When it comes to quick, easy meal preparation, blenders play a pivotal role in any kitchen… and they can help to boost your culinary creativity, too. Most home and professional chefs will tell you that they consider it essential to have at least one good blender on hand – and two is even better. But with the variety of blender types available to you, how do you know what kind to choose?

Countertop Stand Blenders vs. Immersion Blenders

Let’s take a closer look at two perennial kitchen workhorses, immersion blenders and countertop stand blenders. These old favorites have both stood the test of time for one simple reason: they get the job done. They simplify kitchen prep and make short work of otherwise time-consuming tasks. So which type is best for you?

The answer depends very much on your needs. Both types have their merits, but depending on what you are using the blender for, there are instances when one can provide better results than the other.

Best for Power Blending

When it comes to blending, whipping, or pureeing softer ingredients like fruits or cooked vegetables, both stand blenders and immersion blenders will get the job done. The most important feature that sets the two blender types apart is their power. Designed with larger and more powerful motors, countertop stand blenders can effectively tackle harder, tougher ingredients like ice cubes or frozen fruits.

Kenmore’s countertop blenders are workhorses known for brawny motors that let them handle stubborn ingredients with ease. With its 1200W motor and heavy-duty stainless-steel blades, Kenmore’s powerful stand blender is perfect for crushing ice for frozen desserts or drinks and grinding smooth nut butters.

Best for Versatility

Don’t let their smaller motors fool you into thinking immersion blenders aren’t just as useful! Also known as hand blenders or stick blenders, immersion blenders are known for their outstanding versatility. Their ability to blend directly in pots, pans, and cups makes immersion blenders ideal for preparing soups, sauces, and smoothies. And their hand-held design provides precise control over the blending process.

Kenmore’s hand-held immersion blender set goes one step further, providing you with whisk and food chopper attachments that allow you to tackle a huge variety of tasks with ease.

Best for Limited Space

Another unique feature of stick blenders is their size, which makes them the go-to choice for those working within a smaller kitchen or limited counter space, as well as those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.

With a hand blender there is no bulky blending pitcher taking up space on your counter or in your cupboard. You simply immerse the blending wand in the container or cooking vessel and blend right there. And when it comes to storage, the Kenmore immersion blender comes apart into space-saving, compact pieces that will fit easily into a drawer or cabinet, leaving your countertops free.

Best for Volume Blending

Generally speaking, stand blenders hold the advantage when it comes to preparing large batches of smoothies, frozen drinks, or sauces. Kenmore’s countertop blenders come with extra-large blending jars that allow you to blend up to 8 cups at a time, making them ideal for anyone who likes to meal prep in advance or who finds themselves cooking for a crowd. The lightweight 64 oz pitcher is made of shatterproof, BPA-free Tritan material for safety and peace of mind.

For added convenience, Kenmore’s countertop blenders feature a removable vent cap that doubles as a measuring cup and an easy-pour spout with a flip-up cover so you can blend and pour without worrying about leaks or spills.

Best for Multitasking

Another stand-out feature of stand blenders is hands-free operation. Set the ingredients, select the speed and let the blender do all the work… but just be sure your blender has the necessary features to do so safely! Kenmore’s stand blenders are equipped with safety features such as non-slip suction feet to keep them securely in place while blending, and a safety interlock with automatic shut-off to prevent the motor from overheating.

To make life even easier, Kenmore’s 8-cup countertop blender has one-touch automatic Ice Crush and Smoothie modes. With one-touch simplicity, these programmed functions cycle through a series of blending operations and then stop automatically. A gamechanger when it comes to kitchen multitasking!

And the Winner is…

Surprise! In the battle of immersion versus countertop stand blenders, there is no clear winner since the choice depends on your specific needs and kitchen preferences. The immersion blender excels in versatility and space-saving design. Meanwhile the countertop stand blender boasts increased power and capacity plus hands-free operation.

Many busy families and home chefs prefer to keep BOTH blender types in their kitchen lineup. The combination provides the perfect blend of efficiency and capability. And it enables them to tackle any culinary adventure that comes their way!

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about blenders.

What is the main difference between a stand blender and an immersion blender?

Simply put, an immersion blender is a hand-held device used to blend foods quickly and easily when immersed inside a container or cooking vessel. A stand blender is a stationary countertop appliance that blends foods that are placed inside its jar or pitcher.

What is the difference between a stand blender and a stand mixer? Can I used one instead of the other?

Stand mixers are a very different type of countertop appliance than a stand blender. They are used to gently mix ingredients together, or to perform specialized functions like kneading dough. Blenders chop, pulverize and puree food items into a uniform, smooth consistency very quickly. It is not advisable to use a blender to mix, nor use a mixer to blend.

Check out our top blender tips for making the most of yours, no matter the style.