I bought this blender last week. I first bought the Nutri-bullet but it could not use ice so I returned it. The Ninja Nutri-Blender is so easy to use. The preset functions make it so easy. I have made a smoothie almost every day. It grinds up everything - oatmeal, flax seed, nuts, kale and ice. And perfect smoothie consistency. Very powerful motor and yes it is loud but so is my Cuisinart blender. Loving it so far. Looking for more recipes!