The blender it self works really well. I was not sure how such a small blade would do, but it blended the ice and frozen fruit really well. You just have to add sufficient amount of liquid. It was definitely sturdier than I thought it would be. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because you are unable to remove the blade from the container. I have only used it a few times and it seems to be clean, but it is very difficult to get underneath the blades. Unsure if other foods may be harder to clean. Also, although the container is made well I do not like that I am drinking out of a container with blades at the bottom. That being said I would still use this as a blender if I am just making smoothies for me and one other person.