I have had my blendtec total blender for three weeks. I think it does an amazing job. One thing I learned as much as it's awesome it's not "perfect". However, it does blend extremely well and makes gross ingredients (once blended) taste awesome!
The jar...: the jar is cool looking and easy to clean but after three weeks the markage on it is insane.... Not happy with how fast it wears.
A friend recommended this machine. I had given a Vitamix to my daughter in law, read the comparisons on-line, and decided to get a Blendtec for myself. I have not used it enough to conclusively report: what I know is that I have produced gazpacho that is second to none. It is silken. I also made hummus, with which the machine had difficulty. My Cuisinart would have done a comparable job with less work on my part. (stopping the machine to push down the ingredients) So, the jury is out...I make delicious smoothies, which is a good thing. I will continue to experiment.
I do like my blendtec but it shakes a little too much off the counter and after using it one month still a burning smell from motor sometimes, this was overstocked from sans but stlill paid retail price from Amazon.
I am so glad that I took the leap to finally purchase a Blendtec. I had a pretty good blender but, got tired of the lumps of fruit or veggies that seemed to always be in my shakes. I am already telling my friends and relatives that they just have to get one. Smooth shakes everytime!
I dreamed, hoped, planned, saved for over 2 years for a professional level blender. I thought I wanted a Vitamix but then researched more and discovered Blendtec. Finally a few months ago we were able to purchase one. I LOVE IT more than I even thought I would! I was afraid it would just "sit" like my old blender did, but no so! I use it almost everyday for smoothie but now I'm also using for chopping foods to make in other recipes, guacamole, peanut butter, soups, etc! I used it 3x in one day recently! It's a great kitchen tool addition. I heard someone say it's more like an appliance - as useful as your microwave or refrigerator - and I totally agree! LOVE my new blendtec!
I have wanted a nice blender for awhile, but never thought it was worth the money because I used my blender a few times a month. Well, having the blendtec has made me WANT to use my blender daily! I love it and it was so worth the cost.