Value4Money

This week Value4Money looks at Blenders/smoothie makers

Philips Blender €101

Highs: With its funky blue back lighting and brushed chrome finish, this is undoubtedly the coolest-looking smoothie maker tested. Despite having a pleasingly quiet hum, it still manages to produce the smoothest of smoothies. It has a natty filter attachment to remove seeds and the like from your fruit drinks, and comes with a handy measuring cup in the lid. The multi-speed switch offers more control than you might expect, and the suction pads on the base are a good idea.

Lows: Well, the pads seem like a good idea initially. The pads hold the base of the smoothie maker so firmly in place than just getting it off your counter is almost like pulling Excalibur from the rock. There is a huge amount of packaging and lots of instructions to read. "Assemble the blade unit onto the blade unit interface." What?

Verdict: Cool but pricey.

Star rating: ***

Breville Anthony Worrell Thompson Intelligent Blender €59.50

Highs: With its lightweight plastic jug, low cost, gentle whirring motor and multi-speed controls, this marries the advantages of the cheaper Kenwood model with the more expensive Philips one and then adds some more useful things of its own. It has a set of pre-programmed functions to take the guesswork out of smoothie making (although in truth, it's not too hard to guess how long it takes). More usefully, the flex can be stored in the base of the machine and the jug's lid has a locking device which prevents the blender starting until it is firmly in place.

Lows: Not much to complain about at all, although the absence of a tap on the blender might be considered something of a minus by some.

Verdict: Great smoothies, good value.

Star rating: *****

Kenwood Smoothie Concert €40

Highs: Kenwood makes a wide range of smoothie makers, from the very expensive to the remarkably cheap. At €40, this model definitely falls into the latter category. It is very good value and despite its low cost it makes a perfectly fine smoothie. The lightweight plastic jug makes it easy to clean, store and generally throw about.

Lows: It has the lowest wattage of any of the smoothie makers reviewed and makes an incredibly loud noise when it is set to work. The teeth-trembling whirring might be a little off-putting first thing in the morning, particularly if you're feeling delicate of head. Although the chrome effect is impressively shiny, it is also very cheap looking.

Verdict: Very good value despite the noise.

Star rating: ****

Russell Hobbs Smoothie Sensation €101.99

Highs: This has a nice brushed chrome finish and looks suitably expensive, which should make it an ideal wedding present - if you're fond of the couple getting married. It has a commendably minimalist approach when it comes to the buttons - there's a high speed button, a low speed one and a stop button.

Lows: It's just as well it looks as expensive as it does, because if you give this as a present, you'll really want the recipient to know it cost you a few bob. The tap is positioned to the side of the jug underneath the handle, which seems a little weird and the motor is a bit too loud.

Verdict: Does the job but at a cost.

Star rating: ***