Blender

A blender is basically a Smoothie making machine. It can also purée soups and other very liquid things. I find it suboptimal for other tasks, and, since I never make Smoothies, I used mine only rarely. This photo of my blender was taken as I prepared to donate it to a charity. It has been replaced by a 3 can Indian Mixie, a far more capable machine - and yes, the Mixie can make Smoothies too.

There are many people who practically live on Smoothies, and to them a blender is an essential "always ready" appliance - but, real Smoothie addicts report Vitamix to be the only brand worth having. Others can't stand up to the constant high speed use. Vitamix has added a new "low cost" blender at only 2020 US $289. The regular home line runs from $389 to over $700. They have a professional version that's over $2,000.