I really love this hand blender. I have never thought of getting a hand blender before, but it is so useful! I use it most often for soup.

The only thing my husband doesnt' like about it is that it sounds like a dentist's drill.

Some major benefits of this hand blender:
* it has a shield around the blades so there is no spillage up or even sideways -- you can skim it over the surface of the liquid and none will splash up
* it is incredibly strong and can break up even frozen strawberries
* it is really fast, meaning I can make a broccoli soup into puree in less than a minute -- even a big potful

I highly recommend this. A lot of reviews of other hand blenders complain about strength or speed. This is supposedly the strongest one on the market and I am really happy about it.

Yes, it is fairly large, but it's not like you are going to go running errands with it in your hand. You stand still and use it, then you unclip it and wash it up. I don't find it inconvenient at all.

In a typical kitchen, any tool-purchasing decision should consider four things: (1.) the breadth of uses, (2.) affordability, (3.) the relative storage space required, and (4.) the performance quality of the tool in question.

In spite of my initial concern that it would score low in area (1.), it has proven invaluable in creating soups, sauces, beverages, and more. Given its exceeedly high score in areas (1.) and (4.), it earned complete forgiveness for both a low score in area (2.) and a mediocre score in area (3.)

Well worth the money if you blend sauces or make soups on a fairly regular basis.

I just needed to refute that first review also. This is not a toy, it's not for mixing your ovaltine or slimfast shakes (though it will work for SURE). I assume that's what the first reviewer wanted it for. You can get a 19 dollar piece to do that. It's not "about a foot long!" It's 17 inches, and needs to be. It's also not 20 lbs. It's 2 lbs. and it's weight is perfect. It's not a "hand blender" for mixing water. It's an IMMERSION blender for making the thickest of the thick and the creamiest of the creamiest as far as soups go and 50 other uses. I'm a professional chef, this is part of my kit that I don't leave home without. You shouldn't be home without it.

I feel obligated to defend this terrific appliance against the "misguided" reviewer who likened it to a jack-hammer. That review gave me pause when I was considering ordering it. Fortunately I had faith in Amazon's return policy and decided to give it a chance. It's not at all too heavy or too large. I'm 5' 3" with small hands and it fits in my hand perfectly. It really is ergonomically designed. The power button falls directly under your fingers when you hold it. You have no need to change your grip until you're through blending--which is next to no time. It blends thoroughly and efficiently. It does have enough weight to give you some control. You wouldn't want something this powerful to be too light--it could just fly out of your grasp. This feels solid, is very attractive, and also appears to be very well made. I love it. If you think you might want an immersion blender (and if you cook, you do) you'll love it too.

It should be noted that this is also called an immersion blender. I was confused by the two designations--hand blender/immersion blender. Apparently they are the same thing although listed separately.

I have this Kitchenaid hand blender, and absolutely LOVE IT. It is very powerful, handles any blending job you could throw at it, and cleans up very easily. Storage is a breeze too. I had a Braun hand blender before, and when it died, I bought this Kitchenaid model. If I had known the Kitchenaid was as good as it is, I would have thrown the Braun hand blender away when it was still working. This Kitchenaid blender is far superior to any other models I have used. The extra attachments are quite handy, and snap on very easily. The unit is not heavy at all, an has a very ergonomic design to it. I have enjoyed using mine so much, I have purchased two additional Kitchenaid Hand Blenders to give as gifts.