Vitamix Blenders

[JHZR2]

Was walking through Wegmans today, and they had all kinds of manned displays and demonstrations. One of them was Vitamix - a $449 blender!!

Now, Ive seen lots of kitchen sales demonstrations for various gimmicky things, and I figure this is no different... They claim it is a 2HP blender (yeah right, on a regular 110 outlet????!? Just as bad as vacuum cleaner ratings), and it sure does make very smooth, creamy iced kinds of beverages. I sampled two different sorbets and a smoothie. They were also going to make soup in it.

The claim (didnt stay to watch) is that there is enough power imparted from the unit that running it continuously, filled with water, would cause the water to boil in six minutes, and you can use this fact (friction from the blades) to make soups straight from vegetables and water/stock, that will self-heat.

Searching online, it seems like there are some truths and some caveats.

But does anyone on here have one and use it regularly? What do you think of it? It is just a blender, with a big motor, in my view, and it does blend to the finest, smoothest liquid, but for $449 at Wegmans (and about the same at Amazon) thats one expensive blender, no?

 

[zloveraz]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Was walking through Wegmans today, and they had all kinds of manned displays and demonstrations. One of them was Vitamix - a $449 blender!!

Now, Ive seen lots of kitchen sales demonstrations for various gimmicky things, and I figure this is no different... They claim it is a 2HP blender, and it sure does make very smooth, creamy iced kinds of beverages. I sampled two different sorbets and a smoothie. They were also going to make soup in it.

The claim (didnt stay to watch) is that there is enough power imparted from the unit that running it continuously, filled with water, would cause the water to boil in six minutes, and you can use this fact (friction from the blades) to make soups straight from vegetables and water/stock, that will self-heat.

Searching online, it seems like there are some truths and some caveats.

But does anyone on here have one and use it regularly? What do you think of it? It is just a blender, with a big motor, in my view, and it does blend to the finest, smoothest liquid, but for $449 at Wegmans (and about the same at Amazon) thats one expensive blender, no?


I make soup with my blendtec all the time. I use to have a vitamix but killed it after 4 years got a blendtec and yes they are expensive.



And if you want to blend your iPhone to bits:

 

[wallyuwl]

Recently we were in the market for a new blender. Even waiting for a Today's Special Value on QVC (the best price you'll find a Vitamix), which they had a few weeks ago, we still decided it was too much money to spend on a blender.

Instead, we got this:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/pr...3?Keyword=ninja

It was $280 after a 20% off coupon. Had it about a month and it has been really good. We did try to make soup but it wasn't very good - I don't think it was THE blender but the fact of making soup in A blender. Bad texture, not much substance to it.

The Vitamix might be a little better quality but we just couldn't justify almost $200 more for just a blender when this came with all the other accessories (food processor stuff, cups, etc.).

 

[daves87rs]

Know a few folks who have them....and love them.


Also made in the US if that is a factor.....

 

[Boczech]

We have had ours for approx 7 years and it has held up to some real abuse. Have you looked at the Ninja ?

 

[TooManyWheels]

If you are making green smoothies, Vitamix and Blendteq are about the only blenders that will completely liquify seeds and greens. When you have lots of them, that becomes important. And when your use is once a day or more, the price is more understandable. No one buys one of these as their first blender, but after going through several others they often say they wish they had.

 

[LazyPrizm]

A friend of mine swears by his, but he's a 1+ smoothie a day guy (post-workout, various shakes, etc). It manhandles whatever he throws in, veggies, ice, etc. The ex-gf loved hers too, she'd make soups and almond milk in it.

I don't do much blending so I get by w/ a stick blender. I used to have a cheap upright blender, but a run w/ too much ice in it made the motor burn out. That said, I don't care to drop the $$ on something I'd use once a month, tops.

 

[SteveSRT8]

My vegan friend has a Vitamix. It is without a doubt a fantastic blender. And it should be.

Ninja is also pretty pricey, but we just got ours so I haven't used it much yet. Sure looks good in person!

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Boczech
Have you looked at the Ninja ?


We were given the $50 ninja kit a few years ago. It works well for chopping ice smooth.

 

[javacontour]

I have purchased cars for the price of that blender

 

[dareo]

Blendtec is what you want if you are interested in a real blender. They are designed and assembled in the USA. Vitamix stole their ideas and lost millions in court to Blendtec.

 

[SatinSilver]

Made in the USA! Large local employer here and expanding. Been around awhile. They even have a trade in program for older Vitamix blenders. One of my friends has worked there for 10 years or so.

https://www7.ultirecruit.com/VIT1001/JobBoard/ListJobs.aspx?__VT=ExtCan

Good comparison that gives the nod to Vitamix. You can get a reconditioned unit for $329.

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/blender-guide/best-blender-vitamix-vs-blendtec/

 

[zloveraz]

I'd get a blendtec all day every day. You just can't destroy those things.

BTW if you have a vitamix check if for recalls.

http://www.containerbladerecall.com/ProductEntry.aspx

http://consumerist.com/2013/11/01/why-do...fective-blades/

 

[UncleS2]

About a week ago, going through one of the cabinets, found the the old blender that I knew was *Somewhere* in the house. Either got it as a wedding gift or a bit later, call it mid-1970s. Model: Osterizer Imperial Cyclo-Trol Eight. The trim on the base & lid for the pitcher are Avocado Green(I told you it was from the 1970s!) I cleaned it up- that ancient motor runs *strong*. Plastic 5+ cup pitcher is discolored but otherwise OK. Blades were frozen solid, sealing ring & small filler cap missing. Found that everything was available, have new blade set & sealing rings, new filler cap on way.

Way back when, we made frozen Daquiris & Margaritas with it. Now- well, I thought I'd just resurrect it for the cool factor, & maybe use it to make cranberry relish for TG & Christmas.

Wonder if that Vitamix will work as well in 35+ years?

 

[tom slick]

A 2 hp motor will pull 12-14 amps on a 120v circuit, that would not overload a typical household circuit.

If I were spending that kind of money I'd buy a blendtec. besides their great commercials, they also make commercial blenders in the USA.

 

[JHZR2]

Wow, lots of nods to the blendtec. Will look into it, as well as the vitamix some more. I really do enjoy smoothies...

 

[TooManyWheels]

Originally Posted By: UncleS2


Wonder if that Vitamix will work as well in 35+ years?

Most go a very long time. Even longer if they sit unused like yours has.....

 

[TooManyWheels]

Originally Posted By: zloveraz
I'd get a blendtec all day every day. You just can't destroy those things.

BTW if you have a vitamix check if for recalls.


The Blendtec is known to have problems with the seals around the blade assembly, resulting in black goo in the pitcher.

 

[zloveraz]

Originally Posted By: TooManyWheels
Originally Posted By: zloveraz
I'd get a blendtec all day every day. You just can't destroy those things.

BTW if you have a vitamix check if for recalls.


The Blendtec is known to have problems with the seals around the blade assembly, resulting in black goo in the pitcher.


Glad it hasn't happened to me, proud owner since 2006 and a smoothie every morning! Over 2100 cycle counts on my reader.

 

[D189379]

I've also got a Blendtec. It's been great so far. It completely destroys frozen fruit from my deep freeze lol.