Smoothies with my cheap blender..

[sonyan]

I am getting a cheap walmart blender. I mentioned the VitaMix to my hubby and he just laughed at me.

So, I need some tips to make my greens smoother... I know I've searched before, but today I'm just not finding the links. How can I get the best smoothies using something not as powerful as the VM?

[smoothiegirl]

I too have a cheap Wal-Mart blender. I usally don't try to over pack it because it ends up on the ceiling and me. (Mainly my houseshoes). I have green smoothie all over everything. I use mainly about 3 different types of greens-that's all I can pack in some water. I let it blend while I poke it down. When blended, I put in my fruit and then blend some more. If it's lumpy I usually add more water. It works okay for now. I will need a vita-mix sometime in the near future, but this works well for now.

[ltcartwright]

I have a Hamilton Beach blender and I just let it go a little longer. Although I'm still having problems with the berries and their seeds. So, eventually, I'm going to buy a VitaMix, but right now, just blend a little longer.

[Longimanus]

I have a Hamilton Beach blender and I just let it go a little longer. Although I'm still having problems with the berries and their seeds. So, eventually, I'm going to buy a VitaMix, but right now, just blend a little longer.

I bought a Hamilton Beach as well, and I let it run for a minute or so, but do you find it makes your smoothies really foamy? I don't mind it but I thought it was weird.

Do Vita-Mix blenders actually grind up the berry seeds?

[Erika]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9604653

This is the one that I have and I like it just fine for right now.
Here is a youtube video of this blender
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sEi5lfZMqk

[parsnip]

I think it helps to cut or tear greens in smaller pieces, rather than shoving the whole leaf in the blender. And I add juicy things or water first, blend, then add some greens, then blend, then add more greens, etc. I add the softest things last, like bananas.

[lytlsprout]

I think you should try and make some kind of compromise with your husband. I know that vita-mix blenders are expensive. I just bought one, and I love it and don't know how I was living raw without one before. Remind him that you spend more than that on a stove or microwave. you'll literally never have to buy another blender. I was going through one or two a year or the cheaper ones because I would burn out the motor will all my smoothies. And offer to cut something out that you normally buy to offset some of the cost. Like you for example won't buy coffee out any more or something like that (that as a raw foodist I guess the coffee thing wouldn't apply). But for most of us it wouldn't be that hard to cut out $50 or $100 a month from the budget and then you've paid for the vita-mix in 5-11 months.

[1bigfamily]

I got a 750 watt motor ar sears for $40. it is by kenmore. just in case you haven't bought one yet. i put the juicier fruits on the bottom and that helps with mine.

[azalea]

I don't think you need a vita mix for green smoothies (but i've never had one :)). I make sure to cut up my fruits into smaller pieces or thaw any frozen fruit before adding them to the blender, and it works out fine.

[Bananna]

those hand held blenders work well. they don't do seeds though, and celery is tough. but it can blend cucumbers and baby spinach down to flecs. you do need to add a touch of water though. it's nice cuz it only costs $20 bucks and it works well because it doesn't jam and spin on nothing, because you are controlling it and picking it up and moving it around and using some push.
it also mashes nuts up to a chunky peanut butter consistency no problem....

[ltcartwright]

I bought a Hamilton Beach as well, and I let it run for a minute or so, but do you find it makes your smoothies really foamy? I don't mind it but I thought it was weird.

Do Vita-Mix blenders actually grind up the berry seeds?

Yes, it is foamy, if I'm not in a rush, I'll let it settle then scoop the foam off. Otherwise, I just drink as is. The foam isn't as bothersome to me as the seeds from the berries that stay whole. I believe the VM blends smoothly (well, as it is advertised, but I think an actual owner should answer this part.) Quite annoying the seeds are; so annoying that I'm definitely getting a VitaMix as I continue with raw.

[molliegirl]

I have a cheap blender too, but I love it! Everything is somewhat foamy, but I found that not adding ice actually makes it less foamy. I just refrigerate or stir in some ice cubes afterwards to chill. (I don't like crushed ice anyway).

[moniczka]

My cheap blender (from best buy) is torturing me for six months now.. and i cant wait until i get vita mix its just too expensive right now.. but its so worth it.. with the cheap once you just have to be careful not to put too many things in it at once because it wont blend them! i usually put the fruit first and after add greens.. or what ever else you want to
experiment with:D
..But if your blender breaks.. dont by another cheap one because you can use that money to save up for vita mix!

[garyr]

I used to use a stick blender, and it worked just fine. However, once I got my Blendtec, I was able to blend so much more stuff - it'd be hard to go back.

I'd recommend watching garage sales, craigslist, and even eBay for and old, used, Vitamix. Those things have been around forever and if you're watching, you can pick one up for less than $100.

Gary

[gingincal]

Good advice, Garyr.

I use a Kitchenaid blender - not as pricey as VitaMix but still a good blender. I've had no trouble with frozen berries, frozen bananas, ice, etc. thus far and have had this one for about 5 years.

[lytlsprout]

The other thing about a vita-mix is it actually breaks things down on the cellular level so it makes it more available to your body nutritionally. having just gotten a vita-mix it's like night and day from a regular blender. It only takes a minute to blend my smoothie in the morning now and it's super smooth. It grinds seeds and everything. If any of you want more info about them I have a friend that sells them, contact me privately and I will get you in touch with her. You don't have to pay the shipping if you order through her!