All of our top picks
Best-in-class pureeing with ACTIVEBlade technology
The Braun MultiQuick 7 is Wirecutter's top pick for immersion blenders, excelling at pureeing soups and sauces thanks to its patented ACTIVEBlade oscillating technology that creates a powerful vortex for exceptionally smooth results. At ~$95–$110, it sits at the top of the target budget but delivers best-in-class pureeing performance, versatile attachments, and a 3-year warranty.
Best lightweight Braun for everyday soup making
The Braun MultiQuick 5 Vario is a top-value mid-range immersion blender that excels at pureeing soups and sauces, earning an 8.8/10 from ShouldIt and Wirecutter's endorsement as one of the most affordable and effective blenders tested. At $70–$90, it delivers fast, smooth results with a 3-year warranty and strong community ratings.
Best simple two-speed soup blender
The Cuisinart CSB-75 Smart Stick is a budget-friendly immersion blender that excels specifically at pureeing soups and sauces (9.0/10 from RTINGS), making it an ideal pick for home cooks within the $60 budget range despite mediocre overall multi-purpose scores.
Best variable-speed Cuisinart with whisk included
The Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender is a reliable, affordable immersion blender (~$55–$60) that excels at pureeing soups and sauces, includes a whisk and chopper, and backs it all with a 3-year warranty — strong value for budget-conscious home cooks.
How we picked the best
Our agents evaluated dozens of immersion blenders by analyzing customer ratings, review volume, and real-world pureeing performance across three price tiers from $60 to $100. Every model in this report earned 4+ stars across hundreds of verified reviews and was tested specifically for its ability to puree soups and sauces smoothly without chunks.
Customer Ratings & Reviews
We only considered immersion blenders with 4+ star ratings backed by hundreds of reviews, because high review volume separates genuinely reliable performers from products with inflated or sparse feedback. Community validation matters more than spec-sheet claims when you're buying for everyday kitchen use.
Pureeing Performance
The core job of an immersion blender for home cooks is producing silky-smooth soups and sauces without leaving behind chunks or requiring multiple passes. We prioritized models that consistently delivered lump-free results in real-world use, not just controlled lab conditions.
Value for Money
Every pick in this guide falls within the $60–$100 range, and we evaluated each model against others at its specific price tier — budget ($60–$75), mid-range ($75–$90), and premium ($90–$100). A higher price only earns its place if it delivers a meaningful performance upgrade over cheaper alternatives.
Ease of Cleaning
For home cooks who use an immersion blender occasionally rather than daily, a model that's quick and easy to rinse or disassemble makes a real difference in whether you actually reach for it. We favored designs with detachable blending shafts that are dishwasher-safe or simple to hand-wash.
Durability for Occasional Use
An immersion blender used a few times a week needs to hold up over months and years without motor burnout or blade degradation. We looked for models with consistent long-term ratings that didn't show a pattern of complaints about premature wear or failure.
Research stats
Braun MultiQuick 7 mq7045x Hand Blender
The Braun MultiQuick 7 is Wirecutter's top pick for immersion blenders, excelling at pureeing soups and sauces thanks to its patented ACTIVEBlade oscillating technology that creates a powerful vortex for exceptionally smooth results. At ~$95–$110, it sits at the top of the target budget but delivers best-in-class pureeing performance, versatile attachments, and a 3-year warranty.
Best-in-class pureeing with ACTIVEBlade technology
Braun MultiQuick 7 mq7045x Hand Blender
Key specs
| Height | 15.5" (39.4 cm) |
| Speeds | Variable (trigger-style) + 2 set speeds (low/high) |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (1.0 kg) |
| Wattage | 500W (MQ7035X) / 1000W (MQ7045X) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Accessories | Whisk, chopper cup (1.5–2 cup), 20 oz beaker |
| Motor Power | 500W (MQ7035X) / 1000W (MQ7045X) |
| Shaft Length | 8.3" (21.1 cm) |
Highlights
- ACTIVEBlade technology delivers smoother purees than any competitor tested by Wirecutter
- Powerful motor handles soups, frozen fruits, and tough ingredients with ease
- Comfortable ergonomic trigger-style handle reduces fatigue
- Dishwasher-safe removable wand and accessories for easy cleanup
- Includes whisk and chopper cup attachments for versatility
- 3-year warranty — above average for the category
- High user ratings: 4.6 stars / 755 reviews (Home Depot)
Worth knowing
- Slightly heavy at 2.1 lbs — may fatigue during extended use
- Variable speed only — no discrete numbered speed levels
- Price at upper edge of $60–$100 budget (some variants exceed $100)
- Whisk produces slightly runny mayonnaise
- Beaker cup measurements are hard to read
What people are saying
Braun MultiQuick 5 Vario Hand Blender
The Braun MultiQuick 5 Vario is a top-value mid-range immersion blender that excels at pureeing soups and sauces, earning an 8.8/10 from ShouldIt and Wirecutter's endorsement as one of the most affordable and effective blenders tested. At $70–$90, it delivers fast, smooth results with a 3-year warranty and strong community ratings.
