To view or download a copy of an instruction manual for your Braun Household product, please type in the model number of your appliance e.g. MR730 in the search field below, click on the search tab and then select from the list provided. Search By Product Number Or Model Name “The model number can usually be located on the base of the product either embossed into the plastic or on a silver label” Search by product category Select a sub category Search Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions (or FAQ's) will help you to find additional information on your productA handheld blender is a cool-looking kitchen gadget but one that some cooks still regard with skepticism. Why buy yet another device, they wonder, when an upright blender or a food processor can do the job just fine. It's true that there is some overlap in functionality, but handheld blenders have several benefits that make them a worthy addition to the kitchen. After researching the available features and uses of handheld blenders, many cooks realize that this multifunctional tool is actually a practical replacement for bulkier countertop equipment.

Handheld blenders are common in European households but were slower to take off in the United States. The devices go by many names, including immersion, stick, and wand blenders. TV chefs sometimes refer to the bigger commercial-grade models as "boat motors." No matter what they are called, these are all the same stick-shaped device with a handle at the top and mixing blades at the end. Immersion blenders have a shaft that varies in length and is immersed in the food to be blended. The blades puree the food into a fine, smooth texture. Interchangeable attachments make some models effective for chopping and whisking as well. The most common uses for an immersion blender are soups and sauces. For a rich, creamy soup made with squash or root vegetables, pureeing with a handheld blender is about as easy as it gets. The blender operates right in the cooking pot, so there's no need to fuss with trying to transfer batches of hot soup to an upright blender for smoothing. Wand blenders can also turn roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs into a chunky sauce for pasta or pizza.

These devices are excellent for making mayonnaise and dressings that require emulsification. Whipped cream can be ready in as little as a minute, and a smoothie or milkshake can be prepared quickly without the trouble of cleaning up a full-size blender. Immersion blenders are also well-suited to the smaller batches often used in preparing homemade baby food, pesto, salsa, and hummus. With the right attachment, a handheld blender can chop nuts, herbs, and garlic. A whip accessory makes quick work of eggs, pancake batter, muffin batter, and more. Some models are powerful enough to make shaved ice. A number of manufacturers offer handheld blenders with various features, so it can be tough to separate hype from reality. Price isn't necessarily an indication of quality as several lower-cost models have been found to perform well. Some people look at the wattage as a determining factor, assuming that the bigger the number, the better the device. Unfortunately, it isn't that simple: Some lower wattage blenders outperform even the so-called "commercial" or "professional" models.

One testing company found that a strong motor must be paired with a good design for the blades and surrounding cage in order for the blender to be effective. That's because the food needs to be able to circulate in and out of the cutting zone. oster blender 6629On the low end, immersion blenders start at 100 watts, and they can push to 750 watts or higher for a commercial version. bodum hand mixer sainsburysConsumer testing has shown that even 100-watt models can perform satisfactorily.cuisinart hb-155pc smartstick hand blender Immersion blenders are typically quiet, lightweight, and easy to operate. kitchenaid blender ksb3wh4

Two of the biggest benefits of handheld blenders are size and convenience. These wands can be used in almost any container, including pots and cocktail shakers. The compact size means they fit easily in a drawer, and some mount on a wall out of the way. kitchenaid khb1231ga 2-speed immersion blenderCleaning is simple and can often be accomplished with a quick rinse in hot, soapy water. ninja master prep professional qb1004 vs qb1005On some models, the shaft detaches and is safe to place in the dishwasher. kitchenaid blender zerlegenThis feature not only speeds cleanup, but it reduces the risk of damaging the motor while washing up. Though stick blenders are lighter than full-size, upright versions, a few are too heavy to use comfortably with one hand for any length of time.

