Purchased the KitchenAid K400 Blender a few months ago to make smoothies.  Did our research of blenders that are currently on the market and KitchenAid K400 ranked up at the top for quality, reliability and value.   We have other small and large KitchenAid appliances that we have purchased over the years and have been very happy with all of them.  The KitchenAid K400 blender has not disappointed and we are very happy with its performance; a powerful motor that quickly blends our fruits and vegetables.  It is also easy to clean with the clean function, it pretty much self cleans which was a very important feature to us.  Love our KitchenAid K400 blender and plan to purchase one for our son !