Save your money!!!!

[AshleyHSimon]

I have read numerous articles over the past month or so about green smoothies and was almost convinced that I needed to fork out 400 bucks for a vita mix blender. I had come to this decision before even attempting to use the blender I already have which is an Osterizer that we got for our wedding 9 years ago. This morning I decided to give it a try and let me tell ya...there were no chunks, perfectly smoothe.....no need to chop food first. I just threw in whole strawberries, whole blackberries, 2 apple halves, 2 banana halves and a huge handful of greens along with ice and water and it was perfectly smoothe in 45 seconds. So glad I didn't waste my money.

[snoops]

It can certainly be done. My Osterizer was 26 years old and I have no regrets about shelling out 400 for my Vitamix. I love my Vitamix. It is my most awesome appliance. Does my smoothies with frozen fruit in 10 seconds. Love it to death. But I did use my old beater for a year before I got it.

[MelanieM]

I would love a Vitamix (for more than just smoothies!), but also get by just fine with my Cuisinart. Right now I'm enjoying a spinach, banana and frozen blueberry smoothie - yum!

[ginadj]

My really cheapo one is adequate for now too!!! But I know someday..it will be the Vitamix!!!!!

[garden granny]

I use a Oster blender and it makes perfect smoothies. It has ice crush button too for frozen fruits, which I almost always put in my smoothies.

[Fern]

Nice post. I totally agree. I was drooling over the fancy blenders/dehydrators, convinced that I needed one of everything. I decided to restrain myself (rare :) ), and use the Kitchenaid blender I got for my wedding nine years ago as well. It is working just fine. If it ever burns out, I will likely replace with a high power blender at that time.

Same for the dehydrator. I pulled out my old dehydrator that stacks, and am dehydrating bread as I type. I am not going to have perfect rectangles and the thermostat is not adjustable, but it will give me the chance to experiment with new recipes and decide if I want to get something nicer in the future.

[Amberly]

I love my Oster blender and my $40 dehydrator (It dehydrates as low as 95 degrees). I was unimpressed by a VitaMix advertisement that I saw in a health food magazine. It claimed that the blender cooks the food as you blend. I doubt it cooks your food, but it made me hesitant.

[snoops]

If you blend things for long enough like soups it will heat them. It only does it if you want it to!!

[Amberly]

That's true.

[Aleesha Sattva]

I have read numerous articles over the past month or so about green smoothies and was almost convinced that I needed to fork out 400 bucks for a vita mix blender. I had come to this decision before even attempting to use the blender I already have which is an Osterizer that we got for our wedding 9 years ago. This morning I decided to give it a try and let me tell ya...there were no chunks, perfectly smoothe.....no need to chop food first. I just threw in whole strawberries, whole blackberries, 2 apple halves, 2 banana halves and a huge handful of greens along with ice and water and it was perfectly smoothe in 45 seconds. So glad I didn't waste my money.

makes me laugh when people who have never tried a vita-mix (or high quality dehydrator) say they aren't worth the money *hahahahahahahahahahahaha*

[RawKnitster]

Well said, Aleesha. :)

Ashley, stick with the green smoothies and eventually you will want a Vitamix. But, there is no hurry. I was happy with my Osterizer for years, until I took my smoothie ingredients to a relative's house and made a smoothie in their Vitamix. I didn't know what I was missing. I still didn't buy the Vitamix. When my blender started overheating making almond milk and I saw a Vitamix demo at Costco, I knew it was time. It took me about a week to get over the sticker shock and forgive myself for buying it. Now I use it everyday and I'll never give it up.

[GlimR]

You don't "need" a vitamix to "do" raw....but there is no comparison between a vitamix and a regular blender. It isn't only about how smooth a smoothie can get.
*high 5's Aleesha*

[Soka]

What I'm mainly worried about with my blender is it overheating when I go to make nut milks. (I haven't tried this yet). My old $30 blender stopped working when my friends tried to make smoothies in it. Threw that out and got a nicer one and that has been good with making smoothies. I think, though, that a Vitamix might be better if you are blending those "hard to blend" ingredients.

[eachpeachpearplum]

OK here are my two bits. . . :)

I have done raw with and without a high speed blender and the other "gagets.

One of the important things the raw community correctly stress' is that you do not need these items to be raw . . . HOWEVER. . .having these items adds an entirly new demention and depth to the raw lifestyle.

