I bought the Vitamix based on friends recommendations. They have each had Vitamix for 10+ and 15+ years so I figured a refurbished model would be a great way to get a reliable machine at a lower price. I absolutely love it. Used it to mince onion and garlic with the wet chop method for a soup. It does an excellent job and made mincing so easy compared to normal. My smoothies come out much better than my old blender. The seeds from blackberries aren't totally undetectable but not nearly as noticeable as before - I'm not stopping with each sip to chew or expect seed. It's just a slight texture but sips just fine. It handles ice like nothing. Fresh or frozen berries it does great. I'm thrilled with how well it does for smoothies.I learned not to froth eggs to much when whipping them in the Vitamix. Too much air and they stuck to the non-stick pan - never been an issue before. But keep it less than speed 3 and it does a great job beating them to a good consistency.Looking forward to trying some salsa and marinara recipes as well as slaw since it handles everything so quickly.Most other reviews complained about it being loud but I was surprised it was actually pretty quiet for a blender. Speed 10 is still less volume than my old blender. Very pleased so far and hoping it holds up as many years as the ones my friends have.