Blenders
When it comes to making margaritas and smoothies at home, there is no substitute for a blender. You can find one in almost anybody's kitchen and for many people, it is an absolute essential appliance. A blender chops ice to perfection and aids in the creation of great frozen beverages. Use one to blend, chop, and puree most food.
There are two types of blenders, the standard blender which sits on the countertop and then there is the handheld blender. Standard blenders have a sturdy base and either a glass or plastic jar to hold whatever it is you may want to blend. A hand blender 
is useful for pureeing and liquifying soups and sauces. Instead of loosing your counter and cabinet space to numerous kitchen appliances, a blender can take the place of pricey food processors , just be sure to choose one with a glass pitcher which won't stain or retain the flavors of everything you mix. It is easy to find great quality blenders at a relatively cheap price and they seem to last forever so choose wisely before making your purchase.
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Countertop Blenders - Countertop Blenders -- Usually hold between 4 and 7 cups. Get the largest one that you can afford and that will fit in your kitchen; you won't have to worry about overflow.
- Power -- Look for 350 Watts and up. Higher wattage means more powerful blending.
- Speeds -- You probably don't need 15 speeds since ultimately the highest speeds on all models in the same power range will be about the same. A pulse button is a very handy feature. Look for 7-10 speeds, if you really want some variety.
- Design -- Unless you leave your blender out all the time, function should come before appearance. Look for blenders with a sturdy base, solid construction, and easy-to-clean parts. A good blender can last a long time if you care for it well. Be sure to buy one that's well built.
- Materials -- A plastic blending chamber is lighter and cheaper, but ultimately is not as sturdy or scratch-resistant as a glass chamber . Some blenders offer stainless steel chambers -- the downside is you can't see what you're blending.
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Hand Blenders - Power -- More Watts means more power. Usually the higher powered models can do other things like chopping.
- Attachments -- Want more from your blender? Many hand blenders have attachments for whisking and chopping. Some can even finely mince herbs.
- Speeds -- Look for models with a pulse option and more than one speed.
- Safety -- Look for models that can be used, cleaned, and stored safely.
- Storage -- Some models come with hooks or wall brackets so that they can be easily stored off the countertop.
- Cleaning -- Are the parts dishwasher safe?
- Cordless -- Some people like the ease and convenience of moving around without a cumbersome cord while cooking. This can be useful if you don't mind recharging the battery and if you aren't extremely bent on having the best power.
- Cost -- Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $150 for one of these.
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