Finding the Right Blend

And once the smoothie is fully processed, instead of pouring it out the old-fashioned way, leave the motor running, place a glass under the spigot at the bottom of the blender and flip a switch to pour.

Smoothie Operator Back to Basics' Professional model holds 64 ounces and costs $100.

If you're in the market for a healthy, mess-free smoothie blender, Back to Basics' line has been popular ever since the company debuted its first model three years ago. In 2001, its first year on the market, the company sold 150,000 blenders and last year had a 14% share of the total blender market.

Today, the company has 19 models of smoothie makers in all shapes and sizes. They range from the $20 Smoothie Blast (only available at Kohl's -- which has a 350-watt pulse power motor and a 32-ounce pitcher -- to the $100 Professional Smoothie Maker, which has a 1,000-watt pulse power motor, a 64-ounce pitcher and comes in a sleek, contemporary brushed chrome design.

Yes, the blender has come of age, and this group has something to offer consumers of all ages and tastes.