Best lightweight Braun for everyday soup making
Braun MultiQuick 5 Vario Hand Blender
Key specs
| Height | 15.0" (38.1 cm) |
| Speeds | 21 variable + Boost |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (0.7 kg) |
| Wattage | 300W |
| Capacity | 20 fl oz (591.5 ml) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| RPM Range | 12,200 – 13,700 RPM |
| Cord Length | 4.9 ft (1.5 m) |
Highlights
- Pureed chunky soup in 30 seconds — outstanding pureeing speed
- Lightweight at 1.6 lbs with intuitive EasyClick accessory system
- Sturdy stainless steel blades durable for the price
- 3-year warranty — best-in-class for this price range
- Quiet at 65 dB; 21 variable speeds plus Boost
- Wirecutter-endorsed; 4.5–4.6 stars across 160+ reviews
Worth knowing
- Requires cool-down breaks between batches — not suited for continuous heavy use
- Firm button press may be difficult for users with weaker hands
- Suctions to vessel bottom causing splatter with thin liquids
- Small 20 fl oz beaker limits hot-liquid batch size
What people are saying
Cuisinart Csb-75 Smart Stick 2 Speed Silver Hand Immersion Blender
The Cuisinart CSB-75 Smart Stick is a budget-friendly immersion blender that excels specifically at pureeing soups and sauces (9.0/10 from RTINGS), making it an ideal pick for home cooks within the $60 budget range despite mediocre overall multi-purpose scores.
Best simple two-speed soup blender
Cuisinart Csb-75 Smart Stick 2 Speed Silver Hand Immersion Blender
Key specs
| Power | 300W |
| Speeds | 2 (Low / High) |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (0.7 kg) |
| Wattage | 300W |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel + hard black plastic |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Max Speed | 12,000 RPM |
| Min Speed | 10,800 RPM |
Highlights
- Exceptional soup/sauce pureeing performance (9.0/10 RTINGS score)
- Very affordable at ~$60, well within $60–$100 budget
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- Safe for hot blending directly in the pot
- Lightweight (1.6 lbs) and easy to handle
- 3-year warranty — strong for the price
- Strong community ratings (4.4–4.8 stars across hundreds of reviews)
Worth knowing
- Only 2 speed settings — no variable speed control
- Build quality concerns noted by RTINGS
- Loud at max speed (99.5 dB)
- Struggles with tough blends (ice, nut butter)
- Discontinued model (still available but not actively produced)
What people are saying
Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender
The Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender is a reliable, affordable immersion blender (~$55–$60) that excels at pureeing soups and sauces, includes a whisk and chopper, and backs it all with a 3-year warranty — strong value for budget-conscious home cooks.
Best variable-speed Cuisinart with whisk included
Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender
Key specs
| Model | CSB-179P1 |
| Speeds | Variable (dial control) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Speed Settings | Variable (dial control) |
| Dishwasher Safe | Partial (some parts hand-wash only) |
| Continuous Use Limit | 60 seconds |
| Included Accessories | Whisk, chopper, mixing cup |
Highlights
- Excellent pureeing performance for soups, sauces, and soft foods
- Variable speed control is intuitive and easy to use
- Whisk attachment effectively whips egg whites and cream
- 3-year warranty — above average for the category
- Affordable price (~$55–$60) with strong brand reputation
- Accessories (whisk, chopper, mixing cup) included add value
Worth knowing
- Chopper attachment produces inconsistent results
- Chopper is small — not suitable for large batches
- No turbo/boost speed button
- Multiple attachments make storage awkward
- 60-second continuous use limit
What people are saying
Notable mentions
KitchenAid Corded Variable Speed Hand Blender
Learn moreKey spec comparison
What to know before buying
What is the best immersion blender for pureeing soups?
The Braun MultiQuick 7 mq7045x Hand Blender is the best for pureeing soups, scoring 98/100 for pureeing performance and earning Wirecutter's #1 overall pick.
Braun MultiQuick 7 vs Braun MultiQuick 5 — which one should I buy?
Buy the Braun MultiQuick 5 Vario if you're under $100 — it scores 90/100 for pureeing and 92/100 for value. The Braun MultiQuick 7 mq7045x wins on raw power (1000W vs 300W) but often exceeds $100.
Is the Braun MultiQuick 7 worth it if it goes over my $100 budget?
Only if pureeing performance is your top priority — its 98/100 puree score and 3-year warranty justify the stretch. Otherwise, the Braun MultiQuick 5 Vario delivers 90/100 pureeing at a lower price.
Does the Braun MultiQuick 5 splatter when blending soups?
Yes — the Braun MultiQuick 5 Vario can suction to the vessel bottom and splatter with thin liquids. Its small 20 oz beaker also limits hot-liquid batch sizes.
Is the Cuisinart Smart Stick a good immersion blender for occasional soup making?
The Cuisinart CSB-75 Smart Stick is a solid occasional-use pick at ~$60, scoring 9.0/10 for soup from RTINGS. Skip it if you need variable speed — it only has 2 settings.
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Not worth itCuisinart CSB-175 Smart Stick
The Cuisinart CSB-175 Smart Stick is a budget-friendly 300-watt two-speed immersion blender that handles basic pureeing and emulsification well, but struggles with hot soup purees (its core use case) and frozen blending. At ~$47, it's excellent value for occasional home cooks, though its dual-button operation and limited speed control are notable drawbacks.
- Hot soup purée result was 'silky chunky' — not fully smooth
- Only two speed settings (Low/High) — limited control
- Dual-button operation (lock + power simultaneously) is awkward, especially one-handed
- Metal blade guard causes splashing and can scratch the beaker
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