you can't go wrong with a Vitamix! You use it as a food processor, juicer, blender, smoothie maker, ice cream maker, soup, etc. You just adjust the settings and you have all your kitchen appliances in one!! My Vitamix was the BEST purchase I ever made!
The Vitamix is the best appliance for pureeing and making things smooth. I bought a Vitamix even though I own a food processor just so I could get those 'smooth' soups. (Besides smoothies)
If you want to grate carrots, chop onions, or make pie crust though I would go with a Cuisinart. I even bought the extra discs to make finely grated carrots because my son LOVES carrot muffins!