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BELLA 10-Speed vs KitchenAid KHBBV53 Side-by-Side Comparison

Tina Pham
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Apr 4, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Apr 3, 2023
The BELLA immersion blender standing on the gray table with its accessories, including a user manual, plastic beaker, whisk attachment, food processor located above a paper carton box.
Unboxing the KitchenAid Cordless Immersion BLender, from left to right: an user manual, a beaker and lid, the KitchenAid KHBBV53 with its motor body and blending wand, a charger, and a paper carton box.
Blenders type
immersion
immersion

Our Verdict

7.1
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    7.4/10
  • Design (20%)
    7.5/10
  • Usability (30%)
    6.3/10
8.0
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    7.9/10
  • Design (20%)
    8.4/10
  • Usability (30%)
    7.8/10

The two share a mid-powered motor among other components so their level of efficiency is almost the same, but the KitchenAid KHBBV53 is more user-friendly allowing for more comfortable blending. 

However, both machines are somewhat inconsistent and are not really good at blending solid ingredients. In our smoothie test, they struggled with blending frozen fruit while also facing quite a lot of challenges in the other tests.

Given their apparent equity in terms of efficiency, the choice between the BELLA 10-Speed and the KitchenAid KHBBV53 is more about your need for a cordless or corded blender than any other factor.

Competitive Overall Efficiency

BELLA 10-Speed Hand Blender Performance

KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender Performance: Top of the Segment
7.4
Performance Scores
  • Hot Soup Purée (35%)7.5/10
  • Frozen Fruit Smoothie (30%)9.3/10
  • Mayonnaise (15%)9.0/10
  • Almond Milk (5%)6.0/10
  • Whipped Egg-Whites (5%)6.0/10
7.9
Performance Scores
  • Hot Soup Purée (35%)8.5/10
  • Frozen Fruit Smoothie (30%)9.0/10
  • Mayonnaise (15%)6.5/10
  • Almond Milk (15%)8.3/10
  • Whipped Egg-Whites (5%)0/10
7.5

Hot Soup Purée

8.5
Scooping a spoon of pureéd soup made by the BELLA hand blender from a plastic beaker standing next to a smartphone displaying the total pureéing time (33 seconds).
Scooping a spoon of pureéd soup made by the BELLA hand blender from a plastic beaker standing next to a smartphone displaying the total pureéing time (33 seconds).
BELLA 10-Speed Soup
A batch of soup pureéd by the BELLA immersion blender is checked for smoothness by being drained through a stainless steel mesh strainer.
  • Pureeing Time: 30 seconds
  • Result: Chunky
  • Suction: Tightly

The BELLA is moderately capable at pureeing soup. In our test, it took around 30 seconds to blend and combine all the ingredients. However, we still found lots of tiny chunks when we ran the soup through a strainer. On the whole, blending didn’t go smoothly since the blender itself created a bit too much suction. At the highest speed settings, it vacuumed itself solidly to the beaker’s bottom, making it very difficult for us to make any movements. For a better performer overall, we recommend the Vitamix 5-speed or the KitchenAid cordless hand blender.

Scooping a spoon of pureéd soup prepared by the KitchenAid battery-powered immersion blender from the full batch in the plastic beaker.
Scooping a spoon of pureéd soup prepared by the KitchenAid battery-powered immersion blender from the full batch in the plastic beaker.
A batch of soup pureéd by the KitchenAid cordless various speed hand blender is checked for smoothness by being drained through a stainless steel mesh strainer.
KitchenAid KHBBV53 Hot Soup
  • Pureeing Time: 30 seconds
  • Result: Smooth
  • Suction: Slightly

This stylish hand blender worked quickly and made acceptable puree soup without a struggle. The sharp stainless steel blades allowed it to hot blend root veggies quite uniformly. Even fibrous ingredients like celery and onions ended up fully incorporated into the mixture. 

Although the KitchenAid KHBBV53 didn’t create a perfect puree, our soup looked good and was much silkier than that produced by its competitors, such as the Mueller Ultra Stick and the Hamilton Beach 2-speed.

