Two Pro

Vitamix Professional Series 300 (left)

Long considered the king of Blender Hill, Vitamix's luxe model packs enough brawn to pulverize just about anything-from ice cubes to celery stalks to handfuls of chard- with ease. It draws 2.2 peak horsepower at 1,200 watts, spinning 24,000 rpm at full blast. The Vitamix has a friendly side too: It's relatively quiet considering its power and capabilities, and the tough 2-quart con- tainer pops on and off easily. It's the pick for a simple blender that looks reasonably nice, though it grinds away a chunk of your pay- check along with your pineapples.

Vitamix Professional Series 300 | $559

Ninja Ultima BL830 (right)

The Ninja distinguishes itself with an attachment that runs down the center of its 72-ounce container. Here two additional pairs of blades grind stuff in the center-not just at the bottom-of the carafe, doing the job faster and more completely than the Vitamix. The 2.5-peak-horsepower 1,500- watt motor is very loud (think vacuum cleaner) and so powerful at full 24,000- rpm throttle that the base has suction cups to help keep it on the counter. Looks-wise it's a bit homely, but at half the price of the Vitamix, perhaps just as lovable.

Ninja Ultima BL830 | $260