There are a few different types of blenders. There basic function is the same, blending, but how they do it and their size can vary a lot.

A stand-up mixer is good for making smoothies and sauces. But, it can also be used as a food processer, to chop veggies. It just takes more caution, as you'll have to determine how long to run it to get the results you want.

An immersion blender is a very helpful tool when preparing soups, or sauces, or condiments. An immersion blender is placed into the container and run until the immersion is completed.