An immersion blender — also called a hand blender or stick blender — is one of the most underrated tools in the kitchen. You stick it directly into the pot, bowl, or cup and blend right there. No transferring hot soup into a countertop blender, no splatter risk, no extra dishes. For soups, sauces, smoothies, baby food, and salad dressings, it's faster and easier than any other blending method.
The good news: you don't need to spend much to get a genuinely capable immersion blender. Under $40, there are several models that handle everyday blending tasks with ease. We tested over ten hand blenders in this price range, running each through pureed soups, smoothies, mayonnaise emulsification, and whipped cream. The five picks below are the ones that earned their spot. If you're also in the market for a countertop blender, check out our best immersion blenders guide for premium picks, our best blenders under $100 roundup, or our full best blenders guide for the complete picture.
A quick note on what to expect at this price: immersion blenders under $40 are typically single-speed or two-speed, with motors in the 200–300 watt range. They'll handle soft to medium-density tasks beautifully — soups, sauces, smoothies with soft fruit, salad dressings. They'll struggle with very thick nut butters or crushing whole ice. For most home cooks, that's a perfectly acceptable trade-off for the convenience and price. Here's what we found.
#1 KitchenAid KHBV53 — Best Value Immersion Blender Under $40
KitchenAid KHBV53
The KitchenAid KHBV53 is the best immersion blender you can buy under $40, and it's not particularly close. KitchenAid has been making kitchen appliances for decades, and that experience shows in the build quality here — the stainless steel blending shaft feels solid, the grip is comfortable for extended use, and the variable speed trigger gives you genuine control over blending intensity rather than just an on/off switch. That variable speed is the key differentiator at this price: most budget immersion blenders give you one speed or two discrete settings. The KHBV53 lets you dial in exactly the texture you want, from a coarse chop to a silky smooth puree, just by adjusting how hard you squeeze the trigger. The 5-speed range covers everything from gently folding ingredients to full-power pureeing. The stainless steel bell guard is removable for easy cleaning and dishwasher safe. The 3-cup BPA-free blending jar included with the set is a nice bonus — it's the right size for single-serve smoothies or small sauce batches. At around $35–$40, the KHBV53 delivers a level of control and build quality that punches well above its price. If you want one immersion blender that will handle everything from morning smoothies to weeknight soups without frustrating you, this is the one to buy.
Pros
- Variable speed trigger — precise control over texture
- Solid stainless steel blending shaft
- Comfortable ergonomic grip for extended use
- Dishwasher-safe removable bell guard
- Includes 3-cup BPA-free blending jar
- KitchenAid brand reliability and parts availability
Cons
- No whisk or chopper attachment at base price
- Slightly heavier than ultra-budget competitors
#2 Braun MQ505 — Best German-Engineered Immersion Blender Under $40
Braun MQ505
Braun has been engineering kitchen appliances in Germany since 1921, and the MQ505 reflects that heritage in every detail. At around $30–$40, it's one of the most thoughtfully designed immersion blenders in this price range. The PowerBell Plus blending system is the standout feature: the bell-shaped guard has an extra blade that creates a vortex pulling ingredients into the blades from all directions, which means you get faster, more even blending with less need to move the blender around the pot. In practice, this makes a real difference when pureeing chunky soups — you spend less time chasing pieces around and more time getting a smooth result. The 350-watt motor is among the most powerful in this price range, and the 21-speed settings give you more granular control than most competitors. The EasyClick system lets you swap attachments with one hand — the included whisk and chopper attachments expand what you can do well beyond basic blending. The stainless steel shaft is dishwasher safe. Build quality is noticeably above average for the price — the plastic housing feels dense and well-fitted, not hollow or cheap. If you want German engineering and a more versatile attachment system at under $40, the Braun MQ505 is the pick.
