As much as possible I try to avoid chemicals in my food. I buy organic, veer away from GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), and try to avoid plastic packaging. I never considered my stick blender as a possible source of chemical exposure until now.
A study released October 23, 2014 suggests that some hand blenders leak chlorinated paraffins, a type of chemical found in flame retardants, plasticizers, metal working fluids and more. CPs are classified as toxic to aquatic organisms, and carcinogenic to rats and mice. Short Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs) are categorized in group 2B as possibly carcinogenic to humans from the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Researchers at Stockholm University discovered the CPs while looking for environmental contaminants in cat food. The chlorinated paraffins showed up in disturbing amounts and were traced to in-house blending of the food, rather than the food itself. According to the study,
“After re-analysing samples with and without the use of a newly bought hand blender used for preparing homogeneous cat food samples, we concluded that the hand blender caused the contamination. In addition, a small hole was drilled just above the mixer blades and content of the compartment drilled into was analysed and the presence of CPs was confirmed.”
The European Union currently prohibits the use of SCCPs in products and the Environmental Protection Agency has it’s eye on the potential hazards of SCCPs.
Do all brands leak CPs?
The research team purchased 12 hand held blenders available in Sweden.
- Matsui
- Voltage
- Bosch
- OBH Nordica, Chili
- OBH Nordica, Kitchen, Quickmix
- Braun Multiquick 3
- Philips, ProMix
- OBH Nordica, Indigo
- Electrolux, Ultramix Pro
- Coline
- Russel Hobbs
- OBH Nordica Kitchen, Quickprep 500
Four of the brands did not show leakage: #3, #4, #7, #8. The remaining brands showed leakage of SCCPs. The author of the study, Ake Bergman sent me a photo of these 8 models.
Of the 8 brands found to show leakage, 4 of them are made in China. According to the study,
“Four of the twelve hand blenders tested are produced in China, all showing leakage of CPs, and three of them were among the five showing the highest levels. China is also the major CP producers with an annual production of over 600 000 tonnes in 2007 [5]”
I asked Dr. Bergman about the four models that did not show leakage.
“To the best of our knowledge the blenders not leaking CPs are to be regarded as safe.”
It’s important to note that the leakage may come from plastic components located under the hood, but according to Bergman it is more likely coming from the cutting fluids used in the machinery itself.
What does this mean for brands commonly found in the United States like Cuisineart, Procter-Silex, Hamilton Beach, and KitchenAid? A call to each company seems in order.
This study offers a grim reminder that chemicals have found their way into virtually every aspect of our lives and vigilance must become a way of life. While complete avoidance of chemicals may not be feasible, we can become informed and make our purchasing decisions accordingly.
As the study concludes:
“The results we are presenting in this screening study is unexpected and serious since humans eating food prepared using the hand blenders leaking CPs will become exposed to CPs. This is of particular concern since these types of household appliances often are used and recommended for preparing food for small children.”
As a result I purchased the Nordica Chili. Read more about my purchase here.
Related Posts
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heather says
Oh wow!! I would never have thought that about my stick blender…that may relegate it to the thrift store!
BJ says
Please don’t send an item to a thrift store when you know, or even suspect, that it may be toxic to other human beings. People who shop there don’t want to be sickened or die an early death any more than you do.
Diane says
I concur with BJ. It’s not fit for any human or animal consumption so please dispose of it properly. What a shame we are dealing with products that can make us so sick.
Amber says
Oh my… I didn’t know this at all!
Amber says
Thanks for sharing, now I have to check which brand I have!
Jessica T. says
This is discouraging as my hand/stick/immersion blender is pretty much my favourite appliance ever! 😛 I’m a little confused though…we have a Cuisinart and as that’s an American brand, you recommended a call to the company, but I’m not really sure what to ask? Since it seems like they wouldn’t know whether or not their model leaks as this testing was done by an independent company and it sounds like initially finding out that it would be an issue was kind of an accident (i.e. discovering the high levels in cat food). Thoughts?
