I’ve had the base model for about 15 years with zero complaints. I think the fancy programs are only needed if you’re using the friction to heat soup or doing other more complicated tasks. I’ve never had anything come up that I couldn’t do with the base model (on off, 10 variable speeds all controlled with knobs and switches, no buttons) and were pretty adventurous when it comes to cooking. I even have the dry grinding container for spices and have used it to grind wheat. The thing is a tank.