Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I ordered this blender and then returned it. Replaced it with a Vitamix 5200, which I am very happy with. I should state up front, that the reasons I didn't like this blender are not reasons that will bother others. There are obviously people who love their Blendtecs and aren't at all bothered by the things I mention here. None the less, here are the two things that caused me to return mine. (1) I absolutely detest the way this blender sloshes everything up and down inside the container like a washing machine. This splashes everything up against the sides and lid. Better make sure your lid is on securely, or liquid will come flying out the sides creating a mess. Liquid will also come out the vent hole on the top of the lid, which forced me to cover it. I tend to blend my smoothies in the evening and place them in the fridge overnight for a morning drink. Because the Blendtec sloshes everything up and down, the liquid has hardened overnight on the sides and lid, making clean up a more difficult chore. This sloshing action appears to be caused by the design of the blades (NOT the motor speeding up and down), to make sure your ingredients don't get stuck at the bottom. But that's just not a big enough problem when I blend, to live with this washing machine action. The Vitamix does not do this by design, it only happens if you try, by cranking up the speed way too fast. (2) On hindsight, the programmed buttons seemed like a good idea. In actual practice it was very annoying to me. The preprogrammed buttons just don't give me a sense of control like the Vitamix. The Blendtec has a couple of buttons to adjust the speed gradually, but I find that annoying to keep pressing buttons to slow down and speed up the blending process. The Vitamix 5200 has a simple dial you turn quickly to adjust speed. I especially like the ultra SLOW speed the Vitamix can start with. I ALWAYS start at the ultra slow speed on the Vitamix to see what my ingredients will do, then gradually speed things up as I see is necessary. Again, I have total control with the Vitamix. To repeat, these issues may not mean anything to you - and if not - you will be happy with your Blendtec.