The first thing I noticed, upon receiving and unpacking this blender was the weight of both, the pitcher and the motorized base. It's not made with some cheap, plastic parts. Granted, the outside covering of the motorized base is plastic, but the inner working components are metal. Even the blade assembly on the pitcher is all metal. In my first test, it only 45 seconds to turn ice cubes into a consistency that would be perfect for a frozen, slushy drink. I have no doubt that this will last a good, long while, so long as the motor doesn't go bad!