I saw less expensive models, but chose this because people said I wouldn't need to strain the nut milks to make them palatable and I was excited about the self-cleaning function. NO COMPLAINTS. I use this 2-3 times a day (I have a special needs child who can't have dairy). It is super simple to use and the soy and nut milks are great! My son has been drinking shelf-stable soy milk for more than a decade, and I was worried that he wouldn't like this as much as store-bought. WRONG. He loves the soy milk! FYI: His mom and big brother are quite happy with the almond and pecan milk as well. Having an extra reservoir for the water used in cleaning is so handy. I add all of the ingredients and a short time later the soy milk is done and the machine is all clean and ready to make more! Great product!