Seasonal Highlight: Bender Blender

Its summertime, and the drinks are sweating more than you are. What do you do to chill off? Consider buying a blender to make some fun fruity drinks that are nutritious and--perhaps?--alcoholic. Fresh margs, pineapple juice, maybe event your own blended beverage for the next pool party or summer grill. You want to make sure youve got a solid, working blender, especially with an ice crushing function that is sturdy and reliable--Ive been there, when the blender breaks, smashing ice in a plastic bag with a sledge hammer in the backyard. Its fun, but not practical or delicious, especially when you get grass or dirt in the uneven ice chips that scatter across the driveway when the bag breaks (and believe me, it always does!).Some tips for blender shopping:1. Ice crushing function. Already been described above.2. Long cord/ functionality outdoors. You want to be part of the barbeque and picnic! Its so much more fun than making the drinks in the kitchen while everyones outdoors enjoying the fun and the sun.3. Removeable top pitcher for easy pouring and handling. You want to make sure the bottom is securely fastened, too, or else your yummy beverage is going to fall all over the place!Some of our top picks for blenders for the summer season:1. Back to Basics 3-Speed Brushed Chrome Personal Blender Express, BPE3BR: $22.00The thriftiest of all designs, this is for the college kid on a major budget crunch with a sweet tooth.2. Oster 14-Speed Blender from Kmart.com: $24.99, marked down from $29.99Beautiful standard design with many speeds to play around with. Much sturdier top than the Back to Basics blender above.3. Cuisinart SmartPower Premier 600W Blender: $99.95With a 600-watt motor, this is the best blender on the market, with the price to match. Buy this if youre looking for a real lifetime investment in partying and happy drinking.Shop for through a wide selection of affordable blenders. ... more