i love to juice and make smoothies. i have always wanted a vitamix blender, but it is way out of my price range. after researching several reviews, i found the oster versa, and learned it was comparative to the vitamix but for a much more affordable price. i even managed to find one on a half price sale! true to the reviews, it really is an awesome blender. it has a 1400watt motor and can do anything from greens, ice, nuts and hard veggies. it has a dial so you can control the speed but also has settings for smoothies, sauces, and soups. the soup dial has an extra feature and heats as it blends. this blender also comes with a tamper so you can safely push your ingredients down if you need to, while having just the perfect length so you know you won't hit the blades. the lid top doubles as a mini measuring cup, and there is a safety fuse, in case it gets to hot, it will shut down and after waiting the appropriate time, you can hit the reset button. (it actually does pay to read the instructions and not assume.) it has a 7yr warranty. i am having so much fun, that i am using it everyday, and i am very pleased i found this treasure.