Braun MR 5550 CA MultiQuick Professional 5-Speed Handheld Blender

Pros: Powerful, Convenient, and Versatile. Best in it's class, I would say.
Cons: None

This is a little powerhouse of a machine. I've had mine for over a year, and have enjoyed it. I use it at least 5 times a week, in many different ways. Utility: I use the chopper blade and bowl attachment almost every day. It does herbs, garlic, ...

Pros: Ultra Powerful, light weight, replaces many other small appliances.
Cons: Only comes in white.

This is the most powerful hand-held blender I have ever purchased. We went through several of the inexpensive ones (+/- $20 range), and also tried the Sanyo with the re-chargeable batteries. This Braun model is a true work horse. I have packed away ...

Pros: Versatile, easy to clean, powerful, great accessories
Cons: Wire whisk splashes some, I wouldn't crush ice with it

I just tossed away a smoothie blender. You name a way it could stink, and it did: poorly made, impossible to clean, just a nightmare. It was so tough to scrub the inside of the dispenser valve-- where the springs and such are housed-- that I swear I ...

Pros: versatile, sturdy, easy to use
Cons: none so far

I've had this for over a year, and it's one of the most frequently used items in my kitchen. The blender attachment makes easy work of making pureed soups, baby food, hummus, tapenade, etc. We've use the whisk attachment for making amazing meringues and whipped cream. The chopper is great too. We love it so much, we gave away the big blender!