I liken it to the difference between the food prep of a caveman and preparing food if you lived on the fictional starship Enterprise!

As a caveman you can prepare and enjoy a nice range of simple foods and dishes and live happily. On the Enterprise you can enjoy a wide range of simple and more complex dishes from a larger library of choices that are quick easy to prepare.

There is NOTHING WRONG with a basic domestic blender but a high speed blender is just so much more.

Grind flour & nut butters, puree silky smooth soups, utterly liquify the toughest greens and dense veg with nary a thought and in no time at all.

If you find you can afford please do as you truely will not regret it for a moment.

In all the years I have been on this forum I have NEVER heard a member show regret from upgrating.

I write this post not to make people feel bad about having a basic blender but just really want to stress that if you can upgrade you will be thrilled!

Cheers,

EPPP

[Raw Jewelrylady]

OK here are my two bits. . . :)

I have done raw with and without a high speed blender and the other "gagets.

One of the important things the raw community correctly stress' is that you do not need these items to be raw . . . HOWEVER. . .having these items adds an entirly new demention and depth to the raw lifestyle.

I liken it to the difference between the food prep of a caveman and preparing food if you lived on the fictional starship Enterprise!

As a caveman you can prepare and enjoy a nice range of simple foods and dishes and live happily.

On the Enterprise you can enjoy a wide range of simple and more complex dishes from a larger library of choices that are quick easy to prepare.
There is NOTHING WRONG with a basic domestic blender but a high speed blender is just so much more. Grind flour & nut butters, puree silky smooth soups, utterly liquify the toughest greens and dense veg with nary a thought and in no time at all.

If you find you can afford please do as you truely will not regret it for a moment.

In all the years I have been on this forum I have NEVER heard a member show regret from upgrating.

I write this post not to make people feel bad about having a basic blender but just really want to stress that if you can upgrade you will be thrilled!

Cheers,

EPPP

Ditto!!!!!:)

[LotsaRaw]

I am currently renting a furnished place that included a blender. My decent blender is at home in NJ. This was the PERFECT excuse to *upgrade* to a Vita-Mix! (don't want to blow out the blender that came with the condo & have to replace it!) I use my vita-mix almost daily, and LOVE it!!! When the time is right, upgrade! Until then, blend away with your current one! Might even splurge on a spiffy FP before I make it home to NJ in July! (have more luxury $$ at the moment)

[brownies]

Thats awesome.

I however had a blender that needed a bit of help every now and then so today I went on craigslist, found a used vita mix for $50, got it home and blended up a storm. I love it!

[Rawkinlocs]

Yeah, I don't feel it's right to call one thing a "waste of money". I used my Hamilton-Beach blender for a few years when I first went raw and it did what I needed it to do - no problem.

Later, when I could, I bought a Vitamix from Alissa's store and I am GLAD I did! I didn't realize the difference until I accidentally broke the blade (MY fault) and had to wait for them to send me a replacement blade (free of charge, mind you, under warranty) and had to pull out the old blender.

BOY did I notice the difference.

But those of you who cannot afford a Vitamix, no worries...do what you have to do and work with what you have. But please don't make Vitamix out to be a waste of money because it really IS a very powerful and WELL-worth it appliance!

[greenfeline]

You can do smoothies in a regular blender, but the Vitamix is a different level of smoothness.

[oai]

wha... different level of smoothness, hu? :p i definitely want to get a vitamix one of these days.

[HolyGuacamole]

It's easy to say there's no need for something until you own that something and have a chance to really see what it can do.
I chewed my nails over my Vitamix 5200 purchase, thinking it couldn't be that much better.
Well, it is. And yeah, whole different kind of smooth, not to mention it can do all manner of things a regular blender simply cannot. It's really not even comparable. It's a whole different thing.
I am very happy with my Vitamix purchase, know I will have that bad boy forever, and feel it was money very well spent.

[helen2207]

I have read numerous articles over the past month or so about green smoothies and was almost convinced that I needed to fork out 400 bucks for a vita mix blender. I had come to this decision before even attempting to use the blender I already have which is an Osterizer that we got for our wedding 9 years ago. This morning I decided to give it a try and let me tell ya...there were no chunks, perfectly smoothe.....no need to chop food first. I just threw in whole strawberries, whole blackberries, 2 apple halves, 2 banana halves and a huge handful of greens along with ice and water and it was perfectly smoothe in 45 seconds. So glad I didn't waste my money.