Andrea Fabry says
I contacted Cuisineart. As I suspected, they’re products are made in China. (Although they said Asia.) I am going to toss my Cuisineart. I have purchased one of the four brands mentioned to be safe. I had to purchase overseas and will probably have to use a transformer but since this is one of our frequently used tools it’s worth it to me. The issue to me is this type of plastic so close to the food. My kids have mentioned before they smell something when they use it. It makes sense that that is what they are smelling. The fact that the researchers found it be accident is a positive in my mind. They weren’t looking for this and found this chemical and then tracked it down. I guess I’m a believer that plastic and food don’t mix well so I was fascinated by this.
The other option is not to use any stick blender and go with the traditional hand blender with the two stainless steel whisks.
Jessica T. says
Yes…I’m a firm believer in avoiding plastics when I can too, I guess I just thought that because the shaft and blades were metal, we’d be fine. Ugh. 😛
Can I ask which brand you purchased and where? Since reading this, I’ve briefly been trying to track down one of the four “good” ones and haven’t had much luck yet!
Andrea Fabry says
Well, I found the Philip’s Pro Mix overseas. It costs 70 dollars and definitely not sure if I can use it without a transformer. I will be writing about this if it works. It makes sense that something in Europe would be better quality since they don’t allow this chemical.
Jessica T. says
Yeah…yet another reason to move to Europe, I guess! 🙂 So did you purchase it from an online store that shipped from overseas or did you physically purchase it while not in the States?
Tara says
Do you think this is the same Philips ProMix that is referenced in the list of products that didn’t have the contaminant?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Philips-Daily-Collection-Hand-Blender-HR1604-550W-ProMix-/131149165705
Andrea Fabry says
Tara, That one looks like it to me!!!
Andrea Fabry says
I ordered from Jado Pado….and online appliance site based overseas. I contacted Philips first and was satisfied with them. They could not assure me that the appliance would work in the U.S. but I’m thinking a transformer would work. We’ll see. I searched high and low for Bosch.
Tara says
Could you please provide a link to the exact one you ordered? I’d like to be sure I’m looking for the correct product. Does the Philips blender not contain the plastic piece (round disc) that other immersion blenders have? I’ve always wondered about that plastic piece in my Kitchenaid immersion blender; I wondered what type of plastic it is and whether it might be leaching any plastic chemicals into our food. But I haven’t seen any that don’t have the plastic piece.
Andrea Fabry says
Tara,
The one I bought from Europe is the Philips but needs an adaptor of some sort.I wouldn’t recommend it. Plus it’s made in China even though it tested out OK. I want to find the Bosch but so far haven’t been able to. I’m thinking of giving up the convenience of a stick blender unless I find something.
Tara says
Thank you for replying. I did a quick search for the Bosch earlier today, and on most sites it appeared to be discontinued. Perhaps it is no longer being made? I wonder if we might be able to locate it by calling Bosch directly.
Andrea Fabry says
Tara,
That’s a good idea. If you track this down will you let me know? I would feel great about a Bosch.
Jessica T. says
Thanks so much for all the info! I’m looking at that site now and wondering if your’s came yet and if it works with a transformer?
Andrea Fabry says
It came…I’m more comfortable with the hood but it’s not stainless steel. It was designed in the Netherlands and made in China…I will need to get a transformer. My gut feeling is that it’s better than my Cuisineart but not as good as my Bosch.
Jessica T. says
So is the hood plastic then? If so, what makes you feel like it’s better than the Cuisinart? And you mentioned “my Bosch”…did you end up finding one then?
