I carefully researched prior to purchasing this blender. The reviews were favorable, overall, but i did see someone had reported breakage the first time s/he used it. i figured it was a fluke, as most reviews were positive. well, mine broke the 3rd time i used it. it broke at the base connector. one of the small 'fins'/pinwheels (not sure how else to describe) that connects the base to the thermos portion broke and what looked like small wafts of smoke came out. i only had soft fruits, soft veggies and almond milk in it, so it is unfathomable to me that this happened, much less so early on ~ ! ~ I've never returned anything to Amazon before and I want a refund, not a replacement, as I no longer trust this product. Hopefully Amazon will do the right thing ...