Compared to a previous hand blender I owned that finally burned out because it was too underpowered to blend asparagus soup, this blender is surprisingly strong! On 'High' speed, you better hang on tight: this thing has a kick like a mule! Nearly wrenched itself outta my hand a couple times. (Note: Best to start out on 'Low' speed as it is enough power to blend most things, using 'High' only when necessary, unless you risk making a splattering mess!) But I consider that a sign of just what kind of horsepower is under the hood.
The food processor attachment chops vegetables very well, comes apart easily, and washes up quickly (made Thanksgiving dinner a lot faster to prepare). I use the blender mostly for coffee drinks and smoothies. It quickly purees most things my other blender struggled with, even frozen fruit. And when I make homemade soup, I love the fact that you can stick it right in the pan and blend without dirtying other bowls or waiting for it to cool off. (Less work!)
I have only owned this machine for a month, but I love it already. Makes food prep and clean up sooo much easier! I was doubtful at first that it was a chintzy appliance because of the TV show tie-in, but rest assured, it's not. For its price-class, this is a thoroughbred: powerful and well designed. I use it everyday and am glad I took the chance to buy it. Time will tell how durable it is, but for now, so far, so great!
