purchased this blender as a replacement for one that I owned for about a year before the motor burned out. My previous appliance was more exspensive than this one and only had half the power of the europro model. As I use the blender quite frequently for preparing sauces, frozen drinks, etc, I need one that is powerful as well as durable. This item truly fits the bill. I love it! The extra blades shorten blending time while producing a more desireable result in less time. I also really like the configuration of the speed control knob as opposed to the usual row of several push-buttons. Makes for smoother transition from low to high power and cleanup is much easier as well. The selling price was great for the quality and power of the item. Although refurbished, you'd never know it from the level of performance you get with this blender. You would be hard put to find a blender of this quality and power level for twice the price of this one. Love, love, love it!