I have always loved blended drinks and I went through multiple blenders trying to find one that could really blend ice so I could make margaritas. After many, many tries and consistently failing, I started to do a lot of research. I ultimately landed on Vitamix after seeing it in action and talking to a number of people that had a Vitamix and another group that had a Blendtec. Both came highly recommended. Granted, I didn't buy it right away - instead, I coveted it, and eventually, my husband splurged on it for my birthday.