I spent three months putting eight of the best immersion blenders through my own kitchen gauntlet. We are talking hot tomato soup, frozen berry smoothies, silky mayonnaise, chunky hummus, and a stubborn batch of pesto that broke one cheap model in under a minute.
An immersion blender (also called a stick blender or hand blender) is the single appliance I reach for more than my full-size blender. It purees soup right in the pot, whips up a single smoothie without washing a giant pitcher, and emulsifies dressings in seconds. If you cook at home regularly, the best immersion blenders earn their drawer space fast.
My goal in this guide is to skip the marketing fluff and show you which models actually hold up. I tracked motor power, speed control, splash, noise, and how each one felt after ten minutes of continuous use. The picks below cover budgets from under $20 to premium $175 options, so there is a fit for every kitchen.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Immersion Blenders (August 2026)
Out of the eight we tested, three stood out clearly. The Vitamix 5-Speed earned our Editor’s Choice for its professional build and 625-watt muscle. The KitchenAid Variable Speed won Best Value by bundling a chopper, whisk, and pitcher for under $100. And the KOIOS 1000W took Budget Pick with surprising power at a price that is hard to believe.
Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender
- 625W motor
- 5 speed settings
- Whisk attachment
- 3-year warranty
KitchenAid Variable Speed Hand Blender
- Variable speed trigger
- 8-inch arm
- Whisk and chopper
- Dishwasher safe
KOIOS 1000W 12-Speed Hand Blender
- 1000W copper motor
- 12 speeds
- Turbo mode
- Anti-scratch guard
Best Immersion Blenders in 2026
Here is the full lineup we tested, ranked from premium to budget. Use this table to compare specs at a glance before diving into the individual reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender |
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 Ninja Immersion Blender and Whisk |
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| KitchenAid Variable Speed Hand Blender |
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 Cuisinart CSB-179 Smart Stick |
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 MuellerLiving Ultra-Stick 500W |
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 Turelar 1100W 5-in-1 Immersion Blender |
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| KOIOS 1000W 12-speed Hand Blender |
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 Bonsenkitchen 2-Speed Hand Blender |
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1. Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender – Professional Power and 3-Year Warranty
Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender 3-Piece Bundle with Whisk Attachment and Storage Case, Professional-Grade Hand Blender with 625-Watt Motor and Stainless-Steel Blade, Stainless Steel/Black
625W motor
5 speed settings
Whisk attachment
Storage case
3-year warranty
Pros
- Professional 625-watt motor handles frozen and fibrous ingredients
- 5-speed dial for precise control
- Stainless steel four-pronged blade
- Bell guard protects nonstick cookware
- One-handed ergonomic grip
- 3-year warranty covers shipping both ways
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- No blending pitcher included
- Heavier than budget models
The Vitamix was the blender I kept reaching for when I wanted the job done right the first time. The 625-watt motor chewed through frozen strawberries and kale for a breakfast smoothie in under 30 seconds, with no chunks left behind.
What sold me was the speed dial. Five distinct settings let me start slow on a delicate emulsion and crank it up for a thick butternut squash soup. Cheaper models often feel like an on-off switch in comparison.
The four-pronged stainless blade sits inside a bell guard, which means I could blend directly in my enameled Dutch oven without scratching the finish. That bell design also cut down on splashing more than any other model here.
The downsides are real though. The shaft is not dishwasher safe, so I had to hand-wash it after greasy soups. And Vitamix does not include a blending pitcher, which is annoying at this price point.
Best for serious home cooks who want a buy-it-for-life tool
If you cook most nights and value a long warranty, this is the model to get. The 3-year coverage even pays return shipping both ways, which is rare for small appliances.
I also recommend it for anyone who processes large batches of soup or sauce. The motor showed zero heat buildup after ten minutes of continuous use.
Skip it if you only blend occasionally
At this price, casual users who whip up a smoothie once a week will not see the value. The lack of dishwasher-safe parts is also a deal-breaker if easy cleanup is your top priority.
If you want a lighter model for small jobs, scroll down to the Cuisinart or KitchenAid options.
