KitchenAid KSB5MC 5-Speed Blender, Metallic Chrome

I bought this blender about 5 years ago and had to replace the coupling just into the 2nd year. I bought metallic chrome finish since chrome was so expensive and I really didn't want to constantly see prints and whatnot requiring wiping. Looks great with my all black appliances and still offers the design-feel of chrome w/o the smudging issues.

I found out I could order the couplings online cheap so I figured that would be the biggest challenge. Not so -- as I soon discovered upon attemtping to get at the coupling that a unique tool not sold to mankind is required - and therefore you must bring the device to a Kitchenaide cerfified repair center to keep it under warranty. This was confirmed by the certified repair guy. For $25 and my purchased coupling, he fixed it for me but going forward, I will spare myself the fast wear on the rubber couplings by letting my freezer make chipped ice rather than put whole ice cubes in the blender to crush. Since I've been doing that, my machine has gone another 3 years without needing a coupling replacement.

I will add that being smart about how you layer things in the blender will help ensure a good, even blended result. I put fresh fruit cubed into 1" or so pieces, then chipped ice, then yogurt or whey protein, etc. so neither the liquid nor the hard stuff is first. That seems to have consistently ensured a great end result. I would buy this product again and prefer it over a Cuisinart... but if I was offered a Vitamix or Breville product for the same price, maybe not :) My biggest issue is not being able to do simple maintance independently due to design.

Friends gave us this blender. The entire rubber coupling ground off for no reason all of a sudden one day. I don't use it that often so it wasn't abused. The only time we even crush ice in it is when they are here (once a year). I had an Osterizer for years and never had problems with it. I guess our friends just didn't like the avocado green. Glad I didn't get rid of the Oster. I don't recommned this one. I think Kitchenaid is going downhill. I've had a 5 QT mixer for years and loved it. Then bought the 6QT that has since died after one year. They need to get their act together.

As one of the aging baby boomers, we all grew up knowing and recognizing that KithenAid was associated with quality. This blender is an example of what has unfortunately happened to this company.

I originally purchased this blender because a wanted a more powerful, reliable blender. If this is your quest, don't stop with this blender, everything you read in the reviews that is negative is true. It starts with the little rubber wheel that drives the blender blades in the jar itself. In a very short amount of time the rubber teeth break off, then the circuit board fails and all the blender will do is flash blinking red lights. (I must say that this can occur in reverse order or any order for that matter) The only good thing about this blender is that it has a thick glass jar, so when the blender fails it makes a good water pitcher, but unfortunately, while you are pouring water into your glasses you are forced to recognize that that everything else associated with the blender ended up in the trash can long ago.

I will never buy another KitchenAid product again!!! They have not stood behind this product and are not the company today that cares what you or anyone else thinks -- they are just after making their bottom line.

Quality product, sturdy, runs great, easy to clean, easy to use.
Great for shakes, smoothy, pancake batter, and many others.

bought it a few weeks ago and have been using it. It's very powerful, strong, smooth, and i like the 5 speed options it provided!!! It's easy to clean up and works well w/ many ingredients. Not to mention, i like the sleek look of this blender as well.