Best Immersion Blenders for Soups & Smoothies (2025)

Immersion blenders (also called hand blenders) are one of the easiest ways to blend soups, sauces, and smoothies with minimal cleanup. Instead of transferring hot soup to a countertop blender, you can blend directly in the pot, which saves time and reduces mess. They’re also great for quick smoothies in a tall cup—especially when you want something fast without washing a full-size jar.

In this guide, we’ve selected the best immersion blenders for smooth, pureed soups and everyday smoothies, covering options that prioritize premium performance, cordless convenience, and budget value.

If you’re still deciding whether a stick blender is the right tool for your kitchen, see our detailed comparison of blender vs immersion blender to understand which type fits smoothies, soups, and everyday prep best.

Detailed Reviews

Breville Control Grip (Best Overall)

The Breville Control Grip is an excellent all-around immersion blender for both smooth soups and everyday smoothies. It’s comfortable to hold, offers fine control with 15 speeds, and its anti-suction base helps reduce splashing—especially useful when blending directly in a pot.

Key Features

• 15-speed control for precise blending
• 280W motor (corded)
• Anti-suction blending base to improve control and reduce splatter
• 8-inch immersion depth for blending in deeper pots
• Includes useful extras: 42 oz blending jug, 25 oz chopper bowl, whisk attachment

Performance for Soups

For hot soups, this is where the Control Grip really shines. You can blend directly in the pot with more stability (thanks to the anti-suction base), and the longer immersion depth makes it easier to puree larger batches. It’s a great pick for creamy tomato soup, lentil soup, or blended vegetable soups where you want smooth results without transferring hot liquid.

Performance for Smoothies

While countertop blenders still win for heavy frozen blending, the Breville performs well for small to medium smoothies, especially when you use softer fruits (banana, berries, mango) and enough liquid. The 15-speed control also helps you fine-tune texture without overprocessing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent control with 15 speeds
• Anti-suction base helps reduce splashing
• Strong accessory set (jug, chopper, whisk)
• Comfortable ergonomic grip

Cons

• Not the best choice for frequent ice-heavy smoothies (immersion limitation)
• More parts to store if you use all attachments

Who It’s Best For

Choose the Breville Control Grip if you want a dependable immersion blender that can handle soups and sauces beautifully, plus occasional smoothies, and you value control + comfort along with useful attachments.

Braun MultiQuick (Best Performance & Comfort)

The Braun MultiQuick series is a strong pick if you want an immersion blender that feels easy to control and performs well for everyday blending. Many models in this line offer variable speed control and Braun’s splash-control style bell design, which helps keep blending cleaner and more controlled.

Key Features

• Variable speed control (often squeeze/pressure-based on some models) for better control
• Many models include SplashControl / bell-style shaft designs to reduce mess
• Higher-end models (e.g., MultiQuick 9) may include advanced tech like ActiveBlade / PowerDrive for faster, finer blending
• Often available with useful extras (beaker, whisk, chopper—varies by bundle)

Performance for Soups

For soups, the Braun MultiQuick line is a great fit because it’s designed for fast pureeing with good control. It handles hot blended soups well, especially when you want a smooth texture without moving soup into a countertop blender. Higher-powered variants can reduce blending time and help achieve a finer finish.

Performance for Smoothies

Immersion blenders aren’t the best tool for heavy frozen smoothies, but Braun models perform well for simple smoothies and protein shakes when you use:

• Softer fruits (banana/berries)
• Enough liquid
• A tall blending cup for better circulation

Smart/variable speed control helps you avoid splashing and gives better texture control.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent control with variable-speed style operation (model-dependent)
• Strong soup performance and efficient blending
• Often includes useful attachments (bundle dependent)

Cons

• Specs vary a lot between MultiQuick models (choose carefully)
• Still limited for ice-heavy smoothies (immersion blender limitation)

Who It’s Best For

Choose a Braun MultiQuick if you want an immersion blender that’s comfortable to use, gives you good control, and performs especially well for soups, sauces, and everyday blending—with occasional smoothies on the side.

BLACK+DECKER Kitchen Wand Cordless Immersion Blender (6-in-1 Multi Tool Set) — Best Cordless

The BLACK+DECKER Kitchen Wand (BCKM1016KS01) is a great cordless option if you want an immersion blender that also functions as a multi-tool system. It’s designed to handle soup blending and quick drink mixing, with a significant advantage in convenience: a charging dock, compact storage cases, and multiple attachments that cover common kitchen tasks beyond blending.

