you should get Gina Ford's Contented Baby Book on Weaning... there's so much lit on this kinda stuff... I haven't gotten to that part in the book yet but I think it's a bit complicated and really depends on how and when you wean...
I use a Braun hand held blender for baby purees. It also comes with a small food processor attachment, which is good for small quantities. The great thing about the hand blender is that you can use it for plenty of other things - soups, sauces, smoothies/milk shakes (smoothies are a great way to get some extra fruit into a fussy toddler!). I bought mine in Oz years ago, but try Fortress, Sogo, B&Q or anywhere that sells small electrical products, and I'm sure you'll find something similar.