In the market for a blender to make smoothies in the morning. I've look at the higher stuff like the Vitamix or Blendtec and while they're solid, they're also $500! But at the same time I don't want to buy something that won't do a good job or burn out.
Basically I want something that can make smoothies with frozen grapes, berries. kale, broccoli and/or spinach. And also be able to make almond milk and carrot juice. The hot soup idea I see on some videos from the expensive brands is cool but truthfully I'd use that feature fairly seldom.
Are their reliable alternatives to the expensive blenders or at the end of the day, are they worth having around?