I bought someone a Vitamix once - I was sort of shocked I was able to throw stuff in it, blend it, turn up the speed, and the blended stuff came out hot and consumable as a hot soup. It was easily cleanable, motor is strong, and just consistent and reliable. I suppose I had sticker shock too, but after seeing them in action, I feel it is top end stuff that one would happily pass on to kids, but I don't use a lot of blenders to really compare