The KitchenAid 3-Speed Hand Blender and 5-Speed Hand Blender share reliable brand quality, but their core differences come down to control, versatility, and price. The 3-Speed model is a straightforward, budget-friendly tool for basic blending tasks, while the 5-Speed offers more nuance and precision for cooks who need fine control over textures and recipes.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you find the right KitchenAid hand blender for your kitchen.
KitchenAid 3-Speed Hand Blender
The KitchenAid 3-Speed Hand Blender is the brand's essential, no-fuss immersion blender designed for everyday tasks. It provides just enough power and control to handle common recipes like pureed soups, simple sauces, and smoothies, making it a dependable appliance for casual cooks or those who need a reliable backup tool.
- What it is: A corded immersion blender with three distinct speed settings for basic blending, mixing, and pureeing.
- Key features: Stainless steel removable blending arm, soft non-slip grip, dishwasher-safe blending attachment.
- Price: Typically costs between $40 and $60.
- Style: Features KitchenAid's classic, sleek aesthetic with an ergonomic body available in signature colors like Empire Red and Onyx Black.
- Pros: Affordable and budget-friendly. Extremely simple and intuitive to operate. Durable build quality expected from KitchenAid. Perfect for daily tasks like smoothies or blending soups.
- Cons: Limited speed control makes delicate tasks like emulsifying or whipping difficult. Not ideal for processing tough or fibrous ingredients. Fewer included accessories compared to higher-end models.
This model is perfectly suited for home cooks who need a reliable tool for simple tasks and value ease of use and affordability over advanced functionality.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/small-appliances/hand-blenders/p.corded-hand-blender.khbv351bm.html
KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Blender
The KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Blender steps up the performance with finer control, offering more precision for enthusiasts and frequent cooks. The wider range of speeds allows you to slowly stir to avoid splashing or ramp up to high speed for silky-smooth purees, handling everything from delicate vinaigrettes to hearty vegetable soups with ease.
- What it is: A versatile and more powerful corded immersion blender with five speed settings for precise blending.
- Key features: Five distinct speed settings, quiet yet powerful motor, included attachments like a whisk and chopper in some packages, removable stainless steel blending arm.
- Price: Generally ranges from $60 to $90.
- Style: Shares the same iconic KitchenAid design, with a comfortable non-slip handle and premium feel.
- Pros: Excellent control for a wide variety of textures. Versatile enough for basic pureeing, heavy-duty blending, and delicate emulsifying. Powerful motor operates smoothly across all speeds. Often includes useful whisk and chopper attachments.
- Cons: More expensive than the 3-speed model. The additional speeds may be unnecessary for those who only do basic blending.
The 5-Speed blender is aimed at avid home chefs who want a single tool to handle a wide range of culinary tasks requiring refined speed control.
Shop this product: amazon.com/KitchenAid-KHB2561CU-5-Speed-Blender-Contour/dp/B005GFXD5O
KitchenAid 3-Speed vs. 5-Speed Hand Blender Comparison
Performance & Control
The biggest difference between these two blenders is the level of control they offer. The 3-Speed model is sufficient for general-purpose work, its low setting is good for starting a blend in a full pot, while the high setting works well for smoothies. However, it lacks nuance.
The 5-Speed Hand Blender provides a more graduated range of power. The lower speeds are perfect for gently folding ingredients or creating coarse textures, while the highest speeds deliver an ultra-fine puree. This control is critical for tasks like making homemade mayonnaise or a delicate Hollandaise sauce, where slowly incorporating oil at the right speed (emulsifying) is key to success.
Materials & Construction
Both models exhibit the durable build quality that KitchenAid is known for. Each has a solid motor housing with a comfortable, non-slip grip and a detachable blending arm made from stainless steel, ensuring it won’t rust or absorb odors. The blades are sharp and designed for efficiency. While durability is high in both, the motor in the 5-Speed model is designed to handle the variable loads across a wider speed spectrum with greater consistency.
Price & Value
The 3-Speed blender, priced at $40 to $60, presents fantastic value for cooks with basic needs. It delivers reliable performance for a very reasonable price. For someone just starting out or who only pulls out a blender occasionally, this model is a smart purchase.
The 5-Speed model costs more, at $60 to $90, but its value lies in its versatility. If you find yourself frequently making sauces, dressings, whipped cream, or complex soups, the added investment is easily justified by the superior control and results. It's not just a blender, it's a more versatile culinary tool.
Who Each One Works Best For
The choice ultimately hinges on your cooking habits. The 3-Speed model is ideal for the functional home cook - someone who makes smoothies for breakfast, purees a batch of tomato soup, or makes baby food. It's simple, effective, and gets the job done without any fuss.
The 5-Speed Hand Blender is for the culinary enthusiast. If you follow complex recipes, enjoy making things from scratch, and demand precision from your tools, the five distinct speeds provide the control you need. It's better for anyone who wants to emulsify, whisk, and chop a variety of ingredients, turning a simple blender into a multi-purpose workhorse.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both hand blenders are excellent tools, but they shine in slightly different kitchen scenarios.
Choose the KitchenAid 3-Speed Hand Blender if:
- You're shopping on a tighter budget.
- You mainly need a blender for straightforward recipes like smoothies, milkshakes, and simple soups.
- You prefer simple appliances without extra settings you won’t use.
- You want a reliable, easy-to-clean tool for occasional or daily basic blending.
Choose the KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Blender if:
- You frequently cook from scratch and want precise control over texture.
- Your recipes include delicate sauces, vinaigrettes, or emulsions like mayonnaise.
- You want the versatility that comes with extra attachments like a whisk or chopper.
- You see your hand blender as a primary kitchen tool and are willing to invest more for greater performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid 3-speed and 5-speed hand blenders?
The primary difference is control. The 5-speed model offers two additional speed settings, providing a more gradual range of power that is better for delicate tasks like emulsifying or making fine-textured purees. The 3-speed is excellent for basic, high-power blending tasks.
Is the 5-speed really worth the extra money?
If you're an avid cook who enjoys making a variety of recipes, yes. The precision of the 5-speed model allows you to tackle more culinary challenges. If you just need to blend smoothies or soups, the 3-speed offers better value and will perform those tasks perfectly.
Are the attachments interchangeable between models?
Generally, attachments like whisks and choppers are designed for specific models they are sold with. While the basic stainless steel blending arm may be similar across models, it's best to assume that optional attachments are not interchangeable and to purchase the kit that includes the accessories you need.
How powerful are these blenders?
Both blenders have motors powerful enough for handheld tasks. They are designed to puree cooked vegetables, blend fruits, and mix liquids efficiently. The 5-speed model's motor provides more consistent power across its wider range of speeds.
Can I crush ice with these hand blenders?
Hand blenders are not ideal for crushing hard, dry ice. However, they can easily blend ice when it's part of a liquid mixture, such as in a fruit smoothie or frozen cocktail.
How do you clean the KitchenAid hand blenders?
For both models, the detachable stainless steel blending arm is top-rack dishwasher-safe, making cleanup very easy. The motor body should be wiped down with a damp cloth and should never be submerged in water.
Which one is better for making soups directly in the pot?
Both are great for this, thanks to their long blending arms. However, the 5-Speed model's slowest setting is a key advantage, as it helps prevent hot liquid from splashing when you start blending.
What colors are available for each model?
Both models are typically available in classic KitchenAid colors like Empire Red, Onyx Black, and White. Color availability can vary depending on the retailer and current promotions.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
