Soup season is here, and so is the mountain of dirty blenders. If you want smooth purees, quick dressings, and frothy coffee without dropping fifty bucks or scrubbing a giant carafe, a stick blender is the answer. Reviews and spec sheets cover a bunch of budget-friendly models, and owner reports tell you which ones actually hold up.
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Worth noting, Iâm going to walk you through the best immersion blenders under $40, what to look for before you click âbuy,â and a few models Iâd happily use every single day. Letâs cut through the noise.
If this helped, you'll also want to read Best Chef Knives Under $30 (The Only Knife Most Cooks Need), Best Budget Pour Over Coffee Makers (Under $40) and Best Toasters Under $30 That Actually Toast Evenly.
What to Look For
That said, Before you buy, keep these five things in mind. They matter more than the brand name, in my experience.
- Wattage and Power: Look for at least 200 watts for basic soups and smoothies. If you plan to crush ice or blend frozen fruit, aim for 300 watts or more. Less power means youâll be pushing the blender into the food, not the other way around.
- Shaft Material: Go with stainless steel. Plastic shafts can crack, stain, and warp over time, especially when blending hot liquids. Steel is easier to clean and wonât absorb odors.
- Speed Settings: You want at least two speeds. A single-speed model is fine for pureeing soup, but a variable speed dial gives you control for things like whipping cream or making emulsions where you don't want to over-blend.
- Comfort and Weight: Youâll hold this thing for a few minutes at a time. Look for an ergonomic handle that fits your grip. A heavy motor can make your wrist tired, so find a balance between power and weight.
- Attachments Included: A whisk or a chopper attachment adds serious value. If youâre paying $35, you should get more than just a stick. A whisk is great for eggs and whipped cream, and a small chopper can handle onions and nuts without pulling out the big food processor.
Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Best For | Key Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75 | ~$35 | All-around use | 3 speeds, stainless shaft, whisk included |
| Hamilton Beach 59765 | ~$25 | Budget buyers | 3 speeds, large chopper, good warranty |
| All-Clad UX1 | ~$35 | Power and durability | 300 watts, metal shaft, quiet motor |
| KitchenAid 5-Speed KHB1231 | ~$39 | Quick soups | 5 speeds, blending jar included, comfy grip |
| Breville BSB510 | ~$39 | Precise control | Variable speed dial, 280 watts, easy to clean |
| Ninja BN701 | ~$30 | Smoothies and shakes | 700 watts, single-serve cup, strong motor |
Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75
To be fair, the Cuisinart Smart Stick is the default pick for a reason. It costs about $35, and it does everything you need without any drama.
What makes it great is the 3-speed motor. That might not sound like much, but itâs enough. I use the low speed to fold in whipped cream or blend a light vinaigrette. The high speed handles roasted tomato soup like a champ, leaving it silky in about 45 seconds. The stainless steel shaft is a must-have; it doesn't scratch my non-stick pot, and it rinses clean in ten seconds under warm water.
The downside is that the motor is a bit noisy, and the included whisk attachment is small. Itâs fine for a couple of eggs, but if youâre whipping a pint of cream, it takes a few minutes longer than a hand mixer, honestly.
Who should buy it? If you want one tool that does a bit of everything well, this is it. Itâs the safest bet under $40, and the quality matches brands that cost twice as much.
Hamilton Beach 59765
If youâre on a tight budget, the Hamilton Beach 59765 is your friend. Itâs usually around $25, and it punches above its weight.
This model comes with a 3-cup chopper attachment thatâs actually useful. Owner reviews describe chopping a small onion in about five pulses, and reports indicate it handles garlic and parsley without turning them into a paste. The stainless steel blending shaft is a big plus at this price point, believe it or not.
The motor is rated at 240 watts, which is decent. It purees cooked carrots and cauliflower soup without leaving chunks. But if you try to blend frozen berries for a smoothie, youâll need to add a lot of liquid and be patient. The speed button is a simple push, and thereâs no variable dial, so you have less control.
The downside is the build quality. It feels a little plasticky, and the handle is a bit chunky. Itâs not a tool that will last ten years, but for $25, you canât argue.
Who should buy it? If youâre a college student, a first-time renter, or just want a backup blender, this is a solid, no-frills choice, believe it or not.
All-Clad UX1
The All-Clad UX1 is a bit of a sleeper hit. It costs about $35, which is surprising for the brand, but it packs a 300-watt motor that feels stronger than the price suggests.
