Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

Abstract: A blender having a base, a container, and a blade base includes a motor, a microcontroller, memory, a sensor and a user interface. The blade base connects the container to the base and includes a blade unit having at least a first blade and a second blade of a different design from the first blade. The microcontroller is in communication with the memory, sensor, motor, and user interface. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in the memory. The user interface includes a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.