Cookworks Hand Blender

A Comprehensive Review of This Powerful and Convenient Kitchen Tool

A hand blender, sometimes called an immersion or stick blender, is a must-have for any home cook. These compact blenders allow you to blend, mix, and puree ingredients directly in pots, bowls, and pitchers. With a simple press of a button, you can achieve smooth and creamy soups, sauces, smoothies, and more.

One popular hand blender brand is Cookworks. Their hand blenders offer versatility and convenience at an affordable price point. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key features and benefits of the Cookworks hand blender to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your kitchen needs.

An Introduction to Cookworks Hand Blenders

Cookworks is a household appliance brand owned by Aldi, the popular German supermarket chain. Aldi offers a variety of Cookworks kitchen gadgets and small appliances designed for affordability without sacrificing quality.

The Cookworks hand blender line includes several models with varying wattages and accessories. Their hand blenders typically have slim, ergonomic handles and detachable blending shafts made of stainless steel. Many Cookworks blenders come with multiple speed settings and one-touch operation for simplicity.

When shopping for a Cookworks hand blender, you’ll likely find models with 200 to 800 watts of power. More watts means more blending power, which is ideal for thicker mixtures. Lower wattage blenders are best for lighter blending tasks.

Where to Buy a Cookworks Hand Blender

As Aldi store brands, Cookworks blenders are primarily sold at Aldi locations. However, you can sometimes find them online through third-party retailers like Amazon.

Aldi has over 2,000 store locations across 36 states in the US. To find a store near you, check their store locator. Once you visit an Aldi, head to the household goods section to shop their current selection of Cookworks blenders.

Availability and pricing may vary between locations. Cookworks hand blender models typically range from $15 to $40 USD. They offer an excellent value compared to name brand immersion blenders.

Key Features and Benefits of the Cookworks Hand Blender

Cookworks hand blenders come loaded with features to make blending fast and easy. Here are some of the key benefits these appliances offer:

• Compact size: With a slim handle and removable shaft, Cookworks blenders require minimal storage space. Their small footprint makes them easy to maneuver around pots and bowls.
• Detachable stainless steel shaft: The blending shaft separates from the handle for quick cleaning. Durable stainless steel resists corrosion.
• Ergonomic grip: The non-slip handle fits comfortably in your hand, even during longer blending tasks. Soft grip materials prevent hand fatigue.
• Multiple speeds: Variable speed settings allow you to fine-tune the texture of your mixture. Start slow to incorporate ingredients then go high for a smooth puree.
• One-touch operation: Blenders turn on and off with the simple press of a button. No need to hold down a trigger during use.
• Safety lock system: The motor won’t run unless the shaft is properly assembled and locked, preventing accidental activation.
• Dishwasher safe: All removable parts can be tossed right in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

Blending Power and Performance

One of the most important factors when selecting an immersion blender is its power and performance. Cookworks offers hand blenders with 200 to 800 watts of blending power.

Higher wattage translates to faster and smoother blending results. It’s ideal for handling thick mixtures like nut butters, pureed soups, and smoothies loaded with frozen fruits and ice.

The 200-400 watt blenders work well for lighter duties like making salad dressings, marinades, and mixing pancake batter. Lower speeds are great for preventing splatters when blending directly in pots and bowls.

In customer reviews, the 600-800 watt Cookworks blenders receive high marks for their ability to pulverize ingredients into super smooth textures with little effort. Even tough foods like ice, nuts, and seeds are no match for their robust motors.

Design and Build Materials

Cookworks hand blenders feature sleek and streamlined designs in shades of black, silver, and white. Their slim, lightweight handles allow for comfortable handling.

Many models offer soft grip handle areas made of rubber or silicone to prevent slipping. The buttons and speed dials are ergonomically positioned for easy access.

The removable blending shafts are made from stainless steel for durability and easy care. Stainless steel resists corrosion and holds up well to regular use. It can also safely handle hot ingredients without leaching chemicals or metals.

Some blender heads have metal guard cages to protect the blades and prevent splattering during use. The blender bases are constructed from sturdy plastic housings to reduce overall weight.

Speed Settings and Additional Features

Having the option to adjust speeds gives you greater control over your final texture. Cookworks blenders offer multiple speed settings ranging from 2 to 15 speeds.

Lower speeds are great for incorporating dry ingredients or delicate tasks. Higher speeds quickly whip up smooth purees. Look for a model with at least 5-speed settings for versatility.

Many Cookworks blenders also include pulse functions that give short bursts of maximum power. This lets you tackle stubborn ingredients without overblending your mixture.

