The kitchen countertop wants juice and smoothies

The kitchen countertop is valuable real estate. With available counter space always at a premium, gadgets and appliances that are contenders for acreage require something to help them stand out from the crowd. Sometimes it's a matter of versatility and other times it's convenience that determines what gets to stay and what has to go. And sometimes it's just the tasty stuff that gets to stay; but that doesn't have to mean unhealthy.

No longer relegated to the hard-to-reach corner of the countertop (or worse yet, stored underneath it), the Hurom Premium Slow Juicer & Smoothie Maker ($429.95) makes a case for everyday use. Capable of making healthy juice blends or delicious smoothies, the appliance offers a fine counterbalance to the less health conscious denizens of the kitchen workspace.

Driven by an 80 rpm motor, the juicer slowly crushes and cold-presses ingredients for maximum flavor and nutrient retention. Suitable for use with fruits, vegetables, wheatgrass, or even nuts, the beverage maker offers the versatility and convenience so often required to find space on the countertop. And if the addition of a juicer bumps one of the appliances from the other end of the health spectrum, there's no need to fret -- one could always add a scoop of ice cream to a smoothie.