answer:I’ve used my parent’s Vitamix before and I love it for making smoothies and milkshakes. apparently it is very versatile as you can make soup from it and consistent bread dough judging from the recipe books provided and the loaves of bread my mother has made. I’ve found that it is really easy to clean and fairly easy to use, and it’s quick. (and love how it can make apple seeds digestible by the human body) If there is anything I dislike about it, it’s that it isn’t very forgiving if operated incorrectly. Turn it on and if it isn’t at the lowest speed setting, you’re going to smell burnt rubber all day. However a little diligence helps solves the this problem. Money-wise… I don’t know. I know my parents got theirs from Costco and it was something half it’s usual price so if I came across a deal like that, I’d probably go for it. I like the blender and perhaps it is worth the full price, but I don’t need it. Another blender doesn’t spring to mind, the Vitamix is definitely the best one I’ve used thus far. There are probably better blenders or ones of comparable quality for lower prices, but I have no idea what.