I bought a new blender last fall thinking it’d be an easy win, but within a few weeks the lid didn’t fit right and the motor gave off a burning smell. I had picked it mostly based on a flash sale without really comparing brands. Now I’m stuck trying to figure out if I should go with something from Black and Decker or try Hamilton Beach instead. Not just price — I care more about how long it’ll last and how easy it is to get help if something goes wrong.