Guys, please!!! Do not buy this blender!! It's a piece of junk, a fire hazard & it's not worth the money!! It's supposed to be able to make hot soups. It has a heating element in the base that heats soups & sauces to a light boil or simmer. But the wiring for the heater can overheat, start to burn & becomes a fire hazard!!! It is supposed to be able to compete with the Vitamix machines, but it doesn't at all!! And it still has a plastic drive mechanism Not good!! The Vitamix blenders all use friction to heat up the soups, no wires or heaters. I'm so glad that I didn't fall for a Ninja blender!!!!Bells & whistles galore, but be extra careful & stay away from this piece of junk!!!! Get a Vitamix instead!!!