I needed to get the hang of using it. At first I was noticing it having a bit of a hard time with harder fruits/vegetables, like carrots or apples. But after some practice, I learned to put the carrots in pointy side first and then apply some gentle pressure with the pusher as it feeds down. Sometimes if the carrot bottom is too wide, I remove it and cut it narrower. Also, it helps to cut the apples not too big or too small, with a point, so it catches and then apply some pressure. It takes greens, like kale very well. I do not need to use the pusher at all. Also, I learned when you alternate, kale, carrot, etc., that it takes it easier. It does take some time from start to finish, washing the fruits/vegs, juicing and then cleaning up. The actual juicing part is relatively quick. The clean up is basically easy but has a couple steps. It would be nice if the plastic containers to hold the juice and pulp were something other than plastic. I have not used the soft fruit attachment yet. The juice itself has practically no pulp and the process of making your own juice is fun & healthy.