Pros: Highly rated for its competitive price, emphasis on vitamin and nutrient extraction and ability to blend "in the cup" for smoothies on the go.

Cons: Its design places too much of an emphasis on smoothies and health drinks, but it is a solid general purpose blender.

Summary: The absolute best value for your money. Essential features at an attractive price.

Pros: Mid-priced and offers basic features, but it does its job well. Great for smoothies, cleans easily, and handles all manner of tasks with ease.

Cons: Can be very loud. Some durability problems have also been reported.

Summary: A no-nonsense blender that is powerful, handles most tasks and is available for a good price.

Pros: Mid-priced offering with a retro look to it. Powerful motor and blades that users report grinds through ice and just about anything else you'd care to toss in it.

Cons: Reports of problematic bases that don't "sit" when the machine is running.

Summary: Very impressive set of features for a mid-priced model. Most users that own it seem to like it.

Pros: In the same category as the Vitamix in terms of reliability, durability, customer loyalty and flexibility but can cost a bit less if you find the right sale.

Cons: Expensive, but people who buy it tend to love it. Owners of this and the Vitamix argue over which one is best. Truth be told, both are great.

Summary: Just a little bit shy of the Vitamix in terms of quality, but you can't go wrong with this one.