Steve Calvin wrote:

> I have a lowly Braun immersion blender and it does
> everything you've mentioned plus ice or anything else I
> throw at it. I don't see the need to spend big bucks for
> them. Of course as always, YMMV.

No slam intended for Braun. I was trying to warn away from the
"as-seen-on-TV" variety of stick blender. If Brauns work as you
indicate, it's a slam dunk decision.