must read- vitamix vs. blendtec

[rawererin]

i found this review when searching for a blender, i'm definitely getting a blendtec!
"I purchased this blender after reading THE CHINA STUDY, EAT TO LIVE, and GREEN FOR LIFE (all Highly recommended and if you are buying this blender you'd be missing out if you didn't read these books, particularly GREEN FOR LIFE).

All three books really drive home the importance of eating Greens (Swiss Chard, Kale, etc.)on a daily basis. For me, this was a challenge. The only way I could tolerate kale was to slather it with olive oil or butter and salt and cook it, thereby destroying most of the benefits. Even then I ate it dutifully and without pleasure. Then I read GREEN FOR LIFE and got the idea to blend up raw greens with bananas and other fruit into nutrient dense green smoothies.

You need the high power blender for this sort of thing, other blenders can't handle it. Thank goodness the Blendtec was mentioned in reviews for GFL, or I would have never even known about it. I ordered it with fingers crossed. It was a lot of money to plunk down for a blender and I was a little scared I wouldn't be able to drink the green stuff.

Not only did the blender perform like a dream, it make a killer green smoothie--no taste of kale! The cost of the blender is worth it for this reason alone. Now I can get my daily intake of greens without having to endure it. It's actually delicious and gives you a buzz of energy way better than coffee.

I'm telling you all this because I think that Blendtec has missed a major market demographic. The recipie book that comes with the blender can be discarded for this demographic. A lot of people need these blenders for a vegan or raw food and greens lifestyle and I think most of them end up with a Vita-mix because of the way they are marketed.

I have had a Vita Mix and can tell you this is Way better. One thing not mentioned in the specs is that the blendtec is only about 15 inches tall (unlike the Vitamix which is 20). That means it fits on your counter under your cabinets--very important for an appliance you might be using every day. Mine now occupies the space where the coffee pot used to be and I use it at least twice a day.

You can make nut butters, various flours, breads, soup....etc. It's so powerful I think the motor could fly a small plane.

You can walk away from this blender and it knows when to shut itself off, it is not as loud as the Vitamix even though it is more powerful, and the clean-up is a cinch. This is the single best appliance I've ever purchased. The only thing I wish it had is a retractable cord and better customer service.

If you are on the fence about this--buy it!"

[Damzlfly]

cool! Great info thanks! I have an el cheapo Oster blender...its OK but I think I've killed it haha...

Will look into the Blendtec! There are a few different styles - do you have a preference?

[tvillemom]

I'm going to check into this. Does it cost more or less than the vitamix?
Wendi

[RawVegan4Health]

I've been wanting to compare them after reading the same Amazon review about the Green For Life book. I have a regular old blender, but it is starting to leak out the bottom and that is annoying. So I have been looking at blenders, and it seems the only way to get a good one is to order one of these. Thanks for the comparison, I was wanting to hear from someone who has tried both! That helps a lot.

[Eilene]

I have had both. Both are great...but I love, love, love the Blendtec.

[LightLover]

Rawererin, I never heard that a Vitamix is not equipped with enough power to make all kinds of great green smoothies. (It has 2 horsepowers).
Can you explain this, and tell what "goes wrong" with the Vitamix?

thanks, LL :p

[Zella Juice]

we have Blentecs at our juice bar. we use them for green smoothies and they do Great. We even sell green smoothies here.

People ask for more energy and want some kinda powdered boost and we tell them...the best thing you can do is throw a leafy green in there. It is really catching on. I even contacted Victoria B. to see if I can sell her book here (Green for Life).

Alot of people can't just go to a raw diet..they need that transition. And adding green smoothies is easy for them to do and tastes great.

ops off the subject. I think I still want a Vitamix cause I hear you can do other things with them.

[StarFire]

I don't have either one - so thanks for sharing the info! Now I know which one to buy when I do spend the $$ :D

[Ashira]

Just my 2 cents...
My hubby and I have been researching blenders for awhile and are going to purchase a blendtec (formerly KTEC) as soon as we kill our current blender! :) One of the things that impressed my hubby was that Starbucks has switched to the blendtec, and we figured with their volume they would want a top of the line tool. Happy smoothies, everyone!!

