I just bought this Hamilton Beach 52277 Classic Chrome blender (for under six bills with shipping) to replace an aging but still working Osteriser (just like Belle) that had lasted two decades. With 800 watts, this is far more powerful, and the polished stainless steel base is far more attractive. I also like the glass jar (as my Oster had) for being able to blend hot soups. The heavier lid is very flexible but somehow survives the dishwasher without any softening (unlike the Oster). Moreover, the gear teeth the jar sits on are straight (rather than angled - what was starting to regularly slip on the Oster) for a better fit. Even though I rarely use more than fast, slow, and pulse (this blender has ten speeds and pulse), I'm glad I picked this one over the Oster 4093 Classic Beehive blender with its noisier but weaker 500 watts, the need to handwash a loose fitting lid, and just two speeds (on and pulse). Finally, I have also seen greater splashing as others have commented elsewhere from the new "Wave-Action" blade (common to both newer Hamilton and Oster blenders for more vigerous blending) when adding thick additives to liquids (but the well-fitting Hamilton lid has so far prevented any spilling). I expect this to be my last blender purchase - only a second jar and parts for when one set is in the dishwasher (of course, time will tell).