Some models have extra features like turbo buttons for an extra boost of power or continuous run modes so you don’t have to hold down the button during longer blending tasks.

Blending Hot Ingredients and Soups

A major perk of immersion blenders is their ability to blend ingredients directly in hot pots and bowls. This allows you to skip the step of transferring piping hot liquids to a regular countertop blender.

The Cookworks hand blenders can safely handle hot ingredients up to 200°F, making them ideal for blending:

• Hot soups
• Stews and chili
• Saucepan sauces
• Gravies

The heat-resistant stainless steel shafts won’t warp under high temperatures. Just be sure to use a pot or bowl with high sides since hot liquids can splatter easily.

Starting with hot ingredients also means your final product stays piping hot and ready to eat. No need to reheat or dirty extra dishes!

Included Attachments and Accessories

Many Cookworks hand blenders come with useful attachments to expand their capabilities beyond just blending.

Here are some of the additional accessories that may be included:

• Mixing beaker: Blend and serve drinks or dressings right in the included plastic beaker. Look for sizes around 600ml.
• Chopping bowl: Some models come with small bowls and chopper blades for mincing herbs, nuts, garlic, and more.
• Whisk attachment: Turn your blender into a hand mixer when you need to whip cream or egg whites.
• Food processor attachment: A handy plastic receptacle that fits over the blade turns it into a mini food processor.
• Storage case: Keep all the pieces together in the included case or pouch.
• Cleaning brush: A small nylon brush helps remove any sticky bits from the blending shaft.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

One of the biggest advantages of a hand blender is how quick and easy they are to use. Cookworks blenders live up to their reputation for convenience.

Their streamlined design and one-touch operation make these blenders incredibly simple to use. Just submerge the shaft into your ingredients and press the button. The blender does all the work.

Clean-up is just as fast thanks to their detachable stainless steel shafts. Simply rinse the blending head under running water or place it in the dishwasher. Wipe down the handle and you’re done.

The optional mixing cups and bowls can also be washed on the top rack of the dishwasher. No need to scrub a heavy blender jar!

How Cookworks Hand Blenders Stack Up to Other Brands

Cookworks hand blenders offer similar performance and capabilities compared to more expensive brands like KitchenAid, Cuisinart, and Braun.

They have the same detachable shafts, multiple speeds, and safety features. You get the same functionality for a more budget-friendly price point.

In terms of power, they hold their own against the competition. Many Cookworks models boast 600+ watts of power, on par with the leading brands.

One difference is their shafts may be a bit shorter than premium brands. But for most blending tasks, the Cookworks’ 5-7 inch shafts are sufficient to reach the bottom of pots and pitchers.

Overall, Cookworks delivers very comparable products to the pricier hand blender brands. You’ll enjoy the same versatility without overspending.

Weight and Dimensions

One advantage of immersion blenders is their lightweight and compact size. Cookworks models live up to those expectations with their portable profiles.

Their total weights vary between 1 and 2 pounds depending on included accessories. Even the higher wattage models maintain a lightweight feel.

The main housing is approximately 2-3 inches wide and 8-12 inches high depending on the model. Shaft lengths range from 5-7 inches for sufficient reach.

The slim handles and small footprints allow them to tuck conveniently into drawers when stored. You can easily maneuver them around pots and bowls while blending too.

Blending Performance and Capabilities

Now let’s discuss how these hand blenders perform when put to the test. Here’s an overview of what Cookworks blenders can handle:

• Smooth purees: Easily blends soups, sauces, hummus, apple sauce, and more into silky smooth purees.
• Frozen drinks: Makes quick work of blended cocktails, smoothies, milkshakes, and slushies with frozen fruit and ice.
• Nut butters: Higher wattage models can create natural nut butters from almonds, cashews, and more. May require some scraping.
• Baby food: Great for blending homemade baby food from fruits, vegetables, and meats into a smooth texture.
• Whipped cream: With the whisk attachment, it whips air into cream for fresh whipped topping.
• Mayonnaise emulsions: Blend oil into eggs and mustard for quick homemade mayo.
• Crushing ice: Models 600W+ handle ice cubes for icy drinks and snow cones. Lower wattages crush softer ice.
• Chopping: Use the chopper attachment to coarsely chop veggies, herbs, nuts, and more.
• Mixing batters: Incorporate wet and dry ingredients for pancake, muffin, and quick bread batters.

Suitability for Baby Food

Due to their ability to blend ingredients into super smooth purees, Cookworks hand blenders work great for making homemade baby food.

The stainless steel blades easily process cooked fruits, vegetables, and meats into a consistency perfect for infants just starting solids. Simply steam or boil ingredients until tender then blend with a little breastmilk or water to reach the desired thinness.