9.3

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

9.0
The BELLA 10-Speed Smoothie Testing, from left to right: the BELLA motor body, a batch of green smoothie in a white bowl with parts of it being scooped with a spoon, and a smartphone displaying the total blending time (58 seconds).
The BELLA 10-Speed Smoothie Testing, from left to right: the BELLA motor body, a batch of green smoothie in a white bowl with parts of it being scooped with a spoon, and a smartphone displaying the total blending time (58 seconds).
Bella 10 Speed Smoothe
After finishing blending, the green smoothie was spread evenly throughout a white paper to check for solid chunks.
  • Blending Time: 58 secs
  • Result: Slightly Coarse
  • Suction: Slightly

Our BELLA transformed all the ingredients into a drinkable texture in approximately one minute, from start to finish. It didn’t have too much difficulty powering through frozen fruit or kale. The resulting smoothie was acceptable with very few unprocessed chunks.

A plastic beaker containing a batch of green smoothie whose parts are scooped with a spoon is standing between a timer displaying the total blending time (1 minute) and the KitcheAid’s motor body.
A plastic beaker containing a batch of green smoothie whose parts are scooped with a spoon is standing between a timer displaying the total blending time (1 minute) and the KitcheAid’s motor body.
After finishing blending, the green smoothie was spread evenly throughout a white paper to check for solid chunks.
The KitchenAid Cordless KHBBV53 Smoothie
  • Blending Time: 1 min
  • Result: Smooth
  • Suction: Yes

Featuring multiple speed settings, this KitchenAid KHBBV53 pulverized all the ingredients with ease, which was really surprising. 

The blending process also went as smoothly, though, at certain points, fruits got trapped under the blades, demanding us to stop the machine and dislodge the food. Plus, to achieve an even blend, we had to move the blending wand as constantly and consistently as we could. However, that didn’t make us feel frustrated, especially given that the result was exactly what we’d like — it looked silky and more than appetizing. If you buy this blender, we believe no smoothie recipe could overwhelm it.

9.0

Mayonnaise

6.5
A little bit of mayonnaise sticking in the whisk attachment of the BELLA hand blender when it is removed from the full batch emulsified in a plastic beaker standing between the BELLA motor body and a smartphone displaying the total emulsion time (1 minute and 24 seconds).
A little bit of mayonnaise sticking in the whisk attachment of the BELLA hand blender when it is removed from the full batch emulsified in a plastic beaker standing between the BELLA motor body and a smartphone displaying the total emulsion time (1 minute and 24 seconds).
BELLA 10-Speed Mayonnaise
  • Emulsifying Time: 1 min 25 secs
  • Result: Smooth
  • Suction: Yes

Making mayonnaise was easy with this blender. Of all the blenders we tested, it was among the fastest, beating our favorite blender — the Braun MultiQuick-5 by up to 30 seconds. That said, its mayonnaise didn’t come out very smooth and creamy. Still, for such a low-priced hand blender, this result is worthy of praise.

The KitchenAid KHBBV53 Mayonnaise
Scooping a spoon of mayonnaise emulsified by the KitchenAid immersion blender from a white bowl to check its creaminess.
  • Emulsifying Time: 1 mins 54 secs
  • Result: Quite thin
  • Suction: No

As a battery-powered blender, the KitchenAid KHBBV53 didn’t work as quickly as its corded counterparts. In fact, it was about 50% slower than the fastest Cuisinart Smart Stick even though it sells for nearly double the price. 

On the bright side, the KitchenAid produced acceptable mayonnaise. Although the sauce didn’t look as creamy as we’d like, its smooth and fluffy texture would be enough for any salad.

6.0

Almond Milk

8.3
  • Grinding Time: 1 min 15 secs
  • Result: Coarse
  • Suction: Tightly

Our non-dairy milk required nearly a minute and a half of blending, but it still didn’t come out as smooth and creamy as it should. And not only couldn’t the machine blend uniformly, but it also created bad suction, causing a mess when we struggled to lift it upward.

