What kind of Blender works best?
I got one at Wal-Mart for $20 that comes with a cup where the shakes can be blended and a little bowl where things can be pureed, as well as the regular blender pitcher. It's called the "Take and Go" or something similar. I will have to go look...it's a Hamilton Beech, that much I do remember, but it's perfect!!!!
The magic bullet is definitely worth every penny. It makes for much easier cleanup, especially when making several shakes a day, and I don't know if it's because it's so small, but I love that it doesn't put as much air into the drinks as my big blender does. My blender made my shakes all foamy and the magic bullet doesn't!
We bought an "investment quality" blender a few years ago. I think that thing could puree nails! Problem it's big so the hopper is hard to clean, and the base is bulky and heavy to lug around. It will do the trick if I can convince my wife to let me keep it on the counter, but if I had it to do over I'd probably get something smaller and more convenient.
-- T.Rob