My first thoughts after pulling this blender out of the box is wow, it has really awesome settings! I washed it first thing then got everything I needed out to make strawberry banana smoothies. I put some ice cubes in there and then my yogurt, strawberries, banana and some honey and hit that ice blemd button first to crunch the ice up and it worked amazing. Then I used the smoothie button and it worked amazing as well. It was quick and mixed it all together with no chunks at all left. It made 6 half cups (for my kids) then I repeated my process and made myself a big ole cup of it. So delicious. Im going to have to look up how to make milkshakes to utilize that button next. I just handeashed it after I was done using it. Next time I will use it in the dishwasher to see how that goes. I am in love with this blended. Love the black color and love that it is suited to what I need it for!