Stick blenders - ignorant question

[Aridane]

Sorry to ask this basic question - but with stick blenders, can you use them direct in the pan to make soup, sauces etc? or do you need to transfer the food to the beaker thing that comes with the stick blender?

I looked on Amazon at stick blenders and it didn't indicate how actually you use them.

Also - if you have to transfer the food to the beaker, what advantage does a stick blender have over a regular food processor (other than being smaller and easier to store)?

Thanks!

I had to repaint a kitchen wall after a small incident concerning a stick blender and a pan of roasted tomato soup..

Lol! 🍅 splattt