I have had this blender for at least 3 years.  It does a great job on the ice cream and icy drinks I tend to use it for.  I also use it for making my own pizza sauce and it works great there.  Love the way it makes a quick icy drink.  I find it easy to use, easy to clean with the front buttons easy to use.  I hand wash it as I find that easy, after use just add a bit of water and drop of DW liquid put the lid back on and blend to clean then rinse.