Cuisinart CSB-175BKQVC 300 Watt 2-Speed Hand Blender - Black | Immersion Blender for Smoothies, Soups & Sauces | Compact & Powerful Kitchen Tool

I used cuisinart's previous version of this blender stick for smoothies almost every day last summer. I moved to a new place and left it behind so needed a new one. This is just as great, if not better. The top switch to swap between "Low" and "High" power feels a little cheap material-wise, but the little plastic bump-out makes it easy to flip even if your hands are slippery.The previous version had rubber buttons that felt a bit better but the plastic buttons on this version seem like they're more durable and give you a more natural/accessible grip on the handle because they press easily and push in deeper.You're not supposed to use it to blend ice, but frozen fruit works perfectly. I've already made close to 50 smoothies with it and the motor hasn't had any issues--even if I batch out 3 or 4 smoothies in a row.The measuring cup it comes with is great to blend in, but the plastic is a bit thin, so it gets scuffed up and a bit brittle after recieving a lot of use (mine is still usable after 50 smoothies, but I doubt it will be pristine after another 50 or so).For that reason, I recommend pairing it with the Cuisinart travel cups, since the plastic on those is much more thick/durable and gets you multiple cups so you can safely blend directly in the travel cup and then toss it in the dishwasher when you're done without having to handwash every time (if you make them frequently).The handle disconnects from the blade "stem" making it super easy to clean, especially with a dishwashing bristle brush to get up behind the blades.The low and high options are nice so that you can start blending on low to avoid burning out the motor and splashing ingredients all over, then switch to high to get a smoother blend.Used it once and it was okay but cumbersome. Second time, after one month of not using, it doesn’t even turn on. Either I bought a lemon or the product in general isn’t any good.It turns out I was not pressing the second button -to unlock the apparatus - so I am the lemon and the product is fine.This works and gets the job done, however it has a lock button to keep the blade in motion, this is difficult to keep on. I often need to keep holding down and it becomes tiresome and can aggravate my arthritis in my thumb.My last Cuisinart hand mixer lasted 15 years. This one I suspect will.last just as long. FYI never wash in dishwasher. Water will sit on bushings an cause rusting.Mixing - The two speed operation is handy. For making soups, you can do most of the job on low speed, even with chunky vegetables. This makes it easier to control how thick the final product is, and it makes for less possibility of splash-ups. The switch feel is sure (good tactile feel). The blade is stocky and sharp - it looks like it's built for business. I blended a large pot of tomato black bean garlic soup down in under 30 seconds.Motor - Plenty of power. It's quiet compared to my last blender (especially on low), which was 3x the price. I cannot comment on durability yet, as this is a new model.Size/weight/feel - Hefty, but not heavy. It has a quality feel with a nice balance. If it were too light, it would feel cheap.Cord - Long enough to get the job done, but not too long to make wrapping up the cord a hassle.Assembly/Cleaning - Easy to attach/detach. The lock-up feels solid. So far, there's little mechanical play in the interface. It's very easy to clean by hand if you don't wait for it to dry up.I've grown to like Cuisinart products. It looks like they have a winner here.4/10/2013 update - I've had this for several months now, and I can say the concern about the plastic gear on the prior version does not appear to be an issue on this design. I've used it dozens of times and there is not a hint of wear. Bumping to 5 stars. It's one of my favorite kitchen tools.11/17/2013 update - Still going strong. This is my single favorite kitchen tool, and I have lots of them. It's the best combination of usefulness and fun factor. So nice not to have to drag out the food processor for so many tasks any more. I just made a super creamy hummus (in the can, no less) in under five minutes. Fast, yummy, inexpensive and so easy to clean up afterwards.2/4/16 update - This is my *favorite* kitchen gadget ever. My latest 'discovery' is you can make a fool proof mayo with this puppy. I will use this till it dies (some day), then I will buy another one just like it.3/3/2016 update - well that's the end. After three years of regular use, it's time to get a new one. Very high gear noise, and I'd give it another month tops before it destroys itself. If this is the current model, I will gladly get a replacement.There is an on button above the blend