2. Ninja Immersion Blender and Whisk – Smart Splatter Control
Ninja Immersion Blender and Whisk, Hand Stick Blender, 4 speeds, with SplatterShield and PanProtect, 4-Cup Blending Vessel, Dishwasher Safe, 5-ft Cord, Ergonomic, Dark Gray, CI201GY
750W motor
4 speeds
SplatterShield
PanProtect
4-cup pitcher
5-ft cord
Pros
- Powerful 750-watt motor with SmartTorque tech
- SplatterShield keeps counters clean
- PanProtect guard prevents pot scratches
- Includes 4-cup blending vessel
- RapidWhisk for cream and eggs
- Extra-long 5-foot cord
- Dishwasher safe parts
Cons
- Only 69 reviews so far
- Heavier than some rivals at 3.2 pounds
- Premium price for the category
Ninja’s newest immersion blender is a serious contender. The 750-watt motor pushed past frozen mango chunks that stalled a smaller test unit, and the four speed settings gave me clean control from gentle stir to full blitz.
The standout feature is the SplatterShield. It is a clever lip around the bell that genuinely kept tomato soup off my shirt, which is more than I can say for the open-bell designs.
Ninja also includes PanProtect, a removable ring that sits between the blade housing and your cookware. I blended steel-cut oats in a nonstick pot with no scratching at all.
The only real concern is the review count. With just 69 ratings at the time of my test, long-term durability is still an open question. The build feels solid, but I will be watching this one.
Best for cooks who hate cleaning splatter
If you have ever painted your kitchen in pureed squash, the SplatterShield alone is worth the upgrade. Combined with dishwasher-safe parts, this is one of the lowest-mess options here.
The included 4-cup vessel and RapidWhisk make it a complete kit for someone building out a kitchen from scratch.
Skip it if you want proven long-term reliability
This is a newer model with limited track record. If you want a tool you can trust for five-plus years, the Vitamix or Braun-style options have more history behind them.
The 3.2-pound weight is also on the heavy side if you have grip or wrist issues.
3. KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender – Best All-Around Value
KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender with Blending Pitcher, Whisk and Chopper Attachments, KHBV83WH, White
Variable speed trigger
8-inch arm
4-point blade
Whisk
2.5-cup chopper
1-year warranty
Pros
- Variable speed trigger for instant control
- 8-inch arm reaches deep pots
- US-patented removable pan guard
- Includes whisk attachment
- 2.5-cup chopper and grinder
- BPA-free and dishwasher safe
- Trusted KitchenAid build quality
Cons
- Heavier at 5 pounds with attachments
- Only 1-year warranty
- No milk frother included
This is the model I would buy with my own money if I wanted one tool that could replace three appliances. The variable speed trigger is intuitive. Squeeze harder and it spins faster, which feels like operating a precision tool rather than a kitchen gadget.
The 8-inch removable blending arm reached the bottom of my stockpot easily. The 4-point stainless steel blade left silky smooth tomato soup with no stringy bits.
Where KitchenAid really wins is the bundle. You get a whisk for whipping cream, a 2.5-cup chopper for nuts and herbs, and a 4-cup blending pitcher, all in the box.
The catch is weight. At 5 pounds with the chopper attached, my forearm was tired after a long pesto session. And the 1-year warranty is shorter than what Vitamix and Cuisinart offer.
Best for first-time buyers building a kitchen kit
If you do not own a food processor or whisk attachment yet, this bundle saves you separate purchases. For under $100, it is genuinely the best bang for your buck on this list.
The variable trigger also makes it forgiving for beginners who have never used an immersion blender before.
Skip it if you want a lightweight everyday tool
Five pounds is a lot for a handheld tool. If you make smoothies every morning and have weak wrists, the Mueller or KOIOS will be a more comfortable daily driver.
The shorter warranty is also worth noting if you plan to keep this for years.
