12-03-2010, 07:50 PM
I like to make a lot of pureed soups, so it is worth having a hand (immersion) blender. Instead of blending in batches, the blender goes right into the soup pot and does it all at once. It is faster and less messy. The hand blender is also good for making individual smoothies or protein shakes. Reasonable quality hand blenders can be bought for under $50.