Key Features

• Cordless wand base with variable speed dial
• Manufacturer claim: blends up to 75 bowls of soup on a full charge (test conditions stated)
• Charging dock + cord included
• 6 attachments included:
  • Immersion blender + guard
  • Whisk
  • Milk frother
  • Wine opener (with foil cutter)
  • Can opener
  • 2-in-1 salt & pepper grinder
• Also includes: measuring cup with lid + two storage cases with tray inserts
• 2-year limited warranty

Note: BLACK+DECKER also states up to ~30 minutes continuous runtime “no load” in some listings; real runtime varies based on what you’re blending.

Performance for Soups

This is an excellent match for soups and sauces because you can blend directly in the pot without dealing with cords near the stove. The immersion blender guard helps with control, and the variable speed dial lets you start low (less splashing) and increase speed to finish. For thick soups, blending in short bursts will help keep things smooth and reduce mess.

Performance for Smoothies

For smoothies, the Kitchen Wand works best for small, simple blends—soft fruits (banana/berries), yogurt, and enough liquid in a tall cup. Like most cordless immersion blenders, it’s not the ideal tool for ice-heavy or dense frozen-fruit smoothies. But for quick breakfast blends and protein shakes, it’s a convenient option with minimal cleanup.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cordless convenience + variable speed control
• Very practical for soups, sauces, and quick blending
• Multi-tool system (whisk, frother, can opener, wine opener, grinder)
• Compact storage cases help keep everything organized

Cons

• Smoothie performance is best for soft-fruit blends (not heavy ice/frozen)
• Bundle includes tools beyond blending (useful, but not everyone needs them)

Who It’s Best For

Choose the BLACK+DECKER Kitchen Wand 6-in-1 set if you want a cordless immersion blender mainly for soups and sauces, plus the convenience of a compact system that can also whisk, froth, and handle a few extra kitchen tasks—without adding multiple bulky appliances.

Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender (Best Premium Upgrade)

The Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender is a premium choice for individuals seeking a hand blender that can handle tougher ingredients and deliver more consistent results—especially for silky soups, sauces, and thicker blends. Vitamix highlights its 625-watt motor, 5 speeds, and a bell guard designed to reduce suction and improve ingredient flow.

Key Features

• 625-watt motor for tougher blending tasks
• 5 speed settings for texture control
• 4-pronged stainless-steel blade
• Bell guard designed to reduce suction and help ingredients flow smoothly
• 18-inch overall length and 5-ft cord (easy reach into pots/containers)
• Blends in most containers with a 3-inch or wider opening (per Vitamix)
• 3-year warranty (per Vitamix)

Performance for Soups

This is a strong choice for soups when you want a very smooth finish without struggling through thicker vegetables. The long wand makes it easier to blend directly in deeper pots, and the bell guard design helps keep blending smoother and more controlled. It’s a great fit for creamy vegetable soups, blended lentil soups, and sauces where you want a polished texture.

Performance for Smoothies

For smoothies, the Vitamix immersion blender can handle more than many typical stick blenders—especially when you use a tall container and add enough liquid for circulation. It’s still not the ideal tool for frequent ice-crushing (that’s countertop blender territory), but for soft fruit smoothies, protein shakes, and quick blends, it performs reliably and creates a smoother consistency than many entry-level immersion models.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful 625W motor for an immersion blender
• Smooth texture control with 5 speeds
• Bell guard reduces suction and improves ingredient flow
• Long reach + 5-ft cord for comfortable blending

Cons

• Typically costs more than most immersion blenders (premium pricing)
• Still not a full replacement for a countertop blender for heavy frozen smoothies

Who It’s Best For

Choose the Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender if you want a premium hand blender with strong power for smooth soups, sauces, and tougher blends, and you’re willing to pay more for higher-end performance and build quality.

Ninja Power Duo Immersion Blender with Whisk — Best for Splatter Control

The Ninja CI201ND is a strong choice if you want an immersion blender that feels more controlled and less messy—especially when blending soups, sauces, and thicker mixtures. Its standout feature is PanProtect with SplatterShield, designed to help prevent splatters while blending directly in pots and pans, plus a RapidWhisk for quick mixing and whipping.