button. The On button must be pushed and held to push blender button. While the on button can be released while blending, stopping the blending function then requires the two buttons to be pushed again. Seems that two hands are needed to use the unit but then if blending a smoothie, the cup can fall over.However, after a few uses, I found that wrapping your hand around the top, you can use two fingers to work the buttons.Ok... so I've read review after review of people bitching and moaning about having to HOLD DOWN TWO BUTTONS to operate this blender.... WRONG!!!! You must press the Top button initially yes, but once the blender starts going it stays depressed ON ITS OWN... YOU DO NOT NEED TO HOLD DOWN THE LOCK BUTTON ON TOP & THE POWER (HIGH/LOW) BUTTON AT THE SAME TIME!!!Reading the instruction manual..... prior to leaving really horrible reviews might be a good idea..... I see one completely untrue review has a dozen likes... it's a shame & is really lame. This is a sturdy awesome small appliance.I always check the online price of items I'm going to buy on Amazon, against the online prices at Walmart... to gauge a proper price point. This exact item is currently $89.99 at Walmart. Getting it here for only $35.00... and delivered right to your door... at less than half the price, is beyond awesome! Especially for the Cuisinart brand name.It's got great power. It's light enough to hold easily... works great for blending soups. The blending attachment detaches easily for quick clean up. It is also a good looking appliance. Doesn't look cheap. Would definitely recommend. It's a great deal here on Amazon.*** TOP 1000 REVIEWER... IF YOU APPRECIATE THIS FEEDBACK PLEASE HIT HELPFUL, THANKS!! ***I love the Cuisinart blender we have in the USA, which is why I ordered this one (at 3 times the price) for use in the UK.But what came was a standard US blender, that requires a 120v 60Hz power supply. It even came with a US plug, which at least saved me from plugging it in and blowing it up.I made potato soup for my first use and it turned my soup into a nice thick soup with no fiber left Took about 20 seconds. I was surprised on how fast it worked and I had no spillage or soup flying. No mess at all and it takes like 20 seconds to clean it. Just press the button and the shaft comes off and is ready to be rinsed under the sink. There is a button at the top to press for a second and then one presses one of the power buttons to activate the blender. One can then release the top button. I think its a set up to make it child safe Also the shield around the blade also prevents one from accidentally cutting one self with the sharp blade. One can push it all the way down to the bottom of the pan, and the blade will not touch the pan as its recessed inside the shield.I am dumbfounded and flabbergasted at all of these reviews. The safety switch is very easy to opperate. Great machine does the job and given how independent children are around the house these days the saftey button is SMART. With all due respect if you can not figure it out then you should not be near a stove in the first place, and you further proved why that saftey switch is so valubale .The unit itself works great. It's strong, fast and relatively plug-and-go! The locking mechanism at the top is for safety. Hold it down before you start the unit then you can let it go once you begin. If you live alone you can consider bypassing the lock by modifying it but be mindful that it's there for a reason and it's meant to be awkward! I have no problem with the lock mechanism at all.The problem I had is that even once you unlock, start and then release the lock button - the units buttons that need to be held down in order to work are hard to press with the way your hand grips the unit and require it to be pressed firmly, which creates an awkward position and over time really starts to hurt!Maybe I have a weak grip, but my husband also noticed that holding the "on" button for extended periods was just not comfortable at all. That being said, because it's a powerful unit I didn't need to have it on for more then 30-45 seconds at a time for my soups, so maybe in time my grip will benefit from the workout :PBut making dressings, mayo or sauces that require oil drizzling in it slowly is downright painful for me to hold with 1 hand for minutes at a time while emulsifying. When I hold it with 2 hands I am fine, no problem at all - but then I cannot drizzle the oil in while it's on. Thankfully I have a hubby who can drizzle while I hold the machine ^_^ Not ideal, maybe.All that said, I don't regret the purchase. The price point and strength of the unit is unmatched so I see this issue as a trade off for value gained. I think if the placement of the buttons was changed to be more user-friendly this would be absolutely perfect!