Hamilton Beach PowerMax Professional-Performance Blender for Shakes and Smoothies, Puree and Ice Crush, 48oz BPA-Free Glass Jar, 1680 Watts, Stainless Steel Blades (58600) GREY

I wasn't sure how this would perform compared to more expensive brands for making smoothies. I use a LOT of ice so I need a blender that can blast through it. I have been greatfully surprised have how well it has performed. Smoothies have a great texture. Motor has plenty of power. The removable top of the canister fits nicely and I like the "stay open" lid for pouring. The glass canister is quite heavy, which is a minor downside. Overall, it's a great blender for the price.

I took a shot on this blender because it had the power I was looking for and a glass jar rather than plastic. At first, I loved it. It powered through frozen fruit, raw apples and carrots, and made oats disappear into a perfect creamy smoothie. The size and feel of the jar itself were perfect and there was no risk of the bottom of the jar tightening to the point that it could not be unscrewed - like my previous blender.And then one day, just outside the 30 day return window, I went to make my daily smoothie and the thing was suddenly insanely, hazardously loud. I had sharp pain in my ear and ringing that did not immediately go away. Previously, it had been normal blender loud. Now, it’s “wear protective ear equipment or it will cause permanent hearing loss” loud. I have a toddler who hangs around my legs, so I can no longer safely use this.It’s a powerful blender, but entirely not worth the risk. I haven’t had a smoothie in over a month because the idea of using this fills me with dread, and I can’t reasonably spend even more money on a new blander. Pass on this.

We use the blender primarily to make smoothies -- ice chunks, yogurt, kale, avocado, almond milk, frozen fruit, sometimes a little something more. It does a nice job and cleans up without stress. Can't ask for more than that. A sturdy little machine for a good price.

Is great! Love it and it’s glass not pladtic

I love my blender. Making smoothies or mixed drinks the blender crushes ice perfectly ending with a smooth tasting drink! I love that it’s glass and not plastic and everything comes off well for an easy clean up. Really great made blender and would highly recommend!

I've had this blender for about a year and everything was working pretty decently until one day I smelled a burning smell and immediately stopped the blender. When I picked up the jar the bottom of the blade plastic holder was melted as seen in the picture. The blade also does not spin anymore. It's locked up.

One of my favorite products I have ever purchased on Amazon. Makes excellent piña colada's with normal sized ice cubes. I recommend using the purée selection for ice drinks. Do not use the liquify selection for ice drinks.

UPDATE! Blade assembly failed in 6 months and permits food product to leak and prevent blades from turning. After taking assembly apart, discovered mold and dried food under the metal blade. Contacted Hamilton Beach and was told "Hamilton Beach is unable to provide refunds for products not purchased directly from our website within 60 days." The booklet that comes with the machine states "This product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship 3 years from the date of original purchase in the US." To be fair, HB did offer a discount on the purchase of a new blade assembly.Purchased mainly to make smoothies.Pros: Glass jar is large enough for two people to have a good serving each with one blending, three clearly marked speed levelsCons: EXTREMELY loud on the 2nd & 3rd speed settings, assembly blade part becomes very stiff and will not spin well if not used every day (even after very thorough cleaning), base assembly is very wide and hard for a smaller hand to unscrew for cleaning.