Vita Mix Pros and Cons

[livin]

What are the pros and cons of the vita-mix?
When the vita-mix is used for juicing, the the juice have to be strained?

I'm trying to justify purchasing (or not) this $449 blender for Christmas when I already have other blenders/juicers that don't get much use. I'm considering getting the "Ellen Holiday Special" package (5200) that vitamix is offering on their website.

Every few months I consider buying a Vita-mix, but I don't think I prepare food at home enough to justify the price. I've had my (less than $30) blender for more than 10 years and use it primarily for making smoothies 4 to 5 times per week. I use my Breville juicer from time to time when I make juice. I also have a citrus juicer, which doesn't get used and a Hamilton Beach personal blender that I use at work a couple of times per week.

[RawKnitster]

Looks like your well equipped. I thought I was getting by okay until I bought the vitamix 5200. For me, it made a huge difference. Don't know how I got by without it. Eventually I would have burned up my old blender making almond milk. It's been worth the cost, ($395 at Costco). But then, I use it everyday. I can't say if you will find it worthy or not, but you will have a hard time finding anyone who has anything "con" to say about it.

[Revvell]

When the vita-mix is used for juicing, the the juice have to be strained?


There are no "cons" as far as I'm concerned. I don't use mine for "juicing". It's a blender. If you want to separate the fluid from the pulp, yes, it has to be strained.

Revvell (http://www.Revvellations.com/shopping)

[MelissaO]

The following is brought to you by a consumer of Vitamix, not a paid celebrity ;)


Well I thought I was ok without my Vitamix too - I had a Cuisinart blender that I thought did an okay job.....until my friend let me use her Vitamix. I too was like you and used the blender maybe a few times a week, I use my juicer even less than that...tooo much of a pain to clean.

I use my Vitamix several time a day now. I make smoothies, soups, nut milks, nut cheese, dressing. There is just no comparison for the texture that Vitamix produces when your food is prepared in it.

They used to have an offer were if you did not like it then call them and they will pay shipping cost to send it back - no risk.

For juicing - yes you do have to strain if you do not want pulp, but the Vitamix can juice wheatgrass. My stand alone juicer has problems with Kale - I would never juice wheatgrass in it.

If you like berries in your smoothies - Vitamix will blend them so fine there will not be any seeds left. Oh it is SO worth it!


Ok I will stop now...:D

[Eva]

Hey livin -- I totally see your point. Who wants another appliance if the ones you have aren't getting all that much use, right? I have to agree. The one thing about the VM, is that I think MOST people use it more than anything else. I was just at a raw event last week in the UK, and Chad Sarno (http://www.safrestaurant.co.uk/) gave us a laugh when he kept trying to use the VM when it wasn't appropriate. It was quite a hoot -- and he is a TOP NOTCH raw chef, one of the best in the world. Apparently his food processor was like $3000! But the VM -- for $125-$500 (see below re: the prices) is as good as it gets for a blender... I think that's saying something!

PROS:
--It really does rock. I have really missed it since I've been overseas. I wouldn't dream of spending the $800 or so I'd have to pay to get the right voltage to have it over here, though. It's not THAT worth it.
--Easy to clean. I mean REALLY easy. Like -- quick rinse and DONE.
--Makes any green smoothie, nut cheese, nut milk, or anything blended quick and simple.
--It will never die. When I moved over here, my mom thought she would get my VitaMix. I didn't know how long I was staying, so I actually sold it (for the same as the buying price, no less!!). She was so disappointed, that I opted to check on ebay for a used one. I got her a VM 3600 -- from the late 70s/early 80s?. I haven't used it, but she tells me it is just as powerful and works like a charm. So funny. The thing is about my age, and it's like new she says.
--The warranty is long, but again, it will never die.
--Making cheese without a Vitamix is like making a smoothie without a blender.
--The jar is made of plastic so won't break if you drop it.

