Comparison: Best Immerson Blender Or Food Processor (Updated | Nov 9th)
If you’re torn between an immersion blender and a food processor, you’re not alone—both promise kitchen magic, but which one actually fits your cooking style? We’ve tested the top models, from quick weeknight prep to weekend culinary projects, to help you decide: should you blend on the fly or process in batches? Let’s break it down with real results, ease of use, and cleanup in mind—because the best tool shouldn’t just work well, it should make cooking feel effortless.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for smartspeed hand blender: Braun MultiQuick 7 3-in-1 Immersion Blender with Food Processor – Powerful Handheld Electric Stick Blender – Emulsifier for Chopping
- Best for auto-iq powerhouse: Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System
- Best for mess-free dual: Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender for Smoothies with 3-Cup Vegetable Chopper
- Best for self-cleaning combo: 3-in-1 Blender and Food Processor Combo for Smoothies Shakers
- Best for mega batch blender: Ninja Mega Kitchen System
- Best for modular power pods: Ninja QB1004 Blender/Food Processor with 450-Watt Base
- Best for stack-press chopper: Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor
- Best for nutri-extraction pro: Ninja Blender & Food Processor Combo
- Best for blendsense smart blend: Ninja | All-in-One Blender & Food Processor | Best for Smoothies
- Best for variable speed immersion: Cuisinart Variable Speed Immersion Blender with Food Processor
Product Comparison: Best Immerson Blender Or Food Processor
SmartSpeed Hand Blender
Braun MultiQuick 7 3-in-1 Immersion Blender with Food Processor – Powerful Handheld Electric Stick Blender – Emulsifier for Chopping, Beating & Whisking – Ideal for Soup, Puree, Smoothies & More
Braun
- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN Highly recommended by America’s Test Kitchen, emphasizing its comfortable grip and well-placed trigger-style power button.
- SINGLE-HAND OPERATION The world‘s first Easy SmartSpeed technology – no predefined speed settings, just follow your intuition for the results you want. Push gently for coarse and roughly chopped results and increase the push of the button for more power and finer results.
- FASTER, FINER RESULTS The world’s first ACTIVEBlade technology incorporates a flexible shaft that moves the blade up and down resulting in 250% more active cutting surface. This motion gives you flavorful, smooth results with no unwanted pieces. The hardest foods stand no chance with the 500-watt motor. Compared to Braun MQ700.
- SPLASHING IS UNDER CONTROL Advanced SPLASHcontrol technology prevents splashing and delivers the best blending results to keep you and your kitchen clean. The MQ7 has 25% less suction for effortless handling and perfect control. Compared to Braun MQ500.
- EXTRA BLADE FOR EXTRA POWER The patented POWERBell Plus features an extra milling blade to provide more slices per rotation, blending large pieces and hard ingredients more easily.
- SWITCH ATTACHMENTS WITH A CLICK With the EasyClick Plus system, you can quickly change attachments as you prep. It gives you the versatility to blend, chop, whisk, mash, and puree ingredients effortlessly.
Auto-iQ Powerhouse
Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System, 1400 WP, 5 Functions for Smoothies, Chopping, Dough & More with Auto IQ, 72-oz.* Blender Pitcher, 64-oz. Processor Bowl, (2) 24-oz. To-Go Cups, Grey
Ninja
- MORE FUNCTIONALITY: The Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ features a new modern design and more functionality than Ninja’s original Kitchen System. (Versus BL770 based on the number of available blending programs.)
- POWERFUL CRUSHING: Ninja Total Crushing Blades give you perfectly crushed ice for your smoothies and frozen drinks with 1400 peak watts of professional power.
- FOOD PROCESSING: The 8-cup Precision Processor Bowl provides precision processing for even chopping and smooth purees.
- 5 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: 5 preset Auto-iQ programs allow you to create smoothies, frozen drinks, nutrient extractions, chopped mixtures, and dough, all at the touch of a button. Extract a drink containing vitamins and nutrients from fruits and vegetables.
- AUTO-IQ TECHNOLOGY: take the guesswork out of drink making with intelligent programs that combine unique timed pulsing, blending, and pausing patterns that do the work for you.
- XL CAPACITY: The 72 oz Total Crushing Pitcher is great for making large batches for the whole family. (64 oz max liquid capacity).
- ON-THE-GO CONVENIENCE: Two 24-oz. single-serve cups with spout lids make it easy to take delicious nutrient-rich smoothies on the go.
- MIX DOUGH IN SECONDS: Powerful dough mixer has the torque to fold in ingredients quickly and evenly, making up to 2 lbs. of dough in as little as 30 seconds.
