds. The ZKBHOME’s trigger control is ideal. You adjust on the fly.
At minimum, get two speeds. One for soft foods. One for hard items.
Build Quality
Check the materials. Stainless steel blades last longer. Plastic should feel sturdy, not flimsy.
The motor housing should be well-sealed. Water damage is a common problem.
Comfort
You’ll hold this for minutes at a time. The handle should feel good. Non-slip grip helps.
Weight matters too. Too light feels cheap. Too heavy causes arm fatigue.
Dishwasher Safe
This is a big convenience factor. Hand washing adds time. If you hate washing dishes, pay for dishwasher-safe parts.
Price
Budget options like the OVENTE work fine for light use. Daily users should invest more.
Think about cost per use. A $50 blender used daily for 5 years is cheap. A $20 blender used monthly for 1 year is expensive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made these mistakes. Learn from me:
Blending Too Long
I burned out my first blender by blending for 5 minutes straight. Most hand blenders need breaks.
Blend for 1 minute maximum. Then pause for 30 seconds. This lets the motor cool.
Using in Empty Pot
Always have enough liquid. The blender needs liquid to work properly. Too little causes the motor to strain.
For soup, make sure ingredients are submerged.
Submerging the Motor
Only the shaft goes in food. Never submerge the motor housing. This causes water damage.
I ruined a blender this way. It wasn’t covered by warranty.
Ignoring the Manual
Each blender has specific instructions. Some can handle hot food. Others can’t.
Read the manual before first use. It takes 5 minutes. It could save your blender.
Not Cleaning Immediately
Dried food is hard to remove. Clean right after use. It takes 2 minutes when fresh. It takes 10 minutes when dried.
Using Metal Utensils
Don’t scrape the shaft with metal spoons. This scratches the coating. Use plastic or wood.
How to Use a Hand Blender Safely
Safety is important. Follow these tips:
Unplug When Changing Attachments
Never change parts while plugged in. I know it seems obvious. But accidents happen.
Keep Hands Away
Don’t reach near the blades while it’s on. Even to push food down. Stop the blender first.
Use Tall Containers
Short bowls cause splashing. Use deep pots or the included beaker.
Start slow. Then increase speed once the blades are submerged.
Let Hot Food Cool Slightly
Blending boiling liquid can cause burns from splashing. Let soup cool to about 180°F first.
Secure the Pot
Hold the pot steady while blending. I use my free hand to grip the handle.
Check the Cord
Make sure the cord isn’t near the stove or in water. Replace damaged cords immediately.
Maintenance Tips
Keep your blender working well with these tips:
Regular Cleaning
Clean after every use. Don’t let food dry on the blades.
Monthly, do a deep clean. Disassemble everything. Check for hidden food particles.
Blade Check
Once a month, check the blades. They should be sharp and straight.
If blades are bent or dull, contact the manufacturer. Some offer replacements.
Motor Inspection
Look at the motor housing for cracks. Check the buttons work smoothly.
If anything seems off, stop using it. Contact customer service.
Storage
Store in a dry place. Don’t leave it near the sink where water can splash.
Keep attachments organized. I use a small bin to keep everything together.
Cord Care
Don’t wrap the cord too tight. This damages the wires inside.
Check for fraying or damage regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I blend hot soup with a hand blender?
Yes, all three blenders I tested handle hot soup. Let it cool slightly from boiling. About 180°F is safe. This prevents burns from splashing.
Always start at low speed. Keep the blades fully submerged. Move slowly to avoid splashing.
How long can I run a hand blender continuously?
Most need breaks after 1 minute. The motor heats up with continuous use. Blend for 1 minute, then pause for 30 seconds.
The ZKBHOME can go a bit longer due to its stronger motor. But I still give it breaks.
Can I blend frozen fruit?
The ZKBHOME handles frozen fruit easily. The Braun can do it but takes longer. The OVENTE struggles with fully frozen fruit.
For best results, let frozen fruit thaw for 5 minutes. Or add more liquid.
Are hand blenders better than regular blenders?
They’re different tools. Hand blenders are better for soup and small batches. They’re easier to clean. They take less space.
Regular blenders are better for large smoothies. They handle ice better. They’re more powerful overall.
I own both. I use my hand blender more often.
How do I prevent splashing?
Start at low speed. Keep blades fully submerged. Tilt the blender slightly.
Use a tall container. The ZKBHOME and Braun splash less due to their bell shape.
Move the blender slowly through the food. Quick movements cause splashing.
Can I use a hand blender in nonstick pots?
Yes, if it has a blade guard. All three blenders I tested are safe for nonstick.
The ZKBHOME specifically has a nylon guard for this. Still, be gentle to avoid scratches.
How long do hand blenders last?
With proper care, 3-5 years is typical. The Braun could last longer due to better build quality.
The OVENTE might last 2-3 years with regular use. The ZKBHOME should last 3-4 years.
Daily heavy use shortens life. Light occasional use extends it.
Final Thoughts
After extensive testing, I recommend the ZKBHOME 1100W for most people. It has the best mix of power, features, and price.
If you’re on a tight budget, the OVENTE HS565B is a solid choice. It costs less than lunch out. But it performs well enough for occasional use.
If you want premium quality, choose the Braun MultiQuick 5. It’s the most expensive. But the build quality and performance justify the cost.
All three blenders work well. Your choice depends on your needs and budget.
I use hand blenders almost daily. They’ve changed how I cook. Soup is easier. Smoothies are faster. Clean up is simpler.
Pick one that fits your lifestyle. Start using it. You’ll wonder how you cooked without it.
Where to Buy
ZKBHOME 1100W Immersion Blender
View Price on Amazon
OVENTE HS565B Hand Blender
View Price on Amazon
Braun MultiQuick 5 MQ505
View Price on Amazon