Immersion blenders are one of the most versatile kitchen tools. From frothy milkshakes to smooth sauces, this device makes prep work easy. (Plus, it’s one of the few kitchen appliances that will cost you under $50!) Use these tips on how to clean an immersion blender to keep it in top condition.
How to Clean an Immersion Blender Super Quick
There’s an easy way to clean an immersion blender that’s actually kind of fun.
- After blending your recipe (like this creamy soup), fill a tall glass about three-quarters full with warm soapy water.
- Run the blender in the water for 10 to 20 seconds. If needed, empty and refill the glass and repeat. Presto! The immersion blender will be sparkling like new.
- Unplug the blender and dry with a paper or kitchen towel.
If you didn’t have time to clean the blender right away (it happens to the best of us!) and find yourself with stuck-on food, you have two options: Dishwasher or soak.
First, check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if the blender attachment is dishwasher safe. If it is, pop it on the top rack of the dishwasher. If your blender attachment is not dishwasher safe, soak it in warm water and then use the above method to clean it.
Be sure to check the blender body for any extra mess caused by splashes. With the blender unplugged, use a damp cloth to wipe off any food. Never run the blender body under water or submerge it.
What to Clean Occasionally
These hand blenders are a favorite tool of celebrity chefs so it’s no surprise they’ll be getting a lot of use in your home kitchen. About once a month check around the buttons and attachment point on the body of the blender for built-up grime.
Make sure your blender is unplugged and the blender attachment has been removed. Use a cotton swab dipped in soapy water to clean around these hard-to-reach areas.
Storage Tips
Storage is very important to keep a hand blender in like-new condition. Before storing the immersion blender, make sure each piece is completely dry. Moisture during storage can lead to mildew on your blender, which is not ideal for a clean kitchen.
Wrap the cord around the widest part of the blender handle before storing. When it is wrapped too tightly around a narrow surface small cracks can form where the cord bends. Be sure to store your blender in a place that is dust-free and away from excessive heat (like next to the oven) and water.
By following these simple care steps your stick blender will be ready to whip up these 40 recipes for years to come!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
This is a wonderful addition to potlucks, and it comes together so easily! Cauliflower makes a nice, extra-creamy backdrop for the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu you can eat with a spoon. —Heidi Der, Stow, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Creamy Cauliflower Soup
I love indulgent cream soups but not the fat that goes along with them, so I came up with a healthier version. The velvety texture of this cauliflower soup makes it feel so rich, and the spicy kick warms you up in a flash. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Pressure Cooker Nutty Apple Butter
Being a New England native, I love apple-picking season. Grab some apples and peanut butter to make this creamy PB&J riff. Dunk in sliced fruit or graham crackers, or spread it on a sandwich. —Brandie Cranshaw, Rapid City, SD
Sweet Potato and Crab Soup
This sweet and savory soup is quick and easy to prepare. You can substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for the sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Simple Asparagus Soup
My family and friends love this soup. It's elegant and unusual, but the hardest part of making it is occasional stirring. —Kathryn Labat, Raceland, Louisiana
Apple Gravy
You might want to make a double batch of this rich apple gravy. Yep, it's sensational with beef, but you've gotta try it on mashed potatoes, chops, roasted veggies—pretty much anything goes. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Parsnip & Celery Root Bisque
Here’s a simple yet elegant soup for fall and winter. Everyone enjoys the smooth texture and earthy veggies. For a colorful garnish, sprinkle on chives and pomegranate seeds.—Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Satisfying Tomato Soup
After craving tomato soup, I decided to make my own. My sister Joan likes it chunky-style, so she doesn't puree. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich. —Marian Brown, Mississauga, Ontario
Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Chicken
Springtime brings back memories of rhubarb that grew beside my childhood home. When I found ruby red stalks in the store, I created this recipe for them. My family gives this a big thumbs up. —Laurie Hudson, Westville, Florida
Creamy Butternut Squash & Sage Soup
I recently started experimenting with new soup recipes, and finally created a rich squash version that omits heavy cream altogether, making it a healthier way to curb my creamy-tooth. —Nithya Kumar, Davis, California
Split Pea Soup with Bacon & Crab
Many split pea soups use ham and bacon for good, smoky flavor. Taking it one amazing step farther-add crabmeat. Freeze this one without toppings (freeze the cooked bacon separately), then reheat soup in a saucepan. Feel free to add more chicken stock or broth when reheating if you need it. Sprinkle bacon and fresh crab on top of bowls of hot soup. —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Illinois
Wasabi Monte Cristo
I love Monte Cristo sandwiches, but I wanted to try it with some healthier ingredients. The spicy wasabi and sweet mango are a tasty twist on the traditional sandwich. —Susan Riley, Allen, Texas
Pea Soup with Quinoa
This soup is low in fat, high in fiber, and has a fantastically fresh flavor and wonderful texture. Best of all, it’s so simple to make. —Jane Hacker Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cheddar Pear Soup
Pears and sharp cheddar have always been one of my favorite flavor combos. This recipe brings the two together in a creamy, delicious soup. I like to serve it with a warm baguette and fresh fruit for lunch or a light supper. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Slow-Cooker Pear Butter
This is a tasty spread for toast, muffins, biscuits or any of your favorite breads. It is easy to make and has a rich pear flavor with hints of cinnamon, star anise and lemon. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
