blender, dehydrator hardware recommendations?

[Incantation]

Hi guys..

I was wondering what you would recommend as a piece of hardware that will do the job, but not break the bank. I don't mean something that *just barely* makes the grade, but a reliable piece of gear that will do the job but isn't priced as high as possible.. lol

Right now I am looking for a blender, and a dehydrator. Model names would be much appreciated! And if you found them online.. it would be great to know where they can be bought :)

thanks!

adam

[FloridaPatty]

It's on my list. I have the American Harvester which I bought years ago. The roundness will make it hard to make a lot of items. Plus I can only go so tall on any kind of bread I put in it.

Blenders - have to go with the Vitamix. I know - expensive. I do have my sights on the Tribest personal blender. Comments about it are very good. I can load up the bottles easily and take them to work and blend there.

Alissa's prices are in the ball park for a good price online.

[Aleesha Sattva]

champion juicers are great. last forEVER and don't break the bank!!!

[michigan roman]

a new blender out this past year at $80 , but every month or 2 on sale for 60 , is the sears kenmore elite . its a solid 750 watts , and i looked them over and found them well built , plus has a 5 YEAR WARRANTY . a 5 year warranty guaranteeing a blender for 5 years is excellent imo . can be seen at www.sears.com in the small appliance area . its the metalic silver one called ' elite ' , not the less powerful red one .

[Incantation]

is 750 watts enough power though? i was reading that it's important to maintain minimum 50% liquid content so that motors don't blow out and that even the more powerful vita-mix prep3 blender will die if pushed to blend something too many solids (even at 3hp lol)

[yamiam]

The Vitamix. It will last your lifettime. That, to me, is priceless. If you can't afford one right away, buy a cheaper model whilst you save for the VM.

[jacsam]

Definately the vitamix....costco has them from time to time and costco also has the cuisinart food processor which is sooo nice. These are the two things I use almost daily. Next would be the excalibur or my juicer, which is the champion...no, I would get the dehydrator first.

[Incantation]

is 750 watts enough to crush ice?

[Aleesha Sattva]

i have a vita mix and i loooooooove it. so quick so easy... and clean up is a BREEZE!