Cuisinart CSB-76BC SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome

Powerful, versatile, and blessed with sleek good looks, this processor packs a lot into a small package. The 3-cup workbowl is convenient for many prep tasks and the exclusive SmartPower Blade auto-reverses to chop or grind at your command. Unlike larger models, this machine takes up very little counterspace, so leave it out to help you with daily meal prep like chopping onions, making garden fresh salsas and more.This little 250-watt workhorse comes in handy when a full-size food processor is unnecessary. The 3-cup work bowl is just right for making pesto or a salad dressing, and two receptacles in the lid have pinholes for one or two oils to stream into the bowl while the processor is blending a perfect emulsion. It's also ideal for chopping and grinding. Pressing the "chop" button deploys the sharp edge of Cuisinart's patented reversible blade to chop onions, herbs, or bread crumbs. Pressing the "grind" button whirls the blade in the other direction so its blunt side can grind nuts, coffee beans, or cheese. Compact at just 9 inches high and lightweight (it has a plastic body), the Mini Prep Plus can be tucked away in a cabinet, and the little spatula accompanying it goes into a drawer. It carries an 18-month warranty against defects. The plastic work bowl and lid are dishwasher-safe, but the stainless-steel blade should be hand washed to protect its edges. --Fred Brack

Your Kitchen's Magic Wand consists of 60+ recipes for all kinds of dishes that are made considerably easier with the use of an immersion blender.

Here's a zester that means business! You'll have a mound of zest in seconds flat with minimal effort. This tool also shreds Parmesan and other hard cheeses quickly and efficiently.

Colors galore! Make your scale match your kitchen or office. The Primo line comes in 11 eye catching colors from a warm red to a sky blue. These digital scales are economically priced and very easy to use with its two-button operation.

Clean potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables with the OXO GOOD GRIPS Flexible Vegetable Brush. Sturdy nylon bristles clean thoroughly, while its flexible, non-slip body rests comfortably in your palm