Previously I bought a cheap blender but I wasn't able to make a decent smoothie, sometimes it couldn't even break the ice. Blendtec is a great blender, super powerful and does the fantastic job for smoothies. I love the wildside and the fact that is really easy to clean the jar. The only down side of this product,it is super loud. Sometimes in early morning when i make smoothie, i am afraid that it will wake my neighbor up.
The Blendtec is a "Beast" of it's own kind. It's not exactly a "blender" as one would think, and it's not a "mixer"....The more I'm using it for smoothies, breads, and soups, the better I'm getting the hang of it and creating my own healthy creations. It's more than I ever dreamed of. Someday, with the use of this amazing "beast"...I'll become "the Beauty".
I bought this blender completely on faith that it would work as advertised...and it does. Needed something to assist me in a soft food diet after oral surgery. *Good features: comes with large square jar, small round jar, and special spatula. Also had recipe books included. Easy to use, and easy to clean. The blades are not sharp, so don't cut your fingers while washing out jars, unlike other blenders. Preset cycle buttons. *Bad features: Loud. Everyone has complained, but it's fast, so not unbearable. Small jar's lid has to be held on jar during cycle. (I found out the hard way while making almond butter, and it turned into an almond explosion all over the kitchen! Haha.) Over all am very pleased with this blender and the price I paid.
I've had the blender for over a year, it fits onto the base easily, no screwing or twisting the jar or the base. Great for frozen fruit, ice, smoothies; leaves a very smooth texture, no bits. I don't use it for soups as I like my soups very hot. Warranty is excellent, my jar was replaced with no fuss. Excellent product.
I bought this about 2 months ago, did research on blenders prior to buying, and this unit and its blog and performance was highly recommended. I have been very impressed with the unit and use it quite frequently with absolutely no issues at all.