Need High-Powered Blender w SMALL JAR

[Tirza]

I really need a Vita-mix or KTec quality blender with a small capacity jar. I used to have an Osterizer that had a small "baby food" jar, easily used by just screwing the base and blades from the big jar onto the small one. It ended up looking a bit like the current "bullet blenders". Those do a pretty good job for many small jobs, just not for those things that need to be ultra-smooth. This is a problem, since many small pates or dressings or single serving things just get lost in a large jar, either sitting under the blades or splattered all over the sides. You've all had it happen. Why isn't there a small jar or even a whole machine to meet that need? The bullet blenders say they will, but we know it won't - not like a Vita-mix or KTec. HELP.

[nellie]

I don't think you'll get what you want with Vitamix or Blendtec, but I've heard that mason jars fit most standard blenders so...

If you research blenders, possibly in the stores and carry a mason jar around with you to measure it on the blenders to make sure it fits. I looked up Consumer Reports blender recommendations and the Oster Counterforms BVLB07-L is their #1 choice for function/price. Osters are generally ones that will fit mason jars.

[Tirza]

Yes, nellie, you are probably right.
I'm not as worried about price as performance.
Can anyone recommend the best "regular" blender out there for getting things REALLY smooth? Hopefully it will fit a small mason jar.

[nellie]

I looked at the ratings again, the Oster got an excellent for smoothies and very good for puree but top blenders that got excellent for puree were actually all nonstardard sized blenders.

Here is the quick blurb about their choices:

• Oster Counterforms BVLBO7-L , $80
• Braun PowerMax MX2050 , $50, CR Best Buy
• Oster Fusion BRLY07-Z , $80


The Braun PowerMax MX2050 was tops for smoothies and among the best for crushing ice. Plusses include a glass jar and a removable blade. Although tests in March 2004 revealed problems with the plastic gear-tooth assembly, the Braun has passed our durability tests since then.

The highly rated Oster Counterforms and Oster Fusion are both solid choices. Both did a strong job whipping up icy drinks and excelled making smoothies, and were capable at pureeing soup and grating cheese as well. They are convenient to use but are somewhat noisy when running at maximum speed.

The two top-rated blenders--the Vita-Mix 5000 and the Blendtec Total Blender--excel at a number of tasks. Keep in mind that the Blendtec is extremely noisy at its highest speed, and both machines are very pricey, costing $400 each.