I love this blender.
I have had 2 of the Wildside jars, but they last just past the warranty.
I use the small jar and the large jars.
Blendtec HP3A blender also features a functional menu that offers five different CATEGORIES (each category has five cycles to choose from):
1. BEVERAGES: Smoothie, XL Smoothie, Milkshake, FullStrength TM, Hot Chocolate.
2. DRINKS/ICE CREAM: Ice Cappuccino, Ice Cream, Mixed Drinks, Fruit Drinks, Granita.
3. WHOLE FOODS: Light Juice, Whole Juice, Frozen Fruit/Yogurt, Sauces/Dips, Soups.
4. FOOD PROCESSING: Chop, Whip, Puree, Knead Dough, Grind Grain.
5. MULTI-USE: Low Energy, Medium Energy, Speed 6, Medium Energy Up/Down, High Energy Up/Down.
AUTOMATIC CYCLE OPERATION (Excerpt from Instruction Manual)
Buttons 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the touch pad are pre-programmed cycles designed for easy-to-use recipes included in your recipe book. The cycles will start with the press of a button and will stop automatically when the cycle is complete. Button 5 is a speed key: This button is unique because it allows you to set the speed to your own desired setting. To set the speed, simply hold the 5 button down for a number of seconds. The Green LED display ill reflect the speed setting (1 through 10) on the left side. When you release the button, the motor will remain at the speed selected for 50 seconds unless you touch the button again to terminate the cycle.
Button 1: Blends soft items such as ice creams and shakes. It runs for 27 seconds at low speed. This setting is ideal for soft fruits such as grapes, peaches and oranges.
Button 2: Great granita and margarita cycle. Good for ice cubes, fruit syrups or concentrates. This is a short cycle at only 14 seconds varying between low and high speeds. Great for soft fruits.
Button 3: This is the most frequently used speed of all. This button provides a robust cycle for more difficult "smoothies" or frozen drinks of fruit and ice. The cycle runs 23 seconds. This cycle handles firmer fruits such as apples, pineapple with the core, watermelon with seeds, etc.
Button 4: This cycle is for frozen fruits and hard vegetables. This cycle fluctuates between lower and higher speeds to pull thicker materials into the blade. It is an excellent cycle for carrots, broccoli and hard materials such as whole wheat and rice.
Button 5: The speed key. This key is used when one wishes to control the cycle. In this mode, the motor will run as long as 50 seconds and at whatever speed you select up to speed 10 (28,000 RPM plus).
Button P: The Pulse button provides one with the ability to chop foods or make chunky salsa's by controlling the blade. The motor runs only while the "P" button is held down.
That is a total of 25 Pre-programmed Cycles for this best-selling Blendtec Champion HP3A 3-horsepower blender.