I bought this personal blender because I cook a lot of southeast asian food that requires grinding up pastes (sambals & curries), dry spices, peanut sauce, and salad dressings for two people. I even use the 16 oz. cups for chopped shrimp for dumplings and fish for thai fish cakes. This is way more convenient than using my small 3 cup Cuisinart food processor. The small containers are perfect for putting the sauces away without having to get out another glass jar or container.I also make a lot blended acai & fruit drinks, & mango lassi's with no problem crushing the ice. Putting the fruit first, then the ice at the top and enough liquid may help crush the ice more for some people having trouble.Love it! Get it! It is the most used kitchen appliance in my kitchen.So far I've only had it for 3 months. I will update later on longevity.And as usual, no problems with ordering from Amazon.