Claudia wrote:
> I would love to get some opinions on the best household blender. For
> smoothies, soups, and shakes. Waring so far seems best, but I'd like
> to be sure before I buy. Any recommendations?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Claudia

I have 3 blenders: Waring, VitaMixer, and Bamixer. The Bamixer is by
far the most useful. It is a powerful immersion blender, also known as
a stick blender, though it has little in common with the less expensive
stuff ($40-$80) sold at Target, WalMart, etc.

The reason it is useful is that you blend inside the pot you are
cooking. So hot soups, beans, fruits, etc... can be pureed without the
usual hot volcano that erupts from a standard blender.
You can move the blending action around the pot to get everything the
way you want it.

Drinks like smoothies can be made in a pitcher or glass. My kids make
their own fruit drinks, they even make their own pancake syrup from
stewed dried dried fruit.

It is a lot easier to clean.

Google "Bamix".