About a month ago, I started a series called, “Things I Like.” My mother suggested it because she is generally happy when she asks my advice about various products. In that first post, I highlighted, Progressive International’s lettuce keeper – because it has helped keep spinach fresh for up to two weeks. That had the domino effect of helping me eat salads because I no longer had the excuse that the lettuce/spinach would go bad in three days.

Today I’d like to tell you about another kitchen product that I like, the Cuisinart SmartStick Immersion Hand Blender. I can guess what you are thinking, “A blender? I already have a blender. What do I need this thing for.” I have a blender as well. Perhaps it’s my Lazy nature, but I don’t like to use it.

Traditional blenders are relatively big (at least compared to this immersion blender) and take up precious counter space. Because of this, I try to tuck it out of the way. That, of course, makes getting it out to be a be a slight annoyance (I’m nitpicking here, you may need to imagine you are really lazy). After using it the clean-up process can be a bit of work. My traditional blender has nooks and crannies and getting down by the blade is difficult. (Side tip: blending dish soap and hot water often does most of the cleaning.) You may suggest putting the blender jar in the dishwasher, but I’ve had them break in there. I admit it’s odd since the glass is quite thick and it should be dishwasher safe. I don’t chance it anymore.

Let’s compare that to the Cuisinart Immersion Hand Blender. The hand blender is small. If you look at the picture below the cord and the top half fit nicely inside it’s accompanying cup. I can hide it away in a cabinet and it is “an easy grab” (for lack of a better way of explaining it). In addition, it is easier to clean up. With a push of a button the bottom half of the blender (the stick and the blades) comes off and can be easily rinsed in the sink.

How does it work? It works as good as my regular blender. The 200-watt motor really has some power to it and it can crush ice easily for smoothies. Personally, I’ve only made a few smoothies (frozen berries from the grocery aisle are great for them), but I use them for whey protein shakes. Particularly, I use it for my substitute of ViSalus shakes and can make a nearly equivalent product for 1/3rd the price. The best part is the price of the hand blender. At under $30, it is well within my budget, especially since it motivates me to eat healthier. Like the lettuce keeper, I find that a great value in that.

Like everything in this series, I want to prove that I’ve actually purchased the item. It’s my way of saying, “I’ve put my money where my mouth typing hands are.