Immersion Blender

An immersion blender (also hand or “stick” blender) is a compact kitchen device consisting of a motor-handle and a long shaft with a rotating blade at the end. Its chief advantage is that food can be blended directly in the pot, jug, or bowl, without pouring a hot liquid into the separate jar of a countertop blender.

This makes it indispensable for making cream soups: a hot vegetable stew is turned into a velvety purée right on the stove, in a few seconds. An immersion blender also makes sauces, mayonnaise, smoothies, and baby food, whips cream and pancake batter. In molecular cuisine it is this very device that is used to create light foams (airs) with lecithin. Many models have a whisk attachment and a chopper. The device is prized for its compactness, ease of washing, and speed: it takes up little space and suits small portions perfectly, which a countertop blender could not manage. It is one of the most versatile helpers of both the home and the professional kitchen.