CONS:
--Expense.
--Doesn't always fit under cabinets if they're low. So you'd either have to put it in the cupboard or you'd have to put the pitcher next to the base. I actually think that's pretty annoying, but you might not find it to be a big deal.
--Jar is made of plastic for the newer ones. Now, again, I don't think it's a big deal because it's really thick and high quality and has benefits and is made of a type that supposedly would surely not leech into your smoothies. But that could be important to you!

If you are tighter on money but really want one with a warranty, you can find a refurbished unit here for (slightly ;))less than $300: Cheapie VitaMix (https://secure.vitamix.com/acb/stores/4/Factory-Reconditioned-Vita-Mix-5000---WHITE-P858C119.aspx) .

I have a coupon code for free shipping: 06-003381. Anyone who offers you a coupon code is an affiliate and gets a small commission. That doesn't make the free shipping any less free or the VitaMix any less great, but just want to be straight with you! :)

If you want to get a used one as cheap as possible and don't mind it being older -- look for the VM 3600 on ebay. You can usually find it for about $125-150, but it will not be on warranty.

[spicyfull]

One Happy, Satisfied Vita-Mix user here.

[Revvell]

Okayyy Ms. Eva.... Gotta step in here:

Non Cons: ~

Expense: $449 for a new one. I've had mine for 12 years now. Divide the cost by 12 and you can buy a cheap model that might last you a few months at best for that.

Doesn't always fit under cabinets if they're low: Really doesn't fit under cabinets but I put my tall container next to the base. I keep the short container under the cabinet.

Jar is made of plastic ~ hard to find one that isn't anymore and we're not doing really hot things so, not really going to do much in the way of leeching methinks.

Let me add another plus... compare it to another high-powered blender that claims to be 64 oz. (I poured my full VM into it.. ooops!) Unless you go over the 64 oz. mark, it wont come out the top.

When you start it up, you can start it REALLY low and get the blending started while adding more ingredients with the top off.

The dials let you easily control speed.

Um, I think that's it. OH! Everyone who comes over will be impressed by it. :D



CONS:
--Expense.
--Doesn't always fit under cabinets if they're low. So you'd either have to put it in the cupboard or you'd have to put the pitcher next to the base. I actually think that's pretty annoying, but you might not find it to be a big deal.
--Jar is made of plastic for the newer ones. Now, again, I don't think it's a big deal because it's really thick and high quality and has benefits and is made of a type that supposedly would surely not leech into your smoothies. But that could be important to you!

[MelissaO]

Okayyy Ms. Eva.... Gotta step in here:

Non Cons: ~

Expense: $449 for a new one. I've had mine for 12 years now. Divide the cost by 12 and you can buy a cheap model that might last you a few months at best for that.



There was a man at Costco this weekend (the Vitamix people were there doing a demo) who's Vitamix has been in his family for 50 years and it is still going strong. I am in my late 30's and when my neices heard that they were debating over who was going to get mine when I pass on.

[Ilse W.]

Thank you so much, Eva, for the web site. I've been wanting to get the reconditioned 5200 on the VitaMix web site, but it's hard to come up with that much (it's winter and all extra money goes for wood). Anyway, I think I can talk my daughter into lending me $299. Really soon (as soon as I'm done with my water fast), I'll be making fantastic food!

[Revvell]

See what you started? LMAO! Family issues already! :D


There was a man at Costco this weekend (the Vitamix people were there doing a demo) who's Vitamix has been in his family for 50 years and it is still going strong. I am in my late 30's and when my neices heard that they were debating over who was going to get mine when I pass on.

[Ilse W.]

Allright,it's ordered! Only thing, I put in Eva's code and it would not accept it. I think I will call them tomorrow and ask them about it. I prefer not to pay shipping, considering they charged me sales tax. Thanks again, Eva, for the tip. Dreams of creamy soups and fabulous spreads and green smoothies are swirling around my head, but that may just be the result of 4 weeks of fasting, LOL.:D

[Eva]

Okayyy Ms. Eva.... Gotta step in here:

Non Cons: ~



haha You changed it to Non Cons. Is that how you were "stepping in"?!