Key Features

• 4 speeds for better control across different textures
• 750 peak watts (manufacturer spec)
• PanProtect + SplatterShield to help reduce splatter and protect cookware when used as directed
• Includes RapidWhisk (high-speed whisking for batters, cream, etc.)
• Includes a 4-cup pitcher for smoothies and small blends
• BPA-free, dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleanup

Performance for Soups

This Ninja model is an excellent fit for hot soups because you can blend directly in the pot and keep things cleaner with the splatter-control design. It’s a great option for tomato soup, blended vegetable soups, and sauces where you want a smooth consistency without transferring hot liquid to a countertop blender.

Performance for Smoothies

For smoothies, the included 4-cup pitcher is helpful for small-batch blending. It works best for simple smoothies using softer fruits (banana, berries, mango) and enough liquid for circulation. Like most immersion blenders, it’s not the ideal tool for frequent ice-heavy smoothies, but it can handle everyday blends and protein shakes well when you keep portions realistic.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great splatter control features for blending in pots
• 4 speeds for better texture control
• Includes whisk + 4-cup pitcher (useful bundle)
• Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup

Cons

• Best for small-to-medium blending jobs (not a full countertop blender replacement)
• Not ideal for repeated ice-crushing or very dense frozen blends (immersion limitation)

Who It’s Best For

Choose the Ninja CI201ND if you want an immersion blender that’s especially good for soups and sauces with less mess, and you like the idea of a compact bundle that also includes a high-speed whisk and a small blending pitcher for quick smoothies.

Mueller Ultra-Stick Hand Blender (Best Budget)

If you want a budget-friendly immersion blender for soups, sauces, and simple smoothies, the Mueller Ultra-Stick stands out for offering a strong 500W motor plus multiple speed options and a Turbo button—features you don’t always get at this price.

Key Features

• 500W motor
• Multiple speeds (varies by version; commonly 8–9)
• Turbo mode for short power boosts
• Often includes whisk + milk frother (bundle dependent)
• Rated working time ≤ 1 minute (then rest/cooldown)

Performance for Soups

For soups, this model can hot-blend and works well for pureeing cooked vegetables directly in the pot. Because the manual notes a short rated continuous run time, it’s best to blend soups in short bursts rather than running it continuously for long stretches.

Performance for Smoothies

For smoothies, it can handle soft fruit smoothies and protein shakes when you use a tall cup and enough liquid. However, it’s not a good choice for crushing ice, and at least one independent testing source reports durability issues when pushing it into harder tasks (like crushed ice or nut butter).

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong 500W rating for the price
• Turbo button for quick boosts
• Often includes useful extras (whisk/frother)

Cons

• Not suitable for crushing ice; durability concerns reported in testing
• Best used in short bursts (manual-rated time)
• Smoothies with fibrous greens may come out less smooth than with stronger models

Who It’s Best For

Choose the Mueller Ultra-Stick if you want an affordable immersion blender mainly for soups, sauces, and light smoothies, and you’re willing to avoid heavy-duty tasks like ice-crushing.

Top Immersion Blenders for Soups & Smoothies at a Glance

Immersion Blender	Best For	Speeds	Power (if listed)	Corded/Cordless	Notable Extras
Breville Control Grip	Best Overall	15	280W	Corded	Whisk + chopper bowl + blending jug
Braun MultiQuick (Vario/Series)	Best Performance & Comfort	Varies	~350W (varies by model)	Corded	Strong blending + easy controls
BLACK+DECKER Kitchen Wand (6-in-1)	Best Cordless (Multi-Tool)	Varies	Battery Powered (250W)	Cordless	Multi-tool system + charging dock (BCKM1016KS01) (Official product listing)
Vitamix Immersion Blender	Best Premium Upgrade	5	625W	Corded	Long arm + strong motor for tough blends
Ninja CI201ND (Blender + Whisk)	Best for Splatter Control	4	750 peak watts	Corded	SplatterShield + PanProtect + whisk + 4-cup blending vessel (Official listing)
Mueller Ultra-Stick Hand Blender	Best Budget	8	500W	Corded	Great value + popular budget choice

How to Choose an Immersion Blender (Soups + Smoothies)

Shopping for an immersion blender is easier when you focus on a few features that actually affect real-world results—especially for hot soups and everyday smoothies.