Also…do you have any idea if they’ve done tests like this on larger blenders too (Vitamix, Blendtec, etc.)? I have yet to find one of those that doesn’t contain plastic parts of some kind so I wonder if we can escape this at all if we want to blender-ize stuff. 😛
(Thanks so much for continuing this dialogue as I try to figure out what the best route for this would be! :))
Andrea Fabry says
Jessica,
The inside of the hood has a type of plastic that leaches this chemical. While the hood is stainless for most, you can see a ring of plastic. Sounds like that’s where the chemical is.
I think about the Vitamin a lot ….There definitely needs to be more research and more questions asked – but my gut feeling is that these stick blender chemical is not used in Vitamix. But again – I would rather only have glass or stainless steel touch my food.
I have not been able to purchase the Bosch. I do have my Philips and now that I’ve had it a few days I have a better feeling about it than the Cuisinart. I ordered my adapter (it’s super cheap on Amazon) and will probably do a separate post on it. I love this dialogue because there are so many of us who really do care about this. (and I know I’m not crazy to be concerned.)
Jessica T. says
Interesting. You’re definitely not crazy to be concerned…I’m glad you thought it important enough to post about. We use our stick blender a LOT…sometimes several times a day and I would hate to think that I’m further adding to my children’s toxin load when I do all I can to reduce it.
Also, I found the OBH Nordica, Indigo here: http://royaldesign.com/us/viewitem.aspx?ID=81517. From what I can tell it looks like there is NO plastic on any part that touches the food. Score! 🙂
Jessica T. says
Oh, and I just found the OBH Nordica, Chili here: http://royaldesign.com/us/viewitem.aspx?ID=81341
Andrea Fabry says
Triple score!!!!!!! I’m ordering this today. It comes with the adaptor!! I will write a follow-up soon. Thank you Jessica. I love the name of your blog. We truly are stick blender sojourners together. 🙂
Andrea Fabry says
Ordered it!!! Thanks again, Jessica.
Jessica T. says
YAY!!! Which one did you get then? And yes…we can be stick blender sojourners. 🙂
Also…all the mold stuff you’ve written (on your other blog) was super helpful to us this summer when we discovered mold in our rental house (of two months! :P). Thanks to your story and others that I read online, we realized the severity of what we were dealing with and were able to get out within a month with no long term health issues. We’re very thankful!
Andrea Fabry says
I got the one for 60 dollars – the link you posted. I’m glad to hear about the mold. Things go so much better with awareness. Thanks Jessica.
Jessica T. says
So my OBH Nordica Chili came yesterday and I was so excited to see ONLY stainless steel in the blender part. I have yet to use it though since I don’t have a transformer to change the 220-240 V to 110 V. Which transformer did you end up getting and does it work fine with your Nordica Chili?
Andrea Fabry says
I’m waiting for my transformer! I only see stainless so I, too, am very excited. Let’s keep each other posted.
Jessica T. says
*I guess I should have phrased the transformer as “from 110 V to 220/240 V” since that’s actually what’s happening. 😛
Jessica T. says
YAY for no plastic! 🙂 Can I ask which transformer you got and from where?
Andrea Fabry says
I got the wrong one, but I’ve been using my new one without a transformer and it works great. It’s only for a minute so all seems well.
Jessica T. says
So you’ve been using the Nordica Chili without a transformer and it’s fine? I’ll have to get a plug adapter anyway to get it to work in my outlets so I’m trying to figure out which transformer would work. I was thinking this one would: http://www.amazon.com/Goldsource%C2%AE-Voltage-Converter-Transformer-ST500/dp/B0022QOSDK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416607165&sr=8-2&keywords=110v+to+220v+converter. Which kind did you get that was wrong? Are you planning on just using it without one indefinitely? I hope you don’t mind all the questions…I just haven’t really used not-made-for-the-States appliances before so I’m trying to figure it out. 😛
Andrea Fabry says
I’m still trying to figure this out. I asked another website about this. I will let you know. The adaptor is different than the voltage transformer that much I know. It it’s working fine I’m trying to find out if I need the transformer. I really do love the stainless
Jan Gordon says
Of course, I always end up with the brand that was not tested, so, I have no idea if it is safe 🙁
bren says
Could someone please test those that are available in the USA?