[HydroRaw]

Please read this article as I know people are having problems with the carafe that comes with BlendTec:

http://www.newstarget.com/021247.html

Happy reading!

[EastCoastie]

We have a BlendTec and it's been in almost constant multi-use daily for a year and a half. I also had an older Vita-Mix and I do like the BlendTec better.

Just my two cents...

[littleangelbear]

I own a Krupps and it does just fine with grreens :)

[rawererin]

cool! Great info thanks! I have an el cheapo Oster blender...its OK but I think I've killed it haha...

Will look into the Blendtec! There are a few different styles - do you have a preference?

look on amazon.com, the one i've flagged is TTBB23259 Professional's Choice 1500 watt

[rawererin]

I'm going to check into this. Does it cost more or less than the vitamix?
Wendi

if it cost's more the amount i've seen is only $50 more

[rawererin]

Rawererin, I never heard that a Vitamix is not equipped with enough power to make all kinds of great green smoothies. (It has 2 horsepowers).
Can you explain this, and tell what "goes wrong" with the Vitamix?

thanks, LL :p

hi, i'm sure it is strong enough, i found that review and thought it was helpful so i posted it here, and i'm not sure what goes wrong with it, i just thought it was interesting that so many people have vitamix's on here and i hear such great thing about blendtec

[Conscious Midwife]

Hmmmm

My Target variety blender does a good job of blending kale when mixed with water, than I add bananas, then ice.

But I wouldn't mind having a vitamixer because of the soup and icecream making options

[zenpawn]

Has anyone tried the Jack LaLanne Healthmaster 100 (http://www.healthmaster100.com/)?

It's supposed to be just like a Vitamix, but considerably less expensive.

My litmus test (because my Kitchen Aid doesn't do a good job at it) is whether it can handle a few ounces of kale and an orange or apple with a half cup of water. By "handle" I mean I want that sucker smooth! :)

[puffysmom]

I have a Hamilton Beach 14 speed that i picked up at a yard sale 3 years ago. It blends Kale in real good. I had no idea Kale was so hard to mix. It seems a tender enough green. The only problem I have is if I fill mine to full. Then it tends to move around the counter so I know one day I am going to have to replace it and hope when that day comes I can afford the better one like u have. Thanks for letting us know about it.

[zenpawn]

While I agree the KitchenAid is a decent machine, it still leaves kale chunks. My next purchase, therefore, must pass my litmus test. I don't own the HealthMaster. Sorry if that wasn't clear. I was asking if anyone else had tried it and knew how well it handled the almighty kale. ;) It does look promising though and costs much less than a Vitamix. So, if comparable, it's a no-brainer.

[zenpawn]

Guess I'll be answering my own question in a few weeks; I just purchased the HealthMaster 100. :D

[Morn]

You can't go wrong with a blendtec or Vitamix. I own the newest Model of the vitamix and I love it. I use it everyday and it really does make nice green smoothies. I hope to own it for many years to come. I bought the vitamix because of its warranty. For me that was one of the most valuable selling points. I like to buy from companies that stand behind their products as Vitamix does.

[Rawzula]

Vitamix is too expensive for me to buy. I like the features...but not the price. I'll buy the jack lalanne healthmaster...and see how it works out.

