There is a whole thread in detail about the best kitchen tools for a Raw kitchen...if you search under "tools to use" or Kitchen tools you'll get a couple of them. I think this link will take you to one of them...
http://www.rawfoodchat.com/forums/ra...=kitchen+tools
When Green Bunny mentioned some people liking other blenders, she was probably referring to me. I'm a huge fan of the Blendtec. I have both the Blendtec and Vitamix and I always go for the Blendtec because it's easier to use, clean and less waste in my opinon (you'll see detailed reasons posted in those other threads somewhere). I make my nut butters in my food processor.