Haleigh says
i have a miallegro hand stick blender,I believe it is made somewhere in Europe. I am hoping it is safe. It is almost all stainless steel really heavy.very good quality. How can I tell if it’s safe?
Andrea Fabry says
Do you see any plastic under the hood at all? Europe seems like a safe bet as they have restrictions on the use of this chemical.
Karen D says
I’m looking into the Bosch right now.
Sharon Devi says
Is this because of the plastic parts that is in contact with food? I had my suspicions for a while and I’ve been on the look out for a stick blender that has no plastic component that touches food. I can’t find any (in Australia), there’s always a plastic seal or some plastic parts. Perhaps need to look into buying one from Europe. I was also looking for a kettle without any plastic component that touches the water, specifically the water reservoir, couldn’t find any either. Had to order one from Europe. Got one, with no plastic water gauge thing, or plastic seal-ring at the bottom (usually found in those glass kettles). Got one with all stainless steel inside the kettle. Glad I did. Thanks for sharing this.
Andrea Fabry says
Yes, that is exactly it. Good point about the water kettle! So hard to stay on top of this but worth the energy I think. Hadn’t thought of the kettle. So glad you mentioned it.
Liz Schmidt says
I have been emailing All-Clad about the expensive immersion blender we bought recently and they are not forthcoming about the possibility of toxins inside the device that may leak out. Here is what they told me: 1) “While we cannot disclose the details of our manufacturing process as it is considered trade information, we can state that our products are tested and determined safe for use by the appropriate regulatory agencies.” 2) “testing results are consider trade information and therefore are unavailable.” 3) “as previously discussed our products are tested and certified as safe by organizations such as the United Laboratories.” I am now contacting the Consumer Product Safety Commission to see if they require tests for leakage of toxic chemicals. FYI: All-Clad’s immersion blender does not have plastic parts in the part that’s immersed…at least none that show. It weighs A LOT more than my old Cuisinart so there must be a lot more metal than plastic inside, though the part where the blade assembly attaches to the motorized hand piece is plastic. Has anyone else contacted All-Clad?
Andrea Fabry says
Liz,
I contacted them and they let me know that their products are made in China. This has me a little concerned, but I honestly don’t know either. Please keep me posted as I am working on a follow-up post and would LOVE to know what you find out. Thanks Liz.
Angelina says
Anyone know about this one?
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B002KF2NAI/ref=gno_cart_title_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2GQSPO8EX6AE5
Thank you,
Angelina
Andrea Fabry says
I will try to research Braun. I like that is says Japan!
GES says
Guys, I hate to tell you this, but the Promix you guys were talking about in the comments section is NOT the one that was tested in the study. If you click several layers of links down from the original citation above, you’ll find they tested the HR1607/1608. Not sure if there is a significant difference but just wanted to give you a heads up. Interesting that even within a single manufacturer’s offerings the risk of exposure to these chemicals can differ. You’d think the mfrs would be tracking this stuff (esp the ones in Europe).
Regarding the Braun one cited by Angelina on 11/25, in the FAQ section on the Amazon page you will see that it’s mfred in Poland. The seller is in Japan. So not a true Japanese import.
In any case, thank you for the eye opening article.
GES says
I was just looking at the model earlier today – in the FAQ section on the Amazon page you’ll see that it’s mfr’d in Poland. The seller is in Japan. So not a true Japanese import.
GES says
Guys, I hate to tell you this, but the Promix you guys were talking about in the comments section is NOT the one that was tested in the study. If you click several layers of links down from the original citation above, you’ll find they tested the HR1607/1608. Not sure if there is a significant difference but just wanted to give you a heads up. Interesting that even within a single manufacturer’s offerings the risk of exposure to these chemicals can differ. You’d think the mfrs would be tracking this stuff (esp the ones in Europe). In any case, thank you for the eye opening article.
