I had 2 of the Cuisinart 300 blender/smoothie maker. I liked them, they did the job. But this one has more power, is very easy to use, & once you get used to the opposite way of putting the blades on, it's no big deal. It's not that much bigger than my old one. I keep it in the cabinet, but it has a nice look & doesn't take up much space if you wanted to leave it on the counter. I really like the fact that you place the container into the base & turn the container to lock it in place. And I love the smoothie reusable straws & the double wall travel cup. I only wish I could buy extras of the travel cups.