I've had 4 immersion blenders over the past 40+ years and all have been Brauns. Most prior units have been passed on to someone else when I've upgraded, and only 1 died, but that was an unnatural death.
Around 9 months ago, my wife received a package from
Amazon, and announced that it was a gift for me. When she gave it to me it was a new Braun immersion blender, and I reminded her that we already had one. She then confessed that she had killed the older unit when she mistakenly (stupidly) put it in the dishwasher, cord and all. When she removed it from the dishwasher and tried to use it, the victim did not respond. So, she bought a new Braun MultiQuick 9, and I must say, it's phenomenal.
It's a 700 watt variable speed stainless steel unit with a flexible shaft that moves up and down resulting in faster and smoother results than any other immersion blender that I've ever used. Also, by its design, the normal bottom suction that you find with other immersion blenders is minimized as well as the occasional splashes that occur. Additional attachments included with the unit were a whisk, masher, 20 oz. blending cup, and a 2 cup chopper. Additional attachments, if desired, are available. The base unit has a quick-release function for switching attachments easily, and rapidly.
The end result is that I use it much more than I have done with prior immersion blenders. Typically, it's used for sauces, gravies, pureeing soups, hummus, mayonnaise, salsa, etc. It also produces the smoothest mashed potatoes that I've ever made. While it certainly won't replace my traditional blender, a Blendtec, it's a good companion for doing a number of items that I might use the Blendtec for with comparable results, although on a much smaller scale.
Bottom line, it's the immersion blender that I have, and will continue to, recommend to anyone who asks. At $150 it's not cheap, but to me, for what you get, it's well worth the cost.