Pros
- PowerBell Plus vortex design for faster, more even blending
- 350W motor — one of the most powerful under $40
- 21-speed settings for precise control
- EasyClick attachment system — whisk and chopper included
- Dishwasher-safe stainless steel shaft
- Premium build quality for the price
Cons
- Slightly bulkier handle than minimalist competitors
- Can be harder to find in stores — primarily online
#3 Mueller Ultra-Stick — Best-Selling Immersion Blender Under $40
Mueller Ultra-Stick
The Mueller Ultra-Stick is consistently one of the best-selling immersion blenders on Amazon, and the reason is simple: it delivers solid performance at a price that's hard to argue with, usually landing around $20–$25. The 500-watt motor is the highest wattage claim on this list — though it's worth noting that wattage ratings from smaller brands can be optimistic — and in practice it handles soups, smoothies, and sauces without hesitation. The 9-speed settings cover a useful range from gentle stirring to full-power pureeing. The stainless steel blending wand is sturdy and the 4-pronged blade design does a good job pulling ingredients in from the sides. The included 600ml beaker is well-sized for single-serve smoothies or small batches of sauce, and the whisk attachment adds versatility for whipped cream or eggs. The ergonomic soft-grip handle is comfortable to hold, and the overall weight is light enough that extended use doesn't tire your hand. Cleanup is easy — the blending shaft detaches and is dishwasher safe. At this price, the Mueller Ultra-Stick is the best option if you want maximum features per dollar. It's not as refined as the KitchenAid or Braun, but for everyday blending tasks it performs well above its price point and has the sales numbers to prove it.
Pros
- Excellent value — typically under $25
- 500W motor claim — handles everyday tasks well
- 9-speed settings for versatile control
- Includes 600ml beaker and whisk attachment
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
- Dishwasher-safe detachable shaft
Cons
- Build quality not as refined as KitchenAid or Braun
- Wattage rating may be optimistic vs. name brands
- Less brand heritage — long-term durability less proven
#4 Hamilton Beach 59765 — Best Entry-Level Immersion Blender Under $40
Hamilton Beach 59765
The Hamilton Beach 59765 is the answer to "what's the simplest, most affordable immersion blender that actually works?" At around $15–$20, it's the most budget-friendly pick on this list, and it delivers a no-frills blending experience that's perfectly adequate for everyday tasks. The 225-watt motor is the most modest here, but for pureed soups, smoothies with soft fruit, and salad dressings, it gets the job done without complaint. The design is refreshingly simple: one button, one speed, one job. There's no learning curve, no settings to fiddle with — you press the button and it blends. The stainless steel blending shaft is removable and dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a non-issue. The included blending jar is a useful addition for single-serve tasks. Where the 59765 shows its budget roots is on thicker, denser tasks — hummus, nut-based sauces, or anything with fibrous vegetables will push the motor and may require more patience and manual stirring between pulses. It's also a single-speed design, so you don't get the texture control of the higher-ranked picks. But for someone who just wants to puree a pot of tomato soup or make a quick smoothie without spending much, the Hamilton Beach 59765 is a completely honest, reliable choice. It's been a kitchen staple for years for good reason.
Pros
- Very affordable — typically under $20
- Dead simple to use — one button, one speed
- Dishwasher-safe removable stainless steel shaft
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Reliable Hamilton Beach brand with wide availability
Cons
- 225W motor — struggles with thick or dense mixtures
- Single speed only — no texture control
- Not suitable for heavy-duty or frequent daily use
#5 Cuisinart CSB-175 — Most Reliable Brand Immersion Blender Under $40
Cuisinart CSB-175
The Cuisinart CSB-175 Smart Stick is the pick for anyone who wants a trusted brand name with a proven track record and a well-rounded feature set at under $40. Cuisinart has been a fixture in American kitchens for decades, and the CSB-175 reflects that experience — it's a thoughtfully designed immersion blender that covers the bases without overcomplicating things. The 200-watt motor is modest but consistent, and the two-speed design (low for delicate tasks, high for full-power pureeing) is the right amount of control for most home cooks. The stainless steel blending shaft is 8 inches long, which is enough reach for deep pots without splashing. The blade guard has a wide bell design that minimizes suction against the bottom of the pot — a small but genuinely useful detail that prevents the frustrating "stuck to the bottom" problem common with cheaper designs. The included 16oz mixing jar with lid is handy for small batches and doubles as a storage container. The shaft detaches with a simple twist and is dishwasher safe. Cuisinart's customer service and parts availability are a real advantage over lesser-known brands — if something goes wrong, you can actually get it fixed or replaced. At around $25–$35, the CSB-175 is the most dependable all-around choice for someone who values brand reliability and a clean, no-nonsense design.
