An immersion blender is a hand blender, is a stick blender.
However, the hand blender is not to be confused with the hand mixer.
While an immersion blender is something you use with your hands to purée and blend ingredients, a hand mixer (which is similar in appearance) is something you use to beat eggs and whip cream.
So while immersion blender and hand blender are synonyms, be careful that you don’t confuse them with hand mixers. It’s confusing, I know.
Immersion blenders are essential for any kitchen.
There’s no doubting their efficiency, and the options they give you to prepare food in different ways should warrant the purchase.
Even if you’re an amateur chef, you stand to gain a lot from experimenting with a stick blender from time to time.