Finding the perfect blend often comes down to the appliances we choose. So when looking at a hand blender vs. a dual blender, it’s easy to get confused by all the options. For big and small projects, we need to pick a kitchen gadget that thoroughly mixes our ingredients quickly and without too much trouble. That said, the best blender should handle various amounts of food and a range of speeds.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- A hand blender also called an immersion blender, is best for mixing hot ingredients or blending cold liquids.
- A dual blender uses multiple stainless steel blades to mix and blend food efficiently.
- A dual blender takes up a ton of room but offers a ton of mixing power. A hand blender isn’t mighty, but they are very light and versatile.
Hand Blender vs. Dual Blender Compared
Suppose you’re looking to pick between an immersion or hand blender and a dual blender. In that case, you should know the similarities and differences. Both a stick blender and a traditional blender have a similar product description. In addition, they both operate on electric motors that propel spinning blades. That said, for small, dry ingredients, you might want a simple grinder or a blender. For another comparison article to check out, read our page on a coffee grinder vs blender.
Explaining Hand Blenders
A hand blender, also known as a stick or immersion blender, is excellent for when you need to purée soup or whisk a smoothie. There are cordless models available, but corded models will have a stronger motor. The motor rests in an ergonomic grip, and the unit’s tip contains a stainless steel blade.
Insider Tip
Fully submerge your hand blender to avoid splashing food around the kitchen.
Benefits of Hand Blenders
A hand blender is great when you need to whisk egg whites or a hot pot of soup. Immersion blenders have multiple speed settings, and they are much lighter than full-size blenders. These blenders can also handle protein powder, just like a hand shaker. In addition, hand blenders are incredibly versatile, and the blender blade is often very sharp. You can read more about our comparison of immersion blenders vs blenders to see which will be best for you. Additionally, if you are needing a high-powered version, check out our comparison of Waring commercial immersion blender vs KitchenAid commercial immersion blender.
Drawbacks of Hand Blenders
Hand blenders, while versatile and convenient, aren’t nearly as powerful as a countertop blender. In addition, they can sometimes fling hot foods during the blending process. While any chef will get covered in pieces of food, a cordless immersion blender can chuck a severe mess if not used correctly.
Explaining Dual Blenders
A dual blender is a countertop blender that blends food with two separate stainless steel spinning blades. Check out any professional chef, and they probably use a dual blender. The price can get pretty steep, but the best dual blenders have up to 12-speed multifunctional blending.
Benefits of Dual Blenders
Dual blenders have multiple blender jars to match the numerous stainless steel blades. So, you can either blend different foods in the same blender, or you can use an enormous blender container to have the power of two blades at once. Additionally, if you need a lot of power, you can get a commercial blender. We have a great comparison of the Wolfgang Puck commercial blender vs the Dash blender that you can check out.
Drawbacks of Dual Blenders
Due to the large deck of most dual blenders, they take up much counter space. So, if you’re already struggling to find a place to set the cutting board, you may not have room to fit a dual blender.
Which is Better?
For finer, smoother blending and ultimate flexibility, go with a dual blender. That said, if you only need to make puréed soup or smoothies, a hand blender will get the job done. Alternatively, if you need an appliance to help you make foam and froth for specialty drinks, you may want to consider our comparison of an immersion blender vs frother.
Warning
Never put your hands near the immersion blender blades while it’s plugged in.
F.A.Q.
Are a hand blender and an immersion blender the same thing?
They are the same kitchen equipment. Another name for a hand blender or immersion blender is a stick or wand blender.
When should I use a food processor vs. a blender?
A blender is better for general-purpose blending, especially liquids like soup. A food processor is better for nuts or tough ingredients.
What are immersion blenders best for making?
An immersion blender is best for frothing liquids or pureeing hot soup. Some immersion blenders can even crush ice in a smoothie at the push of a button.
STAT: More than 25% of blender users report making smoothies in their blenders five or more times a month (source)