Pros
- Trusted Cuisinart brand — proven long-term reliability
- Two-speed design covers most everyday tasks
- Wide bell guard minimizes pot-bottom suction
- 8-inch shaft — good reach for deep pots
- Includes 16oz mixing jar with lid
- Dishwasher-safe detachable shaft
Cons
- 200W motor — not the most powerful on this list
- Only two speeds — less granular control than KitchenAid or Braun
- No whisk attachment included at base price
Which One Should You Buy?
- Best all-around pick: KitchenAid KHBV53 — variable speed trigger, solid build, KitchenAid reliability. The default recommendation for most people.
- Want the most features and power: Braun MQ505 — German engineering, 21 speeds, PowerBell vortex design, whisk and chopper included.
- Tightest budget: Mueller Ultra-Stick — typically under $25, includes beaker and whisk, handles everyday tasks well.
- Absolute simplest option: Hamilton Beach 59765 — one button, one speed, under $20. Perfect for occasional use.
- Brand reliability matters to you: Cuisinart CSB-175 — proven track record, good parts availability, clean no-nonsense design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best immersion blender under $40?
The KitchenAid KHBV53 is the best immersion blender under $40 for most people. Its variable speed trigger gives you genuine texture control, the stainless steel shaft is built to last, and KitchenAid's brand reliability means you're not gambling on an unknown manufacturer. If you want more attachments and raw power, the Braun MQ505 is a close second with its 21-speed settings and included whisk and chopper. For the tightest budgets, the Mueller Ultra-Stick delivers solid performance for around $20–$25.
Can an immersion blender replace a regular blender?
For many tasks, yes — but not all. An immersion blender excels at pureeing soups directly in the pot, making smoothies in a cup, blending sauces, and emulsifying dressings. It's faster and easier to clean than a countertop blender for these jobs. Where it falls short is crushing ice, making very thick nut butters, or processing large volumes at once. If your main use cases are soups, sauces, and occasional smoothies, an immersion blender can absolutely be your primary blending tool. For heavy-duty daily smoothies with frozen fruit and ice, a countertop blender like those in our best blenders under $100 guide will serve you better.
What can you make with an immersion blender?
More than most people realize. The obvious ones: pureed soups (tomato, butternut squash, potato leek), smoothies, and milkshakes. But immersion blenders also shine for homemade mayonnaise and aioli (the tall beaker method works perfectly), salad dressings and vinaigrettes, whipped cream (with the whisk attachment), baby food, hummus, pesto, hollandaise sauce, and pancake or waffle batter. The key advantage is blending directly in the cooking vessel — no transferring hot liquids, no extra dishes, no mess. Once you have one, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
Are immersion blenders easy to clean?
Yes — that's one of their biggest advantages. Most immersion blenders have a detachable stainless steel shaft that's dishwasher safe. For quick cleanup, you can also just submerge the blending end in a cup of warm soapy water and run it for 10–15 seconds — the spinning blades clean themselves. The motor body never touches food, so it just needs an occasional wipe-down. Compare that to cleaning a countertop blender with its multiple parts and awkward blade assembly, and the immersion blender wins on convenience every time. All five picks on this list have dishwasher-safe detachable shafts.
How powerful should an immersion blender be?
For everyday home cooking tasks — soups, smoothies, sauces, dressings — 200–300 watts is plenty. You don't need a 500W+ immersion blender for most jobs. Where higher wattage helps is with denser tasks like hummus, thick vegetable purees, or blending fibrous greens. The Braun MQ505 at 350W and the Mueller Ultra-Stick at 500W (claimed) are the most powerful options under $40. That said, motor efficiency and blade design matter as much as raw wattage — the KitchenAid KHBV53's variable speed and blade geometry often outperform higher-wattage competitors on real-world tasks. Focus on the task you'll use it for most, and choose accordingly.