I agree with you Ashley I read so many things about raw and what we need to buy and do, I have been on raw now for a week and two days, I haven't yet run out to buy this and that apart from my food. I am just using an old hand blender and blender everything I have to cut all my fruit and veg but I am happy with that all my food comes out very smooth infact i don't mind bits and pieces of food it gives me something to chew. In the end of the day you are in control with your life and your health if you follow the nutrition guidance all will be well. I have lost 7lbs so far in my first week and that without even doing any exercise, I will do exercise when i get myself into a routine with this new adjustment diet. You don't need to spend a lot of money just to get healthy. I am happy I haven't run out to buy this and that too. I am going to carry on as I am doing now until I reach my goal weight.

[helen2207]

Yeah, I don't feel it's right to call one thing a "waste of money". I used my Hamilton-Beach blender for a few years when I first went raw and it did what I needed it to do - no problem.

Later, when I could, I bought a Vitamix from Alissa's store and I am GLAD I did! I didn't realize the difference until I accidentally broke the blade (MY fault) and had to wait for them to send me a replacement blade (free of charge, mind you, under warranty) and had to pull out the old blender.

BOY did I notice the difference.

But those of you who cannot afford a Vitamix, no worries...do what you have to do and work with what you have. But please don't make Vitamix out to be a waste of money because it really IS a very powerful and WELL-worth it appliance!

Our ancestors survived without any electric tools we can to.

[helen2207]

wha... different level of smoothness, hu? :p i definitely want to get a vitamix one of these days.

whatever level of eating your food whether you grind, smooth or chew food all goes down the same way, there are a lot of healthy people out there that are not eating raw and live without a vitamix.

i'm baffled with all what's is needed just to eat food someone out there just want to get rich.

[Rawkinlocs]

Oh gee wiz Helen. I don't think anyone is saying that we absolutely can-NOT live without a Vitamix or appliances period. I said that I noticed a grave difference in the two blenders I've ever used - but I know that if it came down to it, I could live without either. Come now.

The OP was stating it was a waste of money to get a vitamix and comparing it to another blender. MY point (I won't speak for anyone else) is people do not have to KNOCK one thing or another. IF she found that using the blender of her choice produces good enough results for her that she doesn't need to invest in the expense of a vitamix, then good for her. But that doesn't make it right to call it a "waste" for those who DO own one and find that it works wonders in the area of convenience or making things the texture WE FEEL our own taste buds desire them to be.

Yeah, I know that our ancestors lived without one...they also lived without computers, houses, beds, cars and a host of other "useless" things I'm sure even you find VERY convenient in your life.

We all know that people can survive without using appliances and can eat raw with just their teeth to chew - but if we CHOOSE (keyword here...CHOICE) to use them, then no one has a right to call one person's choices a "waste of money" or whatever. :rolleyes:

[HolyGuacamole]

What rawkinlocks said. ^

Peace.

[Revvell]

whatever level of eating your food whether you grind, smooth or chew food all goes down the same way, there are a lot of healthy people out there that are not eating raw and live without a vitamix.


... and there are a lot of people out there who ARE eating raw and LOVE their VitaMix.

Revvell (http://LetsTalkRaw.com)

[katacykls]

In 2007 I had the opportunity to go to Portland Oregon and attempting to transition to raw at the time I asked one of the girls who I was staying with if I could use her blender. And, to my surprise she busted out an old school vita-mix-- the kind with the stainless steel containers. The blender was old. And, I asked her where she had bought it. I already knew about Vita-Mixers thanks to this forum and through a friend' s Raw Ice Cream introduction. By using the VM at her house I was able to taste the hype of creaminess and of "thorough blending". This X-mas I was blessed with one of the best gifts I've ever received-a red colored vita-mix. It works wonders; if you are hesitant you can take my word and know it does its job and many more ! My BF and I are always looking for recipes and for reasons to use it because it is very exciting and fun to watch in action and to use.

[Ilse W.]

