Stick blender recommendations?

[Vintageliving]

I would like to get a stick blender so that I don't have to stir so long.

Could you post what you'd recommend, and what you'd warn against?

Thanks!

 

[MagiaDellaLuna]

Avoid plastic, get stainless steel.

 

[carebear]

NOT AN OSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bnky]

I love my Wolfgang Puck stick blender.

 

[Pug Mom]

I got a plastic one at a yardsale, in the box for a buck. Works like a charm. Just make sure you use it for about a minute and then give it at least 30 seconds off....ask me how I know that!!

 

[IanT]

I use a kitchenaid one... It OK, but it has 2 gears hi and low, the high one seems like i might have partially burned it out as when I push the button itll be like zzzz zz z z z z zzzzzzzz zzz z z z z z z zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz z zz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

instead of just constant

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

in the low gear....

drives me nuts, so I would say dont buy that one (although it still works just fine)

 

[whitehorsesoaps]

When I began making soaps and couldnt find a stick blender, I substituted a hand-held single beater. It seems to work pretty well, but I'd still like to get my hands on a stick blender some day.

 

[MikeInPdx]

NOT AN OSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!

What she said!

Oster stick blenders leave air bubbles in your soap more than any other brand. I have mastered the knack of mine and getting good soap, but they make it harder than most.

 

[TessC]

Not exactly a brand recommendation, but have a spare. Doesn't matter if your spare is the cheapest piece o' junk on the planet, just have a spare. SBs seem to pick the worst possible moments to die. :?

 

[hestia]

What Tess said - spares are good! I have a couple of stainless steel Cuisinarts that I really like, but if you want heavy duty, reliable, best SB in the world, I highly recommend Bamix. They are spendy, but oh, so worth it. I've burned out several SB motors (other brands) but this one is like the energizer bunny - it just keeps going & going. Particularly good for large batches that make ordinary SB's cower in fear!

 

[Vintageliving]

Thanks very much for your recommendations and warnings.

I'm hoping to be able to look for a stick blender this week-end.