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If you’ve ended up at this article, then chances are you are looking how to use a hand blender. Perhaps you just purchased a new one, and are looking at how to get the best out of it? Then look no further as we are here to help you out.
In this article, we look at how to use a hand blender in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Set Up Your New Blender
Once you have your blender, it’s important to keep the power off at all times while you are setting it up. This will allow you to make sure you don’t harm yourself when attaching the blades. Next, simply follow your model’s specific instructions, which should be present in the booklet included with the blender.
Not all blenders will be the same, so it is important to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
Step 2: Add Your Required Attachment
Not all blenders will come with the correct attachments or accessories for your exact requirements, so it’s important to make sure your selected model has what you need before you buy it. Also in some cases, some blenders may include a foreign plug so make sure that it is the correct one for your location. If you have instead purchased a cordless blender, make sure to buy the correct batteries in advance.
If you have separate attachments, depending on what you want to do, i.e. whisk, beat, blend, chop, foam, mix or whatever else, you can then add them onto your blender after setting it up.
Step 3: Turn the Power On
Once you have set up your blender and added the correct attachment or accessory, you can now turn on the power to see if it works. If you have a cordless blender make sure the batteries are fully charged.
Some blenders might need to have the power turned on before entering the food, or after. Again be sure to check your model’s individual instructions to be sure. Sometimes, in the case of ice for example, it’s better to start the power afterwards.
Step 4: Place the Hand Blender into the Food
Now this is where things get started. Simply lower your blender into your food. The mistake many beginners make here is splashing the ingredients everywhere. To avoid this, make sure the container has enough space. A narrow container is recommended rather than a wide one.
Step 5: Hold the Blender at an Angle
Start to move the blender around, but rather than doing this straight, tilt the blender to a slight angle as you move through the ingredients. Make sure to keep it off the bottom of the container, as this will stop any splashing from happening. Move it until you reach your desired consistency. And don’t forget you can also move the container as well as the blender.
Step 6: Tap the Shaft With Your Hand
Once you have turned the blender off, you will no doubt have some excess mixture on the end of the blender. Simple tap the shaft with your other hand to remove over the container.
Some people make a mistake here and tap the blender shaft on the container, however this is bad for the blender as can weaken it over time. Some blenders have electronics to drive the blades and so it’s important to treat it gently.
Step 7: Turn Off and Detach
Make sure to turn off the power and unplug your blender before you remove any attachments. If you do so when the power is on, you may risk damaging the blender.
Step 8: Wash
When you are finished blending, the power is off and attachments all removed, all that is left to do is clean up. It’s important to wash the blender immediately after using as any mixture can start to dry up on the blades, and cause rust. To wash, simply take a warm cloth, rinse it to make sure not too much water will drip over the device, and pat the blender to clean any mess.
Hand Blender Uses
Hand blenders can be used for a range of different things, from mixing cake batters, to creaming sugar and butter mixes, frothing, to making lighter liquids, and foaming.
They can mash, mix, pulverize, stir and mince. In fact, they can do lots of things, and that is why they are a kitchen essential.
What Can They Prepare?
With a hand blender, your options are endless:
- Juices
- Milkshakes
- Meringues
- Sauces
- Creams
- Crepes
- Baby food
- Mincemeat
- Dressings
- Purees
- Ice-cream
- Soups
- Smoothies
Final Words
Hand blenders are definitely easy to use, and can make baking so much easier. We hope this step-by-step article has given you a better idea of how to use your own.