The blender looks sleek and doesn't take up much counter space. It's not bulky unlike some other blenders on the market. It's really powerful and useful for making soup/smoothies and batter. The only downside is that it's really really loud!! If the noise bothers you then don't pick this blender but otherwise really happy with the purchase
I've had 70 blends with the machine so far! Breaks down all the hard frozen ingredients really well and has no problem making thick mixtures. Also makes good batters, although quantity has to be large enough or else flour will be pushed towards the sides and then you have to scoop it back in to the middle of the blender. I use it to coarse grind coffee beans as well, and has replaced my coffee grinder for space on the kitchen table. Now all that's left is for the Blendtec to make my coffee as well (joking).
I bought this blender a few weeks ago. I got the Total Blender model. I wanted a ultra high speed blender for its ability to make whole juices, hot soup, etc. I researched 4 blenders including Vitamix and chose the Blendtec.
Besides doing everything advertised, this model exceeded all my expectations. On another site someone compares Blendtec to Vitamix unfavorably. The main complaints are noise and difficulty in cleaning the lid. On the noise, you have to ask yourselves "what makes these ultra high speed blenders better than regular blenders?". It isn't really all the different programs and bells and whistles. It's two things: speed and power. Vitamix's speed is 240 miles an hour. Blendtec is 300 miles an hour. Vitamix power is just over 2 horse power, Blendtec is 3 horse power. 3 horse power is going to be louder than 2 no matter what you do. For the short time it's on, it's well worth a little more noise for the great performance this blender delivers. Oh, and the complaint about the lid being difficult to clean is laughable. It's just the opposite, the lid is really easy to clean. The clear center easily pops out of the rubber lid and it all cleans up in seconds.
I've had it for a month and used it for 40 uses, mostly smoothies and a few soups and a few almond milks. Works very well, cleans very easy. All of the ease and performance makes it an item that can be used daily, which is what people said about it before that I read and made me buy it. I've bought other health items like a juicer that are nice, but you never end up using daily like you would want because of the pain that it is to use or clean. This thing makes you use it daily though, easy to clean easy to use, works very well. Solid product.