What does a stick mixer kitchen appliance do?

A stick mixer, also called an immersion blender, is a small, handheld automatic mixer that functions like a blender. While it is smaller than a blender and not as powerful, the stick mixer is more convenient; the cook puts ingredients in a bowl or cup and inserts the stick mixer.

A stick mixer is often used to make smoothies, puree soup, whip cream or blend almost anything else that needs to be mixed in a cup or bowl or directly in a cooking pot. There are models that excel in just pureeing and blending and others with various attachments and variable speeds with enough power to crush ice or frozen fruit.