Cuisinart CPB-380 Hurricane Compact Juicing Blender - Powerful 350W Motor, Easy Clean Design, Gunmetal Finish - Perfect for Smoothies, Juices & Healthy Drinks at Home or Office

Firstly, I NEVER write reviews. I hardly feel passionate about my purchases though I make many. When our NutriBullet blender died, I was sad that I had to figure out what would replace it. I loved the ease of the NutriBullet but I liked the idea of getting something that would accommodate a small blender. We have a Vitamix that I used for years and years but now I keep it in my cabinet to keep clutter on the countertop to a minimum. Infrequently, I get it out for big blender jobs. Otherwise, I try to use the bullet blender for smoothies, shakes, and baby food. I came across the Cuisinart and after reading the reviews, I thought I would give it a try. The worst case scenario was that it did a bad job, I'd return it, and buy another NutriBullet. I'm so glad I did try!PROS:*Lots of flexibility on how to blend something - larger smoothies in the pitcher; single smoothies in the cup; baby food in the little chopping cup*Quieter than my NutriBullet*$$ - the price on Amazon right now is less than many competitors prices by a significant amount*Quality of our smoothie - I think the smoothies get airier and subsequently last longer (takes longer to drink) which is a great thing when you are feeding lots of clamoring kids!*Two blades mean I can make smoothies followed by chopping / mixing baby food and not have to immediately wash between uses.*I like the looks of the blender base when I leave it out on my counter vs. the NutriBullet. We make so many smoothies, shakes, and baby food throughout the day that it usually stays on the countertop, even though I have a space for it in my cabinet. (One of the reasons I decided against trying the Ninja was the look- which I don't care for- and the cost)CONS:*The opposite twisting action of the blade or lid is a pain to remember. I hope we get used to it and don't have to think about it every time! But it isn't a big deal. (I think it is funny though that on the Cuisinart website they have a video to showcase the blender and the woman that does the demo repeatedly tries to screw it on in the conventional direction and has to verbalize to do it the other way (as if to remind herself!).*The only other con would be if I was using it to replace the Vitamix - which it just isn't meant to replicate.For the $$, I added on the 4 year warranty for $7. I hope that it lasts and that the warranty keeps it working in our family for years. I will update if it burns out sooner than one would expect. Fingers crossed!