I LOOOOOVE MY VITAMIX! (and it was only $299, reconditioned 5000, ha!)
I just got it a week ago. Here is an example of the difference it makes. So far I used my Kitchen Aid blender, not a slouch by any means. It's done very well with smoothies and all sorts of stuff. I've been drinking the "fat burning juice" lately with the cranberries, lemon, grapefruit, etc. I've been emptying 4 capsules of kelp powder and 4 capsules of blue-green algae into the juice along with cayenne pepper. Well, the day after I got my Vitamix, I used it for my morning fat burner....YACK! I had to go back to the Kitchen Aid for that one, because the Vitamix is SO good, that it actually made the powdered algae even smaller - in effect more potent - and I had to force myself to drink what tasted like the beach at low tide in the middle of summer....stinky! But boy oh boy what wonderful concoctions I have made with my Vitamix so far, including wonderful soups and dressings for fruit salads, waldorf salad, etc. Yumm-o!
No, you don't NEED a Vitamix to be raw and healthy. You also don't need a car, a telephone, a TV, electricity, a computer, a drill, a radio, DVDs, or even printed books or sewn clothes. But life sure is easier and still VERY enjoyable WITh those things. I won't give up my Vitamix!

[eachpeachpearplum]

Oh gee wiz Helen. I don't think anyone is saying that we absolutely can-NOT live without a Vitamix or appliances period. I said that I noticed a grave difference in the two blenders I've ever used - but I know that if it came down to it, I could live without either. Come now.

The OP was stating it was a waste of money to get a vitamix and comparing it to another blender. MY point (I won't speak for anyone else) is people do not have to KNOCK one thing or another. IF she found that using the blender of her choice produces good enough results for her that she doesn't need to invest in the expense of a vitamix, then good for her. But that doesn't make it right to call it a "waste" for those who DO own one and find that it works wonders in the area of convenience or making things the texture WE FEEL our own taste buds desire them to be.

Yeah, I know that our ancestors lived without one...they also lived without computers, houses, beds, cars and a host of other "useless" things I'm sure even you find VERY convenient in your life.

We all know that people can survive without using appliances and can eat raw with just their teeth to chew - but if we CHOOSE (keyword here...CHOICE) to use them, then no one has a right to call one person's choices a "waste of money" or whatever. :rolleyes:

Ha ha ha ha. . .you go girrrrl!!: Well said!cool:

[HolyGuacamole]

No, you don't NEED a Vitamix to be raw and healthy. You also don't need a car, a telephone, a TV, electricity, a computer, a drill, a radio, DVDs, or even printed books or sewn clothes.

LOL, I read this thread to my 15 year old daughter yesterday and she said exactly that. She's smart, too. ;)

[jacsam]

I absolutely loved my osterizer but once it bit the dust I got a vitamix and I REALLY love it....there is a difference. Alissa doesn't use the top end blenders or food processors in her DVD and didn't until she'd been raw for quite some time....so either way works.

[oai]

I absolutely loved my osterizer but once it bit the dust I got a vitamix and I REALLY love it....there is a difference. Alissa doesn't use the top end blenders or food processors in her DVD and didn't until she'd been raw for quite some time....so either way works.

true. true. when we really want to do something, we can definitely utilize whatever we have at hand. michiganroman comes to mind. creative that man is. :)

there's also a blender/juicer thread i believe. pretty neat. i went through the youtube vids., & I DID NOT know one can use a paint strainer for juicing. i was so awed! :D

[eachpeachpearplum]

true. true. when we really want to do something, we can definitely utilize whatever we have at hand. michiganroman comes to mind. creative that man is. :)

there's also a blender/juicer thread i believe. pretty neat. i went through the youtube vids., & I DID NOT know one can use a paint strainer for juicing. i was so awed! :D

I'm glad you watched the youtube movies! I too was floored when I saw them; as i mentioned I just dont really use my $$$$ Breville anylonger I just get out the VM & mesh bag and Ive got juice baby!:D So I guess we could add to this thread that the high powered blender could aslo sub for a juicer as well. Can you do THAT with a basic home model blender?

Here is the thread link with the videos:

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=47157

Post #15, but please read the entire thread if you are interesting in juicers as it's a great thread!

EPPP

[justinesmith]

OHHHHHH.... I love my Breville. I splurged (recently) and I love it so much that I actually hugged it. :D I love my Vitamix too. Definitely a luxury but I've had mine for 6 years with no issues ~ and I use it DAILY. Everybody sure is different yes? ;)

[Hedi]

I loooove our Vita-Mix -- my parents gave it to us as a gift and it's the best present we've ever received. I'm a bit culinarily-challenged, but I feel a lot more at ease in the kitchen since I started using it. :)

[eachpeachpearplum]

I have read numerous articles over the past month or so about green smoothies and was almost convinced that I needed to fork out 400 bucks for a vita mix blender. I had come to this decision before even attempting to use the blender I already have which is an Osterizer that we got for our wedding 9 years ago. This morning I decided to give it a try and let me tell ya...there were no chunks, perfectly smoothe.....no need to chop food first. I just threw in whole strawberries, whole blackberries, 2 apple halves, 2 banana halves and a huge handful of greens along with ice and water and it was perfectly smoothe in 45 seconds. So glad I didn't waste my money.

