Which Model Vitamix Do You Have?

[VitalHarvest]

My 1980 Vitamix 3600 (that was bought by my father when I was a child and that I grew up with!) is finally ready for a retirement lifestyle. :p


I'm currently looking at the 4500 and the 5000 model Vitamixes.

It is my understanding that the 4500 was made especially for juices/smoothies/liquids and that its blades function more optimally under those specific conditions than the more general purpose blades of the 5000 model.

Since I am going to be using my new Vitamix for smoothies, exclusively, (except for the occasional pesto) I think I am going to buy the 4500.


And I'd love to hear feedback from others who may have one or the other model.
What is your experience with things like ice-blending, quality of parts, durability, longevity, etc.?


Thank you. :)

[tvillemom]

I REALLY WANT A VITAMIX! Only I don't have the $$$ to buy an expensive model. I need to buy a used one (maybe off ebay?) What model should I look at that will GRIND nuts...blend smoothies, make creamy dressings.....is there an older model that "does it all".???
Vital Harvest: does yours still work?? Maybe you would sell?:o

Wendi

[Doe]

Mine is a 4500. I make capaccino in it daily, no problem.

Capaccino


nuts of chioce (cashews, hazlenuts, and sessame seed are all good)
equal amount of water
about twice the amount of ice
Fronteer coffee extract
agave to taste

[Veganforlife]

I have the 4500 and from what I've heard and read this is the better buy for your $$$.

[SchoolOfRAWk]

:) The one you get from the Vitamix dealers that are on Ebay. It was $320, including shipping. And works great! Brand new. Just a different model.

[Raw Mom]

I have the 5000. Just saw the 4500 on 877myjuicer.com for the same price as I paid for another 5000 at Costo just a few weeks ago. The 5000 I've had for 8 years. Still ticking fine....Juice on!

[Biff]

I had a vitamix 4500 and loved it - until I tried the one with the speed dial. (the 5000) So I did some research and ended up buying the Vitamix Vita-prep 3! Has the speed dial and more HP than the 5000. I love it!

[SchoolOfRAWk]

Mine is a 4500. I make capaccino in it daily, no problem.

Capaccino


nuts of chioce (cashews, hazlenuts, and sessame seed are all good)
equal amount of water
about twice the amount of ice
Fronteer coffee extract
agave to taste

I make frappuccinos with almond milk, teeccino herbal "coffee" (mmm! alkalizing, too!) and ice and agave. So good!

[SchoolOfRAWk]

I REALLY WANT A VITAMIX! Only I don't have the $$$ to buy an expensive model. I need to buy a used one (maybe off ebay?) What model should I look at that will GRIND nuts...blend smoothies, make creamy dressings.....is there an older model that "does it all".???
Vital Harvest: does yours still work?? Maybe you would sell?:o

Wendi

Mine does all that. I have the 4500 too. $320 with shipping, off ebay, and that was a HUGE decision for me. No $. But well worth it. ;)

[eatyourbroccoli]

i have the 4500..it works great for smoothies. im not sure how much it was, though..my mom gave it to me for xmas

[SchoolOfRAWk]

i have the 4500..it works great for smoothies. im not sure how much it was, though..my mom gave it to me for xmas

It totally grinds flax, nuts, seeds, makes thick dips. Love it!

[lafsalot]

I also have the vm 4500, and just love it! ~ Cathy

[mlwaug]

Has anyone heard anything about Jack Lalanne's health master 100? It's suppose to be just like the vita mixer but cheaper.

[elfinbaby]

I've never heard that certain Vitamix models are better for doing certain things. In facts, it seems like lots of people are getting older models off of ebay and having great success with smoothies, dips, sauces, soups, etc. I think it's more about power than anything else.

I bought a 5000 from the Vitamix website. I bought from them to get the full 7 yr. warranty instead of a 5 yr. warranty. This difference was about $40 and I decided it was worth it.

It's my understanding that the major difference between the 4500 and 5000 is the speed dial. The 4500 goes from fast to super fast and the 5000 will start at a variable (from 1 - 10) then you can crank it up to high. Frankly, it's not that big of a deal. It just means that I can have more variables at a lower speed but I really don't even need them. I'd be just fine going from fast to super fast.

I know Alissa has a pretty good deal on her Vitamix. But I would check the Vitamix website as well. They usually have reconditioned models that they sell WITH the same warranty as the other models! I think that's great. Also, if you click around enough (and you do need to click around b/c I found a $10 difference on the same blender by clicking different buttons) you will find that you can get a blender and pay for it in 3 payments. I didn't do it but it was very appealing to me. Call them and chat. They are really helpful. And if all else fails, get on ebay.

Has anyone else heard that there is a difference in blades between the 4500 and 5000? I've never heard that. IMO, it doesn't really matter. I use my 5000 for dressings and smoothies and the power in the Vitamix is ridiculous. It's going to demolish anything you put in there.

April

[exurb]

Does anyone know which model they sell at Costco on occasion?

[VitalHarvest]

Thank you so much for all the feedback, friends.

SchoolOfRAWk, I really appreciate your comments. :)


Tvillemom, I may take you up on your invitation. Are you serious?




Has anyone else heard that there is a difference in blades between the 4500 and 5000? I've never heard that. IMO, it doesn't really matter. I use my 5000 for dressings and smoothies and the power in the Vitamix is ridiculous. It's going to demolish anything you put in there.


From my research, I've learned that the blades in the 4500 are tailored slightly more toward specifically juicing/smoothies/purées/etc. along those lines. They're also better for ice, according to my research. The blades in the 5000 are supposedly tailored more toward multi-purpose to include breadmaking capabilities.


In any case, LOL about your thoughts on it's abilities. I'm getting the point. . . :D


Incidentally, my almost-30-year-old 3600 model is still kicking except that it needs a new blade assembly. Otherwise it is in great shape. It certainly has been demolishing lots of stuff for decades, now!




I'd be just fine going from fast to super fast.


Yeah, me too. It is my understanding that this is the main difference between the two models. The blade factor is more secondary, from what I know.

[tvillemom]

Thank you so much for all the feedback, friends.

SchoolOfRAWk, I really appreciate your comments. :)


Tvillemom, I may take you up on your invitation. Are you serious?






From my research, I've learned that the blades in the 4500 are tailored slightly more toward specifically juicing/smoothies/purées/etc. along those lines. They're also better for ice, according to my research. The blades in the 5000 are supposedly tailored more toward multi-purpose to include breadmaking capabilities.


In any case, LOL about your thoughts on it's abilities. I'm getting the point. . . :D


Incidentally, my almost-30-year-old 3600 model is still kicking except that it needs a new blade assembly. Otherwise it is in great shape. It certainly has been demolishing lots of stuff for decades, now!






Yeah, me too. It is my understanding that this is the main difference between the two models. The blade factor is more secondary, from what I know.

Yeah, possibly!!! Do you think shipping will cost a fortune?? Keep me in mind.

Wendi

[sweepea32]

Hi there,

I just purchased the 5000 at Costco 2 weeks ago for $360-it is AWESOME and you get a 7 year warranty with it too.

Mary

[ocean spray]

I have the 5000, works great on anything! Love it!!

[rawgreenyogini]

I just bought a 5000 from Vita-Mix with a smaller 32oz container with it for sauces and icing.

Dang company forget to sent the blend with the lid!!!!!:mad:

Couldn't tell you how it works yet!!!
:mad: