Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have had my Smart Stick for few weeks and am loving it! So easy to use, clean, and store. I am enjoying many more healthy smoothies in the morning, along with delicious soups for lunch. I learned NOT to lift it up too high when blending. (Opps!) Easy applesauce....I peeled and cut apples, simmered them down, added some cinnamon, and nutmeg.....and gave them a whirl. Delicious! Also made a sweet potato and carrot mix, simmered, drained, added some ginger, and easily whipped it into a side dish my grandchildren loved! So far...so very good!! Glad I bought it. Arrived promptly and no problems. Update: 4/23/13: Ignore the words above!!! After maybe 10 uses, none of them on challenging mixes, my Smart Stick has broken.The plastic gear inside looks rough and ragged. The blade barely turns. It happened as I attempted to blend cooked carrots into a soup. I never used it on anything that seemed too solid, so I am very disappointed as I really liked it. Some of the other reviewers mentioned the plastic gear as a weak spot and they were right. Why doesn't Cuisinart make that gear metal rather than plastic??? Buyer beware!