What are the best stick blenders for soap making? Soap makers have told us what they think is the best immersion blender on the market. The results are in, let's take a look at the best blenders.
Why is a Stick Blender/ Immersion Hand Blender Useful for Handmade Soap Making?
In order to make soap, a lye water solution needs to be thoroughly mixed together with an oil mixture. The chemical reaction that results when the two bind together will produce soap.
In the old days people would make soap by hand stirring their oil lye mixture using a whisk. The soap making process used to take a long time that way.
Nowadays, most soap makers like to use an immersion stick blender to mix up their soap batter. To make your own soap you need to blend sodium hydroxide lye dissolved in water with fat/oil until it reaches a thicker consistency known as "trace". The thicker consistency is a sign that every lye molecule has found a fat molecule to turn into soap.
The use of a wand blender has allowed soap makers to make big batches of soap much quicker and easier. Depending on the size of the batch the amount of time needed to blend ranges between 10 seconds and up to 5 or more minutes.
Interested in learning how to make handmade soap? Check out my Step-by-Step Beginner Soap Making Tutorial.
Soap makers have different needs than someone wanting to buy kitchen appliances for home cooking.
In fact, you can't use the immersion blender that you're using to make soap for food preparation!!!
When making soap you're dealing with chemicals, like sodium hydroxide (lye), scents. essential oils, colorants, etc, substances that have no business leaching into your food. Keep the two separate! The same goes for bowls, spatulas and any other equipment.
What we're looking for as soap makers is a simple stick blender that can be immersed in the soap batter. No need for any fancy food processors, countertop blenders or high-end blenders.
How to Avoid Air Bubbles in Soap Making
One of the biggest challenges when using a stick blender is that the device tends to trap air inside the bell shaped head when immersed in liquid. If the air isn't released it can end up in the finished soap and create unsightly white poky specks. To avoid this from happening, here's what you can do:
- Look for a stick blender with a shallow or flat head
- Lower the head of the stick blender at an angle into the soap batter
- Once immersed give it a little shake or tap it lightly against your container to release air bubbles
- Blend on low to medium speed
- Once immersed don't take the blender head out and then plunge it in again
- Alternate blending and hand stirring or blend as little as possible and then finish by stirring
- Once the soap is poured into the mold tap the mold against the countertop a few times to make any remaining air come up to the surface
Things to Consider when Buying a Stick Blender for Soap Making
- Budget: if you're a beginner, it's ok to go for the cheapest option. If you're a pro and make big batches, you might need a more powerful motor
- Length of shaft: Think about the container you're using for soaping and make sure the blender can reach to the bottom when filled with soap
- Ease of use: you want to make sure the attachment comes on and off easily, so you can leave the part with the head in the batter
- Easy cleaning: shallow heads are easier
- Comfort: depending on your batch size, you might have to blend for several minutes at a time. You want to make sure you can operate the stick blender without straining
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you will I earn a commission, if you decide to click through and make a purchase.
Now, let's take a look at the most recommended and best stick blenders for soap making voted by soap makers. Drumm roll, please:
1. The Winner:
This was by far the most recommended stick blender for soap making in our poll. More than half of soap makers said they loved their Braun blender or were looking to replace their existing one with this one.
The Specs:
- Powerful 400-Watt motor
- High quality and durability
- Comfortable to hold and adjust speed
- Attachment comes off with the click of a button
- This particular bell-shaped head seams to reduce chance of air bubbles and splashing
- Easy to clean
2. Most Popular Budget:
This stick blender is great affordable choice for beginning soap makers or as a backup for veteran soapers.
The Specs:
- High-speed, quiet 300-watt motor
- 2 one-touch speeds: HI & LO
- Sleek, ergonomic easy-grip handheld design with soft-touch
- Long shaft allows for reach in deeper pots (15 Inches total)
3. Celine's Pick
This is the blender I personally have been using for the last 7 years and it hasn't missed a beat. I'm not the only one, many soapers told us they like the Cuisinart as well.
The Specs:
- Quiet 300-Watt motor
- 2-Speed slide control
- 8-inch stainless steel blending shaft can reach into deeper pots
- Ergonomically designed grip
- Head shape is perfect (I've never had air bubble issues) and easy to clean
4. Honorary Mention:
Hamilton Beach Immersion Hand Blender
This blender came in close after the ones mentioned above. It's a good, solid choice at an affordable price.
The Specs:
- 250-Watt motor
- 2-Speed Setting
- Attachments are easy to release by pressing a button
- Comes with whisk attachment and chopping bowl which could be used for food prep
I hope you have found this review helpful.
Until next time. Happy Tinkering!
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