Best budget immersion blenders
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Braun MQ777 Multiquick 5 is the immersion blender that strikes the best balance of power, precision, and versatility for cooks who want a serious tool without overspending.
The Hamilton Beach 99979 is the no-frills champion for bare-bones blending on a shoestring, while the Breville BHB850B Control Grip is the space-saving specialist that excels in tight quarters.
An immersion blender lets you puree soup right in the pot, whip cream in a narrow beaker, or emulsify dressing in seconds, all without hauling out a full countertop blender, and with far less cleanup. For budget-conscious cooks, the trick is finding one that won’t bog down in thick mixtures, feels comfortable during long sessions, and actually lasts. When shopping on a budget, look beyond sticker price: a cheap motor that overheats or a blade that flimsily wobbles will cost you in frustration. The best affordable models hold a steady grip, offer enough wattage to handle a pound of cooked carrots, and include a whisk or chopper attachment that adds real value. We’ve dug through owner reports, expert roundups, and long-term reviews to find the three that deliver real performance at a reasonable price.
Braun MQ777 Multiquick 5 Hand Blender
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The Braun MQ777 is the rare immersion blender that feels genuinely premium without crossing into luxury territory. Its Active Blade technology moves up and down independently of the shaft, which means you get better vortex action and less splatter. Owners consistently praise its comfortable grip and quiet motor, even when blending tough ingredients like frozen fruit or fibrous vegetables.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Hamilton Beach 99979 Hand Blender
the best bang for the buck
4.3out of 5The Hamilton Beach 99979 proves you don’t need to spend big to get perfectly smooth soup or milkshakes. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense immersion blender with a stainless steel shaft and a bell-shaped blending end that draws ingredients in effectively. The main trade-off is a slightly rougher texture on fibrous greens and a motor that can strain under heavy loads, but for the price, it’s wildly capable.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →Breville BHB850B Control Grip Immersion Blender
the compact powerhouse
4.5out of 5The Breville Control Grip punches above its size with a clever bell-shaped housing that reduces suction and prevents hot liquid splashes. Its short, wide base makes it easy to maneuver in any pot, and the ergonomic grip with a dial control gives you fine speed adjustment. It’s not quite as powerful as the Braun for heavy-duty tasks, but for its footprint, it delivers remarkably smooth results and excellent control.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Braun MQ777 Multiquick 5 Hand Blender | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Home cooks who want a single immersion blender to handle everything from soups to baby pur | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Hamilton Beach 99979 Hand Blender | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Budget-minded cooks, dorm dwellers, or anyone who needs a solid immersion blender for soup | Check price → |
| Best value | Breville BHB850B Control Grip Immersion Blender | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Cooks with limited storage space or who blend in smaller batches and value precision speed | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Braun MQ777 Multiquick 5 Hand Blender: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Braun MQ777 is the rare immersion blender that feels genuinely premium without crossing into luxury territory. Its Active Blade technology moves up and down independently of the shaft, which means you get better vortex action and less splatter. Owners consistently praise its comfortable grip and quiet motor, even when blending tough ingredients like frozen fruit or fibrous vegetables.
Pros
- Innovative blade design that reduces splatter and blends more evenly
- Whisk and chopper attachments included, replacing several single-purpose tools
- Ergonomic, non-slip handle suited for larger hands or long blending sessions
- Quiet operation compared to many competitors in the price range
Cons
- Costs noticeably more than dedicated budget options
- Chopper attachment is good but not as fast as a full-size food processor
- Shaft is a bit longer, making storage trickier in shallow drawers
Who it’s for
Home cooks who want a single immersion blender to handle everything from soups to baby purees to mayonnaise, and are willing to invest a bit more for consistent results.Who should skip it
You truly only need a blender for occasional soup duty and can’t justify the higher price tag, the Hamilton Beach will serve you just fine.2. Hamilton Beach 99979 Hand Blender: the best bang for the buck
Runner-upThe Hamilton Beach 99979 proves you don’t need to spend big to get perfectly smooth soup or milkshakes. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense immersion blender with a stainless steel shaft and a bell-shaped blending end that draws ingredients in effectively. The main trade-off is a slightly rougher texture on fibrous greens and a motor that can strain under heavy loads, but for the price, it’s wildly capable.
