I purchased this "professional quality" blender at Target a month ago.  I have only used it for smoothies (frozen banana cut into thirds, frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, frozen spinach, milk, peanut butter--no ice) a couple times per week.  This morning, mid-blend, the motor sounded strained, emitted a smoky odor, and I saw light reflecting from the motor onto my kitchen counter.  Then, it stopped working completely!!  It will not turn on any more.

I am very disappointed in the life-span of a blender that I paid a reasonable price for expecting it to last for years.  The carafe is a nice, heavy glass, solid and easy-to-use parts, easy to clean.  But...The motor should last for at least the warranty period of 5 years, not 1 month.  Not acceptable.
I purchased this "professional quality" blender at Target a month ago. I have only used it for smoothies (frozen banana cut into thirds, frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, frozen spinach, milk, peanut butter--no ice) a couple times per week. This morning, mid-blend, the motor sounded strained, emitted a smoky odor, and I saw light reflecting from the motor onto my kitchen counter. Then, it stopped working completely!! It will not turn on any more. I am very disappointed in the life-span of a blender that I paid a reasonable price for expecting it to last for years. The carafe is a nice, heavy glass, solid and easy-to-use parts, easy to clean. But... The motor should last for at least the warranty period of 5 years, not 1 month. Not acceptable.