I love my Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender Model CSB-77
It is very quite and comes with a whip attachment, blender cup and a mini chopper. It was 49 dollars at Linen and Things with a 20% discount coupon only 39.

I have a Braun, it has a cord, it's pretty old, using it for years. I love it! Cook's Illustrated rates Kitchenaid number one.

Here's the review from Cooks Illustrated on Immersion Blender's

Hand (Immersion) BlendersÂUpdated
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Written: 3/2006

We found the pesto test differentiated the winner from the also-rans.

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Do You Really Need a Hand Blender?
This is an update of a previous review. For related information, see our reviews of Vita-Mix Blenders, Inexpensive Blenders, and Blenders.

A hand, or immersion, blender can save time and effort: no need to blend in batches, no need to wash a food processor--just rinse it off and toss it back in the drawer. But which brand is best? To find out, we gathered nine models, priced between $13 and $90, and put them to the test. All nine blenders whirred the chunks out of our marinara sauce easily, so we upped the ante. Pureeing broccoli soup was a more telling task: A few models finished the job in just 30 seconds, while the weaker blenders were still batting around small chunks after a minute. (Several manufacturers advise against continuous running for more than a minute.) What separated the movers from the shakers was pesto. Only three blenders, two Brauns and a KitchenAid, dispatched the herbs and nuts in quick order.

So what makes a better hand blender? The differences aren't obvious. As we've found in past tests, wattage means nothing when it comes to most appliances: The 200- and 400-watt Braun models performed equally well. We did, however, end up with a few design preferences: Stainless steel shafts (rather than plastic) were not better performers, but they do resist staining and can be used in pots sitting over a flame. And come cleanup time, a removable blade end is best. In the end, KitchenAid's immersion blender ($49.99) was our favorite. KitchenAid's immersion blender won our test of hand blenders. Aside from a blending beaker, it offers no extras (some models come with fancy attachments), but it did as good a job at blending as most traditional blenders.

FAVORITE HAND BLENDER
KITCHENAID, $49.99. As good as many traditional blenders.

For more specific product reviews, see the PDF below.
Do You Really Need a Hand Blender?

For what it's worth, I use my Braun over heat, pureeing soups for years, no problems!

Here is a link that might be useful: Braun Multiquick

I also have a Braun. I have had mine for at least 6 years, probably longer. It works great. I doubt they make my model anymore, I could not find a model number on it, but if mine did break, I would go buy a new Braun stick blender. I use it all the time for soup. Works great and never scratched a pot with it.

Cook's rated the Braun Multiquick ($79.95) as no better than the Kitchenaid (the favorite in their tests) at $49.99.

Yea for me, quite by chance I have the recommended SB.

I was surprised at the wattage statement and that it wasn't a factor. I always shop wattage.

DD, Thanks for sharing the article.

Wow, the KitchenAid is 17" long! Anybody have one and think this is too big?

My Taurus (made in Spain) has a stainless shaft, but is not as long as the KA model.

I have, I believe, a Proctor-Silex.

Very basic, one speed, and a freaking miracle.

Sheshebop sent me the Braun 200W in my first swap. It is my favorite gadget and should have posted as such on the related thread.

I tried the Cuisinart a few years ago at Annie's and although it would probably be good for soup, it didn't do very well with the cilantro in my chipotle-lime sauce salsa. The cilantro just wrapped itself around the blades.

The attachments are what I love - the whisk is great for one to three egg whites, and the small chopper takes care of one onion.

Have you considered Russell Hobbs? I remember wanting one when I bought my Hamilton Beach. I didn't want a Cuisninart because I read something about not leaving it on for more than 40 seconds. I guess that is a long time. I would recommend something with a metal shaft versus plastic. I do like the variable speed knob on the Kitchen Aid. If you want to see one in person, I think Target has it on display... then you can tell if it would be too long for you or not. I've never even heard of Taurus brand before!

Here is a link that might be useful: my stick blender review

I have the Kitchen Aid and love it...it's pretty big, but it works wonderful for the big pots of soup we make.

I have a Braun and I think it was the first stick blender on the market. It was the first thing I bought for our new home when we moved to Chicago in 1986 and it is still working with no problems and I use it at least once a week. One of my most used small appliances.

Michelle

I have a Braun too. Woodie's friend gave it to me when she moved.
I got rid of my Italian model I bought from an info mercial a long time ago. It had two speeds and I think it was pricey at the time. It came with different blades. One of the prongs broke off, never found it LOL!

I've had a Braun for years, never a bit of problem. It was about $21 came with a small processor bowl. Has a cord but no problem using it in hot a kettle. Works quickly and amazingly, one speed. Plastic and still white, very easy cleanup. I just bought another Braun with 2 large bowls which I use all the time to chop everything. Great product and not very expensive.

I also have the original Braun that came out in the early to mid 80's. It still works well though it is sometimes hard to clean under the blade surround. I like it because it's not too big. OTOH a year or so ago I saw KA ones clearing out at WalMart extremely cheap so I bought two. One for me and one for SIL. I didn't like it, it was like wielding a baseball bat and it had a speed dial on top which I didn't think was necessary. The only good point was you could remove the stem to wash separately.
SIL likes hers and I gave mine to my sister. The little Braun is much more practical and easier to use. Sometimes simpler is better.

Teresa, I hope this isn't too late. I measured my KA and it is 17". It's comfortable, when you asked about the length, I wouldn't have thought it was that long.

Cathy

I have the Kitchen aide as well and love it. great for deep stock and stew pots. comes with a couple of accessories too.

i have a basic braun--just 200 watts. it came with a whisk and a bowl to do marinades and sauces in. what i use it most often for though is blitzing things together in a stock pot. i like it alot and have no complaints at all... the fact that it was also cheap (probably something like $20 or $25 when i bought it 5 or 6 years ago) makes it a real bargain!