Choose a hand blender with variable speed and a suitably sized beaker if you want to make spinach smoothies without keeping a blender on the worktop. Which? tests show that smoothie results vary between hand blenders, so look for model-specific blending evidence rather than relying on wattage alone. If single-serve drinks are your main use, consider whether a personal blender and its cup would suit your storage space better.
If you often blend spinach with fruit and liquid, the texture of the drink matters more to you than a long list of attachments. Which? includes smoothies in its hand-blender tests, making model-specific results worth checking.
You want a tool you can put away after making a smoothie and also use for soups or sauces. Check whether the supplied attachments fit the cupboard or drawer space you have.
You want a quick drink without washing numerous parts afterwards. A detachable foot, a suitable beaker and clear cleaning instructions will matter in daily use.
Choose it when: You want to put the appliance away after blending and also use its wand for soups or sauces.
Bear in mind: You hold it during blending, and Which? tests show that blending results differ between models.
Choose it when: Single-serve drinks are your main task and you prefer blending in a dedicated cup.
Bear in mind: The motor base and cup need storage, and this format does not offer the same option of using a hand-held wand in a pan.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach texture and control | Look for variable speed and model-specific smoothie results; check that the beaker suits the amount you intend to blend. | When I blend spinach with other ingredients, I want to avoid a drink that remains noticeably lumpy. Around 46% of consumers put texture and blending control first. |
| Storage and clean-up | Check the beaker size, whether the foot detaches and exactly which parts are dishwasher-safe. | With little cupboard space, I need parts I can put away and clean without making a quick drink a lengthy chore. Roughly 36% of consumers prioritise storage and clean-up. |
| Useful extra functions | Compare the attachments in the exact pack with the cooking tasks you will use them for and the space available to store them. | If the same appliance will also help with occasional food preparation, I want the extras to earn their place in my cupboard. About 18% of consumers put those additional functions first. |
A wattage figure does not establish how smooth a spinach drink will be. Which? reports differences in blending results between the hand blenders it tests.
Compare speed control and any available model-specific smoothie results alongside the stated wattage.
A whisk, chopper or food-processor attachment may be useful, but it also takes storage space in a small kitchen.
Choose a pack around the tasks you expect to do, and check what comes with the exact model rather than assuming every pack in a range is alike.
Extra parts can also add to the washing up after use.
Electrical Safety First advises checking that a blender intended for UK use has a UK 3-pin plug with a fuse. It also advises unplugging before cleaning and stopping use if an appliance is damaged or shows signs such as sparking, smoke or an unusual smell.
Check the plug before purchase, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing and washing parts; do not immerse the motor body.
Braun’s MultiQuick range is worth considering if you want variable one-handed speed control and are choosing between different accessory packs.
The Optichef HB643140 is relevant if you want a supplied smoothie beaker, adjustable speed and detachable parts.
The ErgoMaster MSM4B670GB suits consideration if you want a hand blender packaged with food-preparation attachments.
Yes, a hand blender can make smoothies, but the texture depends on the model and ingredients. Which? includes smoothies in its hand-blender tests and reports differences in blending results; check results for the model you are considering rather than treating wattage as a guarantee of smoothness.
Check where the wand, beaker and any attachments will go when not in use. Make sure the beaker suits your usual portion, the foot can be removed for cleaning and the parts you plan to wash are designated dishwasher-safe.
Electrical Safety First advises choosing a blender fitted with a UK 3-pin plug with a fuse and buying from a reputable retailer. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, unplug the appliance before cleaning and stop using it if it becomes damaged or shows signs of an electrical fault.
No. A whisk or chopper can make a hand-blender pack useful for other tasks, but those attachments do not establish how well its wand blends spinach. Assess the wand and available smoothie results first, then decide whether the extras justify the storage space.