Andrea Fabry says
I appreciate this information! This is a tough one.
Juliette Barker says
My KA immersion blender had a plastic part under blades that came loose. I did not really notice the plastic until it came loose and used blender in soups and for frozen fruit smoothies. I called KA and they advised me not to use it. I just sent for a Breville Control Grip immersion blender and just realized that it has plastic on shaft so as not to scratch pots. I will send it back as soon as it arrives. ****How am I going to make smoothies? I really miss them. I used a Nutribullet for 6 months before it leaked. I know it is plastic, but what choice is there for a blender to work with kale, carrots, frozen food, etc. I have been tempted by Vitamix, Nutri Ninja. Does anyone have any ideas on the best to buy for smoothies and pureeing soup. Miss doing this, but cannot find safe immersion or high speed blender.
Andrea Fabry says
Juliette,
I finally have one. It’s from Europe and entirely stainless steel. It’s the Nordica brand. I am working on an updated post. I love it – totally worth it but I have to use a transformer with it. Also worth it for peace of mind.
Michelle says
Just wanted an update on using the OBH Nordica without an adaptor? Is the adaptor necessary? I’m expecting a baby in May and want to get all my research done before he arrives 🙂 Can’t wait to make baby food when the time is right but I certainly don’t want to use any products that will leach toxins into the food. Thanks so much and Happy New Year!!!
Andrea Fabry says
Michelle, Yes – you will need an adaptor as well as a transformer. I purchased a transformer for 50 dollars that comes with an adaptor and we are LOVING the Nordica! We use it multiple times a day and with complete peace of mind. I am working on a follow-up post. I keep the transformer in a cupboard and we pull it out and then put it away. It’s kind of heavy but it’s working great. There are some tricks to buying the right transformer. It needs to be a wattage for 2.5 times the amount of the wattage of the item. Let me get you the specifics and I will post here.
Andrea Fabry says
Here is the link to the Nordica blender:
http://royaldesign.com/US/viewitem.aspx?ID=81341&s=stick%20mixer
The blender is 400 watts, therefore you need a 1000 watt step down transformer. It costs approximately 50 dollars so the total for the package is 130 dollars. As much as we use it – I am confident we’re getting our money’s worth on this.
Here is one that will work:
http://www.amazon.com/Goldsource-STU-1000-Voltage-Transformer-Converter/dp/B003OPFJD6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420138138&sr=8-2&keywords=step+up+step+down+transformer
I also have a soap business and was using a Cuisine Art blender. I purchased one for my business and one for home and use the same transformer. The Nordica comes with an adaptor.
Misty says
You said you use this one to make soap… does it cause bubbles while blending (like my Kitchen Aid does)? I need a nice, smooth soap batter with no little air bubbles.
Andrea Fabry says
I haven’t experienced air bubbles or at least very few. I’ve not tried another blender so I can’t compare. That’s an interesting question, Misty!
cheyenne says
I emailed the makers of the Bamix immersion blender sold at Williams and Sonoma and they said the only plastic parts were the handle and the motor. It is made is Switzerland. I’m not wanting to buy a separate electrical converter– it just sounds a little inconvenient to have to get two things out and plugged in every time i want to use it. Do you think this one sounds safe? thanks!
Andrea Fabry says
Sure sounds like it. Made in Switzerland is a good sign in my mind. I agree the transformer is not optimal. If you get it let me know!
Tina says
I have an All Clad immersion blender that is 100% stainless steel on the blender stick. It costs less than the model you recommend as you had to buy a transformer. This is a wonderful immersion blender and powerful. Blending stick comes off for easy cleaning or to put in the dishwasher. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R2E47Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Andrea Fabry says
Thanks Tina. Do you see any plastic parts under the hood? Just curious.
