You want to find the best blender for you, but where do you start? Research can be overwhelming—there are hundreds of online reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, even entire websites devoted to the search for the best blender. Luckily for you, we’ve narrowed the focus down to four essential questions.

1. Why are you buying a blender?

Do you want to make healthier choices for you and your family? Maybe you have food allergies or special dietary needs, and want to take control of what you eat by grinding your own flour, making homemade nut butters, and more.

Also consider how many people you’re typically cooking for, and make sure your new blender has the right capacity to meet your needs. Whether you want a versatile kitchen appliance that can make everything from hot soup to smoothies, or just a once-in-a-while margarita maker, identifying exactly what you want to use a blender for can help narrow your options.

2. How long do you want your blender to last?

While some blenders last only a few months, others can stand up to years of daily use. It’s important to consider factors like quality, durability, and power when making a selection. Notice how the blades are made, and how the machine is constructed. For example, a metal drive system will last longer than plastic. Also pay attention to the length of the warranty that comes with the machine. Is it a full warranty, or does it have limitations in the fine print?

3. Is the blender easy to use?

The easier your blender is to use, the more often you’ll use it, getting the most out of your purchase. Take a look at the controls. Do you want pre-set programs for convenience, or manual controls to get just the right texture? Set yourself up for success by making sure your new blender can do what you need, and gives you the amount of control you prefer.

Also pay attention to how the blender is cleaned. Is it self-cleaning or dishwasher-safe? Does it need to be disassembled for cleaning? If so, is it easily taken apart and put back together? How many different attachments will need to be cleaned and stored? Thinking about how easy the blender is to use before purchasing will save you possible frustration in the future.

4. What’s your blender budget?

Blender prices can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, so it’s important to have a budget in mind when you begin your search. Like everything else, you tend to get what you pay for the in the blender world. As you learn more about the capability and quality you want in a blender, you might have to revisit your original budget. If you want a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can make soups, dips, nut butters, non-dairy milks, purées, frozen desserts, and more, then that versatility will factor into the price.

Ultimately, the best blender is one that will meet your needs now and grow with you in the future. Answer these questions, and you’ll be on the way to finding the best blender for you.