"Soup-er" Immersion Blenders
What are some of the best tools to have in your kitchen? Chefs tell Consumer Reports
ShopSmart one that they can't live without is an immersion blender. But what is an
immersion blender and do you really need one in your kitchen?
Consumer Reports tested 6 to see if the blenders are all they’re cooked up to be. Some
immersion blenders come with a chopper and a whisk. So you can use them to mix
smoothies and whisk eggs, as well as purée soup.
You hold them in one hand, dip them in whatever you want to mix, and then push
a button to start. To test, Consumer Reports puréed soup and blended frozen
strawberries and peaches with yogurt to make smoothies.
The most expensive blender tested was the Bamix Professional for $180. However it
wasn’t as good as the others at puréeing soups and it was the lowest rated. And the
Waring Pro Professional blender left behind a lot of chunks of unchopped fruit.
But Consumer Reports did find some winners and named the $50 Miallegro
Professional MiTutto 9090 a Best Buy. It rated excellent at puréeing soups and did
nearly as well at making smoothies.
One good reason to buy an immersion blender is less mess. Since you’re blending
everything right in the bowl, there’s less to clean up. But be aware immersion blenders
can’t match the speed or power of countertop models.
Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances,
cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports’ website.
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