An immersion blender and a hand mixer are two essential but confusing kitchen appliances. While they both have similar functions, they are quite different. Which one do you need to buy; immersion blender vs hand mixer?
We will check these appliances closely to learn the differences between an immersion blender and a hand mixer. You will also understand how each of them works, what is used for, and their pros and cons. This will help you pick the most suitable that meets your needs.
Immersion Blender VS Hand Mixer: Difference in Details
An immersion blender is different from a hand mixer in terms of how it does its work and what it is used for. Let us look at each device in detail to understand more.
What Is It?
Immersion Blender:
Also referred to as a hand blender, an immersion blender is a handheld kitchen device that makes puree food or blend ingredients into liquids. An immersion blender has cutting blades located at the end of its shaft.
On the other end is an electric motor that drives the blades in a revolving manner while blending. The side with the blades is what you immerse into the bowl containing ingredients hence the word immersion blender.
Hand Mixer:
A hand mixer is an electric handheld device that mixes ingredients, whether wet or dry. You should plug it into a power outlet for it to work. It comprises two metal beaters on one end and a handle plus a motor on the other end. There are buttons to control speed and another one to eject the mixing blades.
Adjust the speed using the buttons to mix several food ingredients. Since it gets power from an electric wall outlet, it is more powerful than an immersion blender. When you compare the size of the immersion blender Vs hand mixer, a hand mixer is bigger.
How Does It Work?
Immersion Blender:
An immersion blender works more like a mixer. It works by placing it inside the food, in a bowl, turn it on to emulsify the food or to make a puree. It is perfect for making soups, puree, and sauces. Put your liquid into a bowl or a large enough pot to accommodate the immersion blender.
Second, insert the base part of the immersion blender into the ingredients. Start the device using the lowest speed setting. The blade rotates to break the food ingredients to make a liquid. Continue increasing the speed until all food chunks, including the top food, are broken down. Avoid using hard foods or ice in an immersion blender.
Hand Mixer:
First of all, read the manufacturer’s instructions before using any hand mixer. Next, insert the beaters, then plug the hand mixer in a wall socket. Place the beaters inside the food in a bowl. Up to this point, the speed of the mixer should be the slowest. Select the beater to use, then put the speed control button on.
Remember, the higher the speed, the faster the spinning rate. The motor receives the power and rotates the beaters to mix food. A hand mixer can work with different attachments such as twisted-wire beaters, flat beaters, dough hooks, single whisk, or straight-wire beaters.
Once done, change the speed to the lowest before unplugging the hand mixer. Unplug it from the wall socket, then eject the beaters safely.
What Is It Used for?
Immersion Blender:
An immersion blender is mostly used to chop foods and to make puree foods. This device blends a liquid that is too lumpy to make a smooth drink. Immersion blender beat eggs and whip food ingredients together as well as to chop food. Also, an immersion blender is used to make mayonnaise.
Hand Mixer:
On the other hand, a hand mixer whips food, beats, and mixes food ingredients. You can use it to make a salad and icing dressings, make dough, whip eggs or cream, and mix cake batters. A hand mixer comes with different types of beaters that allow you to carry out multiple tasks.
Ease of Use
Immersion Blender:
This device is lightweight, making it simple to hold and use. Also, the fact that it is handheld, it makes it easy to maneuver. You need to immerse it inside a pot with food and press on to blend. An immersion blender is easy to clean since you need warm soapy water plus a soft scrubber to clean.
Hand Mixer:
A hand mixer is more difficult to use compared to an immersion blender. The task is not that difficult, though. Just fix the right attachment and mix food. The motor is lightweight, making it simple to handle. Cleaning is also easy; use hot soapy water to clean the attachment, rinse then leave it to dry.
Pros and Cons
Immersion Blender
Hand Mixer
Immersion Blender Vs Hand Mixer: Do You Need Both?
Given that you now know the difference between an immersion blender and a hand mixer, you can comfortably choose what you want. Do you need both? The answer is yes. This is because you may be required to carry out some kitchen tasks that require an immersion blender and others that require a hand mixer. For example, if you want to make dough, a hand mixer is the perfect device.
On the other hand, an immersion blender is perfect for making smoothies, soups, and baby food. An immersion blender cannot make dough or make cake batters. It is, therefore, good to have both items.
Final Thoughts
Both an immersion blender and a hand mixer are great devices that you should have in your kitchen. Make sure you choose the best quality of these devices for better results. In case you are a soup and puree lover, an immersion blender is the best for you. If you need both, get them, now that you know the details concerning immersion blender Vs hand mixer.
