I read all the reviews and the majority seemed to say it was a good machine. I ground up about 7 lbs of sirloin steak that was on sale and it did real well. However, being the skeptic that I am and sharing your concerns I bought the extended warranty for two years for seven bucks. Total replacement in that time period at the store. In fact, the cashier said bring it back anyway even if it runs before the warranty is over and they will give me a new one. I'm looking for some pork butts on sale to make some brats and breakfast sausage and I post up how it works.