A blender for mixing ingredients, typically ice cream, frozen yoghurt or other base product with condiments (fruits, nuts, etc), flavours or liquids (e.g. milk), to form a homogenous and well mixed product, typically a soft smooth dessert or drink such as a milk shake or smoothie, the blender includes: (i) a base having an interior space therein； (ii) a hollow central column extending upwardly from the base； (iii) a top housing mounted to the top of the column, the top housing having a motor, drive transmission means and a drive shaft, the drive shaft extends downwardly and outwardly from said top housing； (iv) an auger attached to a distal end of the drive shaft (v) a mixing bowl having an open top, the mixing bowl is in substantially coaxial alignment with the auger, (vi) a mixing bowl holder for releasably holding the mixing bowl in substantial coaxial alignment； (vii) a ball screw drive mechanism housed within the column and connectable to the mixing bowl holder for moving the mixing bowl in linear movement toward and away from the auger； and (viii) a splash guard positioned above the auger wherein the splash guard is adapted to fit within and cover the opening of the mixing bowl when the blender is in use.
