I received this kitchen appliance as a wedding present 12 years ago and it is by far my favorite 'tool' in the kitchen. It has held up for quite some time and still performs like it's right out of the box. It is unbelievably versitale in it's ability to chop and prep veggies, make pie crusts, mix fillings and puree' just about anything. I use it in place of a blender or a stand mixer all the time.