Post #593118 by jokeiii on Thu, Jun 9, 2011 11:59 PM

That's the rule of thumb, yes. If you're getting a top-down mixer, you pretty much have to get a vintage model as (unless something has happened recently which I haven't been told) modern models aren't as powerful. Hamilton-Beach seems to be the brand of choice.

You can get away w/o one IF -- an important if -- you put a "milkshake blade" ( http://cgi.ebay.com/Oster-6670-milkshake-blade-Oster-Osterizer-blenders-/160599931775?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2564807b7f ) on your blender which will mix everything 99% as well as a top-down mixer up IF (again with the "if") you are careful. So, don't leave the blender running and then walk away. If you already have an Oster blender, at $12 + s/h, this is EASILY the choice that leaves the most room in your wallet for rum and other essentials. This is my personal choice, given that flexibility and especially countertop real-estate are at a premium at my home bar.

I'm not sure if other blender makers offer a similar blade. (Oster has an impressive array of blade and jar choices...I just wish their excellent blenders also featured a variable speed control.)

An immersion blender can also work well, especially if it has a separate attachment with a rippled blade.

HTH!

-J.

[ Edited by: jokeiii 2011-06-10 00:00 ]