Misty says
If the stick is the only part coming into contact with the foid, isn’t that the only part that needs to be completely stainless steel?
Andrea Fabry says
Yes, but you can see the plastic parts under the hood. The machine fluids and/or the plastics are leaking according to this study.
Misty says
Okay, I see them now…
I sure wish someone would do this study on one’s we can get here in the USA…
Andrea Fabry says
Agreed!! No problem on typos. 🙂
Misty says
Sorry for the typos… I think auto-correct on my phone hates me, haha.
rex says
You all sound as you be got money for premium products. I read an article telling that the contamination take place with acids foods or high temperature. So if you can afford,by all means get a stainless steel. If not, limit the list of things to blend 🙂
Andrea Fabry says
Yes, there is no need for an immersion blender at all. Once we got off of regular health insurance and went to a unique sharing plan, that saves us 1000 dollars a month, we decided to invest in these small changes. If needed, I would just stop using it.
Debbie Raymond says
Just ordered the Nordic you both bought. Thanks for all of the info here and on Amazon. I found it very helpful.
Debbie Raymond says
*Nordica
Andrea Fabry says
Thanks for the encouragement, Debbie! I think you will love the peace of mind every time you use it. I know I do!
Lisa says
I called oster. They said their products are made in China and they have no spec sheets or information about what materials they are made out of!!!!!
Andrea Fabry says
I appreciate you sharing this, Lisa. It helps all of us! Too bad isn’t it?
Ki says
Ok I’ve read this whole page. Very informative. Thank you to all the people who took their time to do all this research. I am very grateful. I’m curious if anyone has a hand blender made by Bamix? Someone on this post recommended it. It’s made in Switzerland so that’s cool. Curious if anyone has it and if it has plastic under the hood. You can find it on Amazon. It’s pretty pricey but seems worth it if it’s not toxic. Plus it can work on 110v USA outlets. Nice, that’s a plus. Well if anyone has any info on it I’d love to hear your feedback. Thanks.
Andrea Fabry says
The Bamix sure looks good to me, Ki. Definitely a bonus that it works on 110V. Certainly the Switzerland origin is a plus. I’ll be interested to learn more about this brand. I may contact them – or if you do, be sure to let me know!
Ki says
I’d love it if you’d contact them. I think you have more experience and know the right questions to ask. I’m just new to this as of a day ago. I just had my wisdom tooth extracted so I was laid up and that’s why I started researching hand blenders. I’m glad I came across this site because I was about to buy a cheap toxic one. Since I can’t eat solid food right now, my honey blended me a soup in our blendtec. It was delicious and inspired me to get a hand blender. I’ve always loved blended soups but putting them in the blender is a pain in the butt plus I hate putting hot things into plastic, no matter how safe the plastic is. So I’ve just been using a potato smasher by hand all these years to make my soup more creamy. But let me tell you, I am the soup queen!! I love soup. It’s my favorite food. I make huge pots of it almost everyday. So why I’ve gone this long without a hand blender is a tragedy to me. I’d love to just have the info I need to go ahead and buy the bamix. So if you’re willing to help that would be awesome!!! Thanks!!! Aloha!!
Andrea Fabry says
So great to hear from you, Ki. I sure hope your healing goes well with your tooth! I’ll keep you posted.
Ki says
Thanks!! I think I’m just going to buy the bamix and hope that it’s all good. My husband is having his wisdom teeth out next week so I want to be able to prepare luscious drinkable food for him. I’ll let you know if it has plastic under the hood. It’s swiss made so should be good. But like I said earlier, I have no idea about the construction of hand blenders. Yes keep me posted as I can always return it. Thanks!
Ki says
Alright I bought it. This video shows it pretty close up. Does it look like there’s plastic in there? I have no experience with hand blenders so not sure what they look like under the hood typically.
http://youtu.be/PHn8Oe2JVK0
Ki says
This video shows an even closer view. Looks good to me.
http://youtu.be/zYhY2GRttwM
Andrea Fabry says
You’re right – I think it looks good too. Let me know!
