I've had my Blendtec for over 10 years. However, if you do a lot of smoothies & thicker smoothie bowls, you'll want something with a tamper. Vitamix machines are usually the way to go, but there's a new brand that is much cheaper ($180) that has good reviews:

• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094B94BM

It was well-reviewed on Wirecutter:

• https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blender/