I kind of have a thing for kitchen tools. (I know, you’re shocked.) For me, a stick blender is never going to be a “must-have” item for the average kitchen, but it’s definitely a “nice-to-have” item. I have both a regular blender and a food processor and I still use my stick blender quite a lot.
All of that said, a good stick blender can be really expensive, so a deal like this may be the right one for you if you’re on the fence: Right now Amazon has the Cuisinart CSB-76 SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender for just $20 if you’re willing to forgo that rainbow of color options and just get the white. This is not the latest version; the newer model has two speeds and costs $35. (My stick blender only has one speed. I have no idea why you’d want two speeds. Isn’t the point to pulverize whatever you put it into?)
And because I know it’s inevitable that someone will ask what a stick blender is good for: Black bean soup. Not having to pour hot soup into a blender and risk splattering it everywhere to blend it down is very, very nice. Also it’s good for a quick late-night milkshake. I mean, allegedly.
Perfect and thanks for the tip. I’ve been wanting one but didn’t want to pay $30+ dollars to see if it would be useful. $20 was very reasonable.
Okay–don’t laugh. Well, not right away, but this stick blender is totally necessary for soapmaking. Honest to God. I ordered one because I want one for regular food-esque use, but many (most?) soap makers swear by their stick blenders. Me? I use the paint stirring attachment on my power drill, but, well, that’s just me.
Not laughing! I had no idea, but hey, whatever works. 🙂
My middle son asked a friend’s mom “where her kitchen drill was” since he didn’t see it on the counter, like at our house. Am total SoapGeek. –L
It’s also good for healthier mashed potatoes. Since it pulverizes so well, the potatoes mash with almost no liquid so you can skip most of the butter, cream, sour cream, milk – whatever you generally use. I can usually get away with a few drops of milk and they are still creamy and delicious!
Thanks, Mir! I’ve been watching sales to replace on I had when we lived overseas. Who knew they were so expensive?! $65…really? $20 is way more like it. Yep, I love it for potato soup, bean soup, veggie ragu, etc.
At 7:11 a.m. pacific time this blender is no longer available from this seller. 🙁
aaaah, missed it. they do have a bunch for <$20 with free shipping in the used section (Amazon Warehouse deals) though, if you don't mind repackaging or "minor cosmetic damage."