Cuisinart CSB-75MR Smart Stick 2-Speed 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender - Metallic Red, 14" - Perfect for Smoothies, Soups, Sauces & Baby Food Prep

Mixing - The two speed operation is handy. For making soups, you can do most of the job on low speed, even with chunky vegetables. This makes it easier to control how thick the final product is, and it makes for less possibility of splash-ups. The switch feel is sure (good tactile feel). The blade is stocky and sharp - it looks like it's built for business. I blended a large pot of tomato black bean garlic soup down in under 30 seconds.Motor - Plenty of power. It's quiet compared to my last blender (especially on low), which was 3x the price. I cannot comment on durability yet, as this is a new model.Size/weight/feel - Hefty, but not heavy. It has a quality feel with a nice balance. If it were too light, it would feel cheap.Cord - Long enough to get the job done, but not too long to make wrapping up the cord a hassle.Assembly/Cleaning - Easy to attach/detach. The lock-up feels solid. So far, there's little mechanical play in the interface. It's very easy to clean by hand if you don't wait for it to dry up.I've grown to like Cuisinart products. It looks like they have a winner here.4/10/2013 update - I've had this for several months now, and I can say the concern about the plastic gear on the prior version does not appear to be an issue on this design. I've used it dozens of times and there is not a hint of wear. Bumping to 5 stars. It's one of my favorite kitchen tools.11/17/2013 update - Still going strong. This is my single favorite kitchen tool, and I have lots of them. It's the best combination of usefulness and fun factor. So nice not to have to drag out the food processor for so many tasks any more. I just made a super creamy hummus (in the can, no less) in under five minutes. Fast, yummy, inexpensive and so easy to clean up afterwards.2/4/16 update - This is my *favorite* kitchen gadget ever. My latest 'discovery' is you can make a fool proof mayo with this puppy. I will use this till it dies (some day), then I will buy another one just like it.3/3/2016 update - well that's the end. After three years of regular use, it's time to get a new one. Very high gear noise, and I'd give it another month tops before it destroys itself. If this is the current model, I will gladly get a replacement.