Immersion Blender: Is It Worth The Storage Space?

Learn why an immersion blender—aka stick or hand-held blender—might become one of your favorite small kitchen appliances.

If you have a small kitchen, you know storage space can be a challenge. You have to reserve premium counter and cabinet real estate for items you use regularly. And you regulate other appliances to hard-to-reach nooks and crannies—or distant closets and storage areas.

I’m well versed in prioritizing kitchen gadgets in terms of spaceworthiness. When we developed the habit of using prepackaged microwave popcorn, I sold our air popcorn popper in a yard sale. I regretted that decision and had to buy another one, but hey, you live and learn. After transitioning to a predominantly plant-based diet, I convinced my husband we didn’t need our George Foreman rotisserie. It is now housed in the unlikely location of a downstairs bathroom closet. And when my daughter was diagnosed with a wheat allergy, my beloved bread machine lost its countertop place of honor. It now resides with the rotisserie.

So, I thought long and hard before I added an immersion blender to our mix of appliances. I had a food processor and a Vitamix high-speed blender—why did I need an immersion blender?

Need vs. Want

Like I tell my children, there is a difference between want and need. Just because you want something doesn’t mean you need it. Did I need an immersion blender? No. Did I want one? Well, after slopping hot soup on myself one too many times when transferring between pot and Vitamix, I decided, yes, I wanted an immersion blender. It would answer my soup-pureeing woes.

I dutifully researched, hopping onto Amazon.com and searching for a model that wasn’t too expensive and received good reviews. While I could appreciate the convenience of a cordless blender, I opted for a corded model. My experience with other cordless devices—such as vacuums and electric shavers—had been less than satisfactory. So, I feared it would be the same with a blender. There’s nothing worse than expecting to go full speed and have a device peter out because it needs to be charged…

Breville Immersion Blender

I ordered a Cuisinart CSB-76W SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender. True to many online shopping experiences, I was a little surprised when I opened the package. When assembled, the blender was larger than I had expected, and I started to second-guess my decision. I pondered where to store the device. Fortunately, I soon discovered the two parts were slender enough to fit in a drawer with a little extra space. I found a home for its plastic beaker in a slightly less accessible cabinet.

The ability to detach the stainless steel blending shaft is convenient for storing—and adding the shaft to the dishwasher. I do love fast and easy cleanup.

My Cuisinart blender served me well for many years. But it wore out eventually, and I took that as an opportunity to upgrade to a fancier model by Breville. The chopping bowl has been indispensable.

Ways to Use an Immersion Blender

Since I have a high-speed blender and food processor, I tend to use my immersion blender for the following tasks:

1. Pureeing Soups

The ability to puree soup right in the cooking pot was the main reason I wanted an immersion blender. I haven’t been disappointed with the results. You can easily blend soup as much or as little as desired. Add a few bursts to thicken chunky soup or blend continuously for a smooth puree like the Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Soup pictured above. Can you get the same results with a high-speed blender? Yes, but expect a few extra dirty dishes and potential burns if you are clumsy like me.

2. Blending Sauces and Dressings

Can you blend sauces and dressings in a high-speed blender like the Vitamix? Yes, but sometimes I would equate it with using a sledgehammer to drive in a finishing nail. The blender is the perfect tool for preparing simple dressings like the recipe I shared with my Perfect Green salad. And, if I’m feeling especially lazy, I can store the leftover dressing in the blender’s plastic beaker in the fridge!

3. Mashing Potatoes and More

An immersion blender can make short work of mashed potatoes. I find it especially helpful when you want extra smooth potatoes to top off shepherd’s pie. Just be sure you don’t overdo it, or the potatoes will become “gummy.” I also use the immersion blender for other kinds of mashing—like the lentil taco “meat” pictured above from my Lentil Taco Salad recipe.

Final Thoughts

Is an immersion blender worth precious kitchen storage space? I say yes! Furthermore, if you have a particularly small kitchen, you may want to choose a hand-held immersion blender instead of a large high-speed blender or food processor. Or you could go with a hybrid—like the Breville All-In-One Processing Station—that combines the best of blending and food processing in an all-in-one storage-saving device.

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