OK I have already responded to this thread - twice - and I feel compelled to reach out an olive branch and say that I understand what AshleyHSimon was trying to get across. That you do not need a high powered blender to be raw.

This is absolutly true!

Most of us who own one are a bit OBSESSED with our love for our super hero high speed blender and correctly wondered how we did without one.

We have all kind of flown off the handle at her about her WASTE OF MONEY comment because we are passionate about our blenders. And yes I fully support all the comments made thus far however. . .

Let us remember that she is a very new member and the last thing we want to do is frighten her off! :(

So << big hugs>> Ashley and please don't let our VitaMix Fanaticism do you in!

All the best and I do hope to see more than 4 posts to RFT on your info!

EPPP

[klomasius]

true. true. when we really want to do something, we can definitely utilize whatever we have at hand. michiganroman comes to mind. creative that man is. :)

there's also a blender/juicer thread i believe. pretty neat. i went through the youtube vids., & I DID NOT know one can use a paint strainer for juicing. i was so awed! :D

Haha, someone else who has cottoned on to the paint strainer/fine cloth method of juicing. I've been doing this for years and we have a champion in our kitchen!

A piece of muslin cloth that cost me about 50 cents is one of my most versatile pieces of equipment in my kitchen, and really handy when travelling or on holiday.

There are ALWAYS ways for the budget conscious to adapt, and I think its fun.

[klomasius]

Yes, good on you peach!

If I were a newbie, I'd definitely be a little put off by some of the comments in this thread. Oh, and yes you CAN juice with a basic powered blender, or even a food processor. :)

You can also make smooth creams, nut butters, milks, whipped cream etc.

[raweater]

No Blendtec owners in here? I got a Blendtec about 1-2 months ago and it's incredibly more powerful than a regular blender. I used to have an also fairly expensive Breville blender but even that was no comparison and the blade had jammed twice in a few months so I decided to get a more reliable one and decided on the Blendtec since it has several additional features over the Vitamix.

It's true you don't need a high speed blender, or even any blender at all, but you can make things in a high speed blender that would overheat/break a regular blender in seconds. I can put several cups of ice, some macadamia nuts, cacao and honey in my Blendtec and in seconds have rich thick ice cream, no regular blender could do that.

[Revvell]

No Blendtec owners in here?

Yep! I own both. Love my VM. I only use the BT when I travel as it's a bit lighter and, if it goes the way of the white clouds I wont miss it ~ except when I travel.

Revvell (http://LetsTalkRaw.com)

[raweater]

I've heard good things about Blendtec. How much do they cost? My current blender is one I picked up at a thrift store for $4.
I got mine for $325 new.

[Davylp25]

Personally I love my good al gal Vita... she is awesome. I remember when I first got her, I was so excited to make something I forgot to put the lid on... It was raining green!!!!!!

[deberaw]

I too had an osterizer blender and it did fruits fine with some fine greens....but when it broke....I replaced with a VM and it just can't compare.....my VM makes smoothies with a lot of Kale smooth as silk in no time....not to mention the wonderful cheesecake recipes and 'the bomb cheese' and everything else it does.....absolutely love it...and I got it on Ebay for about $265.00.......

[Aleesha Sattva]

If I were a newbie, I'd definitely be a little put off by some of the comments in this thread.

when i was a newbie i didn't tell the people here that their methods were a waste of money ;)

i read this thread to see if anyone mentioned the obvious... no one has so i thought i'd dive in a mention it.

the number one most important reason IMO (and Victoria Boutenko's) (http://www.timelessspirit.com/MAY08/review1.shtml) for owning a vita-mix is - it breaks down the cell walls of your greens so your body is able to utilize it. if the cell walls are not broken down small enough your body can't use them.

so although another blender may taste fine... the reason i have a vita-mix is because of the health increase!

http://www.timelessspirit.com/MAY08/review6.shtml

[Stina]

If my house was burning and my boyfriend and my dog were already out, I'd grab the vitamix blender on my way out. Not joking.