JJK says
that bamix is chromium plated – I was so exited to find it until a piece of chromium came off into my baby food and we fed it to our son… I noticed it when it was too late. I have pictures and the company gave me a refund. I would never buy it again though…
PW says
I have a Bamix immersion Blender, made in Switzerland and it has an all metal blade and doesn’t seem to have plastic in the food part. It’s also readily available in the US although a bit pricey. Bought it several years ago and it was a great investment.
Andrea Fabry says
Thank you for the information!
Beaned says
This is rather unfortunate since virtually every immersion blender on the US market is made in China. The only alternatives are commercial models costing $200+.
Andrea Fabry says
I purchased the Nordica Stick Mixer Cilli 220-240 V. It is not made in China. It did cost me $128 dollars, though. I write about my purchase in this post:
http://it-takes-time.com/2015/01/replaced-hand-blender.html
Rita Gerber says
Help! I’ve been killing myself! I have a very old KA made in China with plastic. Heard they don’t even make that model any more. Some of it is duct taped together. I am dumping it. Have been using it to mix supplement powders. Maybe it was safe cause wasn’t using acidic or high heat items. I’ll try using a spoon or maybe a whisk. But on a different note all together, what would you recommend as a good, safe, reasonably priced blender to puree carrots and other vegetables, make smoothies, etc. My present one is a 35 year old Oster and desperately needs replacing. I don’t want to buy something and then find it is not a safe model. Thanks.
Andrea Fabry says
Rita, this is a great question about blenders. Here is the one I decided to buy:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004S8F8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It’s Waring stainless steel. I feel as good about it as I can. See what you think.
Mom of Two says
I had this too but found out there is nylon inside by the blade and the top is vinyl. I have not been able to find a completely safe blender.
Andrea Fabry says
When you think about it, it’s not really to find a safe piece of machinery this close to our food. I appreciate the feedback.
Dch says
Did any of you commenting read the article and notice that it said that the chemical probably came from the cutting fluids, not the plastic…. Having all metal parts might be worse than plastic. Not sure there is any good solution besides testing.
Clare says
Andrea, I came across your excellent website while searching for a ‘safe’ immersion blender. I didn’t even know about the issue of chlorinated paraffins so it was a terrible shock . What is even more worrying is that there seems to have been very little publicity about this story and almost no follow up so from within the industry so as it has been 4 years since your posts, I wondered whether things had moved on at all? Is there an immersion blender you can recommend? Are full sized blenders any safer? I don’t know anyone else who is remotely concerned about this kind of thing so I am so glad that you are.
Thanks
Cassie (UK)
Andrea Fabry says
I still like the one I have, but honestly the less machinery the better when it comes to contact with our food. This is the blender I like: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004S8F8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Franck says
Thank you very much for your post and the awesome comments !
Mesti says
I have the Cuisinart smart stick immersion blender. Does this problem get worse over time or is it more pronounced with new products?
Andrea Fabry says
That’s an interesting question! I honestly don’t know.
n says
The least-toxic blender is ‘Waring MBB518 Food & Beverage Blender, Stainless Steel,’ except that it appears discontinued and has nylon. What search words are essential for the new alternative? ‘Waring, glass, stainless steel?’ Is there something like a frosting beeter, in which only metal beeters are immersed and the the rotating unit containing gasket and grease are not? Gratitude.
Andrea Fabry says
Keeping it to stainless steel is certainly safe. Something like this can work:
https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KHM7210CU-7-Speed-Digital-Accessories/dp/B00C0QJY40/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=beater+kitchen&qid=1577477587&s=home-garden&sr=1-5
Andrea Fabry says
Loved being on Debra’s show on November 20th. You can hear the show here.
http://debralynndadd.com/toxicfreetalkradio/living-toxic-free-with-nine-children/