How is the vitamix really supposed to be?

[PixieLed]

I just bought a second hand vitamix for $135, and it's quite a few years old... At least 4 or 5 I believe. It's the Vitamix 3600 Plus model. I've been using it for more than a few days and I'm not sure if the vitamix is up to what I've heard it can do, or if I just don't know how to use it, since it didn't come with a manual.

Basically I try to make smoothies and I put it on "high" and there are still lots of chunks left after quite a few seconds (say 20 seconds or 30 seconds) of blending. In fact the smoothie gets quite warm but there is still lots of chunks... even though the rest of the smoothie is very "smoothed out". Also, I wasn't able to make any smooth creamy nut cheeses or nut sauces.... no matter how much water I add.

Is the vitamix just not as good as everyone says it is, or is it that my vitamix is too old or worn out to do the trick? I'm really curious about anyone who has an old vitamix and what they think.

Thank you so much for your input!!

[GlimR]

Hi~
I had the older stainless model for years that I bought new....their warrenty is 7 years from purchase but mine lasted much longer than that. If anything you might need to replace the blades....the vitamix company has excellent customer service.....you should give them a call and ask them what they think. It should blend everything super smooth in a minute or less. It is not working right if it is getting warm...means you are blending way too long~ Best of luck~

PS Do you use the tamper to move things into the blades as it runs? That might help too~

[goodbeets]

Dearpixieled, I would say, yeah, check out replacement blades as I have had mine for 10 years and it still blends the heck out of everything and creams those nuts to whipped cream delights.