Pros: easy cleanup and small footprint means this thing could help you achieve one step closer to healthier eating. This thing truly rocks.

Cons: crappy plastic drive gear breaks for most people. Manufacturer knows about this, and I have not been able to find replacement parts. They don't mention the crappy little plastic gear on the television ads, I don't think.

Bottom Line: I didn't use the o-rings. The thing leaks when you fail to use the o-rings. The plastic drive mechanism for the blade cracked, and I thought it was toast. I was going to throw it out, but went on google and used 'how to fix a bullet blender' as my search phrase, and found instructions to fix the thing on ehow.com.
The manufacturer, I guarantee you, knows about this problem (crappy plastic drive gear) and does NOT offer replacement parts that I am aware of. That's designed perhaps to move more units? I don't know. But they should be ashamed, eh? My bad if I'm wrong, but I could not find any replacement parts, but LOTS of articles on Google about the cracked plastic drive mechanism.
Ok. Use the o-ring, or your goo will ooze into the motor. This is not good for the motor. If your motor starts smoking, this can be construed as a request by your blender to purchase a NEW blender and use the o-rings next time. Seriously. Use the o-rings. The blender does not leak if you use the o-ring. Ok. So, use the o-ring. Did I mention, you should use the o-ring?
Mine sadly broke after a year of allowing goo to leak into the motor (not using the o-ring). I even dishwashered the thing to clean the goo out of the motor. This could be construed as abuse. Avoid abuse. Abuse may lead to needing a new Bullet. I love the thing and am shopping for a new one. Now that I know how to fix the inferior plastic drive gear, I have no fear. I know I will never fail to use the o-ring, either. Looking forward to my new one. I used mine only for smoothies, protein drinks, after my workout. Can't beat it! Use the o-ring, or suffer the consequences. Bullet blender rocks. Shame on the manufacturer for knowing about the shoddy plastic drive gear and not making spare parts available. But get one of these, and use the o-ring. You'll love it.
By the way, don't cram the thing with ice. You'll crack that crappy plastic drive gear. And throw it away (when you could instead look online for easy fix instructions).
Use the o-ring. Don't cram full of ice. Enjoy!


Recommended: yes