  • Grinding Time: 50 secs
  • Result: Coarse
  • Suction: No

The KitchenAid KHBBV53 is adequate for preparing non-dairy milk, but isn’t deserving of much praise. Of all the blenders we tested, this was the only one that created a foamy texture as a result of too much incorporated air. We removed the foam during the straining process so it didn’t impair the milk’s quality in the end. But it’s worth noting that the milk would have overflowed onto the countertop if we hadn’t paused periodically to stir it back into the jar with a long spoon. 

Moreover, this blender didn’t blend as evenly or as consistently as its mid-range counterparts, namely the Braun MultiQuick-5. Consequently, our milk didn’t get all the flavor out of the almonds. It was still an acceptable alternative to store-bought almond milk, but not ideal.

6.0

Whipped Egg-Whites

0.0
The 24-oz plastic beaker containing testing beaten egg-white is put upside down on the gray table with a BELLA motor body and a smartphone displaying the total whipping time (3 minutes) by its sides.
The 24-oz plastic beaker containing testing beaten egg-white is put upside down on the gray table with a BELLA motor body and a smartphone displaying the total whipping time (3 minutes) by its sides.
BELLA 10-Speed Whipped Egg-Whites
  • Beating Time: 3 minutes
  • Result: Stiff
  • Suction: No

The BELLA’s whisk attachment drew enough air into the egg whites to create stiff peaks in our test, but its prolonged beating operation left us with exhausted hands and extreme discomfort. So, even though this add-on can do the trick, we don’t think it’s a good alternative to a hand mixer when it comes to preparing emulsified sauces or meringue. There are other immersion blenders that can ensure smoother operations, such as the KOIOS 4-in-1 and the Breville Control Grip.

The blending wand of the KitchenAid KHBBV53 is immersed in a plastic beaker on a white table containing its failed beaten egg-white.
  • Beating Time: N/A
  • Result: N/A
  • Suction: N/A

The KitchenAid KHBBV53 was doomed to failure in this test since there was no way its blending wand could draw enough air into the egg-whites to form them properly. As a result, it left us with a cloudy cup of two separate layers: bubbly film and eggy water. Other blenders with whisking attachments, on the other hand, achieved stiff peaks quite easily.

Not Really Stand-Out

BELLA 10-Speed Immersion Blender Design

KitchenAid Cordless Hand Blender Design: The Way a Mind-Range Product Should
7.5
design Scores
  • Blending Shaft (30%)7.5/10
  • Build Quality (60%)7.0/10
  • Power Cord (5%)10/10
  • Beaker (5%)10/10
8.4
design Scores
  • Blending Shaft (30%)7.8/10
  • Build Quality (60%)8.5/10
  • Battery (5%)10/10
  • Beaker (5%)10/10

In the Box of the BELLA 10-Speed Hand Blender

In the Box of the KitchenAid Cordless Various Speed Hand Blender
The BELLA Stick Blender is shipped with a paper carton box, an immersion blending wand, a motor body, a plastic beaker, a whisk attachment, a food processor, and a user manual.
  • Motor body 
  • Blending shaft 
  • Whisk attachment
  • Food processor
  • Beaker   
  • User manual

Our set includes six pieces which are all free of harmful chemicals. All parts except the motor section are top-rack dishwasher safe.

The paper carton box, immersion blending wand, motor body, plastic beaker with lid, pan guard, charger, and owner’s manual of the KitchenAid battery blender being side by side.
  • Motor body 
  • Blending shaft 
  • 24-oz beaker with lid
  • Pan guard
  • Charger adapter
  • User manual

The KitchenAid KHBBV53 set includes 6 pieces as outlined above. If you’re looking for a more versatile blender, consider upgrading instead to the KitchenAid KHBBV83. That version works just as efficiently but comes with the whisk and chopper attachments to further enable your culinary creativity.

