Designed with almost perfectly vertical sides, the Connoisseur base features a top-facing keypad with four numbered buttons that correspond to different blend cycles along with two buttons labeled 'S' for speed and 'P' for pulse. Pressing the 'S' button ramps the motor up; releasing the button sets the desired speed at which the blender then will run for 50 seconds. Eighteen of the 30 preprogrammed cycles vary the blade speeds to draw food into the vortex, while twelve remain fixed. A switch on the lower front turns the blender on and off, while the LED panel above it indicates which cycle is operating and counts down how many seconds remain (and also warns of overloading).

For measuring on the go, the square, 64-ounce polycarbonate jar has graduated markings for up to five cups on one side and 32 ounces on another. The flexible lid presses in snugly and removes quickly by pulling on any of the four corner tabs; a central plug with a small airhole in the middle can be popped out of the lid to let steam escape when blending hot liquids. Included with the blender are instructions for use and a spiral-bound, 112-page recipe book. The jar, dishwasher-safe only on the top rack, is covered against leakage or breakage for one year. Blendtec covers the motor with a three-year warranty against defects, while the jar blade and the motor base drive socket are covered by a lifetime warranty.--Ann Bieri