I am looking for a recommendation on a blender to bring to work to mix
up shakes. Being that this is a typical office environment I need
something that won't disturb my coworkers. I have a regular $25
Hamilton Beach one at home that would be way too loud.
 
Requirements:  
1) Super Quiet 
2) It is for making shakes with ice and water.  (needs to be able to crush ice)
3) Would be nice if it were the one piece types that are easier to
clean.(not entirely one piece, just the top glass portion)
4) Looks are unimportant 
5) Order online for less than $100
 
Clarification: I'm looking for a standard blender, not a hand-help model. 

Thank you.

Greetings, nuwanda!

All the reviews I read online seem to indicate that Krups blenders are
quieter than other brands:

From epinions.com Reviews for the 
Krups Power X Plus Combi Blender 243
(which is now discontinued)
"It's almost too quiet!
by oparu1, Aug 26 '01
Pros: It's relatively quiet, for a blender"

"mixes chops blends the BEST
by heeree, Mar 26 '01
Pros: Works better than any others tried! Easy to clean. Not too loud"
http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Blenders-Krups-Power_X_Plus_Combi/display_~reviews

Krups Power X Plus Blender 239
"Great blender!
by kembry, Jun 20 '00
Pros: Affordable, dependable, quiet"

"Earning Its Keep on the Counter
by JillJLX1, Dec 18 '99
Pros: glass pitcher (not plastic), price, size, cleans easily, quiet"
http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Blenders-Krups-Power_X_Plus/display_~reviews


I believe that this might be the right one for you -- a review
indicates that it does a great job of crushing ice to make smoothies:

"Krups GMA1-11 Power Xtreme VI Touchpad Blender, White
 List Price:   $90.00  
 Price:        $69.99  
 You Save:     $20.01 (22%)  
 Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours
 This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
 See details."

Review by Carolyn: March 18, 2003 
"Oh my gosh! I've been on a 3 year search for a blender that could
handle my morning smoothy and I finally found it. This blender goes
through frozen strawberries like butter. I bought one, more expensive
blender, that in thier instructions said not to even try frozen
strawberries."
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00007C64H

On the other hand, if a one-piece blender is a high priority for you,
check this one out:
Waring Professional Bar Blender PBB Series
Review by laurapetrie (February 9, 2002)
"Usually, the blade unscrews from the jar, then you have the blade, a
plastic ring, and the gasket which screws into the blender's base. The
jar on this blender is all one piece and there's no awkward twisting
to get it properly positioned for blending...
This blender rocks! Even though I didn't have any use for a blender
before buying one, that has changed.
The first thing that I blended was a protein shake with milk and
protein powder. It foamed up and mixed perfectly, leaving no globs of
protein powder at the bottom of my glass when I was done. I later
discover that this blender makes near perfect chocolate milk...I'll
never buy it pre-mixed again!
I've since moved on to making fruit smoothies and daqueris and have
discovered why this is called a "Bar Blender". Smoothies come out
"smooth" and frozen fruity rum drinks don't have chunks of uncrushed
ice in them. "
http://www.epinions.com/content_55521152644

It's available on Amazon.com:
"List Price:   $165.00  
 Price:         $79.99  
 You Save:      $85.01 (52%)"
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004S8F4

and at Overstock.com:
"List Price:   $180.00 
 Price:         $59.99 
 You Save:     $120.01 (66%)"
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD_ID=48241&cid=13604&fp=F


Search Strategy

"quiet blender"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22quiet+blender%22&btnG=Google+Search

"one piece" blender
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22one+piece%22+blender&btnG=Google+Search


Before Rating my Answer, if you have any questions about this
information, please post a Request for Clarification, and I will be
glad to see what I can do for you.
     
I hope that this Answer provides exactly the information that you
needed!
   
Regards,   
     
aceresearcher

Note to Researchers -- Here is the original question and answer:

https://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=182413

Sorry, that should be
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=182413

Regardless of the quietness of the blender's motor, I doubt that there
is any way to crush ice without making a racket.

Pinkfreud is right; unless you get a model with an optional sound
shield, the noise of the ice is going to be louder than the motor
itself.  Units with a sound shield are available, but not at the price
point indicated.

Another option would be to get a blender that is very fast, therefore
minimizing the amount of time it is making noise.  Having worked as a
bar manager during my college days, I have used my fair share of
blenders.

I suggest this one:

http://www.selectappliance.com/exec/ce-product/hb_909

It's a bit over the $100.00 (USD) mark, but it has free shipping which
should offset the price a bit.  I've used this blender before, and it
is fast, reasonably quiet and a breeze to clean.

I wish someone in *my* office was buying a blender to make everyone
shakes.  Heck, I'm lucky to get the dregs of the coffee in the
morning.

Best of luck finding what you are looking for!

- ddelphi