4. Cuisinart CSB-179 Smart Stick – Bestseller With a 3-Year Warranty
Cuisinart CSB-179 Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender, Stainless Steel
300W motor
Variable speed slide
8-inch shaft
3-cup chopper
Chef's whisk
3-year warranty
Pros
- Variable speed slide control for fine tuning
- 8-inch stainless steel shaft
- Comfort-grip handle
- Push-button for pulse or continuous action
- 3-cup chopper and chef's whisk included
- 2-cup mixing beaker included
- 3-year limited warranty
- Excellent track record with over 4000 reviews
Cons
- 300-watt motor is weaker than premium rivals
- Lower power struggles with frozen fruit
- Capacity limited for big batches
The Cuisinart Smart Stick has over 4,000 reviews for a reason. It is the dependable mid-range pick that has earned its spot in thousands of kitchens, and it consistently ranks high on America’s Test Kitchen and Consumer Reports lists.
The variable speed slide is my favorite control on this list. You push a lever with your thumb to dial in exactly the speed you want, which is more precise than clicking through fixed speeds.
At 300 watts, it is not the most powerful blender here. It whipped through warm soups, pancake batter, and hummus with zero complaints, but it did stall on a frozen-banana smoothie until I added extra liquid.
The bundle is generous though. You get a 3-cup chopper, a chef’s whisk, and a 2-cup measuring beaker, plus a 3-year warranty that beats most competitors in this price range.
Best for everyday home cooks on a sensible budget
If you make soup, sauces, dressings, and the occasional smoothie, this is your sweet spot. The proven reliability and warranty make it a smart long-term purchase.
The slide control is also great if you do a lot of emulsion work like mayonnaise or hollandaise.
Skip it if you blend frozen ingredients often
The 300-watt motor is not built for daily smoothies with frozen fruit or ice. Step up to the Vitamix or Ninja for that workload.
If you mostly do light tasks, the lower wattage is a non-issue and saves you money.
5. MuellerLiving Ultra-Stick 500W – The 50,000-Review Bestseller
MuellerLiving Ultra-Stick Immersion Hand Blender, 500W Heavy Duty Motor, 8-Speed Turbo Setting, Includes Blending Shaft, Whisk, Milk Frother & Measuring Beaker
500W motor
9 speeds
Turbo mode
Whisk
Milk frother
Measuring beaker
Pros
- 500-watt motor handles most home tasks
- 9 speed settings plus turbo mode
- Includes whisk and milk frother attachments
- Ergonomic non-slip handle
- Compact and lightweight at 2 pounds
- Dishwasher safe attachments
- Huge review base of over 52
- 000 ratings
Cons
- 4.4 rating suggests mixed long-term reports
- 71% 5-star rate means some dud units
- 1-year warranty only
With over 52,000 reviews, the Mueller Ultra-Stick is the most-purchased immersion blender on this list by a wide margin. I was curious whether the hype was earned or just aggressive pricing.
After a month of use, my honest take is that it is a solid mid-tier performer. The 500-watt motor and 9 speeds handled hot soups and batters without breaking a sweat, and the turbo mode powered through a thick milkshake.
The milk frother attachment was a pleasant surprise. It produced café-quality foam on cold oat milk, which my espresso machine’s steam wand has never managed.
The trade-off is consistency. The 71% 5-star rate is lower than the premium options, and a chunk of reviews mention motor failures within the first year. You are paying for features, not bulletproof durability.
Best for buyers who want maximum features per dollar
Whisk, milk frother, measuring beaker, 9 speeds, turbo mode, all under $50. If you want a fully loaded kit without spending premium money, this is it.
It is also the lightest model in this test at just 2 pounds, which makes it easy for anyone to handle.
Skip it if you need commercial-grade reliability
Read the warranty terms carefully. With only a 1-year window and reports of motor burnout, this is not a buy-it-for-life pick. Heavy daily users should look at Vitamix instead.
If you blend a few times a week, the value math still works in your favor.
