EXPECTATIONS I bought this Blender as a relatively affordable smoothie, margarita, slushie maker and honestly, it's functioned exceptionally well, almost better than my previous $200 blender. I have always loved Ninja as a brand, simply because they're affordable and they work. This Ninja product is no exception. PROS ✓ Crushes Ice Flawlessly -> This blender crushes ice like it's butter, it's awesome. I am exclusively using this blender for smoothies (ever since my NutriBullet broke) and I have absolutely no complaints in this blender's ice crushing ability. My best advice for getting evenly crushed ice is to make sure that you put a little bit of liquid in with the ice and to make sure you pulse it (short 1-2 second bursts). This will let the ice fall back down to the bottom where the blades are. If you just hold it down not only with it hurt the motor but it will push the ice above the blades and will leave you with chunks in your smoothie; not recommended. However, even at that point, though it won't be that efficient, it WILL shred that ice. ✓ Awesome Design -> If you've owned other blenders in the past, you know that many have the blades embedded into the carafe and make it not only impossible to clean, but it usually means that the blender will only blend what's at the bottom of the blender. The way that this system is designed allows for the blades to move up so even if you fill it up above the blades, everything will be mixed evenly (not having to shove a spoon in there in the middle of blending to push stuff down is a godsend). ✓ Great Size -> The biggest problem that I had with the bullet was the fact that it was one serving only, and when you were trying to make smoothies for your entire family or relatives, it takes forever. The large (48 oz,) pitcher allows you to make 6 smoothies at once. I am honestly surprised I never got one of these earlier, it's awesome. ✓ Chopper Bowl -> Chopping stuff has never been easier. The smaller (16 oz.) chopper bowl can chop up to 2 cups of whatever you put it in. My family is a huge fan of guacamole and salsa - and this blender has made it easier than ever to use. Simply put in all the ingredients (you can find Ninja recipes online to give you perfect quantities) and pulse it a few times; perfectly guacamole in seconds. ✓ Dishwasher Safe & BPA Free -> If you're at all lazy like me, the invention of the dishwasher is amazing. When I'm making more liquidy drinks I still hand wash it (just because it's easy and nothing really sticks) but for more thick smoothies, taking the Ninja apart and putting in the dishwasher is extremely simple. ✓ Pour Spout -> I didn't actually realize how much I wanted this feature until now. If you've used other blenders before, pouring into smaller glasses can become extremely messy and just generally frustrating. The pouring spout gives you a lot of control. ✓ Storage Lids -> If you're making guacamole for example, not only can you make it in the Ninja and serve it in the container itself, you can actually just put a lid on it and keep it in the fridge for later. This is super convenient. CONS ✘ Takes of a lot of Space -> If you're a student like I am, especially if you're living near campus in a small house, this device takes up a lot of space. The 2 pitchers, 2 lids and motor all take up an entire cupboard drawer and although I personally don't mind since I don't have many kitchen gadgets, if you are someone who is low on kitchen space, this may be an inconvenience for you. ✘ No Automation -> This doesn't bother me too much, but if you're old and don't have a lot of muscle strength left, holding down the button could be strenuous for some. Although the blades are extremely sharp, and you shouldn't be blending for longer than a minute AT MOST, this isn't a huge problem. But if you wanted to blend something, do something else for a recipe, and come back... this device does not allow you to do that. FINAL THOUGHTS ⚖ I absolutely love this blender so far and I'm super happy with this purchase. If you are looking for a blender but are afraid that this "As Seen On TV" blender may be a money-grabbing gimmick, think again because this thing is awesome. If you are looking for a blender that makes smoothies/iced drinks perfectly, chops fruits/vegetables flawlessly and just generally gets the job done; this is the blender for you. R A T I N G S ☆ PRICE ★★★★★ [5] **This blender performs like a $100 blender, definitely worth every penny. QUALITY ★★★★★ [5] ** This system feels well built and works perfectly - very high quality. DESIGN ★★★★★ [5] ** Would give this 6 stars if I could, the design is awesome. EASE OF USE ★★★★☆ [4] **Burst system/no automation makes it hard for some people to use. FINAL SCORE ★★★★★ [5] ** Awesome Blender - Highly Recommended! UPDATE: About 5 years of using this blender and it's still going strong. Built to last for sure.