We have the $50 9-speed KitchenAid, which you see a lot of Food Network chefs using. The blade assembly goes in the dishwasher, and that's what sold me.

Bamix is considered the best from my research and what the chefs at the cooking school that I attend use. Williams Sonoma used to carry it and this is the model that I had. They run about $150. Pleasant Hill Grill has different models.

Best of luck!

JMO, but I think $150 is a bit high for this type of appliance. We also have the KA and love it. We do use it for more things than we had thought, but still wouldn't have wanted to pay such big bucks.

Suzyq3,
Different strokes for different folks. I tend to only buy things once and I have had my Bamix for over 10years without a single problem. I use it alot for smoothies and the like. I works like a champ!

Good luck!

I should have included the fact that the KitchenAid was the highest rated a couple years ago by Cook's Illustrated, although I do not think that the Bamix was included in their samples.

I have the Cuisinart (with a cord). I purchased it at Sam's Club for less than $30. I've had it for about a year and it works very well.

Many thankd for the responses! Wish I could afford the Bamix....but, am going to have to settle on KA.

Although the Bamix would probably be a "once-in-a-lifetime" purchase, the KA is, in all probability, also a durable product made by a company known for high quality.