This blender does a great job at making smoothies; however, the base is very difficult to remove.  This evening after making my smoothie in the smoothie cup, I could not get it open and my husband could not get it open.  In order to remove the cap/base my daughter and I held it (both of us using both hands) so my husband could use both his 
hands to twist it.  Since I usually use it when no one else is home, I will have to stop using the smoothie cup and just use the large pitcher.  I am very disappointed. [This review was collected as part of a promotion.]