Question:
What is the best blender for long term use?

I know there are VitaMixers out there, and are really good, but at $400, a bit pricey, and I know that I can pick up one at the thrift store for $5, but...what is the best blender for crushing ice, that stands up to long term use, (longer than a few months) that you have run across? I'm looking at the $100-$200 range. I want it dependable and able to crush ice on a regular basis for smoothies. We do not have an automatic ice crusher...unless you count the hammer in the kitchen drawer! Noise is not really a factor, just durability and strength to do the job. Thanks!    — track (posted on October 26, 2003)

October 26, 2003
I have a Vita Mix and it is worth every penny it cost. I was amazed at what a fantastic job it does on blending thoroughly the protein shakes compared to the other high end blender I tried. Many blenders are not made for ICE and you can destroy the blades if you put ice in it. Vita Mix handles frozen things so easily. I use mine every day and it is a real power horse. Tip: Sometimes the lid is hard to get off because of the tight seal -- if this happens slip a spoon handle at the spout part and gently slid in and lift --- the lids comes off immediately. I highly recommend the Vita Mix. It is also very versatile with making soups, pureed foods, etc.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 26, 2003
We have a KitchenAid, its a little pricey but the company stands behind their products. Our first one stopped working for some reason, we had it for three years and didn't have the box or a reciept. My husband called the 800# on the bottom of the blender, explained the problem we were having with it and they sent us a new one. Just like that! I was amazed. All we had to do was send the old one back in the box the new one came in and they even paid for shipping. Weve had the new one for four years now and love it! It crushes ice well and mixes well. Good luck! =-)
   — Kim R.

October 26, 2003
Just about any one with @ least 500 watts will crush ice. I like my Ultrex I got from HSN.com.
   — Terri G.

October 26, 2003
Hi, I know that the vitamix is pricey, but once in a while you can catch one on e-bay for $150-$250. It would be worth the time searching for it to get one because they are the best. That's just my opinon, but before the vitamix I spent a lot of money on blenders and the blades would get so dull the ice would not get grated. Good Luck. Reace
   — Laureace A.

October 26, 2003
I bought a Kitchen Aid blender for $90 at JC Penney last December. I've used it everyday (sometimes 2-3 times) for crushing ice. It makes those yummy "shave ice" slushies. It's holding up just fine.
   — MissPriss

October 27, 2003
My Rival Sno-Cone machine has stood up well under daily use since early February -- I use it to shave the ice for my protein shakes, which I then mix with a Philips hand blender.
   — Martha L.

October 27, 2003
I've had my Vita mix for years and it is worth the extra money! It comes with a fabulous warrenty too. Before my Vita Mix, I used up (smoked-out) so many inferior machines I probably could have bought 2 Vitas with all that money. I make a lot of smoothies and recently have been pureeing foods to freeze for post-op. It takes the place of a food processor, nut mill, ice crusher, coffee grinder (with the dry blade container), etc. I seriously considered getting a scientific blender that crushes rocks but didn't want to wait forever to save up 1,000 bucks so I went with Vita Mix and its the best $465 I ever spent. PS- I don't work for them.
   — Soosan

October 27, 2003
Any Kitchenaid blender is good. They also have actual smoothie makers now. I have used them for demos in my store and they work great.
   — Heidi S.