How to Use Hand Blenders

A hand blender is a great compact and durable tool that helps with productivity in the kitchen. Most hand blenders, or immersion blenders as they are also known, come with a variety of attachments so that you can chop, puree and whip foods to perfection with a wand small enough to fit in a drawer. Easy to clean and easy to use, a hand blender is a great alternative to the traditional stand blender.

Ideal Uses for Hand Blender

While a hand blender may not work for larger batches of soups or drinks, it is a great choice for single servings. Some items that the hand blender works especially well for include:

• Pureed and creamy soups
• Baby food
• Gravy
• Smoothies

Step 1 – Select Attachment

First you will need to select the appropriate attachment. Most generally come with three attachments: a whisk, chopping blades and immersion blender tool. If you are beating something, choose the whisk. If you will need to chop something, choose the chopping blades and included bowl. If you are blending or pureeing something, choose the immersion blending tool.

Step 2 – Secure Attachment

Most hand blenders have a locking feature on the wand. You should slide the attachment on and then twist and lock it in place. Plug in the blender.

Step 3 – Insert the Blender

You are now ready to use your hand blender. Before turning it on, be sure to insert it into the food you are planning on chopping, pureeing or beating. If you do not insert it first there may be considerable splattering which is especially problematic when working with hot foods such as soups. Hold the blender at a slight angle from the bowl or cup that you are blending, being sure not to touch the bottom of the container. Once the blender is inserted into the food, switch it to on and continue using it until you reach the consistency that you desire. You may need to lift the blender up and down as well as move it around the bowl or pan in order to blend all the ingredients.

Step 4 – Removing the Blender

Once you are finished using the blender, turn it off and remove it from the food.

Step 5 – Cleaning the Blender

Push the release button to take off the attachment. Wash the attachment in hot soapy water and wipe down the wand with a wet washcloth to remove any food particles. Be sure not to submerge the wand in water or run it under any running water. Lay the attachment out to dry and be sure that it is entirely dry by the time that you place it away for storage.

A hand blender is a very easy tool to use. By following these directions, you can be pureeing, chopping and beating food for dinner tonight with ease. Coupled with durability and easy storage, this is one of the new must-have gadgets in your kitchen.