Picking a blender isn’t as easy as picking a flavor for the milkshake you want to make in it. You’ll need to put a bit of effort and thought into how you use a blender and what you plan to make with one. We’ve identified six key areas to consider when purchasing a quiet blender for your kitchen.

Quietness: Obviously if you’re looking to buy a quiet blender, noise is perhaps the most significant factor. Most of the sounds of a blender comes from the motor. Unfortunately, most blender brands don’t release decibel ratings for their appliances, which would make picking the quietest blender easy. Instead, you’ll have to rely on understanding the quiet-making features. For example, some brands use noise-reducing covers, placed directly over the blender container, to capture and contain sounds. Others use extra housing around the motor to dampen noise. Still, other features like rubber gaskets can have an impact on how quiet the blender ultimately is when it’s in use. If you don’t test drive a blender before you buy it, look for one that has as many of these noise-reducing features as possible.

Motor Power: The stronger the motor, the more likely it is to make more noise. But you may want a strong motor, as the blender’s top speeds ultimately determines the food’s final consistency and texture. Cheaper blenders usually have motors that reach 300 to 600 watts. More expensive brands can go as high as 1500 to 1800 watts.

Dishwasher Safe: A blender has to be cleaned well so it doesn’t rust or create buildup. Some models have self-cleaning capabilities that require you put soap and a bit of water and press a button for a thorough cleaning. Others will require you to disassemble the whole apparatus in order to wash it. Dishwasher-safe parts make clean-up even faster if you do have to take the blender apart to clean it.

Warranty: Some blenders are an investment, with price tags to prove it. Before you make that investment, you want to be sure the blender comes with a warranty that will protect your purchase if something were to break or stop working. Most brands offer limited warranties on parts, labor, and shipping. Others have money-back guarantees. Depending on how much you’re wanting to spend, you’ll want to be sure you have a warranty that matches the investment.

Additional Features: Some blenders come with additional equipment as part of a bundle. Tampers, for example, are used to help make sure dense, thick foods are blended thoroughly. Some blenders come with two different containers, a single-serve size and a larger container. Here again, consider how you plan to use the blender and decide what, if any, other equipment is right for you.

Size: With the possibility of a large container cover, some of these quiet blenders will require extra space in your pantry or cabinets. Make sure you measure and understand what parts come apart so you can properly store the blender if you do not plan to leave it on your counter. And if you do plan to leave it on your counter, make sure the tall cover will clear your overhead cabinets and fit neatly under them.