Pros
- Extremely affordable while still delivering reliable blending performance
- Detachable, dishwasher-safe shaft for quick cleanup
- Comfortable, contoured handle with a simple one-speed trigger
- Sturdy enough for regular use without shaking or overheating
Cons
- Single speed only; no variable control for precise blending
- Not as powerful as more expensive models when tackling thick nut butters or frozen fruit
- Lacks any additional attachments (whisk, chopper) that expand functionality
Who it’s for
Budget-minded cooks, dorm dwellers, or anyone who needs a solid immersion blender for soups, sauces, and smoothies without extras.Who should skip it
You frequently blend tough ingredients or want the flexibility of multiple speeds and attachments, step up to the Braun.3. Breville BHB850B Control Grip Immersion Blender: the compact powerhouse
Best valueThe Breville Control Grip punches above its size with a clever bell-shaped housing that reduces suction and prevents hot liquid splashes. Its short, wide base makes it easy to maneuver in any pot, and the ergonomic grip with a dial control gives you fine speed adjustment. It’s not quite as powerful as the Braun for heavy-duty tasks, but for its footprint, it delivers remarkably smooth results and excellent control.
Pros
- Compact design that stores easily and reaches into shallow pots
- Variable-speed dial lets you dial in the exact consistency you want
- Anti-suction bell housing minimizes messy splashing
- Quiet motor that doesn’t vibrate excessively during use
Cons
- Slightly less raw power than the Braun when blending very fibrous or frozen ingredients
- Chopper and whisk attachments sold separately, adding to cost
- Short shaft can make it awkward for tall stockpots or deep pitchers
Who it’s for
Cooks with limited storage space or who blend in smaller batches and value precision speed control over brute force.Who should skip it
You regularly work with large batches or need a one-stop solution that includes a chopper and whisk out of the box.Best for specific needs
Best for silky soups and sauces
For creamy tomato soup, velvety butternut squash, or a lump-free béchamel, you want gentle control and a wide blending head that won’t splash. The Breville Control Grip’s variable-speed dial and anti-suction bell let you ease into hot liquids and achieve restaurant-smooth textures without a mess. Its compact size also fits neatly into a 4-quart saucepan, so you can blend right where you cook. Our pick: Breville BHB850B Control Grip Immersion Blender.
Best for quick smoothies and milkshakes
When you’re blending frozen fruit, yogurt, or ice cream into a thick drink, you need enough torque to crush without burning out the motor. The Braun MQ777’s independent blade motion and higher wattage tear through frozen chunks faster, and its included blending beaker makes portion control easy. It also runs quietly, so you can whip up a morning smoothie without waking the house. Our pick: Braun MQ777 Multiquick 5 Hand Blender.
Best for bare-bones daily duty
If you just need an immersion blender for the occasional batch of lentil soup or a quick tomato sauce and don’t want to spend extra, the Hamilton Beach 99979 gets the job done with zero fuss. Its one-speed operation is simple, the shaft cleans easily, and it’s light enough for one-handed use. You won’t get attachments or variable speed, but for the price, it’s a perfectly capable workhorse. Our pick: Hamilton Beach 99979 Hand Blender.
Our verdict
If you want a single immersion blender that can handle nearly everything a home cook throws at it, the Braun MQ777 is the clear top pick, it blends smoothly, includes helpful attachments, and feels great in the hand. For tight budgets, the Hamilton Beach 99979 delivers surprising performance at a fraction of the cost, while the Breville Control Grip is the smart choice for smaller kitchens and precision work. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a tool that saves you time and cleanup without breaking the bank.