All blenders are not the same. Some brands do tend to stand out, but often only in particular categories. Surprisingly, mid-level price range brands do an excellent job for the average household and paying extra isn't always going to get you more power or improved performance.

This is a guide for sorting through the many options. I've listed some of the special features of individual devices, a price range, and some helpful hints in choosing the right machine.

Good Old Fashioned Blenders

As blenders become more costly, you're generally getting a larger jar and the ability to crush ice and blend more thoroughly through increasingly powerful motors. Most machines have a similar variety of blending functions. More expensive models have sealed controls for easy cleanup.

Hamilton Beach 54615 Wavestation Express Dispensing Blender with 48-Ounce Jar $30
Removable dispensing tap.

Oster BPST02-B Professional Series Blender $55 Kills ice.
Hamilton Beach 54245 Deluxe 14-Speed Blender $55
Hamilton Beach 52277 Classic Chrome 12-Speed Blender $55
HB blenders carry long warranties.

Oster 6684 12-Speed Blender $60 Oster uses an all metal drive system.
Oster 4093 Classic Beehive Blender $60 Retro beehive design.

KitchenAid KSB560OB 5-Speed 56-Ounce Blender $90
What you're paying for: clean touch controls, an electronic sensor which automatically adjusts the power applied to maintain a consistent blending speed.
Comes with: cord storage, die cast metal base.

KitchenAid KSB580NK 5 Speed Blender Custom Metallic $150
What you're paying for: the blade system eliminates trapped food, one touch ice crushing.
Comes with: clean touch control panel, extra large glass jar.

Breville BBL600XL Ikon 750-Watt 51-Ounce Blender $200
Designed to reduce the amount of unblended food.
What you're paying for: quiet, sturdy power.
Comes with: multiple speeds, large glass jar.

Blendtec Home TB-621-BHM The Professional's Choice 1,500-Watt Total Blender $360
What you're paying for: digital touchpad controls, high RPM ice crushing ability.
Comes with: the ability to grind grain, juice whole fruits, create bread dough and ice cream.

Immersion Blenders

Rival IB954W 2-Speed Ultrablend Blender $13
Proctor Silex 59735 Immersion Hand Blender $16

Cuisinart CSB-76R SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender $30
Cuisinart CSB-76BC SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender $30
The model I would recommend: light weight, simple controls and splash guard. Cordless.

Hamilton Beach 59785 2-Speed Hand Blender with Case $35
Would make an excellent gift as it comes with attachments and a case.

KitchenAid KHB100ER Hand Blender $40-45
What you're paying for: eight inch immersion depth, range of settings
Comes with: twin ejectors, splash guard

KitchenAid KHB300WH Hand Blender $70
What you're paying for: eight inches of immersion, variable speed control, the power to blend thick batter
Come with: cordless handling, many accessories

Cordless models are sometimes easier to work with because they can go with you where you need them- across the kitchen, to the stove- and you don't drag a cord through what you're mixing (or melt one over a heated surface).

Vita-Mix

Vita-Mix claims their blenders are three times faster and five times more powerful than comparable commercial blenders. They have a wide following made up of long-term fans who refuse to go back to any other model. Features of various models include torque sufficient to crush ice, automatic shutoff, and powerful motors.

One of the most common complaints from users of inferior blenders is breakage due to plastic used to create the mechanics of the machines. The Vita-Mix blenders use a stainless steel enclosed blade assembly, metal to metal drive coupling and sealed ball bearings, all made for long term function. Vita-Mix backs its machines with a generous warranty.

If you're looking for a helpmate to work toward better eating habits, to go raw, or to assist you in adapting to a special diet, this company has a blender for you. Make your own alternative nut butters, grind grains, and juice whole fruits using one of their extensive line of products. $400-650

Combination Blenders

Deni 4201 Platinum Series Blend-n-Grind Blender/Grinder Combination Unit $16

Cuisinart CSB-76 SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender $30
My recommendation. Combination appliances in this category are not as highly rated by users as single function items (only a blender, only a processor). It makes more sense to pair the versatility and portability of a wand, which can do both chores without requiring all that extra storage. This Cuisinart model comes with a blade equipped with a splash guard and can be used to mix right in the pan, cup, or bowl.

Hamilton Beach 12 Speed 700 Watts Blender with Food Processor Attachment $60
What you're paying for: three cup processor bowl, fifty six ounce plastic blender jar
Comes with: ice chopping blades

Cuisinart CBT-500FP SmartPower Premier Duet Blender/Food Processor $150
What you're paying for: three cup processor bowl, fifty ounce blender jar
Comes with: five minute timer, stylish design

Bullet-Style

These blenders are made to crush ice and mix drinks inside the cup, as well as to mix ingredients. Small and powerful, they are great for households who need single serving blending or many made-to-order drink choices. They work fast and are relatively hassle-free appliances.

Magic Bullet Express 17-Piece High-Speed Blender Mixing System by E.Mishan & Sons, Inc. $50 Comes with two blades, mugs with color coded rims, and dishwasher safe parts.

Tribest Single Serving Blender by Tribest $40

Back to Basics BPE3BRA3 Blender Express Plus $35

Hamilton Beach 51101 Single-Serve Blender with Travel Lid $20
The mug adapts for use as a travel cup.

Sensio 13330 Bella Cucina Rocket Blender $20

Many of these blenders come with an expansion pack with spare parts, extra cups and convenient additions to give you greater potential use of the blender.

I happen to own the Magic Bullet and can personally attest to long lasting function and convenience.

Ice Crushers

Oster BPST02-B Professional Series Blender $60
The beehive look, all metal drive

Breville BBL550XL Ikon 610-Watt Stainless-Steel Blender $140
What you're paying for: a blade and bowl system which eliminates food traps
Comes with: all the function of a blender, a 1.5 liter jar, enameled markings

Breville BBL600XL Ikon 750-Watt 51-Ounce Blender $200
What you're paying for: die cast aluminum base, sealed control pad, power
Comes with: extras such as a timer, backlighting, easy to read markings

Blendtec Home The Professional's Choice 1500-Watt Programmable Blender $400
What you're paying for: three horsepower, one touch electronics, multiple speeds
Comes with: an excellent warranty, 64 ounce glass jar, serves many functions from grinding grain to kneading dough, mixing smoothies and other frozen beverages

You're better off choosing a device which can perform as a blender as well as an ice crusher. You'll save space and money, plus retain the benefit of the crushing power for other kitchen and bar chores.