- BLADES FOR ANY RECIPE: Stacked Blade Assembly for the pitcher, Dough Blade and Chopping Blade for the processor bowl, and Pro Extractor Blades Assembly for single-serve cups.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1400-Peak-Watt Motor Base, 72-oz. Total Crushing Pitcher, (2) 24-oz. Single-Serve Cups with Spout Lids, Pro Extractor Blades Assembly, 8-cup Precision Processor Bowl, Stacked Blade Assembly, Chopping Blade, Dough Blade, 30-Recipe Inspiration Guide, Instruction Booklet & Quick Start Guide.
Mess-Free Dual
Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender for Smoothies with 3-Cup Vegetable Chopper, Mini Food Processor, 40oz Glass Jar, 12 Functions for Puree, Ice Crush, Black and Stainless Steel (58149)
Hamilton Beach
- MESS-FREE POURING: The 40 oz. glass blending jar features a lid with a patented, mess-free pour spout that’s designed to eliminate drips and spills. The pour spout can also be used for streaming in oils with this countertop blender.
- POWERFUL BLENDING PERFORMANCE: With 700 watts of peak power, the electric blender will effortlessly crush ice and other tough ingredients with ease, making it the perfect blender for shakes and smoothies.
- 2 IN 1 VERSATILITY: Save space in the kitchen with this one multifunctional blender that works as both a smoothie maker blender and food chopper. It includes a 40 oz. glass blender jar and a 3 cup food chopper.
- ULTRA-SMOOTH RESULTS: The patented Wave~Action(R) System on this Hamilton Beach blender continuously forces ice and other tough ingredients into the stainless steel blades, so smoothies and shakes come out rich and creamy every time.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The removable stainless steel blending and chopping blades, the heat-resistant glass jar and all removable parts are dishwasher safe, making it a perfect smoothie blender.
Self-Cleaning Combo
3-in-1 Blender and Food Processor Combo for Smoothies Shakers, 1500W(32000 RPM) Professional Blenders for Kitchen, Adjustable Speed, 68oz BPA-Free Plastic Jar, 30s Self-Cleaning (68 oz)
Nilpferd
- 【Powerful 1500W Motor】 Unleash the potential of smoothie blender! The 1500W motor and 6-blade pro system (32,000 RPM) effortlessly crush ice. The vortex-designed jar ensures ingredients are pulled into the blades for consistently smooth results. Transform frozen fruits, ice cubes, and tough nuts into silky creations in seconds. Ideal for heavy-duty daily use at home or in small cafes.
- 【You Are the Master of Every Mix!】The intuitive variable speed knob and pulse function give you complete command over texture—from chunky salsa to creamy soups and fine powders. This smoothie blender adjusts settings on the fly for ultimate customization. The large 68oz BPA-free plastic jar (serves 6-7) features a drip-free pour spout for mess-free serving, while non-slip feet keep it stable during operation.
- 【All-in-One Kitchen Powerhouse, Go Beyond Blending!】 This blender-food processor combo replaces 6 appliances! With a 1.8L Chopper/Grinder Cup for meats and veggies and a 0.6L Dry Grinder Cup for coffee beans, you can blend, crush, chop, grind, mix, and juice effortlessly. Create everything from smoothies and protein shakes to salsa, nut butter, baby food, and fresh burger patties—all with one sleek machine. Ideal for busy families, health enthusiasts, and entertaining guests.
- 【30-Second Self-Cleaning Magic – Just Press a Button!】Yes, it cleans itself! No more scrubbing around sharp blades. Just add water and soap, press the clean button, and in 30 seconds, your food processor and blender will be sparkling clean and ready for your next creation. This innovative feature makes healthy living and cleanup effortless, encouraging daily use.
- 【The Perfect Gift for Who You Loved】Our Food Processor is an elegant Ideal gift for any occasion, best choice for birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, Housewarming. We will offer you 2 year quality warranty and reply to your message within 24hours.
Mega Batch Blender
Ninja Mega Kitchen System, 1500W, 72 oz. Full-Size Blender & 8-Cup Food Processor with (2) 16 oz. To-Go Cups, Total Crushing Technology – Smoothies, Ice Crushing, Purees, Dough & More, Black, BL770
Ninja
- POWERFUL 1500-WATT MOTOR: Crush ice, blend frozen fruit, and power through tough ingredients with the 2-horsepower motor, designed for professional results.
- TOTAL CRUSHING TECHNOLOGY: The XL 72-oz.* pitcher, ideal for large batches and entertaining, features Total Crushing Blades that crush ice to snow in seconds and powers through tough ingredients. *64-oz. max liquid capacity.
- ON-THE-GO CONVENIENCE: Includes two 16-oz. Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go Lids, perfect for personalized shakes and smoothies.
- 8-CUP FOOD PROCESSING: Delivers consistent, even chopping, pureeing, and mixing. Includes a dedicated chopping blade, plus dough blade, capable of mixing up to 2 pounds of dough in just 30 seconds.
- VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Choose from 4 functions – Blend, Mix, Crush, and Single-Serve – that best fits your recipe and meal prep needs.
- NINJA BLADES SYSTEM: 4 Unique blades optimized for every task. From Total Crushing Blades for XL Blending to Pro Extractor Blades for on-the-go and chopping and dough blades for the processor bowl.
- EASY TO CLEAN: BPA-Free dishwasher-safe parts
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1500-Watt Motor Base, 72-oz. Total Crushing Pitcher, Stacked Blade Assembly, (2) 16-oz. Nutri Ninja Cups with Spout Lids, Pro Extractor Blades Assembly, 8-cup Precision Processor Bowl, Chopping Blade, Dough Blade.
- CARE INSTRUCTION: Use a damp cloth to wipe the motor base clean. The cups, bowls, blades, attachments, and lids are dishwasher safe. It is recommended to put these pieces on the top rack. Use extreme caution when cleaning & handling the blades.
Modular Power Pods
Ninja QB1004 Blender/Food Processor with 450-Watt Base, 48oz Pitcher, 16oz Chopper Bowl, and 40oz Processor Bowl for Shakes, Smoothies, and Meal Prep,Black
Ninja
- Interchangeable 450-watt power pod.Voltage: 120 V.Auto shut-off: No
- 48 oz. pitcher for frozen blending and smoothies
- 40 oz. bowl for food processing and meal preparation
- 16 oz. chopper bowl for even chopping
- All jars include convenient storage lids, are dishwasher safe, and are BPA free
- Includes: 450-Watt Power Pod, 48 oz. Pitcher, 16 oz. Chopper Bowl, and a 40 oz. Processor Bowl with Splash Guard and (2) Storage Lids
Stack-Press Chopper
Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor, 3-Cup, 350 Watts, for Dicing, Mincing, and Puree, Black (72850)
Hamilton Beach
- Simply stack and press to chop: The patented stack & press design makes it easy to assemble and use. Simply press the lid to chop and release to stop. Since all you do is stack the lid on top of the bowl, no difficult twist-locking is needed.
- Perfect size for everyday use: Chop and mix up to 3 cups of ingredients every day of the week with this 3 cup chopper. It’s the perfect size for everyday use, yet small enough for easy storage.
- Easily chop, puree and emulsify with stainless steel blades: Durable stainless steel blades make easy work of a multitude of ingredients including onions, carrots and nuts. Oil dispenser on lid makes it easy to emulsify dressings, dips and sauces.
- Easy to clean: The bowl, lid and removable blades of the Hamilton Beach chopper are all dishwasher safe.
- Power through tough ingredients: This small food chopper has a 350 watt motor to provide all the power you need to prepare all types of food including onions, nuts, herbs, hummus, dressings and homemade baby food.
Nutri-Extraction Pro
Ninja Blender & Food Processor Combo, Foodi Power Blender System for Smoothies, Bowls, Spreads & Shakes, 6 Functions, 72-oz Pitcher, To-Go Cups, Silver, SS401
Ninja
- ENHANCED FOOD PROCESSING: The enhanced processing lid with feed chute and select-cut processing discs allow for precise shredding, slicing, and grating.
- NEVER STALL AGAIN: Crushing blender with 1600-Peak-Watt Power Dense Motor and smartTORQUE to power through and never stall.
- XL SMOOTHIE BOWL MAKER: Blender for smoothies with built-in tamper specially designed to power through frozen ingredients using less liquid for smoothie bowls or nuts and seeds for smooth nut butters.
- NUTRIENT EXTRACTION CUP: Designed to deliver better ingredient breakdown for perfectly smooth drinkables. Extract a drink containing vitamins and nutrients from fruits and vegetables.
- VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL: Speed and texture control of every blend. Blend your favorite protein shake recipes in seconds for a nutritious breakfast on the go.
- 7 PROGRAMS: Preset Auto-iQ programs for one-touch smoothies, extractions, bowls, spreads, chopping, and food processing.
- SMOOTHER BLENDING: Hybrid Edge Blade Assembly deliver better breakdown of frozen whole fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, and ice for smoothies.
- DISHWASHER SAFE PARTS: Containers, lids, discs, and blade assemblies are all dishwasher safe.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1600 Peak-Watt Motor Base, 72 oz. Power Blender & Processor Pitcher, Feed chute lid with 2-part pusher, 18 oz. XL Smoothie Bowl Maker with Built-in Tamper and Storage Lid, 24 oz. Nutrient Extraction Cup, Total Crushing & Chopping Blade Assembly, Reversible Slicing/Shredding Disc, Grating Disc, Dough Blade, Hybrid Edge Blades Assembly & 20 Recipe Inspiration Guide
Blendsense Smart Blend
Ninja | All-in-One Blender & Food Processor | Best for Smoothies, Cookie Dough, Salsas, Cole Slaw & More | BlendSense Intelligence for Perfectly Smooth Results | 1800 Watt | Black | TB401
Ninja
- 1800 PEAK WATT MOTOR BASE: Made for powering through the toughest of ingredients.