[HydroRaw]

rawererin -- I am somewhat flabbergasted that you didn't do a response to my previous post, especially when you responded to just about everyone in your thread. You need to be a bit forthcoming about several issues associated with BlendTec blender. BlendTec blender might be a fine machine, but people need to know about its shortcomings. For instance, the BlendTec's carafe feels flimsy and is very prone to breakdown. Once it breaks down, ecpecially when the o-ring is involved, there are no options other than buying a new one. The company provides only ONE year warranty on the carafe. The rest of the blender is good for three years. Please note that BlendTec drastically cut back on the length of the warranty. It used to be EIGHT years for all parts of the blender, including the carafe. One would wonder why! So I totally agree with Morn about the warranty for VitaMix. For instance, VitaMix 5000 is covered for 7 years (can extend the warranty for another 3 years for $75.00 more). The warranty applies to all parts of the blender, including the carafe. Instead of PUSHING a particular blender, you might do everyone a great service by listing pros and cons of both BlendTec and VitaMix blenders and then let them decide what is best for their persual. Thanks! Wayne

[Cinnamon]

You can't go wrong with a blendtec or Vitamix. I own the newest Model of the vitamix and I love it. I use it everyday and it really does make nice green smoothies. I hope to own it for many years to come. I bought the vitamix because of its warranty. For me that was one of the most valuable selling points. I like to buy from companies that stand behind their products as Vitamix does.

I could have written this same post! I have the Professional Series Vitamix and use it daily, LOVE it! I am sure both are great machines though, I've read they are very similar. Check them both out and be happy with what you decide on, I am a Vitamix kinda gal now!

[Ama]

rawererin -- I am somewhat flabbergasted that you didn't do a response to my previous post, especially when you responded to just about everyone in your thread.

Actually, rawererin only replied to three posts out of however many are in this thread. I personally wouldn't take offense to it. I found the article you posted beneficial and I'm sure that many people who are looking into both brands will also read it and find much benefit in it.

I actually have a blendtec and love it. Makes GREAT smoothies. I've had it for a year now and it's in use every day. When I purchased it, it was the BEST blender, the new Vitamix came out after I purchased my blendtec... I'd probably go with the vitamix now (the newest 3hp one) if I had to do it again... only because of the noise. I live in a small apartment and the blendtec is VERY VERY noisy, my husband HATES it. If the vitamix is that much quieter I would have chose that. I am however very happy with the performance of the blendtec and can't complain about anything, other than the noise!

[Zella Juice]

I am printing out that article. It's nice to see the comparison.

I run two Blendtecs. 15 and 13 amps everyday for over a year at my juice bar. I bought them used with 7,000 cycles already put on them. I am still working with the same carafes that I started with. I have given them a beating. One even smoked when a banana got stuck. We thought it was a goner. We gave it some rest and it started back up again...no problem.

But still...I haven't read the article yet...but I thought Vitamix did other things.

[Solace]

Has anyone tried the Jack LaLanne Healthmaster 100 (http://www.healthmaster100.com/)?

It's supposed to be just like a Vitamix, but considerably less expensive.

My litmus test (because my Kitchen Aid doesn't do a good job at it) is whether it can handle a few ounces of kale and an orange or apple with a half cup of water. By "handle" I mean I want that sucker smooth! :)
HMMM, that got me interested in finding out more, its got a 100 year warranty, whats the catch ?

[RawVegan4Health]

It says only the motor has the 100 year warranty. If something else breaks, I'm not sure what you do. I didn't see a link to order parts. Perhaps you can order them through customer service?

[barose]

I have a Sunbeam and so far its been great. I use it at least 3 times a day for smooties, nut milks, salad dressings, hummus, no problem. We also have a Blendtec but I want to wear my Sunbean out first.

[rawererin]

rawererin -- I am somewhat flabbergasted that you didn't do a response to my previous post, especially when you responded to just about everyone in your thread. You need to be a bit forthcoming about several issues associated with BlendTec blender. BlendTec blender might be a fine machine, but people need to know about its shortcomings. For instance, the BlendTec's carafe feels flimsy and is very prone to breakdown. Once it breaks down, ecpecially when the o-ring is involved, there are no options other than buying a new one. The company provides only ONE year warranty on the carafe. The rest of the blender is good for three years. Please note that BlendTec drastically cut back on the length of the warranty. It used to be EIGHT years for all parts of the blender, including the carafe. One would wonder why! So I totally agree with Morn about the warranty for VitaMix. For instance, VitaMix 5000 is covered for 7 years (can extend the warranty for another 3 years for $75.00 more). The warranty applies to all parts of the blender, including the carafe. Instead of PUSHING a particular blender, you might do everyone a great service by listing pros and cons of both BlendTec and VitaMix blenders and then let them decide what is best for their persual. Thanks! Wayne

