Used for making smoothies, pureeing soups and sauces, and roughly chopping nuts, vegetables, and fruits. It is dangerous to puree hot foods in the blender because the steam can get trapped and cause the lid to explode. Wait until the food has cooled slightly, or use a hand blender (see below) instead.
A food processor has a wider bowl than a blender and is efficient for pureeing non-liquidy foods. Many food processors also come with slicing and dicing attachments that will easily cut or shred vegetables or cheese.
Also called a stick blender or immersion blender, a hand blender purees food just like a blender will, but you use it by immersing the blade end directly in the pot or bowl in which you are working. It’s important to submerge the blade all the way into the food, or it will splash and cause a mess. Never turn the hand mixer on unless it is submerged in the food since it can also be dangerous and cut your hand.
This type of mixer, which features an attaching mixing bowl, typically comes with three attachments: a whip (for whipping liquid or thinner ingredients, like cream or eggs), a paddle (for mixing batters, making mashed potatoes, or working with soft but solid ingredients), and a dough hook (for heavier, thick doughs that are firm enough to knead, like yeast breads). Always make sure the bowl is secured to the base before mixing, and start the mixer on low speed.