How to Use a Hand Blender for Soups and Smoothies

Quick answer

To get creamy soups and smooth smoothies with a hand blender, use the correct attachment, keep the blade fully submerged, and pulse rather than running continuously. Always start on low speed to prevent splashing.

Step-by-step guide to using a hand blender for soups and smoothies

1. 1. Prep your ingredients properly: For soups, cook vegetables until soft and let them cool slightly (not boiling) to avoid splashing. For smoothies, use ripe fruit and add enough liquid—milk, juice, or water—to cover the blender head. A common mistake is blending with too little liquid, which can cause the blade to cavitate and not blend evenly.
2. 2. Choose the right container: Use the pot you cooked the soup in, or a tall, narrow pitcher for smoothies. The container should be deep enough so the blender head is fully submerged. Avoid wide, shallow bowls—they cause splatter and leave unblended chunks. A common mistake is using a container that is too small, which can overflow when you start blending.
3. 3. Submerge the blender head fully: Before turning it on, place the blender head completely into the liquid. If you start it above the surface, you'll get a mess. Keep the head submerged while blending. A common mistake is lifting the blender out while it's still running, which splashes hot soup or sticky smoothie everywhere.
4. 4. Start on low speed, then increase gradually: Begin at the lowest speed setting to control splashing. For soups, gently move the blender in a slow up-and-down motion to pull in more solids into the liquid. Once blended, you can increase speed for a finer texture. A common mistake is starting on high—this creates a vortex and splashes liquid out of the container. If you see a vortex forming, reduce speed or tilt the blender slightly to break it.
5. 5. Pulse for thick mixtures, don't run continuously: For thick smoothies or chunky soups, use short pulses (2-3 seconds each) rather than running continuously. This prevents the motor from overheating and gives you more control over texture. A common mistake is running the blender non-stop, which can overwork the motor and create a thin, watery consistency. Stop and stir the mixture with a spoon between pulses to redistribute solids.
6. 6. Clean immediately after use: Rinse the blender head under warm water right after blending to prevent food from drying and sticking. For stubborn bits, blend a little warm soapy water in a container for a few seconds. A common mistake is letting the blender sit dirty—dried food can clog the blade guard and make cleaning harder. Never submerge the motor housing or power cord in water. Wipe the handle with a damp cloth.

Hand blender that makes it easy

• Hand Blender Set with Masher: This stainless steel hand blender set includes a masher, chopper, and whisk, and is designed for multiple cooking tasks. You can use the blending shaft for soups and smoothies, then switch to the masher for potatoes or the chopper for nuts without needing extra tools.