The stick blender is an easy-to-hold cylindrical implement consisting of a small revolving blade fixed to the end of a detachable shaft. For sheer versatility it beats the food processor and even a hand-held mixer, as itt performs the same tasks and more.

Stick blenders liquidise soups, purée fruit and vegetables, emulsify salad dressings, whizz up smoothies and cocktails, and produce wonderful pesto and hollandaise sauce. Some models even crush ice. With the right attachments, the stick blender can mince onions and garlic, and chop herbs.

The better models have variable speeds, and come with a narrow mixing beaker, a whisk and a small bowl chopper.

Used with the accompanying beaker, even a very small amount of food will come above the top of the blades. Try blending home-made baby food or create stylishly frothy soups in little cups.

The stick blender is particularly useful for low-fat cooking. You can use it directly in the saucepan to effectively blitz low-fat ingredients, like skimmed milk, into a creamy sauce. Miraculously, it also blends yogurt into a simmering sauce without curdling.

To avoid spatters, be sure to immerse the blade in the mixture before starting the motor.

Choose between plug-in and battery-operated models. With the plug-in type, movement is limited by length of cord and location of electric sockets, while cordless models allow you to roam, but may lack the power of a plug-in. Cordless models also need recharging, and the charging base must be kept plugged in at all times.