Blenders can be used to blend, smooth or pulse a variety of foods (and liquids) depending on the type of blender you need. For example, if you just want to make simple smoothies and soups then a straightforward blender with not too many features and functions will be suffice. If, however, you want to smooth-out hot soups or pulse small, hard ingredients such as nuts then you will need to look out for the blender spec (and our reviews) which talks about this capability.
Blenders can also be used for making a healthy drink on-the-go. Portable and one-cup blenders cater for this. You'll often find that they are also much easier to clean than the larger countertop blenders, simply because there are fewer components to it.
If you're strapped for countertop space then a blender can sometimes even be used as a food processor. When we investigated whether or not can a blender be used a food processor we found that hybrid blenders that come with a food processor attachment could be a solution to most food you'd be wanted to make.