"Depending on how many foods you tackle in the kitchen, the hand blender really is pretty versatile. I've used it o make sauces, mayonaisse, blend soups, even make a fruit shake when I didn't want to get out the full sized blender. It's fast and easy to clean and doesn't take up a lot of room. Once you have it, you'll find many ways to use it, but before you have it, you may not miss it. For the price, it's certainly something to try out or give as a gift."