Review on Hassle-Free Blending: Hamilton Beach Professional Quiet Shield Blender with 1500W Power, 32oz BPA-Free Jar, 4 Programs & Variable Speed Dial for Puree, Ice Crush, Shakes, Smoothies - Silver (58870) by Travis Filippi

I used to have a Vitamix - of course it was excellent. But this sub-$150 ($119, actually) device comes pretty close and does what we need it to do. So far, so good. Just received it and it seems to be doing its job. We prepared gazpacho and ice cocktails. No power issues, and the silent "shield" really helps reduce noise. I wish it had a large jug for making large batches, but 32 oz. will work for most of what we want to do with it. The downside is that the top isn't as easy to remove and is made of a stiffer plastic - not critical, but I miss the rubber I had on the Vitamix (but I can live with that and save $400). There's also no handle on the jug - the one you see in the photo is on the noise shield, so far it doesn't seem like a big deal but I was expecting it and it's not there. Overall I think this is a very powerful and versatile blender at a very good price.