4-in-1 mixer or blender: Which appliance is really right for your kitchen?

You're standing at your countertop, ready to invest in a new kitchen appliance. On one hand, the 4-in-1 immersion blender with its multiple attachments promises total versatility. On the other, the blender boasts its power and perfectly smooth smoothies on social media. So, which one should you choose?

The quick answer : If you're looking for an all-in-one appliance to chop, whisk, and blend directly in your pots and pans, a 4-in-1 food processor is your best bet . If you prefer ultra-smooth textures for smoothies, creamy soups , and crushed ice, a blender is unbeatable.

But this choice deserves careful consideration. Here's everything you need to know to avoid making a mistake.

Understanding the basics: What is a 4-in-1 mixer vs. a blender?

Before comparing their performance, let's clarify what really distinguishes these two devices.

The 4-in-1 blender: The Swiss Army knife of the kitchen

The 4-in-1 immersion blender typically consists of a portable motor to which various attachments can be fitted: a standard blending foot (classic immersion blender base), a mini-chopper for onions or herbs, and a whisk for whipping cream or egg whites. Some models also include measuring cups and milk frothers . Its main advantage lies in its portability: you can blend directly in a saucepan, bowl, or even a glass, without having to transfer your ingredients.

The average power of a 4-in-1 blender ranges from 600 to 1000 watts , which is more than enough for most everyday uses. Some even reach 1200W or 1500W! Its stainless steel blades are designed to handle different textures, from warm soups to homemade mayonnaise.

The blender: The specialist in homogeneity

The blender, on the other hand, is a stationary appliance consisting of a motorized base and a glass or plastic bowl in which fixed blades rotate at high speed. Its closed design creates a vortex that draws all the ingredients towards the blades, ensuring a perfectly smooth texture.

With a power output typically ranging from 800 to 1500 watts for mid-range models, the blender excels at demanding tasks: it crushes ice, pulverizes frozen fruit, and transforms any tough vegetable into a velvety soup. Some models even have a heating function that allows you to cook your soups directly.

Technical match: Power, Capacity and Versatility

Let us now move on to a concrete comparison of their respective performances.

What the 4-in-1 blender does best

The true talent of the immersion blender lies in its versatility and everyday practicality . Thanks to its mini-chopper, you can chop onions, garlic, nuts, or even chocolate for your desserts in seconds. The integrated whisk allows you to whip egg whites or cream without getting out your electric mixer. And the blending foot itself is unbeatable for making soups directly in a hot pot, without the risk of splashing if you master the right technique.

Its other major advantage? Minimal space requirements. All the accessories fit into a single drawer, and the removable foot is dishwasher-safe. For small kitchens or occasional cooks, this is a significant benefit. Furthermore, its energy consumption remains low because you use it in short bursts of a few seconds to a few minutes at most.

What the blender does best

A blender is essential when you're looking for a flawless texture. Its blades, spinning at very high speed in a sealed container, create a homogeneous result impossible to achieve with an immersion blender. Smoothies are creamy and lump-free, soups are incomparably smooth, and above all, it effortlessly crushes ice for your iced drinks or cocktails.

Its capacity is also a major advantage: with a 1.5 to 2-liter bowl, you can prepare enough for the whole family in one go. Heated blenders go even further, allowing you to cook and blend in a single appliance, ideal for quick soups in just 20 minutes. Finally, for sports and nutrition enthusiasts, the blender can make preparations with hard seeds like flax or chia, which it grinds into a fine powder.

The downside? Cleaning the fixed blades at the bottom of the bowl requires more attention , and the appliance inevitably takes up more space on your countertop or in your cupboards. Some users also mention the high noise level , which can be bothersome early in the morning or in an apartment.

Use cases: Which one should you choose based on your profile?

To help you decide, let's examine some concrete, everyday situations.

Do you cook soups and purees for babies?

The 4-in-1 blender is the clear winner . Blending directly in the pot eliminates the need to transfer hot liquids, saving you time and ensuring safety. For baby food, the blending attachment allows for precise texture control and the preparation of small batches as needed. The mashed potato attachment, available on some models, provides an ideal consistency without the risk of making your potatoes sticky.

Are you a fan of sports and iced drinks?

A blender is becoming indispensable. It effortlessly crushes frozen fruit, ice , and protein powder to create perfectly smooth smoothies that are easy to drink with a straw. An immersion blender will struggle to achieve the same texture and may even be damaged by hard ice cubes. If your morning routine includes a smoothie bowl or a protein shake, investing in a good blender will save you time and frustration.

Do you have a small kitchen with limited storage?

Without hesitation, choose the 4-in-1 blender. Its compact size and stackable attachments take up the equivalent of a drawer, while a blender requires a dedicated space. Furthermore, if you're cooking for one or two people, the smaller capacity of the immersion blender is better suited to your daily needs. You can even blend directly in your bowl or salad bowl, reducing the amount of washing up.

Comparative table: The duel at a glance

👉 Discover the 3-in-1 1000w Blender by Just Cook Eat (44.90)

👉 Discover the 4-in-1 1200w Blender by Just Cook Eat (59.90)

👉 Discover the 5-in-1 1200w Blender by Just Cook Eat (59.90)

👉 Discover the 1300w Blender by Just Cook Eat (79.90)

👉 Discover the 2200w Blender by Just Cook Eat (139.90)

Conclusion: The final verdict for your work plan

The difference between an immersion blender and a blender is not simply a matter of power, but rather a match between your cooking habits and the strengths of each appliance.

Choose the 4-in-1 blender if you value versatility and simplicity in your everyday cooking. It replaces several appliances, is perfect for small quantities, and its intuitive operation makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks. It's the perfect appliance for homemade soups, sauces, baby food , and all those little culinary tasks that fill the week.

Choose a blender if perfect texture is your priority and you regularly make smoothies , creamy soups , or iced drinks . Its value is especially worthwhile if there are several of you at home or if you follow a fitness routine that requires daily preparation. Heated models are an excellent compromise for those who want to combine cooking and blending.

And if your budget allows? The two appliances are complementary rather than competitive. Many well-equipped cooks confirm that having an immersion blender for everyday use and a blender for specific preparations is the winning combination. But if you really have to choose, ask yourself this simple question: do I more often blend soups in my saucepan or frozen smoothies? The answer will naturally point you in the right direction.

Don't forget to consider durability: a well-maintained, mid-range appliance will always last longer than a high-end model that's been mistreated. Choose brands that offer spare parts and carefully read user reviews regarding the long-term reliability of the motor.