- BLENDSENSE: Ninja’s smartest technology that can automatically adjust speed and time for perfectly smooth results. Innovative dial informs the user what mode the blender is in for a truly user-friendly experience.
- 72-OZ. FULL-SIZE PITCHER: Great for making large batches of smoothies and frozen drinks for the whole family.
- 64-OZ. POWER FOOD PROCESSOR BOWL: Use with the single-touch programs for even chopping, smooth purees, and processing up to 2 lbs. of dough. Included feed chute lid & pusher make adding ingredients both simple and safe.
- SLICING & SHREDDING DISC: Slice and prep veggies, cheese, and more with ease.
- VARIABLE SPEED: Allows for complete manual control of (10) different speed settings*. *Only in Full-Sized Pitcher
- 24 oz. SINGLE-SERVE CUP: Enjoy your favorite blended drinks in the single-serve cup with spout lid for on-the-go convenience.
- LIQUID DETECT: Alerts you when liquid is needed*. *only in Single Serve Cup.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: Containers, lids, and blades are all top-rack dishwasher safe.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1800 PW Motor Base, 72 oz. Pitcher, 64 oz. Food Processor Bowl with Feed Chute Lid, Total Crushing and Chopping Blade Assembly, 24 oz. Single-Serve Cup & Lid, Hybrid Edge Blade, Chopping Blade, Dough Blade, Slicing/Shredding Disc.
Variable Speed Immersion
Cuisinart Variable Speed Immersion Blender with Food Processor
Cuisinart
- 4 Cup Food Processor to Slice, Shred, Chop and Mix Detachable Blending Shaft with Stainless Steel Blade and Blade Guard Full-Size Chef’s Whisk with 3 Cup Beaker Convenient Storage Bag 400 Watts
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I prioritize when choosing an immersion blender versus a combo blender‑food processor?
Focus on motor power, blade design, and the range of accessories. A high‑wattage motor (1500 W or more) handles ice and nuts, while specialized blades like Braun’s ACTIVEBlade or Ninja’s Total Crushing Blades improve texture. Also consider whether you need extra bowls for chopping, grinding, or dough‑making, which only combo units provide.
How do the motor strengths of the Braun MQ7 and Ninja Mega Kitchen System compare?
The Braun MQ7 uses a 500‑W motor with SmartSpeed technology, delivering smooth results for typical home blending tasks. Ninja’s Mega Kitchen System packs a 1500‑W motor, giving it roughly three times the power, which is better for heavy‑duty crushing, large batches, and dough processing. If you frequently blend frozen fruit or make large smoothies, the higher‑wattage model may be more reliable.
Are the preset programs on Ninja’s Auto‑iQ worth the extra cost?
Auto‑iQ programs automate timing, pulsing, and speed for specific recipes, removing guesswork for beginners. They work well for smoothies, frozen drinks, and nutrient extractions, but experienced users can achieve similar results with manual speed control. If you value convenience over fine‑tuned control, the presets add genuine convenience.
Which model offers the easiest cleanup?
The 3‑in‑1 blender with a 30‑second self‑cleaning button (1500 W model) stands out, as you simply add water and soap and let the machine rinse itself. Braun’s MQ7 and Hamilton Beach models have dishwasher‑safe parts, but still require manual rinsing of the blade shaft. For minimal post‑prep effort, the self‑cleaning combo is the most user‑friendly.
How important is the size of the blending jar or processor bowl for everyday use?
A larger jar (68‑oz to 72‑oz) is ideal for families or entertaining, allowing you to make multiple servings at once. Smaller jars (40‑oz glass or 3‑cup chopper) save counter space and are perfect for single‑serve smoothies or quick chopping tasks. Choose the capacity that matches your typical batch size and kitchen storage constraints.
Do the extra accessories on combo units justify their higher price?
Combo units like the Ninja All‑in‑One (1800 W) include dedicated chopping bowls, dough blades, and slicing discs, effectively replacing several separate appliances. If you regularly prepare salsa, dough, nut butter, or grind coffee beans, the added versatility can save both money and countertop clutter. For users who only blend smoothies, a dedicated immersion blender may be more cost‑effective.
What safety features should I look for in an immersion blender?
Look for splash‑control technology, such as Braun’s SPLASHcontrol, which reduces mess during high‑speed blending. A comfortable, non‑slip grip and a trigger‑style power button help maintain control. Some models also feature a blade guard or detachable shaft for easy cleaning and safer storage.