Super powerful, this handsome 600-watt blender effortlessly crushes ice to perfect margarita or daiquiri consistency. The heavy die-cast metal base with brushed stainless finish sits in place and won't jump around, even when the blender is working hard. Sharp precision blades mince even small amounts of herbs and garlic, and the blade unit unscrews for easy cleaning. The wide-mouth 50-ounce glass jar with durable, metal-look plastic handle and base is perfect for puréeing soups or whipping up smoothies. A digital count-up timer displays automatically when blending begins, and LED lights flash red when the power and speed buttons are pushed. Operation is very simple: there are two speeds, high and low, for regular blending or pulsing, and a separate button for ice crushing. Ingredients can be added midstream through the top. The blender stands 16 inches tall, and is covered by a limited three-year warranty. --Ann Bieri
Cuisinart Brushed Stainless Series CBT-500 SmartPower Premier Blender - Professionalism marks this no-nonsense blender from Cuisinart. No Nonsense but plenty of joy from the mixers and beverages you can whip-up in this blender. Instructions and Recipe booklet Cuisinart Limited 3-Year Warranty