Barbee, I've been thinking about getting one of those too, and also need guidance.

Mine is a Cuisinart as well … 25% discount ticket via Linens 'n Things when they still had stores which dropped it to about $20.  I've had mine for some time and LOVE it!  Super easy to puree thick soups right in the pot which is likely its major task in my house.  Perfect for fruit butters.  I have used it to puree mashed yams with eggs and sugar for a baked casserole and it handles heavy starch well like bean soup (shortens the cooking time to yummy-thick if part of the soup is pureed).  My daughter has created smoothies in a large measuring glass complete with ice chips.  I have done a soft whipped cream in a tall glass but its not the same as a mixer.

I like the fact the Stick has a button that'll pop the shaft right off so it can be submerged and washed … although I usually clean it by blending soapy water in a measuring cup.  I know there's some models that come with a small enclosed cup that'll permit blending small things like herbs but I've an inexpensive coffee grinder for that and didn't want the extra thingy to find a place for in the cabinets.  HTH.

I had a new Cuisinart one, that detaches the end shaft for washing, but ended up throwing it out because 5 of us tried putting it back on and couldn't.  So I went back to the 30 year old one the BF had in the back of his cupboards, that doesn't detach, and it works perfect.

I would suggest looking on Craigslist or at flea markets/garage sales for a really old one, to pick up for a dollar or two.  If they work at all, they will work perfectly.

(BTW, the one we use at work is also a Cuisinart, and it works VERY well.  But it is $700, since it is a four foot long professional model.  But that tells you the quality is there in the brand.)

I LOVE my stick blender!  The first one I had was a cheapie version from Walmart.  Then I came across a deal on the Cuisinart and got that one.  If you are not in a hurry, Amazon will have deals and you can get one for around $25 shipped for free.  You just have to watch and wait.  Otherwise you can find retailers and do a search for online coupon codes.  I have not regretted the purchase of my Cuisinart.  I use it fairly often.  Everything from pureeing soups to whipping up a big batch of chocolate milk in seconds!