Countertop blenders dominate large batches of frozen drinks, while immersion blenders win on convenience for hot soups and quick purees. Choosing the wrong tool wastes money and valuable cabinet space. We tested both styles to show you exactly which blender belongs in your kitchen.
Your daily cooking habits dictate the right choice. If you regularly make large pitchers of margaritas or thick smoothie bowls for the whole family, you need a traditional base unit. Cooks who make small batches of baby food or blend hot tomato soup directly on the stove require the handheld route. We tested two popular options to see how they handle everyday kitchen tasks. Let us look at the details to help you make the best decision for your countertop.
Braun MultiQuick 7 3-in-1 Immersion Blender
The Braun MultiQuick 7 represents the handheld side of this kitchen debate. This immersion blender features a unique flexible shaft that moves the blade up and down as you work. This design helps pull food inward for faster and finer results compared to older stick blenders. It also includes an extra milling blade on the patented POWERBell Plus system to provide more slices per rotation.
Operating this device feels very natural thanks to the single-hand control system. Instead of clicking through predefined speed settings, you simply squeeze the trigger harder to increase the blending power. This intuitive design lets you adjust your speed on the fly without stopping to turn a dial. The advanced SPLASHcontrol technology keeps your kitchen clean by preventing messy splatters while you work.
When comparing this to a full-sized blender, the main advantage is pure convenience and easy cleanup. You do not have to transfer hot soups back and forth between pots and plastic pitchers. However, it will not crush ice or make massive batches of frozen drinks quite like a countertop model. It excels at quick tasks like making mayonnaise or pureeing a fast batch of salsa. This tool makes the most sense for cooks who value quick access and minimal dishwashing.
Ninja BL770 Kitchen System
The Ninja Professional steps in as the heavy-duty countertop contender in this comparison. This all-in-one kitchen system packs a massive 1500-watt motor base that easily powers through tough ingredients. It comes with an extra-large 72-ounce pitcher that easily handles large batches for entertaining guests. The Total Crushing Blades are specifically engineered to turn solid ice into snow in seconds. You also get an 8-cup food processing bowl for chopping vegetables and mixing dough.
Beyond the main pitcher, this system includes accessories that add a lot of daily value. It comes with two 16-ounce Nutri Ninja cups complete with to-go lids. These smaller cups are great for making personalized morning shakes without dirtying the massive main pitcher. The food processor attachment delivers consistent and even chopping for meal prep tasks. Having all these functions powered by one base saves a surprising amount of cabinet space.
Compared to an immersion blender, this machine offers significantly more raw power and versatility for cold ingredients. It will easily crush frozen fruit and ice cubes that would damage a handheld stick blender. The trade-off comes in the form of a larger footprint and more parts to wash after dinner. You also cannot blend hot liquids directly in a cooking pot with this setup. This system is ideal for families who consume a lot of smoothies and frozen beverages.
Verdict
Choosing between an immersion blender and a regular blender comes down to your primary cooking habits. The Braun MultiQuick 7 is the clear winner for home cooks who frequently make hot soups and sauces. Its ability to blend directly in the pot saves time and reduces the number of dishes you have to wash. The intuitive speed trigger and splash control make it incredibly easy to use for quick daily tasks.
The Ninja Professional is the better choice for households that run on smoothies and frozen drinks. The massive motor and specialized ice-crushing blades handle frozen ingredients that would break a handheld model. The included personal cups and food processor bowl make it a highly versatile kitchen station. If you have the counter space and regularly blend large cold batches, the traditional countertop model remains undefeated.
Conclusion
Evaluate your weekly menu before buying. If you make daily smoothies, buy the Ninja countertop blender. If you primarily cook hot soups and small purees, get the Braun immersion blender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an immersion blender to crush ice for drinks?
Immersion blenders generally lack the blade strength and motor power to crush solid ice cubes. Doing so can damage the blades and burn out the smaller motor. You should use a full-sized countertop blender for frozen drinks and margaritas.
Is it safe to blend hot soup in a regular blender?
You can blend hot liquids in a standard blender, but you must be very careful. Steam pressure can build up and blow the lid off if you fill the pitcher too high. An immersion blender is usually safer and easier for hot soups.
Do these blenders take up a lot of storage space?
An immersion blender easily breaks down to fit inside a standard kitchen drawer. A countertop blender requires significant vertical clearance on your counter or a large cabinet shelf. The Ninja system also includes extra bowls and cups that require additional storage room.