Dimensions

The BELLA Immersion Blender standing on top of its blending shaft on a gray table, with the length of the blending shaft being noted to the side as 8.3 inches, and the total length of the unit as 15.2 inches.
  • Height:
    15.2" (38.6 cm)
  • Width:
    2.3" (5.8 cm)
  • Weight:
    2.0 lbs (0.9 kg)
  • Shaft Length:
    8.3" (21.1 cm)

So far, we haven’t encountered any challenges caused by this blender’s size. The machine itself is compact enough to store in a drawer, and it isn’t overly heavy. Weight isn’t a hindrance to the machine’s usability.

The KitchenAid cordless hand blender standing on top of its blending shaft on a gray table, with the length of the blending shaft being noted to the side as 8 inches, and the total length of the unit as 17 inches.
  • Height:
    17.0" (43.2 cm)
  • Width:
    2.6" (6.6 cm)
  • Weight:
    2.0 lbs (0.9 kg)
  • Shaft Length:
    8.0" (20.3 cm)

The KitchenAid KHBBV53 is well-balanced with a satisfying, weighty feel. It’s really comfortable to hold and the long blending shaft can reach deep into large pots.

7.0

Build Quality

8.5
The whisk attachment, motor body, and blending shaft of the BELLA stick blender lie flat on a gray table.

The BELLA can be purchased for less than $30, but that low price tag is a clue as to its quality. The machine itself feels relatively solid, but it doesn’t look as sleek as the mid-range ones. With the exception of the blending shaft, all the parts are made of medium-grade plastic which may deteriorate and collect scratches over the years. 

Not only that, but several Amazon users have complained about the inner components. Some claim that the plastic core that connects the blending wand to the main body somehow got shredded, rendering the blender useless. Others were frustrated when the tabs that connect to attachments broke. 

All things considered, we don’t think the BELLA is a reliable performer, even though it’s backed by an impressive warranty (two years).

The blending wand and motor body of the KitchenAid cordless immersion blender lying flat on a gray table.
The blending wand and motor body of the KitchenAid cordless immersion blender lying flat on a gray table.
A black spot in the blade housing of the KitchenAid cordless stick blender being scaled up for clearer viewing.

The KitchenAid KHBBV53 is quite an expensive blender, so we’re happy to say its solid construction delivers on that price tag. As a mid-range blender, it doesn’t look as sleek as the premium ones (for example, the Vitamix 5-speed), but this doesn’t mean it’s less durable. Although it is mostly made of plastic, it seems to be high quality and the metal parts resist corrosion pretty well. So far, we haven't noticed any damage on the exterior, even though discoloration is fairly common among immersion blenders with plastic components.

The blending shaft, on the other hand, leaves a bit to be desired. Its blade guard is made of stainless steel but looks relatively flimsy and doesn’t have a good finish. It is flecked with countless black spots which can’t be wiped off. That certainly ruins the interior’s shine but doesn’t impair operation.

Speed and Controls of the BELLA 10-Speed Immersion Blender

Speed and Controls of the KitchenAid Cordless Immersion Blender
A close-up of the two speed control buttons of the BELLA immersion blender.
  • Control Type:
    Press-button & speed dial
  • Min Speed:
    14,730 RPM
  • Max Speed:
    16,000 RPM
  • Presets:
    No
  • Noise Level:
    84 dB
  • Digital Display:
    No
  • Pulse Mode:
    Yes

On paper, the BELLA allows the users to easily switch between 10 speed options using the two front buttons and a top dial. Our real-world experience, though, indicates that while they get the job done, it takes a lot of force to press the buttons.

Likewise, the speed dial isn’t really essential. It’s hard to use because both hands are engaged while blending — one hand to maneuver the blender and the other to keep the beaker from jumping around the countertop with the motor’s violent vibration.

A close-up of the palm switch on the top back of the KitchenAid’s motor body.
A close-up of the palm switch on the top back of the KitchenAid’s motor body.
A close-up of the speed controller on the front of the KitchenAid’s motor body.
  • Control Type:
    Press
  • Min Speed:
    9,240 RPM
  • Max Speed:
    11,650 RPM
  • Presets:
    No
  • Noise Level:
    70 dB
  • Digital Display:
    Yes
  • Pulse Mode:
    No

This blender offers multiple speed options and its trigger switch is extremely responsive. In a departure from most, the speed is determined by the amount of pressure you apply to the trigger. Your blender will run at its highest speed if you press the controller all the way down.

