Blender Brands

Hand blenders are priced from $12-$140. For mixing soups, batters, and powdered drinks, Hamilton Beach blenders has a lightweight one-speed hand blender; Oster blenders has a 250-watt, two-speed hand blender. Both are priced at $20. These hand blenders do not handle frozen fruit and smoothies well. Cuisinart blenders makes a 220-watt hand blender - retail $30. Reviews praise its ability on light-duty tasks. Cuisinart's Smartstick ($50) offers a 200-watt motor and whisk and chopper attachments. KitchenAid Blenders receives rave reviews on two variable-speed hand blenders retailing for $70 and $120. The higher-priced kitchen blender tackles tougher jobs and comes with splashguard, whisk, and chopper attachments. Some owners say it is wonderful on blended drinks and smoothies. Countertop Brands Hamilton Beach blenders offers over 24 models (some with dispensing taps), ranging from $30-$130. Blenders with Wave Action continuously pull mixture down toward blades.

• 10-speed, 400-700 watts, $25-$40
• 12-speed, 500-700 watts, $40-$60
• 14-speed, 500-700 watts, $50
• 5-speed, 800 watts, $100-$130

Cuisinart Blenders offers 10 blender choices (plus four blender/food processor packages) pricing from $50-$145.

• 6-speed, 500 watts, $50
• 7-speed, 500 watts, $60-$145
• 1500-watt Pulse Power, $80
• 600-watt with programmed controls, $130
• 600-watt with 5-minute countup timer, $100

Oster Blenders offers blender models priced from $33-$100.

• 10-speed, 450 watts, $33
• 12-speed, 450 watts, $35-$43
• 14-speed, 450 watts, $50
• 16-speed, 450 watts, $40-$50 (also rotary digital model)
• 500-watt pulse action machines with toggle switch, $100
• Blender/food processor packages $70-$100

KitchenAid Blenders' seven powerful blenders are priced from $100-$300.

• 3-5-speed 0.9 HP, $100-$179
• 3-speed Pro-Line, 1+ peak HP, $209
• 1-3-speed Commercial, 1+ peak HP, $300

Final note
Blender jars are made in plastic (least expensive, scratches, and retains odors), glass, and stainless steel (sturdiest, most expensive). KitchenAid blender jars are polycarbonate (a strong synthetic resin).

Not all blenders crush ice. Check the manufacturer's specifications. Usually a minimum of 450 watts is needed to crush ice - 500-600 watts for the most efficient handling of ice.