With higher wattage models, you can blend a larger batch and portion out servings to freeze. The compact size allows you to blend right in a pot or small bowl.

Just be sure to only blend cooled ingredients to prevent burns. Always inspect the puree for any unblended chunks before serving to baby.

Cordless or Corded

All Cookworks hand blenders require connection to an electrical outlet to operate. They come equipped with an attached power cord ranging from 3-5 feet long.

There are no cordless options that run on battery power. The cord gives you a limited range of motion but allows for more sustained blending time compared to a battery.

Look for a model with a swivel power cord that rotates to accommodate both left and right-handed use. A longer cord is also beneficial for maneuvering around larger pots and bowls.

Be sure to completely submerge the stainless steel shaft in your ingredients when blending to prevent splashing. Keep the base and cord away from any hot surfaces or liquids.

Availability of Replacement Parts

Over time, the blending shaft may require replacement if the blades become worn or damaged. Thankfully, Cookworks makes it easy to find replacement parts.

The easiest option is to purchase a new blending shaft directly from their website. Simply search for your blender model and order the correct blending head.

You can also check with your local Aldi store to see if they stock replacement shafts. Give them your model number to ensure you get the proper attachment.

If needed, the motors are replaceable too. Cookworks products come with a 2 or 3-year warranty covering defects. Reach out to their customer service for troubleshooting or repairs.

What Customers Are Saying

On the whole, Cookworks hand blenders receive very positive reviews from owners. They are frequently recommended as an affordable alternative to more expensive brands.

Owners praise how powerfully they blend, chop, and puree ingredients despite the reasonable price tags. Many mention they perform just as good as blenders costing twice as much.

Numerous reviews mention how quiet the motors are, especially compared to full-size blenders. The soft grip handles are also highly rated for comfort during longer blends.

Some negative feedback includes complaints about short 2-year warranties and quality control issues in rare cases. A few reviews mention leaking seals or failing motors after just 1-2 years of use.

But the majority agree Cookworks offers excellent quality considering the bargain pricing. Customers recommend purchasing a higher wattage model for the best experience.

Storage and Portability

A huge perk of hand blenders is their compact size for easy storage. The Cookworks models live up to expectations with their space-saving designs.

Their slim, lightweight handles and small bases take up minimal room in drawers and cabinets. The removable shafts allow them to fit into narrower spaces.

Some Cookworks blenders include handy storage pouches to keep all the pieces neatly together in one place. This prevents losing attachments or the guards.

Their portable sizes and detachable parts also make Cookworks hand blenders super simple to transport. Toss the main components into a suitcase or carry bag to bring blending power anywhere – RVs, cabins, vacation rentals and more.

Cost and Budget

As mentioned earlier, Cookworks hand blenders offer excellent value compared to other appliance brands. But how much exactly can you expect to spend?

Pricing varies slightly by model but most Cookworks immersion blenders cost between $15 and $40 USD. You’ll find the budget-friendly models around $15-25 and higher-powered options in the $25-40 range.

Compared to popular brands like KitchenAid ($60+), Cuisinart ($50+), and Breville ($100+) they offer big savings. You can get a solid performing hand blender without breaking the bank.

The best value are Cookworks bundles that include multiple accessories for the same low price. Look for sets with mixing beakers, chopping bowls, and storage cases included.

Sales and Discounts

Since Cookworks is an Aldi exclusive brand, the best way to save is by shopping their special Aldi Finds events.

Every week, Aldi Features discounted weekly deals on cooking gadgets, small appliances, and other home goods. It’s fairly common to find Cookworks hand blenders included in these events.

By watching the Aldi Finds ad for your local store, you can snag models for up to 50% off regular prices. This is the optimal time to buy or stock up on spare blenders as gifts.

Aldi also occasionally offers appliance bundles and gift sets during the holidays that feature Cookworks hand blenders at even deeper discounts.

Outside of these specials, the everyday low prices at Aldi are already highly affordable. But definitely keep an eye out for Finds sales to maximize your savings.

Is a Cookworks Hand Blender Right for You?

In the market for an immersion blender? The Cookworks hand blender line offers an excellent value option to consider.

These versatile and hardworking blenders allow you to craft silky soups, healthy smoothies, flavorful sauces, and more – all at a budget price point.

With their durable stainless steel shafts, multiple speeds, and helpful attachments, Cookworks delivers functionality and performance similar to far more expensive brands.

If you’re looking for an affordable, quality hand blender suitable for tackling all kinds of blending tasks, a Cookworks model is definitely worth exploring for your kitchen. Head to your local Aldi to check them out in person or pick one up online.