There is also a palm switch on the blender’s backside which acts as a safety mechanism. To blend, you must hold that switch down along with the trigger switch. We personally appreciate that idea since it helps prevent the motor from being accidentally engaged and hurting someone.

Although the KitchenAid KHBBV53 doesn’t feature a separate switch for a pulse function, you can also get plenty of control over your chopping preparations by pressing the trigger in short bursts.

7.5

Blending Shaft

7.8
A close-up of the BELLA’s blending wand with 4 sharp stainless steel prongs.
A close-up of the BELLA’s blending wand with 4 sharp stainless steel prongs.
A close-up of the BELLA’s blending wand with 4 sharp stainless steel prongs from the side-viewing angle.
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Type:
    Sharp Blade
  • Guard Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Blade Count:
    4
  • Removable:
    Yes
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The blade has 4 prongs made of medium-quality stainless steel. It comes relatively sharp, but looks a bit fragile. If you use this blender for grinding tough ingredients, the blade assembly may get damaged.    

We appreciate that the blade guard was designed to prevent splattering, but don't think that it works as intended. It creates a lot of suction at the bottom of our beaker. And since it’s made of metal with harsh edges, the blade guard can leave marks on your non-stick cookware unless you blend very carefully.

A close-up of the KitchenAid’s blending assembly sporting 2 sharp prongs with a pan guard attached.
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Type:
    Sharp Blade
  • Guard Material:
    Stainless steel (With plastic pan guard)
  • Blade Count:
    2
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The KitchenAid KHBBV53 features two-pronged blades which can withstand consistent use pretty well but don’t look as impressive as the higher-priced counterparts, such as the Vitamix.

Blending with this blender is a pleasure since its blade housing helps limit the splattering. Although the guard is made of metal, it won’t leave scratches on your cookware’s interior if you attach the included plastic pan guard. In our initial soup test, we immersed our blender — with that pan guard attached — into a glass pot and noticed zero damage.

10

Beaker

10
A 30-oz plastic beaker of the BELLA Immersion Blending standing on a gray table.
  • Material:
    Plastic
  • Capacity:
    30 oz
  • Measurements:
    Yes
  • Weight:
    0.29 lb
  • Height:
    7.2" (18.3 cm)
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes
  • Tamper Included:
    No

The BELLA blender comes with a large beaker that shows measurements in both milliliters and fluid ounces. It’s a simple affair with an easy-pour spout and a flared base for stability.

An included 700 ml plastic beaker of the KitchenAid cordless immersion blender standing on a gray table.
  • Material:
    Plastic
  • Capacity:
    24.0 fl oz (709.8 ml)
  • Measurements:
    Yes
  • Weight:
    0.2 oz (7 g)
  • Height:
    6.5" (16.5 cm)
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes
  • Tamper Included:
    No

Our set included a single-serve jar which is BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher-safe. As a nice bonus, the jar features a thin rubber ring on the bottom to keep it stable while blending. It also includes a tight-seal black lid for fresher on-the-go drinks.

10

Power Cord

The BELLA 10-Speed  Immersion Blender on a gray table with its power cord rolled up next to it.
  • Cord Length:
    5.1 ft (1.6 m)
  • Type:
    2-prong plug
  • Detachable:
    No

The power cord is long enough to reach your nearby outlets. As a nice bonus, it has a small loop that allows you to hang the whole blender on a hook for easy storage.

BELLA Immersion Blender with a Whisk Attachment

Extra Accessories

Not Included
A whisk attachment of the BELLA hand-held blender lying flat on a gray table.
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    Yes

With the whisk attachment, your blender can act as a hand mixer for certain tasks such as whipping cream, beating egg whites, and emulsifying sauces. That said, it’s rather poorly built, so it may not survive long.

