It was hard to pick the size of a smaller food processor without seeing in person. I already have a Vitamix, so a high end grain grinder, turn-food-into-liquid gadget was not what we needed. They are great but limited in their handling of smaller amounts. 3-cups seemed about right for my daughters to make their smoothies and smoothie bowls (thicker than regular smoothies), etc. The price was also right and the name brand helped seal the deal. It arrived and instantly got tested. My 18 yo daughter, who is a pastry chef with her own business, gave it five stars. She knows what she likes and this was a kitchen tool that more than met her high standards. It cleans up easily, too, which she really appreciates with all the bakeware she is always washing.