If you are prepared to shell out an arm and a leg for a good, quality blender, then I highly recommended the Blendtec Total Blender.  Sure, it sounds like the deck of an air craft carrier when it is turned on… But man oh man will it blend anything.

Replace up to nine other kitchen appliances with this easy-to-use counter top blender–no need for a separate grain mill, juicer, bread machine, ice-cream maker, smoothie maker, blender, milkshake maker, coffee grinder, or ice crusher. With its powerful commercial-quality, 1,500-watt 3-horsepower direct-drive motor, the blender can handle almost any kitchen task. The all-in-one appliance makes smoothies, fresh juice, ice cream, milkshakes, cappuccinos, margaritas, soups, sauces, breads, dressings, salsas, and more. It can even turn ice to snow and comes with an ice-crushing guarantee.