I have to agree -- I honestly could care less about those things because the VM really is amazing. But I was trying to be super open and helpful! :)

[Eva]

Allright,it's ordered! Only thing, I put in Eva's code and it would not accept it. I think I will call them tomorrow and ask them about it. I prefer not to pay shipping, considering they charged me sales tax. Thanks again, Eva, for the tip. Dreams of creamy soups and fabulous spreads and green smoothies are swirling around my head, but that may just be the result of 4 weeks of fasting, LOL.:D

You're very welcome. I actually had to look pretty hard to find the refurbished models! :) I just tried the code, and it worked but I had to go through each step before it was applied. Would you mind letting me know what they say?

And THAT is really funny that you just bought the VM after fasting for 4 weeks. Do you know you really can make wheatgrass juice with the VM?? Aleesha even made a video on it. It's REALLY easy, though. Just blend with water, then strain. Voila. :) That's how I used to do it when I got tired of hand cranking the manual juicer for wheatgrass.

[livin]

Thanks A Bunch, everyone, for your answers. I finally ordered my Vitamix 5200 (basic) yesterday.
The Elllen D Holiday package included free shipping and several extras, like a cutting board, spatulas, apron, recipe book, etc.
Maybe I'll order the dry blade container later - when I have another $100 to spare-and I'll need the coupon for free shipping then. How long will that coupon code be good?

You could all do a commercial for Vitamix. It looks like the only probable con is if it will fit on my counter-top. Sounds like it won't unless I store the container next to the base as Revell does.

Hopefully I'll be motivated to prepare more foods at home. I didn't know that it could juice wheatgrass. That's exciting!

Again, thanks for each of your answers.

[DawnW]

The Costco demostration was this week here as well. They sell the small dry container seperately for $100.

It seems to me that a year or two ago they had a package that included the dry container with the 4500. Not sure what the cost of that was, but I could have sworn it did. Anyone know?

I have been eyeing them for years. Finally getting one this christmas!

Dawn

[Eva]

Thanks A Bunch, everyone, for your answers. I finally ordered my Vitamix 5200 (basic) yesterday.
The Elllen D Holiday package included free shipping and several extras, like a cutting board, spatulas, apron, recipe book, etc.
Maybe I'll order the dry blade container later - when I have another $100 to spare-and I'll need the coupon for free shipping then. How long will that coupon code be good?

You could all do a commercial for Vitamix. It looks like the only probable con is if it will fit on my counter-top. Sounds like it won't unless I store the container next to the base as Revell does.

Hopefully I'll be motivated to prepare more foods at home. I didn't know that it could juice wheatgrass. That's exciting!

Again, thanks for each of your answers.

livin -- The coupon code is good indefinitely. I'm not sure you'll need the dry blade container though... you can grind dry goods with the wet blade. It's not exactly the same -- but most people are fine with it. YAY, by the way!!! You'll totally enjoy it, I'm sure!! And does that mean you got the "I love my VM" apron? LOL -- extra cool points for that. ;)

[Revvell]

haha You changed it to Non Cons. Is that how you were "stepping in"?!

Yezzzz ma'am. Non Cons. Can not have Cons when it comes to the VM. :D

[Ilse W.]

Eva, I called Vita Mix this morning. They checked the number and will credit me for the shipping charge. So a big THANK YOU!
After reading the "which vitamix" thread, I thought that maybe the 5000 is a mistake, but then I told the "more is better" part of my brain to shut up. Lots of people have really old machines and love them, so I will love mine.
Back to my cup of water :D

[Revvell]

Mine's a 5000. It's lasted me 12 good years so far. Enjoy it!



Eva, I called Vita Mix this morning. They checked the number and will credit me for the shipping charge. So a big THANK YOU!
After reading the "which vitamix" thread, I thought that maybe the 5000 is a mistake, but then I told the "more is better" part of my brain to shut up. Lots of people have really old machines and love them, so I will love mine.
Back to my cup of water :D

[Ilse W.]

