I have had Vitamix blenders for at least 13 years and never had a single problem. We use it for mixing smoothes,making frozen deserts,making batters,soups,grinding coffee beans,chopping nuts,crushing ice and anything else you could find for it to do in the kitchen. The best part is that you do not have to peel or deseed the fruit or vegetable before processing it in the mixer. You get all the benefits of all the fiber. It will freeze smoothies(adding ice) and will actually make hot soup caused by friction created by this powerful unit. It also comes in handy for making composting quick and easy...