The L.A. Times food section often includes an article in which a group of kitchen experts rate different brands of a specified gadget or appliance. A while ago they examined stick blenders and concluded that the Kitchenaid was superior in design and performance. If I recall correctly, the reviewers touted KitchenAid's larger size to be a plus for an immersion hand blender. We purchased one based on their comments and have been very happy with it. We've used it for soups, sauces, even milkshakes. The other night we even used it to make fresh bread crumbs, which came out a bit finer than we had wanted but still perfectly okay. Here is a link that might be useful: KitchenAid immersion hand blender

I've had various ones and most worked for a long time. This last time I dropped, cracked and broke mine and wanted another one soon. Christy happened to go to CVS that day and saw this $5 one, figuring it would work until he maybe got me another good one. That was last spring and it's still going strong.lol. Today Chris Kimball happened to tweet the Cook's Country immersion blender test results. Winner is only $25 Here is a link that might be useful: Immersion Blenders

Kathy, why do you do this to me?? Clever idea though!

I grew up with only a hand mixer (the iron type). I had a FP for years when I was first married and since I found I was only using it to grate cheese, and was moving frequently, I finally gave it away. I accumulated a KA stand mixer and FP over the years since I've had a more stationary existence. When the KA is out, I use it. When it's away in the cupboard, I don't. I reach for the hand mixer. It's what I grew up with so it's STILL my first thought unless my KA is staring me in the face. My poor FP. I still don't do anything with it, even though it too is now out on my counter. Though, I don't think I've ever made a pie. I have LOTS of counter space after my kitchen reno and was sure I'd be using it a lot. I got one that has a special dough setting and of course I could do bread dough in the KA as well. Wouldn't you know I got turned on to a bread making process that is all by hand? So I have my 12qt container that I had to find storage space for. My advise is that if you're just starting out, get the iron type hand mixer, but get a good one (even though I'm not sure what that means). And if you must do pie crust electronically, try your FP, but give manual a go. Try them both and decide. If you're excited about baking, the trying different methods part is part of the fun!