The important point of this thread is that they're nice to have (wonderful to have) but the absence of one does not make the raw food diet impossible.

And I accidenally made a spatula smoothie two nights ago_ try that in an osterizer!

[cynthea]

I have been looking into raw food diet for about 2 months now. I have been trying to decide whether to buy a Vitamix. I was just about decided until I watched Alissa's DVD's last night and I realized she was using the food processor and dehydrator mostly. Of course I realized today that is because smoothies are mostly for mornings and she was concentrating on other foods.. I have been trying to decide if paying this much to make smoothies is worth the cost. Thank you , thank you everyone for all your comments. I have never used or seen a vitamix so I have no personal experience, but I was hoping the texture would be worth the cost. I made a smoothie with orange and banana and wow so much pulp! I am hoping the Vitamix will be able to make this smooth?? Because of my trouble with the orange I have not yet tried a green smoothie. I have a question regarding the juice discussion. Why would you want to strain after using the vitamix? Isn't it smooth and creamy? does it depend on what you are using? Isn't it better to have the pulp? Please explain. Does the almond milk come out too thick if not strained or not smooth enough?

thank you

[Dimond]

You don't just make smoothies with Vitamix. I make soups, puddings, cheese, sauces, dips, dressings, etc. I don't have a dehydrator or food processor. I do have a mini electric chopper that is very useful. Vitamix makes everything smooth and creamy. You probably need to add liquid like water to make your orange banana work or else juice the orange first. Juices and smoothies are two different things. Juice has no pulp. this is why you would need to strain the juice. The health benefits and taste are completely different.

[rawmiss]

I have a Magic Bullet and I'm sure that a VitaMix could do a better job, especially on the Kale, but don't ALL blenders break down the cell walls, not just the Vitamix? The water I put in to blend with, turns green.

I just love my Magic Bullet because you blend in the same container that you drink out of and there is so little clean-up. Just blend and then rinse the blades, drink your smoothie and then rinse the container/cup! I've also made green smoothies with a $10 hand mixer!

[eachpeachpearplum]

I have been looking into raw food diet for about 2 months now. I have been trying to decide whether to buy a Vitamix. I was just about decided until I watched Alissa's DVD's last night and I realized she was using the food processor and dehydrator mostly. Of course I realized today that is because smoothies are mostly for mornings and she was concentrating on other foods..
thank you

Firstly, Welcome!

I believe that she did not use her VM very much in her DVD because she was trying to show that you did not have to use one in a rawfoods diet. You will notice she used a very basic food processor and not a fancy expensive one also too; again to show you do not need to.

However, saying this as an old hand raw foodist, I mostly us my VitaMix as a day to day tool - all day not just in the morning. I use my Cuisinart with my VM when doing more complicated recipies as you may want a less liqudized consistancy and the FP gives you that. I use my dehydrator on a more sesonal bases so mostly in winter.

And yes the VM will liqidize your food NO PULP, but it will be smoothie thick, it depending on how much liquid you add. For just juice you would need to strain it. I put in a whole peeled orange, lots of very stiff greens, whole seeded apples, liquid and blend and get an utterly smooth result.

I make a whole host of other foods in it too including nut & sprouted grain flour, nut butter, soups, milks, cookie dough whatever you can imagine.

I recommend having a look at the high powered blenders in the youtube videos I posted in this wonderful thread by EternityRider on juicers. Not that you are looking for juicers but my post within the thread shows blenders in action.

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=47157

First page; POST #15

Cheers,

EPPP

[cynthea]

This forum is great ! I am so excited to be here and meet all of you.

Another question re the Vitamix :D I have decided to buy a Vitamix for sure, and was thinking about a refurbished one, but it only has the wet blade. Do you use the dry blade, how often, do you find it helpful or necessary?

thanks again, I am really excited to order one. I know that many are using their regular blenders but I do not like mine, it is not smooth enough, so I have not been having smoothies. I think it will help to be able to make them and also nut butters. I think these will be my first two main uses. I plan on using Alissa's four week plan, which doesn't call for a dehydrator until week 4, and you really only use the vitamix for smoothies if you want to.

I am going grocery shopping today to buy what I need for fettucine alfredo etc. sounds very good !

Cindy

[Revvell]

I don't even own the dry blade.

