VIKING VBLG01 Professional Blender - White

... and I have had several blenders. I was specifically looking for a blender for protein shakes and smoothies. I went to the Viking Store in Atlanta and did a side-by-side test with other blenders, incuding the Waring bar blender. The Viking's blades are noticably larger, and when we fired them up it was no contest. I have now owned this for about 4 months and never has it failed me (or left even a small ice chunk).

Update 2007 - The blade assembly is the weak part. I am on my third blade. The plastic gets brittle over time. I was told at the Viking store and by the repair rep via phone that this is the common problem. A great blender when it works.

I wish I could recommend this made in the USA product but we don't always make long lasting products. This blender does perform great as long as you don't break any of the parts. OK, there really is only one part to break, the blade. I've broken it twice in the two years that I've owned it. Once by accidentally dropping it on my stone tile floor, the other time by just using it. That's right, it's supposed to crush ice easily, but I've never tested it with ice, just frozen fruit in very moderate quantities. The plastic holder for the blade still gave up. I'm going to get something more sturdy this time. The engine started giving off too much burning odor anyway and that just for making smoothies twice a week. Not good.

Seriously .. it's made out of many plastic parts that break easily. Not worth the money. Read reviews at eopinions.com for more.