I had a well known brand blender and was very disappointed!  I did not want to spend $$$ on Vitamix and I regretted it.  I should have bought Vitamix instead.  The one I had broke down the first time I used it to make peanut butter.  So I bought an A2500 series and it's an excellent blender.  It's powerful and do just about anything.  Now I have it on the counter top and I use it all the time.  So do not make the same mistake I did, if you want an excellent blender then go for Vitamix!!!  Thank you:)