I have had this machine for 8 hours.  I have used it twice because I was so excited. I used it to make banana ice cream and because it was so thick I was confident to take the lid off and still use the poky thing (tamper) but let me just tell you the lid is there for more than just to keep the liquids in, it's meant to keep sticks (tampers) OUT!!!! Bad Ideas and sad day for my vitamix.  RIP George (my 8 hour old blender)05-11-17 You will be forever missed