Stick Blender

A stick blender, also known as an immersion blender, is a must have kitchen tool. These are a quick and convenient alternative to a regular blender. The perfect tool for blending a soup or a sauce, a stick blender will allow you to blend right on the stove. I have gotten by with a cheap plastic Proctor-Silex one for years. For less than twenty bucks it wasn't a big investment. For not too much more, they are available with metal construction. The higher quality ones often feature a removable shaft to make clean-up easier. Some more expensive options feature plenty of accessories to really extend the value.

Kitchen tip: after blending, give the shaft a quick rinse in the sink to make clean-up a snap.