Blender Recommendation?

[ceeveg]

Can anyone recommend a really good blender for $50 or less?  I had a Cuisinart that I got 10 years ago, but it hasn't served me very well.  I use it primarily for smoothies (frozen bananas and berries, spinach, almond milk), and I also have made hummus in a blender. Thanks!

[dovemama]

Oh ya! We make green smoothies in our cheapo blender (Hamilton Beach) My mom gave it to me when my "expensive" one broke and it was going to cost too much for the parts. I think she probably got it online or at a discount store.

[SundayCrepes]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OCAWDQ/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details

I got one last spring and always put two fresh bananas in then my frozen mango chunks so I wouldn't tax the motor. After 8 months of daily smoothies, we didn't have any banana so I just threw in rock hard mangos. I burned the motor. Hamilton Beach has great customer service and will replace your blender for 3 years (the length of the warranty.) I can't remember if I had to pay $10 shipping or not. 

I don't want to fry my new blender, so I put in a couple small fresh bananas to start then I add the rest of my ingredients including my rice and almond milks. Then I take a shower and let my frozen stuff soften. The smoothies are great. I'd rather get a vitamix so I didn't have to worry, but until they get a non-plastic jar I'm staying with my $40 blender.

[Kedrosami]

This one may not fit your budget (don't know if you're including shipping in the $50) but we just got it and love it, for what it's worth:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001AS3GA2/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1329330169&sr=8-1

[Masel]

I have a blender and a food processor but the device I use the most is an immersion blender. It is awesome for smoothies. Since you can move the blade through the smoothie ingredients I find it works much better than a blender. Mine has an attachment for a whisk and a small food processor. All of the pieces except the base can go in the dishwasher. You can certainly get a basic one for less than $50 but the attachments might put it over that. 

I had a Braun for years until I burnt out the motor trying to chop raisins. (don't do that!). I now have a Cusinart and don't like it nearly as much. 

[AAK]

We have a kitchenaid one and really like it.  I throw all smoothie ingredients in at once, even frozen ones.  No problems so far. . . we've had it about 4 years now.

Amy