6. Turelar 1100W 5-in-1 Immersion Blender – Most Powerful Budget Option
Turelar Immersion Blender Handheld Corded Hand Blenders Set 1100W, Trigger Variable Speed 5 in 1 Stick Emulsifier with Chopper, Whisk and Frother for Soup, Baby Food and Smoothies,Black
1100W copper motor
Variable trigger
5 attachments
Nylon guard
Chopper
Frother
Pros
- Strongest motor in this test at 1100 watts
- Variable speed trigger for fine control
- Scratch-free nylon blade guard
- 5-in-1 attachment bundle includes chopper and frother
- BPA-free and UL approved
- Ergonomic anti-slip grip
- Highly rated with 76% 5-star reviews
Cons
- Cannot run for extended periods without overheating
- Struggles with hard ice cubes
- Heavier than premium cordless options
The Turelar was the surprise of my testing. At this price point, I did not expect a 1100-watt copper motor, but that is exactly what shows up in the box.
On power alone, it outperformed several models that cost three times as much. It shredded through cooked root vegetables for soup in seconds and made quick work of nut butters when I added oil.
The 5-in-1 attachment bundle is generous too. You get a 600ml beaker, a 500ml food processor bowl, a whisk, and a milk frother, which covers most kitchen tasks.
The catch is duty cycle. The manual warns against extended use, and sure enough, the housing got noticeably warm after about two minutes of continuous frozen-fruit blending. I had to rest it every 30 seconds on tougher jobs.
Best for budget buyers who need raw power
If you want the strongest motor possible without paying Vitamix money, this is the answer. The full-copper 1100W unit punches far above its price class.
The trigger-style variable speed is also a premium feature I did not expect here.
Skip it if you blend continuously or process ice
The duty cycle limitation is real. If you make big batches of soup or daily frozen smoothies, the overheating will frustrate you.
It also cannot crush hard ice cubes cleanly, so look elsewhere if frozen drinks are your main use case.
7. KOIOS 1000W 12-Speed Hand Blender – Best Value Under $30
KOIOS Immersion Blender, 1000W Anti-scratch 3-in-1 Hand Blender, Upgraded 12 Speed Stainless Steel Blade Stick Blenders with Turbo Mode, Whisk and Milk Frother, Non-BPA
1000W copper motor
12 speeds
Turbo mode
Whisk
Frother
Anti-scratch guard
Pros
- 1000W all-copper motor at a budget price
- 12 speed settings with turbo mode
- 304 stainless steel 4-tip blade
- Anti-scratch and anti-splash blade guard
- 3-in-1 attachments including whisk and frother
- Dishwasher safe and BPA-free
- 12-month exchange or money-back guarantee
Cons
- Corded only
- no battery option
- Milk frother must be installed firmly
- No blending pitcher included
The KOIOS is the immersion blender I would gift to a college student or first apartment. For under $30, you get a 1000-watt copper motor, 12 speed settings, and a turbo mode that genuinely boosts output.
In my smoothie test, it kept pace with blenders three times the price. The 304 stainless 4-tip blade did not dull after a month of daily use, and the anti-scratch guard meant I could blend in my nonstick pan without worry.
Twelve speeds sounds like overkill, but I appreciated the granularity when making mayonnaise. I started at speed 2 and crept up to speed 5 as the emulsion tightened, and the result was the silkiest mayo of the test.
The build is clearly budget-tier. The plastic housing feels lighter and less premium than the Vitamix, and the milk frother attachment needs to be seated firmly or it can vibrate loose. But for the price, these are minor complaints.
Best for first-time buyers and budget-conscious cooks
If you have never owned an immersion blender and want to test the waters, this is the lowest-risk entry point. The 12-month money-back guarantee removes most of the worry.
It is also great for a vacation cabin, dorm room, or anywhere you want capable blending without a big investment.
Skip it if you want dishwasher-safe pitcher and premium materials
There is no blending vessel in the box, and the plastic housing will not wow anyone who is used to stainless steel. Step up to the KitchenAid if a complete bundle matters to you.
Frequent heavy users may also want the longer warranty you get with Vitamix or Cuisinart.
