KitchenAid 3 Speed

Classic Blender, £149

(0845 4500099)

Rating ****

A blender with a retro look. It has a large capacity jug, making it practical as well as stylish. The metal jug means it can deal with hot liquids. Comes apart easily so it's easy to clean. Best used with the lid on, unless you want to clean the kitchen afterwards.

Krups Freshmix Premium Liquidiser

£99.99

(0121 202 0590)

Rating: *****

Blending made simple with a handy button for a quick whizz and eight pre-programmed buttons. The glass is satisfyingly industrial and it's good-looking, though the base is a bit high. Good value for money and looks like it will last.

Waring Professional Blender

£159

(0181 232 8171)
Rating: ***

The Waring blender's deco-style will add a touch of 1930s America to your kitchen. Beautiful in shiny chrome, it will impress visitors, but is a nightmare to keep clean. It chops all types of food at a body-shaking rate of knots. But it's noisy and heavy and the glass jar rests precariously on the base.

Kenwood BL440

£27.99

(02392 392 333)

Rating: ***

A model with nice curves but spoilt by a large protruding handle, which is just asking to be snapped off. It has a useful mill attachment, which doubles as a dispenser. It does the job though it is a bit on the plasticky side.

Magimix Professional Blender

£139.95

(for stockists 01483 427411)

Rating: ****

This blender is aesthetically pleasing, and looks similar to the Waring. Its old fashioned appearance is complemented by modern design extras. Noisy but impressively powerful. Comes with a host of recipes to try.