  • Material:
    N/A
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    N/A
  • Removable:
    N/A

This blender set doesn’t come with any extra blending attachment.

Food Processor

Extra Accessories

A food processor attachment of the BELLA hand blender standing on a gray table.
  • Material:
    Plastic and Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    Yes

We haven’t tested this attachment, but the stainless steel S-blade can probably chop, mix, and shred certain foods just like any other low-grade food processor.

A little Bit Disappointing

BELLA Hand Blender Usability Review

KitchenAid Cordless Hand Blender Usability Review: Issues with Head-Suction
6.3
usability Scores
  • Ease of Use (60%)6.0/10
  • Blade Assembly (10%)7.5/10
  • Handling (20%)6.0/10
  • Cleanability (10%)7.5/10
7.8
usability Scores
  • Ease of Use (60%)7.9/10
  • Blade Assembly (10%)7.5/10
  • Handling (20%)7.5/10
  • Cleanability (10%)8.0/10
6.0

Ease of Use

7.9

The controls are easy to understand, but we never got comfortable actually operating it. While its interface is very intuitive with only two buttons and a speed selection dial, the motor’s vibration made our hands entirely numb. Moreover, the buttons are too stiff and unresponsive, so our fingers got tired in a hurry. In some cases our fingers slipped right off the trigger button, causing unplanned interruptions to our testing process. 

The low rating of this blender’s usability isn’t all due to its controls, though. Throughout most of the tests, the blending shaft stuck itself so tightly to the container’s bottom that we couldn’t lift it up unless we shut off the motor. That’s quite unacceptable, in our opinion.

The KitchenAid KHBBV53 is intuitive to use but maneuvering it isn’t as easy. More often than not, we had a hard time with our blending motions since this machine created a bit too much suction. Every time it sucked tight to the blending container’s bottom, we would hardly stir or draw it up without causing a mess. 

Additionally, it took us a bit of practice to be proficient at using the speed controller. To hit the maximum speed, we simply press the switch all the way down, but things are complicated when you want a mid-range speed.  

Not only that, but we also felt quite apprehensive trying to figure out how to speed up or slow down on our own. The user manual doesn’t provide any instructions for that. It even doesn’t explain that the speed trigger switch is pressure sensitive.

7.5

Blade Assembly

7.5

To blend, attach the blending wand or any mixing accessories to the main body by turning it in a counter-clockwise direction until tightened.

We set up our blender by aligning the blending wand to the motor body until they locked in place. To disassemble, we turned the attachment counterclockwise and then pulled it out from the body. That sounds as easy as one-two-three, but since this blender doesn’t include a release button like most others, removal demands more pulling force, which may be trickier to do if your hands are oily.

6.0

Handling

7.5
Someone uses two hands to control the BELLA immersion blender: one for holding the handle and pressing the power button at the same time, the other for rotating the speed dial.

Designed with an ergonomic handle, this blender is meant to be comfortable to grip, reducing hand and wrist pain. Due to its violent vibration and stiff buttons, however, our hands got tired anyway.

Someone holding the KitchenAid KHBBV53 Handle and pressing the speed controller at the same time.

This blender is comfortable to hold thanks to the ergonomically-designed handle, but the slick, polished finish will be slippery when it’s oily or wet. This can make your grip unstable, especially if your hands fatigue quickly.

7.5

Cleanability

8.0

All the included accessories are top-rack dishwasher-safe and easy to clean manually. The main difficulties are in a few hard-to-reach spots such as the backsides of the blades. We had to use a bit of elbow grease on the food tailings.

The blending wand is dishwasher-safe, so cleaning will not be a challenging task. However, if you clean it manually, getting the blades’ backsides to sparkle again is almost impossible without a bottle-cleaning brush.

Following each test, we used a soapy sponge to scrub away the food tailings and most of the residue rinsed off easily. However, we couldn’t simply wipe away all sticky remnants (like mayonnaise) that clung stubbornly in the back of the blades. Instead, we had to use a straw-cleaning brush to get into those hard-to-reach spaces.