Immersion blender question

[Serenity9]

Does an immersion blender replace a food processor? I want to make cauliflower puree, but don't have any gadget along those lines right now, and I should just buy one. For an immersion blender, it seems like maybe what you're blending has to be more liquidy? Or does it work just as well on soft foods?

[janegold]

It works on soft foods too. I use it to puree cooked vegetables and potatoes. Obviously it can't do as much as a food processor (chopping, slicing, etc.) but if you are interested in it for a more limited use, it definitely takes up a lot less room and is easier to clean up.

[trafficgirl]

I would just get a food processor. I have used mine a TON since cooking at home more, at least 2-3 times a week. I have an immersion blender and have used it a couple of times here and there, but much prefer the food processor.

[cabbagecabbage]

My sister swears she can make smoothies with her immersion blender but I only use mine for softer stuff. It would be great for cauliflower puree.

[toepick]

I "mash" steamed cauliflower with my immersion blender. Just do it in a deep bowl to minimize the mess. I never feel like digging out - and cleaning - the food processor.

[isabel]

I love my immersion blender. Mine also came with a mini food processor that attaches to the blender stick, so you may look for something like that. If I need a food processor, I try to use that. I hate cleaning up my big food processor.

[juliachild]

I love my immersion blender. It came with a little food processor attachment that I've used a few times. I only have a mini food processor, so I don't know what I'm missing with the full size processor.

[auntie]

I only ever use mine for soups.

[VeryViolet]

May 26, 2015 16:47:49 GMT -5 toepick said:

I "mash" steamed cauliflower with my immersion blender. Just do it in a deep bowl to minimize the mess. I never feel like digging out - and cleaning - the food processor.

This is why I have both. If you are just going to get one you can do more with a food processor but it is a bitch to clean and the immersion blender is so easy.

I use my immersion blender for soft foods all the time. Also I have one that has a kid of mini food processor attachment which is also awesome for the cleaning purposes mentioned above.

[milosh]

I use my immersion blender for smoothies and soups and everything blender related. It's not as powerful as a real blender but I find that it's pretty good, and very easy cleanup.

[balletofangels]

I love gadgets, but I think an immersion blender is the most bang for your buck. One big bonus is that it is always easy clean-up.

I always use it for mashing cauliflower. I've also used it for salsa, pesto and smoothies. Not just soups. I did buy a super cheap one the first time and got what I paid for. I paid like $30 at Kohl's with coupons and got a "nice" one and it is much stronger and has lasted longer.

[mich1]

They really do different things. I would say an immersion mixer is more like a blender than a food processor.

I have all 3. I use the immersion blender to purée soups. You can do the same thing with a blender, you just need to make sure you have a way for the hot air to escape. I use the regular blender to make salad dressings. The food processor I use to make pie crust, pesto, cheesecakes or make very small cuts of veggies for things like a duxelles, or veggies for a bolognese.

Mine isn't very expensive but it does what I need it to do.

[Deleted]

I don't love my immersion blender.  It gets stuff stuck in it and is a pain. I love my food processor.  I also have a regular blender. 

[turnipthebeet]

I do love my immersion blender. And this has a pretty good infographic about when to use different blenders.

www.buzzfeed.com/christinebyrne/yes-it-matters-what-kind-of-kitchen-mixer-you-use