I've been through many types of benders, all had short life spans. My husband talked me into a Vitamix when the last blender we had broke after 6 uses. I was hesitant but let me say this Vitamix is the best investment we've made as far as kitchen appliances go. It can do the work of a blender as well as a food processor. It can blend the perfect smoothie or it can blend ingredients to make soup.. and it even heats the soup! I would recommend Vitamix to anyone looking for a reliable blender. I used to avoid pulling the blender out but now we leave our Vitamix out on the counter at all times and we look for excuses to use it! Lastly, it is soooo easy to clean which makes me eager to use it often. If you haven't gotten a Vitamix I highly recommend them.