I purchased this blender several months ago and the power of the motor is great. But if you make smoothies and crush a lot of ice, the plastic carafe will absolutely not hold up to that use. Mine now leaks all over the base unit even though I've always washed it by hand and followed the manual's instructions. The Waring website says this product is sold with a glass carafe, but they don't sell the glass carafe as a replacement part - only the plastic.If you think you're going to crush ice or use the power of the motor, you're going to have big problems with the plastic carafe. (And the replacement plastic carafe is $50!!)At this point, I think I'm going to have to throw out the blender!