Most, if not all of us spend quite some considerable time in the kitchen preparing our food, so any gadget which can speed up this process or make it easier is always welcomed. One such gadget which is used by professional chefs everywhere is an immersion blender or otherwise known as a hand blender. This simple little tool is used in a pot and makes chopping, pureeing, whisking, mixing, and grating easy to do and trouble-free. These kitchen appliances shouldn't be confused with hand mixers as they don't have the ability to chop the food. Let's take a more detailed look to find out why these hand blenders have become so popular.
Designed for the Future
Most of these hand blenders have a sleek state-of-the-art appearance and in many cases they are designed ergonomically. This will ensure that the handle will sit comfortably in the hand. From the handle protrudes the shaft which is usually about 10 to 12 inches long. This is so it can reach into the deepest of pots. For safety, a maximum line is usually marked on the side, so the user won't submerge the hand blender beyond its capabilities. On the end of the shaft is the blade which is housed in a blade guard to prevent any injury.
Multi-Functional
Many of these hand blenders can do more than what's expected because they come with different attachable heads. These can be used to chop, froth, beat, whisk, and in some models, to even grind coffee and spices. With a hand blender, you'll be able to make soups, chop vegetables, and even puree baby food. This is especially useful for those who are constantly on the go with little or no time for preparation and cleaning. Some of these models also come with a separate jar designed especially for making the chopping and mixing easier.
Easy to Operate
Operating a hand blender is very easy and their portability allows them to be used anywhere in the kitchen. Some models are cordless, whereas others are battery operated. The more expensive battery operated models can run continuously for up to nearly 20 minutes before needing to be recharged. These blenders can easily be submerged in a number of different pots and can even be used directly into a pot cooking on the stove.
Some models have at least six speeds, and one of the top-of-the-range models even has a turbo, which results in the blending being done in seconds. Even with the faster models compared to a regular blender, hand blenders are extremely quiet with the motor being completely enclosed inside the handle's casing. A few of the higher priced models also come with a digital display built into their handle, so operating them is clear and easy.
Easy Cleaning
Hand blenders are very easy to clean because they are designed simply with no extra parts. The handles can be easily wiped, and the shaft and blade can be immersed in water, which has been mixed with detergent and switched on. Some of them come with attachments that can be placed straight into a dishwasher.
Easy Storage and Accessibility
Some hand blenders come with wall brackets, which will allow easy storage. This also makes them very accessible for those working in the kitchen. Some of these wall brackets can also double as a recharger, so there's no need to have wires running loose around the kitchen.
A Chef's Best Friend
Choosing the right hand blender for your needs is important, with the price ranging from very cheap for a basic model to more expensive for a blender which will give you many added benefits and extra power. Whichever blender you choose, you'll be guaranteeing yourself ease and practicality in the kitchen which you wouldn't have had before. You'll be left wondering how you ever survived for so long without one of these electric hand blenders.