A good blender is a must-have for cooling down hot summer months. Here are five of our favorites for every budget.

Don’t let the grill get all the glory: Summer is equally a season for the high-powered blender, that cacophonous yet essential appliance that can in 20 spinning seconds unlock the flavors of peak-season vegetables in puréed soups, whip up cooling milkshakes, emulsify barbecue sauces, crush ice for cocktails, set up the day with silky smoothies, and, perhaps most importantly, turn out epic amounts of frothy margaritas come the weekend. There is no shortage of options so we’ve narrowed it down to a short list for every taste and price point: Some look amazing on the counter (or bar!), others offer portable pitchers, while two boast power that can send blades whirling 200 mph. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be sipping, soup-making, and smoothying like a pro. 

Need to put your blender to the test? Try your hand at these chilled summer soups, many of which benefit from a whirl in the blender.