For years I struggled with various blenders to make a basic smoothie. The motor and blades just couldn't handle a few frozen chunks of banana or pineapple. Even blending for oat flour seemed to challenge my blenders to do it well. After years at the top of my Wish List, reading the reviews, taking the 'Which Vitamix is right for you quiz?', and talking to the customer service people, we finally decided to invest. This machine does not disappoint, well, except for one HUGE (to our family) drawback. It is so so so frustrating to make nut butters. I was told this machine could do it and do it well. The process to get a close to smooth almond butter is off the charts frustrating. My spouse is wondering why we spent so much money for smoothies.......