hi, woah i wasn't trying to be rude, i just forget where i post things... sorry... i'm not saying there's anything wrong with the vitamix, i just thought it was a good review and it helped me so i thought it might help some other people too, i know lots of people who love they're vitamix's, i'm not knocking them, just giving my two cents, isn't that what this board is about? being able to voice your opinions in a neutral way and get good advice? i'm sorry if i offended you, i really didn't mean to

[rawererin]

Actually, rawererin only replied to three posts out of however many are in this thread. I personally wouldn't take offense to it. I found the article you posted beneficial and I'm sure that many people who are looking into both brands will also read it and find much benefit in it.

I actually have a blendtec and love it. Makes GREAT smoothies. I've had it for a year now and it's in use every day. When I purchased it, it was the BEST blender, the new Vitamix came out after I purchased my blendtec... I'd probably go with the vitamix now (the newest 3hp one) if I had to do it again... only because of the noise. I live in a small apartment and the blendtec is VERY VERY noisy, my husband HATES it. If the vitamix is that much quieter I would have chose that. I am however very happy with the performance of the blendtec and can't complain about anything, other than the noise!

thanks ama, i was a little taken aback by hydroraw :eek:

[Tinacampy]

I have a Vita-Mix 5000 and I really like it. It makes berry smoothies so smooth that the SEEDS even seem to disappear. It is great. Very noisy, but quick and easy to clean.

I've never tried the Blend-tec but I had a good Cuisinart blender before (which worked well) and it doesn't even compare to the Vita-Mix! The greens blend in well.

The Vita-Mix has a second container w/ a different blade for grinding coffee, grains, etc and then you can use it to mix the yeast, etc ingredients for making bread - it kneads it for you.

I have made ice cream with frozen strawberries, bananas and ice and it was like soft-serve. Delicious!!!!

The VM can also make soup just by friction heat - the veggies aren't cooked, but the soup is warm (you can see an example of this on Alissa's DVD).

Good blending everyone!
T

[rawererin]

are both the vitamix and blendtec really loud? i have a breville juicer and it sounds like i'm running a vacuum, is that what i should expect?

[vwinters]

I’ve got a blendtec and it works great. I throw whole flax seeds into my green smoothies and they completely disappear. But I wouldn’t agree that it’s not loud. I think mine sounds like a chain saw. I wear ear protection when I use it. It works much better then the three cheap $30. blenders that I burned up making green smoothies in the six months before I bought the blendtec, but I’ve never used the vita-mix so I can’t compare the two. As was previously mentioned, a retractable cord would be nice and despite them saying it isn’t necessary, a tamper option would also be nice. I use about a pound of greens (mostly lettuce) in three quarts (three batches) of green smoothies. If I put all the lettuce for a batch in at once it gets jammed in so tightly, and it’s so lightweight, that it doesn’t fall into the blades, so I add a few handfuls at a time and pulse the greens before adding the other ingredients and letting it run the full ‘whole fruit’ cycle.
VW
http://www.tagworldresources.com/Tagworld-Graphics/Animated-Emoticons/3ad098543cbeb2eaea6f4af0c6b35848.gif (http://www.tagworldresources.com/TagWorld-Graphics/Tagworld-Animated-Emoticons/TagWorld-Image-1167.aspx)
http://www.ketoforum.de/diet-ticker/pic/weight_loss/11398/.png (http://www.diaet-ticker.de)

[spiralgirl]

rawererin,

Thanks for this as I've been on the fence about both of these blenders but was leaning towards Blendtec. So you like yours then? Does it blend frozen fruits?

http://www.ketoforum.de/diet-ticker/pic/weight_loss/23344/.png (http://www.diaet-ticker.de)

[crawmommy]

i like mine and yes it blends frozen fruit.