I got this golden soup recipe from a friend. Sometimes I add a few slices of red pepper to change up the flavor a bit. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario
Creamy Mushroom-Thyme Soup
I pick the mushrooms for this soup in the beautiful forests of the Pacific Northwest. There is nothing like harvesting fresh ingredients all by yourself, surrounded by nature. It's a spiritual thing! —Kristy Arnett, Stevenson, Washington
Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Much of the work for this soup can be done in advance, and it keeps all day in the slow cooker. This can easily be doubled if you're feeding a crowd. Once you've tried it, try mixing it up—add save or savory with the thyme or replace it with nutmeg. For a vegan version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. —Jennifer Machado, Alta, California
Red Eye Barbecue Sauce
I made this recipe for an assignment in culinary school—my first time making barbecue sauce. I have to say, it was the best barbecue sauce I had in a long time! The hint of coffee livens up the sweet barbecue sauce perfectly. —Evan Haut, Canton, Ohio
Pico de Gallo Black Bean Soup
Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It’s quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Roasted Cauliflower & Red Pepper Soup
When cooler weather comes, soup is one of our favorite meals. I developed this recipe for my husband and me. I wanted it to be a healthier version of all the cream-based soups out there. After a bit of trial and error, this is the keeper. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Spinach and White Bean Soup
For me, soup is love, comfort, happiness and memories. With all its veggies and beans, this one appeals to my “kitchen sink” style of cooking. —Annette Palermo, Beach Haven Park, New Jersey
Autumn Bisque
I like cozy comfort soups that taste creamy—without the cream. This one’s full of good stuff like rutabagas, leeks, fresh herbs and almond milk. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Cheddar, Corn & Potato Chowder
Curry gives this just the right amount of zip without being overpowering. I especially like all the veggies in the recipe. My kids always loved it, even when they were young, and I always had to make a double or triple batch to make sure we had enough leftovers.—Becky Ruff, McGregor, Iowa
Moroccan Cauliflower and Almond Soup
This soup tastes rich and decadent, but is really very healthy! Bonus—it's vegan, and also makes your house smell amazing! —Barbara Marynowski, Hutto, Texas
Loaded Potato-Leek Soup
Growing up, my mother made potato and onion soup because it was affordable and fast. I’ve trimmed the calories, and it’s still a comforting family favorite. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Spiced Sweet Potato Soup
This Thanksgiving serve your spuds as soup. It makes a unique first course, and guests will love the creamy texture and flavors of ginger, cinnamon and curry. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Creamless Creamy Squash Soup
Here's my go-to recipe for family and friends' get-togethers. One time, my niece devoured three bowls of it and we had to stop her from a fourth so others could have one last spoonful! —Sharon Verea, Thomasville, Georgia
Summer Squash & White Bean Soup
I love using summer squash in soups. This one's hearty as is, but stir in chopped ham for an extra wallop of flavor. Serve this warm or chilled. —Sara Hornbeck, Knoxville, Tennessee
Creamy Root Veggie Soup
On chilly nights, we fill the pot with parsnips and celery root for a smooth, creamy soup. Garlic, bacon and fresh thyme make it even better. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Soup
I love that I can top this creamy soup with anything my heart desires, which means I can eat it several days in a row without ever having to have it the same way twice. You can substitute fresh onions and celery in this recipe if you prefer, but using the dried version makes it easy to throw together on a weekday morning. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Roasted Autumn Vegetable Soup
Roasting sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips brings out their best features. Blend them, and you have a warm, healthy soup for a cool fall night. —Stephanie Flaming, Woodland, California
Savory Leek Soup
There's no mistaking that savory is the main herb seasoning this rich and creamy soup.
Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
“I like making this recipe year round, but it's best in the fall and winter months when butternut squash is in season. I love it because it's hearty and filling, but very healthy as well as easy to make. Serve it with some good crusty bread!” Julie Hession - Las Vegas, Nevada
Spicy Sweet Potato Kale Cannellini Soup
This cross between a soup and a stew fits the meatless Monday bill quite nicely. It warms you right up, and satisfies without leaving you overstuffed.—Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Cheddar Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower is often last on the list of vegetables my family will eat, but they adore this creamy, savory soup with tender leeks and shredded cheddar cheese. Be sure to blend in batches and leave some space between the lid and the jar to allow steam to escape. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Smooth & Creamy Pumpkin Soup
My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me. She doesn't cook anymore, so now I make it for her, and she enjoys eating it as much as I enjoy making it. The pumpkin flavor brings a little Thanksgiving to any meal. —Helen Espinosa, Miami, Florida
Mushroom & Broccoli Soup
One of my girls won’t eat meat and the other struggles to get enough fiber. This recipe is a great way to give them what they need in a form they love to taste. I save my broccoli stems in the freezer until I have about 2 small bags’ worth, and then make soup. —Maria Davis, Flower Mound, Texas
Emerald Isle Pea Soup with Tarragon Cream
This elegant and easy soup evokes memories of our honeymoon in Ireland and has become a true family favorite. The tarragon spice makes it taste so bright and springy. —Sharon Marks, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Spicy Sweet Potato & Chickpea Soup
I love hearty, healthy entree soups, and a bowl of this southwestern sweet potato-soup really satisfies. I add a can of chickpeas for protein, making it ideal for an easy dinner. And it reheats and even freezes beautifully, so I often make a double batch. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas