I bought this item yesterday because it was half price in Tesco's, and I fancied making soup without having to cool and tip into the blender....always a messy business. I used it to blend a large pan of soup last night and for creaming potatoes lunch time today. For the soup I merely placed the head of the blender on the bottom of the pan and in no time at all the soup was beautifully blended. For the mash I stabbed the blender round the pan, not much more than half a dozen stabs altogether, and the potatoes were so creamy and delicious. The metal shaft was not affected by the heat, although the instructions advised cooling food a little before use. Afterwards I rinsed the head and stem under the tap.
The last reviewer marked the blender down a star because it needs fairly strong hands in use, but although I have a problem with my thumbs, I was able to use my fingers and as it worked so quickly I didn't find it a big problem; it was certainly easier than struggling with a masher. It stands in it's own beaker for storage. So far, I am really pleased with my purchase.