This is an important factor for cooks who anticipate needing to pour an ingredient into a mixture while operating the blender with the other hand. Anything over three pounds could present a problem for most users. For safety reasons, the user must hold the button continuously to operate the blender. If the button is small or recessed, this can quickly become tiring and, in worst-case scenarios, can even bring on hand cramps. The power button should be large and easy to press. One of the benefits of handheld blenders is that cleanup is usually easy, but some handheld blenders have a small blade guard that makes it difficult to thoroughly clean out chunks of food. It's not wise to resort to using a finger to try to scrape out stuck-on food. The simplest handheld blenders offer a single speed and no extra attachments. Higher-end models may have a more comfortable grip, variable speeds, accessories, and greater power. That said, more than two or three speeds may be overkill as many users tend to rely mainly on the high and low settings.

Prices begin at only $10, making handheld blenders accessible even for those on a tight budget. Most cooks should be able to settle on a good-quality device with nice features for well under $100. Fancy, heavy-duty models can top $200, and restaurant-grade products push well past that mark. Both corded and cordless versions are available, and some models may be mounted to the wall. Many cooks prefer a stick blender with a removable, stainless steel shaft. Stainless steel is less prone to discoloration and doesn't melt in hot liquids, but plastic typically performs just as well as stainless steel at processing the food. However, a plastic blade guard is often preferred by those who use nonstick cookware since plastic is less likely to scratch the finish. The length of the device's shaft can be a factor for some cooks. For those planning to puree large pots of soup, a longer shaft will reach lower into the pot without being uncomfortable to handle. Many handheld blenders are sold with one or two narrow mixing containers that are tapered at the bottom.

Additional accessories and attachments may also prove useful. A wire whisk attachment is valuable for eggs, cream, batters, and similar dishes. The motorized part of the blender attaches to what is essentially a mini food processor. The cups vary in size by manufacturer. Changeable blades could include options for aerating, mincing, and chopping. As with an upright blender, improper use of a handheld model can make a big mess. To avoid spattering hot soup and other ingredients all over the kitchen, the blender needs to be fully immersed in the liquid before it is turned on. Ideally, hot soups and sauces should cool a bit before blending begins, just in case there is some splashing. To minimize messes, turn the power off before removing the wand from the food; start multispeed models on low before increasing the power. Smaller portions of food may need to be moved to a taller, narrower container before being blended so that the depth will be adequate. If the blender didn't come with its own cup, repurpose a large yogurt container for these smaller jobs.

The sides are high enough to contain spatters, and the diameter is narrow enough to keep the food moving through the blades. In larger pots, move the wand slowly throughout the food for a more even puree. The blades need to be down near the bottom of the pot, but take care to avoid scratching the finish if the blade guard is metal. For chunky textures, pulse the power and move the blender around in the mixture. Before tackling ice or frozen fruit for smoothies, be sure the device is powerful enough to handle the resistance. If the shaft doesn't detach from the motor, speed cleanup by simply blending a container of hot, soapy water for a few seconds. Start shopping for handheld immersion blenders on the eBay home page. Open the Home, Outdoors & Decor category and choose Home & Garden. Click Kitchen, Dining & Bar and select the Small Kitchen Appliances category. Open the Blender listings to find available products. To narrow the search to immersion-type blenders, type "hand blender," "stick blender," or "immersion blender" in the search bar.

Alternatively, enter the name of a specific blender model or manufacturer. Results can also be refined based on condition, manufacturer, buying format, location, and price. For cooks who only lug out the food processor or upright blender a few times a year, an immersion blender is an economical, practical substitute. It can also handle much of the work of a hand mixer and could replace that appliance as well in many households. Avid cooks and foodies will also find a handheld blender to be invaluable for soups, mayonnaise, dips, dressings, and more, but for these cooks, the immersion blender is likely to serve as complement to full-size countertop equipment rather than as a replacement. Keep in mind that pricing isn't the best indicator of user satisfaction. Comfort, ease of use, relevant accessories, and user feedback should play a big part in the selection process. This is one gadget that easily wins over fans, and new users often find themselves wondering how they ever got along without a handheld blender.