Do I really need a Vitamix?

[sosiesmom]

I am making my purchases to start cooking real raw meals, but I just can't make myself spend $300 some on a Vitamix. I have a Cuisinart which has blender and food processor features. It's about 2 years old. So what's your take - am I setting myself up for disaster by relying on that Cuisinart? Or will it carry me through ok?

[rawpriestess]

it depends on what you want to make.


I use my Vita Mix every day, but only you know if your blender will handle what you want to make in it.

I make nut milk shakes every day.

so, I'm grinding ice all the time.

[Shivananda]

It's an OK start. Upgrade when you can. High speed blenders like the 2 hp L'Equip ($129) and Vitamix ($340-450) or 3 hp Blend-Tec ($340) do an excellent multipurpose job, but a cheapie with a new blade will actually get you by for a while. For laughs I am using a $19 Hamilton Beach "Wave Action" to make my green smoothies in right now and it does a surprisingly good job. I just don't expect that to last too long. :)

[gavinart]

Vitamix changed my life. I'm able to make cashew milk so quickly! Grinds flax to powder and makes cacao into dust.

A VERY good investment.

[Punky]

I LOVE my Vitamix and am so glad I bought it.
But you can definately get by without it.
I used my KitchenAid blender
for many years rawing it before I could afford to get my Vitamix.
A vitamix just makes things easier. It makes creamier nutmilks and can
do so many things a regular blender can not.

[RowanC]

No, you do NOT need a Vitamix at all!
I have never had one. My blender and cuisinart work fine.

When I visited my grandmother this month, SHE has a vitamix which I used. I couldn't tell any difference between it and my blender. Too much money. Unless you have cash laying around, I don't think the price justifies any difference.