[baltochef]

Greeting to all!!

After reading many posts I originally purchased the BlendTec back in March..After using it for 2 weeks I returned it for a loss & purchased the new Vita-Prep 3 instead..

My reasons are as follows:

First, I am not a real fan of computers, and like to keep things simple..Originally I thought that the BlendTec would apeal to me, but discovered that it did not..The myriad number of permutations with the push-pad controls was more than I felt I needed..

Second, this machine is REALLY loud..Loud enough that I used ear muff hearing protection all but the first time that I used it..I had my hearing damaged in the military, & protecting what I have left is a priority with me!!

Having to protect my ears every time I used my blender was unacceptable..

Third, the blender jar seemed to me not to be very substantial, flimsy if you will..I formed this impression before reading any of the many posts regarding blender jar failure with the BlendTec..

I am a professional chef & I tend to evaluate my kitchen tools with the perspective of 25 years of restaurant experience..

Fourth, as regards to the BlendTec's performance, I had no issues as to a lack of power, etc..Perhaps other BlendTec owners can comment to this..

This is a fine blender, other than the noise & the issue of possible blender jar failure..As many others have mentioned the BlendTec is shorter so it will fit under many cabinets better than will the various Vita-Mix blenders..The key pad complexity is only an issue with OLD SCHOOL, OLD FARTS like me!!..For most people it won't make any difference..

Now to the Vita-Prep 3:

First, the lid to the Vita-Prep 3 goes on tight & I find it somewhat difficult to remove..This is a mixed blessing as a tight fitting lid means NO messes on your walls & counters due to the lid coming off inadvertantly..

On the other hand, those with arthritis or hand strength issues will not like it as much..

The lid to the BlendTec fits loosely (at least the one I purchased did) so it has the opposite problem from the Vita-Prep 3..

Second, the controls on the Vita-Prep 3 were a MAJOR selling point for me after my experience with the BlendTec..

Having an on-off switch, a high-low switch, and a rheostat control knob to control the motor is, for me, and advantage over pre-programmed settings..

If I ran a restaurant / juice bar where the EXACT same ingredients were being blended repeatly, the pre-programmed settings would be my preferred mode of use..

At home, where I tend to blend different combinations of ingredients nearly every time I use the blender, the ability to selectively control the motor's speed makes the Vita-Prep 3 my preferred blender of the two..

Third, the Vita-Mix series of blenders has more options as to blender jar choice..There are a dry-foods jar, a 48 oz. jar, & a 32 oz. jar available for purchase, depending on the model that you have..

I want the 32 oz. jar for my Vita-Prep 3..Anyone with info as to a good internet source for Vita-Mix parts at reasonable prices, I would be greatly appreciative!!..

Fourth, the Vita-Mix blenders come standard with the pusher rod to encourage getting stubborn ingredients to move down into the vortex so as to be drawn into the blades..

It has been my experience that NO blender will ALWAYS draw ingredients down into the vortex without some pushing by the operator from above..

I thought I read a post someplace recently that a company was offering to sell BlendTecs fitted with Vita-Mix jars & pusher rods??..

Fifth, the Vita-Prep 3 is SUBSTANTIALLY quieter than all of the other blenders of comparable power that I have listened to..This is a MAJOR selling point for me!!..

It is my guess that this will be the start of a "quieting war'' amoungst equipment manufacturers to make their appliances, especially blenders, quieter..

Several European companies have already started to do this with shop vacumns & residential vacumns, traditionally very, very noisy tools..

The drawback will be higher price tags..The quieter motors cost a lot more..

Conclusion:

Both blenders have all the power that any raw foodist should need to accomplish virtually any task in the raw kitchen..

If you are having trouble getting a recipe to work with either brand, I would STOP & take a very HARD look at your technique / amount of liquids being used, before I damaged & or ruined one of these fine tools..

Someone contemplating the purchase of either company's machines will have to evalute the features available & choose the one that you feel best meets your needs..

Bruce