Stick blender safety

[SMW]

In reading Chufi's blog last week, I noticed that she whipped up breakfast smoothies right in the glass using a stick blender. I have always been afraid to do that, I guess my fear has been that the glass would break and go flying all over (or into the hand that is holding the glass). I haven't looked at the manual of my blender, but it seems likely that this is not recommended

Nonetheless, the thought of one less dish to wash spurred me on, and so this week I proceeded to make three mango smoothies right in the glass. Each one has turned out fine. However, I still worry, and I'm not sure I should continue this practice.

I'm not sure if this matters, but I have a Braun blender with a 400W motor, if I am remembering correctly - it has 5 speeds and a turbo option - I have been using level 3 - as well as level 3 turbo.

I'm curious to know if I am risking my luck, or my right hand, or if others successfully use their stick blenders in their glasses without problem.

Edited May 4, 2006 by SMW (log)

[Anna N]

I would not attempt this although I have watched Chef Michael Smith use the hand blender in a large mason jar. Mason jars are made of tempered glass. Like you I would be afraid that the glass of an ordinary tumbler might shatter.

[scubadoo97]

I have a Bamix stick blender and have used it in a drinking glass. I had the glass in the sink and was not holding it in my hands just holding the top while blending. I did this mostly to catch any mess while blending. No problems with the glass but I expect there could be some risk.

[k43]

The photos on the Bamix site seem to show that the metal blade and its short tube enclosure both whirl. It would be easy to let the tube touch the side of the container and start whirling around, like the motorcyclists running up the side of a giant barrel at the carnival. I'd say that the container you blend in should be dishwasher-safe at a minimum.

If I'm wrong, and the outer tube stays stationary, than you should be able to use it in any substantial container.

[Smithy]

My wand blender has a stationary casing on the outside, reaching down to below the blade level, with side cuts to allow liquid in and out. The blade can't touch anything except the material that comes in through the side windows. I wouldn't hesitate to use this blender in any container. I would be sure to hold the glass in question, though, to make sure I didn't send it flying across the room.

[Pam R]

My wand blender has a stationary casing on the outside, reaching down to below the blade level, with side cuts to allow liquid in and out. 

Mine as well.

I've never used the plastic cups that come with the blenders. But I've used glass and metal bowls, glasses and pots.

Without the plastic protector I might hesitate - but since all of the blenders I've owned had the protector I've never thought twice about it.

[SMW]

I made another death wish smoothie this morning with no ill effects - it seems pretty safe so I decided to go check it out - on Amazon the descriptions of several blenders mention making smoothies right in the glass (however, this is not mentioned for the one closest to the model that I have). The actual product instructions do not mention anything about not using it in drinking glasses, and indeed, don't say anything about not using it in ordinary glasses, but say "Position the handblender deep in the container being used to prepare your food or drink." which I am now taking to mean that any container can be used. If anything bad happens, I'll post it on the cooking disasters thread!