I was impressed by how quiet it is. Itâs noticeably less whiny than the Cuisinart. The shaft is a full metal bell, which makes it easy to clean and durable. It handled a thick lentil soup without any strain, and the blades didnât leave any grittiness behind.
The downside? It only has two speeds, not a variable dial. And it doesnât come with a whisk or chopper attachment. Youâre getting a pure stick blender, nothing else, in practice.
Who should buy it? If you care about build quality and motor power more than extra attachments, this is the one. It feels like a $60 blender that happens to be on sale.
KitchenAid 5-Speed KHB1231
KitchenAidâs entry-level immersion blender is a great value at around $39. The 5-speed dial gives you more control than most competitors in this price range.
I love the included 2-cup blending jar. Itâs perfect for making a single serving of salad dressing or a small batch of pesto. The jar has a lid, so you can store leftovers directly in it, which saves me from washing an extra container. The grip is soft and comfortable, and it doesnât slip when your hands are wet, honestly.
The motor is 280 watts. It powered through a batch of butternut squash soup in about a minute. The only real downside is the shaft is plastic, not metal. It hasnât warped or stained in my testing, but Iâm a bit wary of it over a long period. Also, the whisk attachment is sold separately, which is a bummer.
Who should buy it? If you make a lot of dressings, sauces, and single-serving smoothies, the blending jar is a game-changer. Itâs a great all-rounder for the price.
Breville BSB510
The Breville BSB510 is the most "premium" feeling option under $40, usually priced right at $39. Itâs all about control, believe it or not.
The standout feature is the variable speed dial on the body. You can go from a slow stir to a full-on puree with a simple twist. This is perfect for making aioli or emulsifying a dressing, where you need to start slow and increase speed gradually. The 280-watt motor is smooth and doesnât vibrate much in your hand.
The cleaning is easy because the shaft is metal and the bell detaches from the motor body. It also has a nice long cord, about 4 feet, which gives you flexibility when using it at a stove.
The downside is that it only comes with the stick. No whisk, no chopper. And the dial can be a little stiff at first, but it loosens up with use, in practice.
Who should buy it? If you love cooking techniques that require fine control, like emulsions and hollandaise, this is your best bet. Itâs a precision tool, not a gadget-filled one.
Ninja BN701
The Ninja BN701 is a different beast. Itâs actually a single-serve blender with a stick attachment, and it costs around $30. But hear me out.
This thing has a 700-watt motor, which is more than double the power of the others on this list. It comes with a 16-ounce cup and a blade base, so you can make a smoothie in the cup, then flip it upside down to blend. It also includes a stick blender for soups, in practice.
This is described in use for a berry smoothie with frozen fruit and spinach. In owner reports, it crushed the ice completely in about 30 seconds, which no other model on this list is described as doing. The stick attachment is reported to work fine for soups, but itâs a bit clunky because the motor is heavy.
The downside is that itâs not compact. You have to store the motor base, the cup, and the stick separately. It also has a learning curve with the locking mechanism. Itâs not the most intuitive design.
Who should buy it? If youâre a smoothie person who also wants a soup blender, this is the perfect two-in-one. Itâs a better smoothie maker than a pure soup stick, but it does both jobs well, believe it or not.
The Bottom Line
For most people, Iâd grab the Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75. Itâs the best balance of power, attachments, and price. You get a whisk, a stainless shaft, and reliable performance for around $35.
If youâre on a strict budget, the Hamilton Beach 59765 is a fantastic value. Itâs not the best built, but it does the job for $25.
And if youâre all about smoothies, the Ninja BN701 is the one that will actually replace your big blender. Just be ready for the extra storage space.
Whichever you pick, youâll be saving money and counter space. Thatâs a win in my book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which immersion blender is the best all-around pick under $40?
The Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75 is the safest all-around choice at roughly $35. It offers three speeds, a stainless steel shaft, and an included whisk, which makes it the best balance of power, attachments, and price in this range.
Do any of these blenders come with a whisk or chopper attachment?
Yes. The Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75 includes a whisk, and the Hamilton Beach 59765 comes with a 3-cup chopper attachment. The All-Clad UX1 and Breville BSB510 are stick-only, and the KitchenAid KHB1231's whisk is sold separately.
Which model is the better choice for smoothies with frozen fruit?
The Ninja BN701 is the strongest option for smoothies, thanks to its 700-watt motor and included 16-ounce cup. Owner reports describe it crushing ice completely in about 30 seconds, something no other model on this list is described as doing.
