Original and Still the Best

I bought the first Braun hand blender that became popular over here, at least 15 years ago. As a confirmed blender nut (I own around 25) this was a revelation. I used it a couple of years until it burned out. I purchased a Braun 5-speed, but it required 2 hands to change speeds, and I gave it away after a few months. I purchased the first Cuisinart model when it was introduced--it had interchangeable 'bottoms' on the shaft for different uses. Unfortunately, the design was poor and it ate up those bottoms. After the 3rd replacement from Cuisinart, I discovered the Bamix. I purchased mine sight unseen on the web. At least several years ago, they weren't sold in any stores I frequented.

The Bamix was yet another revelation. Indeed, I discovered that Bamix introduced the first hand blender in the early 50's. Time and successive refinement have improved that design. I learned with the Cuisinart that there is no substitute for simplicity along with durability. I learned with the multispeed Braun that I don't want to have to use two hands to work the appliance. As with stand blenders, a whole bunch of speeds isn't required. All that is necessary is a slow speed so that one doesn't splash everything, and a high speed for whipping, etc. Unlike so many other hand blenders, the Bamix uses two simple ergonomic buttons on the handle, a natural fit where the hand holds the machine. Press one button, there is slow speed. Press the other, there is high. That's it.

The Bamix is so much more flexible than discount store hand blenders. There is a simple yet very durable system of changing the blade system for each application. There is a multi-use blade that is suitable for ice crushing, blending/homogenizing soups and liquids, making many salad dressings. There is a very sharp little two sided blade for meat chopping. There is a 'wobbly disc' that is great for whipping cream. There is another disc with little holes that is perfect for making mayonnaise. Additionally, as I purchased the deluxe model, there is a small chopper accessory that is perfect for chopping nuts, hard chocolate and probably coffee beans. The blade system is simplicity itself to mount and clean: each blade has a notch cut in the shaft. This notch fits on a little metal protrusion on the shaft coming from the machine. Slide the blade on and turn the Bamix on for a second, and the blade inserts itself into the protrusion. Much simpler than my description! To change blades or clean, of course with the Bamix off, simply turn it slightly so that it slides out of the notch and lift the blade off. The entire mechanism, including the blade guard, is stainless steel. Even gooey substances are very easy to clean, all because the blade mechanism is so simple to remove. If anyone has had a hand blender with non-removable blades, they will understand the value of this system.

The Bamix is more substantial in feel than a discount store hand blender, though of course not nearly as heavy as a $500 commercial model. I have used it to eliminate lumps in soups and gravies--one can just plunge it in a boiling pot, use the slow speed and in a heartbeat lumps are gone. Mayonnaise is particularly fascinating. Bamix supplies a mayonnaise jar. Just dump the incredients in, plunge the Bamix to the bottom with the appropriate blade/wheel mechanism, start the Bamix and slowly raise the Bamix. One can watch the mayonnaise emulsify in seconds! This may not sound like much to those who have never made fresh, but believe me, I come from the days when we added drop by drop when hand whisking or when using a mixer. I have had failures in mayonnaise in a stand blender, but honestly I have never had a failure in the Bamix. The 'wobbly wheel' is great for making simulated whipped cream desserts using ice-cold skim milk, then adding a piece or two of fresh fruit.

The only downside I can think of with the Bamix is that it is more expensive than the discount store brands. However, I spent more in replacing imitators than if I'd known about and had bought the Bamix to start with. They do have a great website where one can choose the different configurations, including one with an extra-long shaft. Mine has seen many thousands of uses and has never skipped a beat. There is an inexpensive video for a few Dollars that comes with each new Bamix; order the video for its techniques. I would assume that the cheapie hand blenders could do at least part of the cooking techniques shown there, though not as well without the blade system. Though the Bamix is not cheap, go look on EBay for what they sell for used! Highly recommended