Thanks, Revvell, for the vote of confidence for the 5000. I am majorly excited over this purchase, more excited than about pretty much anything I've ever bought. I'm trying to decide what to make first. Of course my body will not cooperate. I'm on a therapeutic water fast and am determined not to break it until my body is done. I love the side effect: weight loss. I'm about 10 lbs. away from my alltime low since I was 18. I can't believe how EASY it is. Since I started on raw on August 2, I've lost 45 lbs. Neither here nor there, certainly not on subject, but I just can't contain my excitement!:D

[rawstrength]

Thanks, Revvell, for the vote of confidence for the 5000. I am majorly excited over this purchase, more excited than about pretty much anything I've ever bought. I'm trying to decide what to make first. Of course my body will not cooperate. I'm on a therapeutic water fast and am determined not to break it until my body is done. I love the side effect: weight loss. I'm about 10 lbs. away from my alltime low since I was 18. I can't believe how EASY it is. Since I started on raw on August 2, I've lost 45 lbs. Neither here nor there, certainly not on subject, but I just can't contain my excitement!:D

Congratulations, Emma!! It must feel so good to be so light on your feet again :cool: .

[Eva]

Eva, I called Vita Mix this morning. They checked the number and will credit me for the shipping charge. So a big THANK YOU!
After reading the "which vitamix" thread, I thought that maybe the 5000 is a mistake, but then I told the "more is better" part of my brain to shut up. Lots of people have really old machines and love them, so I will love mine.
Back to my cup of water :D

That's great! :) You are seriously going to LOVE the VitaMix!!!

[livin]

....And does that mean you got the "I love my VM" apron? LOL -- extra cool points for that. ;)

Eva: Yes, girl, that mean's I got the "I Love My VM" apron! :D Revell said that everyone who comes over will be impressed by my new VM, so I'll put on the apron and really show off as as also use the "free" cutting board and spatula set. :p

Re: The dry blade container - Based on what I do now, I figure I won't really need it, but wondered if it's best to get while it's offeref for $99. Are you saying it doesn't damage the wet blade to prepare things with no oil/liquid?
I'm so impressed by all I've "heard" in the past day or so that I can hardly wait to get my new VM!

Regarding the refubrished VM: I found it on the Vitamix site by clicking "shop now", then "special deals", where the reconditioned 5000 model is offered for $299 and the reconditioned 5200 model is offered for $379.

[MelissaO]

Re: The dry blade container - Based on what I do now, I figure I won't really need it, but wondered if it's best to get while it's offeref for $99. Are you saying it doesn't damage the wet blade to prepare things with no oil/liquid?
I'm so impressed by all I've "heard" in the past day or so that I can hardly wait to get my new VM!


I have the dry container and hardly ever use it- if you have a food processor or a coffee grinder those do well for grinding dry things. If I had a choice on the containers offered I would choose the large wet and small wet. I use one of those guys everyday.

I love the spatula's - they are great for getting the meat out of young coconuts.

[oai]

when's it coming? you guys get it yet? i want to read all about it. :D

[livin]

when's it coming? you guys get it yet?

I had hopes of ordering it before the 4pm deadline on Monday so that I could get the free express shipping that would have allowed me to have it by today, but I while I was trying to make up my mind (I have gotten "cold feet" and changed my mind after making a call to place the order), I ended up "stuck" in a meeting at work . I placed the order 30 minutes too late for the express shipping.

Somehow, I thought that VM may have decided to surprise me with a Christmas delivery anyway, so I made sure I came straight home from work today before running a last minute errand. No such luck! :rolleyes:

.. so I am now hoping that it will be here by New Year's day to help me start my smoothie fast.

[Ilse W.]

I ordered mine online Monday evening and they said that they may be able to send it out next Monday or Tuesday, the only 2 days they will be in the office next week. They were not certain about that. I live in Washington State, so it will probably take an extra 5 working days to get here, maybe more. My son used to drive long haul trucks, and they don't get very far very fast this time of year. There are a lot of mountains between Ohio and here. I don't have great hopes it will get here before the 2nd week of January. No worries, I'll still be on my water fast by then, or maybe back on juice.