This blender does not take up much counter space but don't let the size fool you on performance. This blender does a great job of chopping up fruit and ice. I have put big strawberries that I only cut in half in my smoothie and this blender purees them just fine. The blades are metal and sharp, so ice is not problem for it. The jar says 14 ounces but when I filled it with water it held 18 ounces. That means you can make a two cup smoothie. The blender even has a hideaway cord wrap.