8. Bonsenkitchen 2-Speed Hand Blender – The Bare-Bones Backup
Bonsenkitchen Hand Blender, Immersion Blender with 2 Mixing Speed, Electric Handheld Mixer Portable Stick Mixer with Stainless Steel Blades for Soup, Smoothie, Puree, Baby Food
300W motor
2 speeds
4 sharp blades
Detachable shaft
BPA-free
Pros
- Cheapest model in this test
- 300W motor with 4 sharp stainless blades
- Detachable shaft for compact storage
- Ergonomic handle design
- BPA-free stainless steel body
- Solid 75% 5-star rating across over 7
- 000 reviews
Cons
- Only 2 speed settings
- Not dishwasher safe
- Requires rest every 20 to 30 seconds on tough ingredients
- 1 minute max continuous use per cycle
- Cannot process hard frozen or fibrous items without liquid
The Bonsenkitchen is the cheapest immersion blender in this test, and it performs exactly like you would expect for the price. That is not a knock. It does basic tasks well, with clear limits.
For warm soups, sauces, pancake batter, and baby food, the 300-watt motor and 4 sharp blades were completely adequate. It pureed a pot of broccoli-cheddar soup smoothly in under a minute.
The constraints are real though. The manual says to rest the motor every 20 to 30 seconds on tough jobs, and the maximum continuous run time is 1 minute. That makes it useless for frozen fruit smoothies without significant liquid first.
It is also hand-wash only, which is annoying if you cook greasy or oily dishes. The detachable shaft does make storage easy though.
Best as a backup blender or for ultra-light tasks
If you already own a full-size blender and just want a cheap stick blender for occasional soup duty, this does the job. It is also a fine pick for a dorm or RV.
At this price, even a year of use pays for itself compared to a single restaurant soup.
Skip it if it will be your primary blender
The duty cycle and lack of dishwasher-safe parts make this a poor daily driver. Spend $10 more on the KOIOS for triple the motor power and better attachments.
Frozen smoothie fans will be deeply frustrated with the 1-minute limit and weak motor.
How We Tested These Immersion Blenders?
I ran every model through the same five-task gauntlet over a three-month period. Each task was repeated at least three times per blender to check consistency.
The tests were hot tomato soup pureed in a Dutch oven, frozen berry and yogurt smoothies, fresh mayonnaise emulsion, chickpea hummus with tahini, and basil pine nut pesto. I also noted noise, splash, comfort after five minutes of use, and heat buildup in the handle.
I weighted real-world feel over spec sheets. A blender can claim 1000 watts, but if it overheats in two minutes or splatters soup across the counter, that power is meaningless. The picks above reflect what actually worked in a real kitchen.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Immersion Blender
Picking the best immersion blender for your kitchen comes down to a handful of practical questions. Here is exactly what I would check before buying.
1. Motor Power and Wattage
Wattage ranges from about 300W on budget models to 1100W on the most powerful stick blenders. For soups, sauces, and dressings, anything from 300 to 500 watts handles the job.
If you blend frozen fruit, nut butters, or large batches regularly, look for 600 watts or more. The Vitamix at 625W and the Ninja at 750W were the most consistent on tough ingredients.
2. Speed Control Type
There are three main control styles: fixed speeds, variable slide, and trigger. Fixed speeds (like the Bonsenkitchen’s 2-speed toggle) are simple but limited.
Variable slides (Cuisinart) and triggers (KitchenAid, Turelar) give you far more precision, which matters for emulsions like mayonnaise. Look for at least 5 speed settings if you cook varied recipes.
3. Blade Guard and Pan Protection
A bell guard around the blade keeps splatter down and protects your pots. The Ninja’s SplatterShield and KitchenAid’s PanProtect were the best designs I tested.
If you cook in nonstick pans, a removable pan guard is non-negotiable. Without it, the blade will scratch the coating over time.
4. Cord Length or Cordless Design
Cord length matters more than people realize. The Ninja’s 5-foot cord was the most flexible for reaching the stovetop. Shorter cords forced me to relocate pots or use an extension.
Cordless models like the KitchenAid Go are appealing if you have outlet issues, but you trade runtime and consistent power for the convenience. For most home kitchens, a long cord is the better answer.
5. Dishwasher-Safe Parts
Hand-washing a greasy blender shaft is annoying. Models like the KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Ninja, Mueller, Turelar, and KOIOS all have dishwasher-safe shafts. The Vitamix and Bonsenkitchen do not, which is a real downside for daily users.
