I was looking for a blender with enough power to make hummus and a nice enough blade to make smooth smoothies. I used it twice. Once to make hummus, which was successful only when I stopped the blender to move the food around, and a second time to make a smoothie. Milk, Apple juice, 4 Strawberries and a frozen banana--and while I was mixing these rather light items--the motor caught on fire and little flames lept out the vents on the bottom of the blender. The circuit breaker flipped before I could unplug the thing. It smelled awful. Needless to say, the belnder will be returned. I have only had it for 4 days for crying out loud. I am very disappointed.