I too have had blender problems over the past two years. Finally I have found one that is holding up. The one I liked and worked really well I don't remember what brand it was. I am guessing an Oster.that one met my sweet Raven who loves to climb second only to pushing things off the counter to hear them crash as they break into many pieces. That sounded so good that she returned to the counter after mom cleaned up the mess and started on the other dishes on the counter. I have burned out two or three blenders during my days of volunteering at 24 carat shelter. I finally bought the did-range blender that Oster makes, it is twelve speeds and had a glass container not a plastic one. I have actually managed to keep this one for 15 months an new record. One of the things I did figure out that was contributing to the demise of the blenders was when I was making the Duck Soup I was using ingriedients that were hot right after I had boiled the chicken or Turkey. The broth was hot as was the meat and I believe that is what actually burned it out, it overheated very quickly. I also started using more broth to the meat and smaller portions at a time. I have to do more blending but I have less probelsm with overheating and as I said I've had this blender for 15 months a record for me. There is one blender made by Oster that is the top of their line, it's a bit more money I can't say it is better I have't used it. I bought mine at Walmart and it was under $30.00. The one my Raven claimed as a new game was more expensive around $42.00. I also look for ones that crush ice and have a puree or liquifier setting. The Oster I have now is all metal drives 12 speed with two speeds low and high. It also came with an attachment that looked like a food processor attachment. They have some really expensive one but I really couldnt afford to spend that kind of money on a blender. One other thing that added to the demise of my blenders was I missed getting a couple tiny bones from a chicken and they jammed and burned the motor out really quickly, before I knew something was in the soup the smell of burning motor was upon me once it was a tiny section of the neck bone. The blender still worked but wouldn't puree the meat, wouldn't even make a milk shake. I hope this helps you to find a good sturdy blender. I tried using the semi puree chicken for soup, my kids are fussy they don't want lumps in their soup they don't want to have to chew anything. I had to go out to Walmart that night and get a new blender and re-puree the soup before they would accept it. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all of the FML members, I love reading the posting even if I cry every time I read about someone loosing their baby. I have been touched by so many stories. this is a great thing you are doing, I miss being able to go to the shelter and caring for the kids there and nursing the sick ones back to health or just making them comfortable until their time comes to go to the Rainbow Bridge. If only they would legalize the kids here so I could become involved in a shelter again. If there is anyone tht know of rescue in northern California where I might get involved in you can contact me @ [log in to unmask] Joelene [Posted in FML 5463]