Nicole Roberts

Agree with you - One more thing to check: the rubber jar pad on the motor base. If it’s missing or shifted the jar rocks slightly and the coupler chatters like a grind. After cleaning and make sure the blade assembly’s gasket/O-ring is seated flat; a pinched or missing gasket lets the bearing wobble and growl even if it feels tight. Also load liquids first and pulse on low before ramping up to cut cavitation; if it still grinds, ask the seller for a replacement blade assembly or coupler under warranty.

Great list - I'd add the Evenflo Otto and the Chicco Mini Bravo to your shortlist since both do a true one-hand standing fold and usually land under $200. For rough sidewalks, skip the ultra-tiny travel strollers and aim for wheels around 6 inches front/8 inches rear, then do a curb-pop test in store with weight in the seat to see how it handles one-handed. A cheap shoulder strap clipped to the frame makes stairs and buses way easier, and wiping grit off the wheel pivots after rainy days helps prevent the fold from jamming.

Keep the front element clean and use your hand just outside the frame to tame flare on sunny walks. For glare control use a polarizer and rotate until reflections drop, but mind the light loss, avoid stacking on wide lenses to prevent dark corners, back off if the sky bands, and remove it for portraits to keep natural catchlights.