1) Power (and real performance)

Higher power can help the blender puree cooked vegetables faster and handle thicker mixtures more smoothly. That said, even strong immersion blenders have limits with ice-heavy smoothies, where countertop blenders usually perform better.

If smoothies are your main goal—especially thicker blends or frozen fruit—our guide to the best blenders for smoothies covers countertop models that usually deliver smoother results than most immersion blenders.

2) Speed control (more control = better texture)

Look for a model with multiple speeds or a variable-speed trigger so you can start slow and increase as needed. Starting at a low speed also helps reduce splashing.

3) Blending arm length (important for pots)

A longer blending arm makes it easier to reach the bottom of deeper pots and keeps your hands farther from heat. Many home models are around 8 inches, while longer versions can be helpful for large soup pots.

4) Attachments that matter

Not all bundles are equal. The most useful extras for most kitchens are:

• Beaker / blending cup (cleaner smoothie blending)
• Whisk attachment (cream, eggs, light batters)
• Chopper bowl (small chopping tasks)
  Choose attachments you’ll actually use—otherwise they become clutter.

5) Corded vs cordless

• Corded models usually offer consistent power for longer blending sessions.
• Cordless models are incredibly convenient for stove-top soups, but battery runtime can limit long, heavy blending.

6) Comfort + splash control (big UX difference)

A comfortable grip matters if you blend often. For less mess, use a deeper container when possible and keep the blade fully submerged while blending.

Quick safety tip for hot soup:
Always keep the blade submerged before turning it on, and blend in short bursts to reduce splashing.

How We Selected These Immersion Blenders

At BuySmartKitchen, we aim to recommend products that are practical, widely available, and a strong fit for real home cooking—especially for soups and smoothies.

Here’s how we chose the picks in this guide:

• Amazon availability: Each model is commonly available through Amazon so readers can easily check current options and bundles.
• Soup + smoothie suitability: We prioritized models that perform well for pureeing soups and can handle simple smoothies (soft fruits + enough liquid).
• Balanced “best for” categories: We selected a mix of picks to cover different needs—overall best, premium upgrade, cordless convenience, and budget value.
• Reputation and testing signals: We cross-checked product features and performance notes against established review and testing sources, then selected models that consistently show up as top choices.
• Specs verification: When adding product boxes, we treat the Amazon listing as the final reference for specs like wattage, included accessories, and current configuration.

FAQs

Can an immersion blender make smoothies?

Yes—an immersion blender can make smoothies, especially small batches with soft fruits (banana, berries, mango) and enough liquid. For ice-heavy or frozen-fruit smoothies, a countertop blender usually produces smoother results with less effort.

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Is an immersion blender safe for hot soup?

Yes, it’s generally safe to blend hot soup with an immersion blender because you can blend directly in the pot, which avoids transferring hot liquid. For best results, keep the blade submerged before turning it on and blend in short bursts to reduce splashing.

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How many watts is good for an immersion blender?

For most home kitchens, an immersion blender around 200W+ is usually sufficient for soups and sauces, while higher-watt models can handle thicker blends more easily. Wattage alone doesn’t guarantee performance, but it’s a helpful baseline when comparing models.

For readers comparing kitchen tools beyond hand blenders, our guide on the difference between a blender and a food processor explains which appliance is better for chopping, pureeing, and everyday food prep.

FINAL VERDICT

Choosing the best immersion blender for soups and smoothies depends on how often you blend, whether you want cordless convenience, and how demanding your recipes are.

• Best Overall: Breville Control Grip
• Best Performance & Comfort: Braun MultiQuick (Vario/Series)
• Best Cordless (Multi-Tool): BLACK+DECKER Kitchen Wand 6-in-1 (BCKM1016KS01)
• Best Premium Upgrade: Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender
• Best for Splatter Control: Ninja CI201ND (Immersion Blender + Whisk)
• Best Budget: Mueller Ultra-Stick Hand Blender

If you want the easiest blending for soups and sauces, any of the picks above will serve you well. For smoothies, immersion blenders work best for small batches with softer fruits and enough liquid—while ice-heavy or frozen-fruit smoothies are still better handled by a countertop blender.