Device: Cuisinart Smart Stick. A blender/mixer in a stick. What’s not to like? It fits into large mugs small pots and so on. These have become very popular, and with cause. Generically they are called “immersion blenders”, and they are perfect… for a handful of tasks. The key is, they mix or puree the material in the container/pan they are being prepared in. For example, you could cook apples on a stove in a pan, and turn them into applesauce right in the pan while still on the stove.
The immersion blender was invented in Switzerland by Roger Perrinjaquet, who patented the idea on March 6, 1950, calling the new gizmo the bamix… a portmanteau of the French “bat et mixe” (beats and mixes).
The Dream: It just does what it is meant to do, and that is mix “stuff” up in the container you are using to cook. You look like a pro, act like a pro and turn out pro results, quickly and with hardly any cleanup. What’s not to like about that?!
The Hype: Cuisinart says…”This sleek, high-performance Smart Stick hand blender comes in five great colors to fit into any kitchen – funky to sophisticated. With its 200-watt motor and deep reach, it makes quick work of pureeing soup in a pot or blending a pitcher of frothy hot chocolate. And it can whip up lemonade and fruit smoothies in seconds, too. It’s one Smart Stick.”
Yeah, it’s a simple hand mixer, but it is also pretty effective. There are multiple models and the reviews on Amazon are all over the place, even with just Cuisinart Smartsticks. Check those reviews and make your choice. The link below points to one with pretty smart reviews.
Hype Continued:
“The specially designed blade is for mixing and stirring all kinds of foods,
including salad dressings, powdered drink products, and sauces. It is
ideal for combining dry ingredients, and can be used to emulsify
mayonnaise, too.
This blade mixes and stirs while adding only a minimum of air to your
mixture. A gentle up-and-down motion is all you need to make the most
flavorful, full-bodied liquid recipes. Be careful never to remove the
Cuisinart® Smart Stick® Hand Blender from the liquid while in
operation.”
- “2 speeds for all your blending tasks
- Powerful 200-watt motor handles more blending tasks
- Stick design reaches into pots, pitchers, and bowls to extend blending options
- Ergonomically designed grip offers comfortable hold and more control while blending
- Dishwasher-safe blending shaft and beaker make cleanup effortless”
The Basic Recipe:
Blueberry Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 small (41⁄2 ounces) banana, sliced
- 3⁄4 cup soy milk or fat-free milk
- 14 grams soy protein powder (or soy protein isolate)
- 1 teaspoon flax seed oil
- 1-2 teaspoons honey (optional)
Instructions
Put soy milk, protein powder, blueberries, banana, flax seed oil and honey, if using, in mixing cup. Insert the hand blender, making sure the protective guard is submerged. Blend on High, using a gentle up-and down motion until ingredients are combined, about 30 seconds.
More recipes below.
The Reality/Verdict:
The upside is, it’s cheap, easy, effective and easy to clean.
The downside is, there are low powered models that are so cheap they just don’t last. This one has survived my kitchen or many years, so stick with this one if you can.
Be aware that you are FAR better off if you clean it right after using it. Don’t let the gunk dry on, as it complicates cleaning considerably. And be damn sure you unplug it when you clean it, as it would be easy to accidentally hit the on-button and then find yourself with a mixed up finger. That is not good. When using any immersion blender keep in mind that there MUST be enough liquid to cover the bell shaped guard around the blade. Remember, the fluid level will go down in the center when you start it, so be sure there is some extra when you put it in. Also, it’s best to keep these things moving. A large plop of cooked broccoli or carrots may need some agression on the part of the cook. GO for it. Move the blender around.
Bottom line: I like it. It’s really effective at mixing up cooked veggies in a pot. It really makes things quicker and easier.
Time saved: Well, you don’t have to get that blender out, then clean it up. You could save yourself 10 minutes here.
Cleanup: If you rinse it off right away it is simple and effective. If you let the pureed liquid dry on… good luck.
Grade: A + It makes Mr. GizmoCuisine.com happy. Effective, affordable, easy to clean. Yeah, get one.
Buy:
Competition:
Best Immersion Blenders
Now this one is more powerful and has multiple speeds. Bigger/more complicated isn’t always better, but check it out.
Online Recipes and Hacks:
This gizmo can make: View All
Cuisinart Immersion Blender Manual and Recipe Guide
Specialized Cookbooks:
Note: We do get a small commission through links. This does NOT impact our review, which will ALWAYS be honest.
