Country: 195.22.20.186, Europe, PT

City: -9.1394 , Portugal

Had some hesitancy in purchasing this product after reading the mixed Amazon reviews. But after my Oster $30 blender finally kicked the bucket and in need for my daily smoothie, I decided to purchase the Ninja. While some reviews complained at how noisy it is, I was pleasantly surprised at how much quieter it was over the Oster (maybe 40% reduction). In terms of blending, wow, no comparison what so ever to the Oster. While the Oster really struggled to blend frozen fruit, ground flax seed, Greek yogurt, and some V-8 juice, the Ninja blended it without any effort in only three pulses (and I really don't understand how some reviewers faulted the Ninja for not blending smoothies perfectly)! The Ninja is an impressive piece of engineering that is the epitome of thoughtful consumer design. The machine is hefty, the pitcher made of quality and durable polycarbonate, and I expect this blender to last way beyond the two to three years I get out of a typical $30 blender. I haven't crushed ice yet for margaritas, but I expect it will handle that task given how powerful the motor is and the sharpness (and number of blades). But, as others have warned, the blades are unbelievably sharp. Despite knowing this fact, I still managed to slice my index finger severely (should have had 3-4 stitches-but I am stubborn, just rubbed some dirt in it) while trying to extract the last bit of smoothie from the pitcher (warning, do no turn upside down without the lid locked firmly in place-the blade apparatus slides out very easily). While some might fault the Ninja for my injury, it was operator error all the way. So do not underestimate the blades, and in fact, I clean it by a few drops of Dawn, hot water, a couple of pulses, rinse and then done. Don't even try to take out blade assembly out and wash, too much chance for error. I also love the suction cups that keeps the Ninja firmly on the counter, it doesn't move like the Oster did when blending (though some might complain that moving the Ninja from the counter-top to a cabinet might find the suction cups annoying). Finally, after comparing the reviews between the Ninja Professional vs. the entry level Ninja, I decided to go with the Professional because of the single serve options. Haven't used them yet but I can see the utility of having them (not to mention, it seems the Professional is a bit more heavy duty than the entry level Ninja). If you are wondering if the Ninja price tag, more three times of a bottom end blender is worth it, I will attest that the Ninja Professional is worth the extra cost.

This is by far my favorite go-to brand for valve oil. I use it on my trumpet and my horn. I am especially happy that there are no dies.