Revvell (http://LetsTalkRaw.com)

[eachpeachpearplum]

Another question re the Vitamix :D I have decided to buy a Vitamix for sure, and was thinking about a refurbished one, but it only has the wet blade. Do you use the dry blade, how often, do you find it helpful or necessary?


Cindy

NO need for the dry conatiner - at all

As you are new please dont forget to have a look at the archive section as there is a wealth of fab info there.!:cool:

[Raw Joy]

I don't have the dry blade. If I want to grind something like flax seeds or nuts, I use my $10 coffee grinder.

[eachpeachpearplum]

I don't have the dry blade. If I want to grind something like flax seeds or nuts, I use my $10 coffee grinder.

Actually, I do use my VM to grind my flax. However it would be impossible to do small amouts like a few teaspons or tablespoons in the VM so a coffee grinder would be perfect! :D

[cynthea]

:D

I thought my Vitamix would arrive next week and I received it on Friday! I've had a couple great smoothies !!

WOW- Perfect!! I went to the store last night after work and bought some flax seed.

Questions about Flax Seeds:
1. Should they be stored in the refrigerator? in the freezer?
2. Do you add them to your smoothie? How much? Does the Vitamix grind up without issues in a smoothie? It breaks everything else up, it seems like these should be fine also.
3. Do you soak flax seeds before using in a smoothie?

Instead of a green smoothie mine turned out brown:eek:
( I used one apple, banana, 1 cup spinach , 1 date, frozen strawberries)
It tasted good :)

[oai]

:D


Instead of a green smoothie mine turned out brown:eek:

might be the nanas doing that. :)

[Eva]

might be the nanas doing that. :)

Or the strawberries. Mine turn a sort of icky purply color with blueberries and blackberries, and a lovely red color with lots of beets and beet leaves. So funny how many colors a "green" smoothie can be!!

[oai]

So funny how many colors a "green" smoothie can be!!

:p so true.

[barkwheats]

Hmm, regarding the vita mix... would one be served well by an older model? My funds are SUUUPER tight right now and I realllllly want one, and they have older models like the 3600 on eBay for fairly inexpensive, but just dont know if people find them to be good still. Probably better than my hand blender, though.

[Eva]

I have a VM 3600 here at my mom's place. My mom told me for ages it was just as good. I'm here using it -- and I disagree, but it's still good enough. It's not as good as the newer Vita-Mixes but better than regular blenders for sure.

There is info here on getting one for less: http://uncooking101.com/saving-money-on-raw-food-equipment.html

I just checked -- and it looks like the $300 one is not available at the moment, so the cheapest is $379 here https://secure.vitamix.com/acb/stores/4/Factory-Reconditioned-Vita-Mix-5200-White-or-Black-P862C119.aspx with free shipping using coupon code 06-003381.

That's still a hefty price tag if it's not in your budget...

One good thing -- is if you want to buy the 3600 now -- and it works, GREAT! If you decide to sell it soon after, though, you will probably be able to get exactly what you paid for it. :)

[barkwheats]

Thanks Eva! We are on a pretty tight budget, so we might look into the 3600.

[rawlight]

when i was a newbie i didn't tell the people here that their methods were a waste of money ;)

i read this thread to see if anyone mentioned the obvious... no one has so i thought i'd dive in a mention it.


Well, you might want to read her original post. She was talking about articles she read that told her about expensive blenders. She was not criticizing anyone here.

Sometimes forums like this remind me of that game 'Operator.' :D

[RaeVynn]

I have a VM 4000 ... old school, stainless square container.
I was using the blender part of my Bosch Kitchen Center for smoothies, as the VM didn't seem to be doing that great a job on them...

Time passed. The Bosch blender quit making great smoothies. I think the blades got dulled. I ordered an upgraded container for the VM -- it's a bit more round at the base, the blade assembly is more complex, and I can see through it! Wow, it's like using a brand-new VM!

Bottom line: Most blenders have sharp blades. Tough greens, grains, seeds, etc., can dull them. VM is designed to have dull blades, as it beats the food to pieces, rather than cuts it.

VM has changed over the years, and the newer models have better performance, though not necessarily better motors. If you are looking at an older model, check with VM to see if you can still get parts. Oh, and it cost me almost $200 to refurbish mine. Still cheaper than a new one, but my motor base is still hanging in there, after all these years!

[Eva]

RaeVynn, that's what my mom's is like! (the stainless steel square base). :)