Wow, talk about a variety of answers. Everyone's input has been great !! Just what I needed - still not quite sure if or what I will buy but this has certainly helped. I am still leaning towards a Cuisinart 600 watt model but our WalMart has a KA 300 watt model for 1/2 the money. It's hard now that so much electronic stuff is made in China. I do believe KA was an excellent product prior to the China thing & maybe even Cuisinart has done the same thing but I have read excellent reviews on the Cuisinart models & not so much for KA. In the past I have been a firm believer in KA products but now, not so sure. THANK YOU everyone for all of your valued opinions.