Hand-held blenders

If you’re thinking about buying a hand-held blender, keep these points in mind.

• Comfort: The blender should be easy to hold – so try out the grip to make sure it fits your hand. A non-slip grip makes it less likely the blender will slip from your grasp.
• Controls: These should be large, easy to operate and clearly labelled. The on/off button should be within easy reach. A seal over the controls will stop food from getting in.

• Cleaning: The motor unit mustn't be placed in water – so look for a blender with a detachable blade or shaft. Dishwasher-safe attachments make cleaning even easier.
• Safety: The blender should have a stop-release mechanism so that it will stop whenever you take your finger off the control button.
• Blade guard: There should also be a guard around the blade to prevent accidental contact - but you need to take care because the guards could damage bowls and saucepans. A pan guard prevents this scratching.

Some models have extra features:

• Whisk – for whipping cream and beating eggs.
• Processor – good for chopping raw vegetables or grinding nuts (but only small amounts at a time). It's a separate unit similar to a small food processor. A rubber base on the attachment will provide stability while you're using it.
• Pulse – useful for small quantities of dry food. Activating the pulse button gives you short bursts of power that help to distribute the load and ensure the food is uniformly chopped.
• Wall mount – for easy and accessible storage.
• A jug is useful for blending.