KitchenAid KSB354OB 3-Speed Classic Blender with 40-Ounce Glass Jar (Onyx Black)

I've had this blender for a couple of weeks now and have used it almost every day. Thus far, have only made smoothies (using frozen components), a batch of chimichurri (that I over-blended; pilot error), and an experimental ice crushing.

I'm very pleased with the blender:

1. As long as there's enough liquid involved, has not been fazed thus far by frozen items. It does what it's supposed to do very well.
2. Because the buttons are flush with pedestal, easy to clean base.
3. As blenders go, noise isn't overwhelming.

The above reads to me as a rating of 3, but I give it a 4 based on my satisfaction with it based on all kinds of blender reviews I read before I bought this one.

Some minor cons:

1. When it's really going to town at high speed, the blender sometimes walks the counter, so you've got to keep your eye on it.
2. The blender *would* be hard to clean, I think, because it was a real bear to un-do the components. However, I clean the blender by rinsing it out after use, putting a little dab of dishwashing liquid plus hot water, then I run the blender. I then rinse with hot water. Works great!
3. The owner's manual lacks much meaningful usage guidance, such as what to blend or not to blend. Or guidance on speeds for various items.
4. It's height is such that it doesn't fit under my kitchen cabinets when fully assembled, but not in use. Could be a problem for some.

This blender is the best blender I have ever had. I use it every day to make smoothies and it is perfect. I love the design - it looks great on my counter. Additionally, I love the "Smoothie" button as part of the speed controls. All I have to do is hit one button and my smoothie is blended to perfection. Although I know the jar comes apart, I just put the whole thing in the dishwasher and it comes out super clean. After dealing with cheap, junky blenders for many years now, I am SOOOO glad I invested in this blender. It does NOT disappoint. It has great looks and great performance, too. THANKS!!!

When I got married, we recieved none one, but three blenders. One was a nice looking chrome Halmilton Beach, one was a smoothie spout type gimicky blender and the other was a cheap thing we returned. The "smoothie" blender gave up within months. After 5 years of marriage and blending, our Hamilton Beach gave up on us as well.
We decided to find something new after Christmas and got a fantastic deal on this Blender for $50 at Kohls.

I will never buy another brand of blender again! This thing is fantastic. We use it daily to make smoothies. We just toss in frozen strawberries, peaches and blueberries, some apple juice and let it go. They come out with perfect consistency every time. The 40oz. pitcher is nice and wide and holds plenty!

I love the design of the blender. It seems like it would be hard for the parts to break or fail. It's built to sort of keep itself from over-working.

Overall, it's stylish, takes up very little space on my counter and works like a dream. It's super easy to clean as well. I have many Kitchenaid products and every time I buy one, I'm reminded why!