I've been using both home and commercial blenders for 45 years (Oster & Hamilton Beach for the home blenders) so I've seen a lot. Normally, I use a blender 4-5 times a week. The testimony here is to establish my reviewer credentials!This blender is the best designed so far. Here's what I like:- The jar is substantial, heavy glass, not plastic, which can get scuffed or stained over time.- The controls are free of the bells and whistles put on many blenders. This one has only what's necessary, making it easier to clean.- The blade design makes it really efficient, so that it purees in half the time.My only complaint is that, when assembled, there's a crevice at the jar's bottom around the blade housing, where food can get lodged. So far, though, this hasn't posed a great problem.There are, of course, some operations that are better done in a Cuisinart such as cutting butter into flour or chopping up nuts. For its intended use however, this is a great kitchen machine.I'm very happy with this blender and recommend it for any serious cook.