Russell Hobbs Desire Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.1/10
Best for: Soups, sauces and blending right in the pan
Not for: Heavy daily commercial use, or jobs that really need a food processor
Bottom line: A practical blender (hand/stick, 500W, 500ml) for smoothies, soups and everyday blending at home.
The Russell Hobbs Desire 24702 is a 3-in-1 electric hand blender for everyday blending tasks, with a fruit and veg mini chopper and a whisk attachment. This blender review UK suits people who want one The Russell Hobbs blender for smoothies, blended soups and quick meal prep. The stainless steel blending leg is designed for mixing in a 700ml beaker, while the chopping bowl handles 500ml loads. It can whisk with the included attachment, though thicker mixes may need shorter bursts; it is a practical choice if the stated bowl capacities fit the intended use.
Key specifications
| Feature | Item Capacity |
|---|---|
| Chopper | Fruit & veg mini chopper 500 ml |
| Beaker | Mixing beaker 700 ml |
Pros
- 500W of blending power
- 500ml capacity
- Hand/stick blender
- Makes smoothies, soups and sauces quickly
Cons
- Not a substitute for a food processor on chopping jobs
- Very tough or hot ingredients need the right type and power
- Louder than many kitchen appliances when running
Blending Power and Performance
With 500W power, the blender is designed for everyday blending tasks using its hand blender form factor. The stainless steel blending leg lowers into ingredients, while the motor power helps break down soft to medium textures with the blending position kept close to the food. For thicker mixes, it works best when ingredients are pre-cooked, with blending carried out in short bursts and with stirring. The product description focuses on the 500W rating and does not provide specific speed settings or any additional performance claims, so results can vary depending on the recipe texture.
Capacity and Jug
Capacity and jug space matter because they affect how much can be prepared in one go and how much is left over. For the Russell Hobbs, the 500 ml capacity chopping bowl supports mini-chopper use, while the 700 ml beaker is set up for blending. This split arrangement suits smaller portions for fruit or veg, while keeping the larger beaker available for wider mixing. When the chopping bowl fills up, batching is necessary, particularly for thicker mixtures. The 500 W motor is positioned to handle most blending and chopper tasks, with longer prep times becoming more noticeable on larger volumes due to the need to pause and scrape.
Speeds, Programs and Controls
Speeds and controls govern how the blender handles different textures, from smooth blends to chopped pieces. With a 500 W motor, the hand blender and included whisk and blades allow switching between tasks depending on texture goals. A 500 ml chopping bowl supports controlled pulses for thicker fruit or vegetable mixes, while the stainless blending leg works with a 700 ml beaker to create smoother results. The main strength is flexible control.
Type: Jug, Personal or Hand Blender
How the Russell Hobbs Desire 24702 is designed to be used is understood from its handheld format rather than a traditional countertop blender. It is a hand/stick blender type, so it blends in whatever container the user chooses, which is convenient for small batches. For thicker prep, it uses a mini chopper attachment with a 500 ml chopping bowl, and the whisk attachment suits lighter mixtures. A stainless steel blending leg helps direct blending at the ingredient surface. A 700 ml beaker supports larger blending in one go, though the amount used depends on the volume required.
Cleaning and Build
For cleaning, the Russell Hobbs's handheld design keeps day-to-day care simple, as the stainless steel blending leg, whisk attachment, and blades can be handled separately from the main body, helping keep liquid away from the motor housing. After blending or chopping, rinse the removable parts straight away, wash them in warm soapy water, and dry them fully before reassembly. The 500 ml chopping bowl and 700 ml beaker can be cleaned by hand, with any residue gently scrubbed around the blades area. Keep the main body dry and wipe it only.
Who Is This Blender For?
The blender is for people who want a compact hand blender that covers multiple kitchen tasks, with an emphasis on blending and lighter mixing plus dedicated attachments for whisking. It is suited to home cooks who regularly blend soft fruit or veg, and who also need blades and a whisk for tasks such as quicker preparation and mixing. The 500ml chopping bowl and 700ml beaker help it handle small to mid portions, including single servings or prep for a couple of people. With a 500W hand blender design, it is positioned for easier storage in drawers and on worktops compared with larger countertop units. It is less suitable for heavy, frequent batch work.
Where to Buy in the UK
In the UK, the Russell Hobbs, a 3-in-1 electric hand blender with fruit and veg mini chopper and whisk attachment, plus a stainless steel blending leg, is typically searched through major retailers that carry The blender small kitchen appliances. It is also available via online marketplaces that list the 24702 model. For best results, shoppers should compare listings to confirm the included accessories named in the product listing, including the whisk, blades, 500ml chopping bowl, and 700ml beaker, as these items are part of the product naming. Shoppers should also verify that the model number is 24702 and that the listed wattage is 500W, since listings can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this blender worth it?
For smoothies, soups, sauces and crushing through fruit and veg, the Russell Hobbs (500W) blends smoothly and saves real effort. Check the current Amazon UK price, as blenders go on deal often.
Is the Russell Hobbs Desire 24702 a jug, personal or hand blender?
The blender is a hand (stick) blender - you blend directly in the pan or jug, perfect for soups and sauces, though it's not for big batches of smoothies like a jug blender.
Is this blender good for smoothies?
Yes - blending smoothies is exactly what the Russell Hobbs is built for, and 500W has the power to break down fruit, veg and ice. For very tough ingredients like frozen fruit and ice, more power and good blades help give a smoother result.
How powerful is the blender?
The Russell Hobbs is rated at 500W. As a rough guide, 300-600W suits everyday smoothies and soups, 700-1,200W handles ice and tougher ingredients, and 1,500W+ is high-performance territory. Blade and jug design matter as well as wattage.
What capacity is the blender?
The Russell Hobbs Desire 24702 has a 500ml capacity. Bigger jugs suit families and batch-making; personal blenders have smaller cups for single servings you can drink straight from.
Can this blender crush ice?
Many blenders crush ice, but it depends on the power and blades - higher-wattage jug and bullet blenders manage it best. If ice and frozen fruit are a priority, look for a model that specifically lists ice-crushing; the Russell Hobbs is 500W.
Is the blender easy to clean?
Most blenders are easy to rinse, and many jugs and cups are dishwasher-safe (check the model). A quick self-clean - blending warm water with a drop of washing-up liquid - keeps the Russell Hobbs fresh between uses.