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 never did get any food grade lubricant, but at least now I know that it exists. I don't have the problem blender anymore, but I do have the Black & Decker blender that I bought 14 years ago. I store it in the garage and use it only for making hot sauce when I have chocolate Habanero chilies. I have a Vitamix blender in the kitchen and use that the rest of the time, although I more frequently use a stick blender.

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

I don't have one. I am only guessing: 1. It looks like a direct driven machine therefore it has no gears. 2. It looks like it has a universal AC motor, and not an induction motor. If so, the carbon brushes may need to be replaced. 3. If it is not doing anything, check the switch and the wiring that's entering the blender. dcarch