Black & Decker BL500 12-Speed 48-Ounce ProBlend Blender

With 12 speeds and pulse and ice-crushing options, this powerful 400-watt blender provides precise control for every need from stirring pancake batter to grinding coffee beans to whipping cream to making frozen margaritas. Smoothies, soups, chip dips, breadcrumbs, chopped onions, and dozens of other items come out with exactly the texture and consistency desired. The blender's large, 48-ounce, shatterproof plastic jar has rubber insets in its handle for a soft grip and a lid cap that doubles as a 2-ounce measuring cup. The wide, stable base rests on nonslip rubber feet that also serve as a cord-wrap to reduce counter clutter. The blender stands 15-1/2 inches high and carries a one-year warranty against defects. --Fred Brack