6. Noise Level
Forum users constantly ask about noise, but most reviews skip it. In my testing, all immersion blenders were quieter than a full-size blender, but high-wattage budget models (Turelar, KOIOS) were the loudest at full speed.
If you blend baby food early in the morning, the Vitamix and KitchenAid were noticeably smoother-sounding on low speeds.
7. Warranty and Brand Reputation
Reddit’s BuyItForLife community repeatedly recommends Braun, Vitamix, and Bamix for decade-plus durability. Among this group, Vitamix and Cuisinart lead on warranty at 3 years each.
KitchenAid, Mueller, Turelar, and Bonsenkitchen cap at 1 year, which is worth knowing if you plan to keep the tool long-term.
8. Attachments and Bundle Value
Decide upfront whether you actually need a whisk, chopper, or milk frother. The KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Mueller, Turelar, and KOIOS all include extras, while the Vitamix ships only with a whisk.
Bundles look attractive, but if you already own a stand mixer with whisk attachment, paying extra for one on your immersion blender is wasted money.
Immersion Blender vs Regular Blender: Which Do You Need?
This question shows up constantly on Reddit and in PAA results. The honest answer is that most home cooks benefit from owning both, but if you can only pick one, the decision comes down to what you cook.
Choose an immersion blender if you make hot soups, sauces, dressings, baby food, or single-serve smoothies. You blend right in the pot or cup, cleanup is minimal, and storage is a fraction of the space.
Choose a full-size countertop blender if you crush ice daily, make large batches of frozen drinks, or process fibrous greens for green smoothies on the regular. A high-wattage countertop blender still wins on raw crushing power.
For most of my cooking, the immersion blender handles 80 percent of what I used to drag the full-size unit out for. That is the real value proposition.
FAQs
Which immersion blender does America’s Test Kitchen recommend?
America’s Test Kitchen has historically recommended All-Clad, Vitamix, and Braun models for their balance of power and durability. In our testing, the Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender matched that profile with a 625-watt motor, 5 speed settings, and a 3-year warranty. The Cuisinart CSB-179 Smart Stick is another frequent ATK favorite thanks to its slide-style variable speed control.
Is the Breville better than the KitchenAid immersion blender?
Both Breville and KitchenAid make excellent immersion blenders, and the right pick depends on your priorities. The KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender in our test offers a variable speed trigger, an 8-inch removable arm, and a generous bundle including a whisk and 2.5-cup chopper for under $100. Breville’s Control Grip is known for its ergonomic bell-shaped base that reduces suction. If bundle value and warranty matter most, KitchenAid wins. If ergonomic comfort on long blending sessions is your priority, Breville is the better choice.
Which is better Braun or GE immersion blender?
Braun is generally considered superior to GE for immersion blenders. Braun’s MultiQuick line is frequently recommended on Reddit’s BuyItForLife and Cooking communities for 10-year-plus durability, strong motors, and reliable attachments. GE immersion blenders tend to be budget-tier options best suited for light tasks. If durability and long-term value are your priority, Braun is the stronger pick.
Is an immersion blender worth buying?
Yes, for most home cooks an immersion blender is absolutely worth buying. It purees hot soup directly in the pot so you skip transferring batches to a countertop blender, whips up single smoothies with minimal cleanup, and emulsifies dressings and mayonnaise in seconds. They cost less than full-size blenders, take up a fraction of the storage space, and clean up in seconds. If you cook soups, sauces, or smoothies even once a week, a quality immersion blender pays for itself within a few months.
Final Verdict: The Best Immersion Blenders in 2026
After three months of soups, smoothies, mayos, and pestos, my top recommendation is the Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender for serious cooks who want a buy-it-for-life tool. The KitchenAid Variable Speed remains my Best Value pick thanks to its unmatched attachment bundle and trigger control. And for under $30, the KOIOS 1000W is the budget champion that delivers surprising power.
Any of the eight best immersion blenders above will outperform a basic department-store model. Pick the one that matches your cooking habits, your counter space, and your budget, and you will wonder how you cooked without it.