For those who seek health

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the website http://www.willitblend.com bookmark it and watch the videos after reading this. The best blenders on the market right now are the ones from BlendTec (K-TEC). You’ve seen it in action at your local Jamba Juice, Starbucks, and Tapioca Express. These blenders are run nearly continuously from start of business to close and they keep going. They have a 1500 watt motor which is about 2 horsepower. Most blenders at the store have about 400 watts.

These blenders also designed with fully electronic controls, reducing the potential for wear/tear. The buttons are pre-programmed blend settings that will vary blend speed to give you the smoothest drinks available. A few years ago, they even had a version with a serial port to program your own blend patterns. The basic home model will set you back about $400.

$399

If it can turn glass marbles into glass dust or make mulch out of hockey pucks, it will be able to make that smoothie. This could become an essential part of your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier and lose weight.

For smaller budgets, the 900 watt, 32,000 rpm Juiceman Blender ($140; cheaper at QVC) is a good alternative that will run circles around most department store blenders. I’ve got the previous generation Juiceman blender in my kitchen.