Vitamix or Blendtec??

[ruffsongraw]

hi,

i am trying to decide which kind to buy---with similar prices, which do you all think is better for typical raw-prep type use? is it really WORTH the money do you think?

THX!!
jen

[Veronica01]

Vitamix, i love it so much! It helps to have the tamper as well when making thick sauce or nut butters, don't think blend tech has that

[ruffsongraw]

THX!! but what do you do with the VM that you could not do with a regular blender? i l know its WAY faster but does it DO more things? : )
thank you!!

jen

[Veronica01]

What can I do with a vitamix? Pulverize nuts, greens, ice into a smooth consistancy, no chunks like other blenders. grind nuts dry into nut butters, regular blenders jam up. Make ice cream from frozen fruits like bananas and strawberries. I have wanted a vitamix for over 10 years and i finally got one this summer, i would never give it up, out of every raw recipe tool, this is the one i use the most. I always make dressings and fillings and sauces and smoothies all the time multiple times a day

[ruffsongraw]

ok...awesome. so for you it was worth the $ (and the wait!)? i am deciding IF i should bite the bullet & spend the money and if so, which one to get.
thanks so much!!!
jen

[nellie]

My vitamix was SOOO worth the money. In less than 3 years, I destroyed 3 regular blenders. After 2 years, the Vitamix is still going strong.

Vitamix will puliverize stuff if you want it to. I use it for a lot of things that you would use a food processor for as well but i also have a food processor.

[Veronica01]

Oh yes, also note that in the past 5 years of occaisionally making smoothies i have broken about 4 regular blenders $40-$80 because i like THICK smoothies. I don't even remember how much it was, I think my vitamix was $580-$630 or something. That's CDN so im sure it's cheaper US. I bought it from the dealer at a home and garden show. I have never even come close to breaking my vitamix and i use it all the time. It literally takes seconds to do things other blenders take 5-10 minutes to do, so it's worth the time saved as well. I haven't splurged on a food processor or dehydrator yet, but those are much less important.

[raweater]

I always do lots of research on different products before buying anything, and especially something expensive like a high speed blender. I think most people that get the Vitamix get it because it's the most popular one. When I was ready to buy a high speed blender after regular blenders kept breaking every 2-4 months I did my research to make sure I was making the best choice.

In general, I decided on the Blendtec because:
-It's more powerful
-It has 25 automated pre programmed cycles which blend and adjust the speed automatically and then stop when done, this allows me to go put the ingredients away instead of fiddling with buttons as it blends
-When you want more control, you also can choose from speeds 1-10 rather than use pre programmed cycles
-The Vitamix does not have a pulse button, I find this absurd on such an expensive blender. That means that making things like chunky salsa is likely impossible with a Vitamix, the Blendtec has a pulse button as well as several other pre programmed pulse functions for different speed pulses
-The Blendtec has better self-protection as it is computerized, it has sensors for detecting jammed blades, overload, and overheat. The vitamix which has no intelligence cannot detect these problems to prevent damage to itself.
-As mentioned, the vitamix has a tamper, too me this is not an advantage. What the Blendtec did instead is shape the blades like a propeller so everything is sucked down into them very powerfully, completely eliminating the need for a tamper (and extra parts to clean)
-The Blendtec is not as tall yet is the same capacity, this means you can store it under countertops where the Vitamix will not fit

By the way I got the Blendtec new for $325

For my full review of my Blendtec you can read it on Epinions:
http://www0.epinions.com/review/Blendtec_TB_621_BHM_Blender/content_452726918788

About what high speed blenders can do that regular blenders can't:
-You can get ultra smooth results, regular blenders leave a grainy texture
-You can blend things that are far thicker without breaking them, such as nut butters and making instant ice cream
-It takes much less time to blend, it used to take 90 seconds for a smoothie in my Breville blender, it takes less than half that in the Blendtec and I get much smoother results
-You can use them as spice grinders, I no longer use my small coffee/spice grinder since I got my Blendtec

[Revvell]

I've had my VM for about 12, 13 years now. Use it daily. Is it worth the price? ABSOLUTELY!

I also have a BlendTec. I take it traveling, never use it at home. Reason? No matter what they say, it's not a 64 oz jur and if I lose it, I wont cry as much as I will if I'd have lost my VM. I love my VM.

Revvell (http://LetsTalkRaw.com)

[nellie]

I did some research on Blendtec but I think the vitamix sold me. I got it for under $400 at Costco.

You can pulse with a Vitamix although I generally don't except on accident... Also, the Blendtec/Vitamix have same exact power (2hp/1500 watts).

I highly recommend Vitamix just because I have one and think it is awesome. I keep it on top of my countertop where it belongs because I use it so often.

[Veronica01]

i used my vitamix for my entire dinner tonight! I made rawvioli and used it to make a thick marinara sauce, and creamed nuts and parsley for a creamy cheeze filling, then for dessert i made strawberry parfaits, and made strawberry sauce and cashew cream sauce. It was a lot of cleaning but oh my god were they ever worth it. :)

[Taysia]

I love my Blend-tec!!!

I do a lot of research before I make big purchases. This time I went one step further and bought the Vita-mix at a Costco road show knowing that there was a strong possibility I would want to return it once I used it. My reasons for preferring the Blend-tec probably would not bother most people but here they are:

1) The Vita-mix sat so tall on my counter and could not fit under my cabinets, whereas my Blend-tec fits comfortably and out of my way.

2) The shape of the Vita-mix jar and the groove "designs" on the side made it difficult for me to use a rubber scraper to get "the last bit" out and prevent waste. The Blend-tec jar has clean lines, and allows me to scrape all the food out.

3) Food tended to hide under the blades, and with the jar tapering towards the bottom, it contributed to the problem.

4) It felt awkward using a tamper with the Vita-mix. The computerized cycles on the Blend-tec allows for a vortex to form in whatever I'm making and blend without having to use a tamper.

5) I had an easier time making a nut pate with the Blend-tec probably because of its 3 hp motor. I have found with further experimenting that a pate is easier to make with my Kitchenaid food processor. It works like a dream.

6) I visited a raw food place where I live where they graciously explained why they use the Blend-tec exclusively. It was the clincher!

So, I ordered my Blend-tec from amazon.com, where I read all the buyers' comments thoroughly. It had a very high approval rating. I got it for $399, no tax and free shipping.

I think it all boils down to personal styles and preferences. Whatever you decide, I hope that your first choice turns out to be the right decision for you. It's always quite a hassle to have to return things. It would be great if you know people who have the two machines and you can "play" with them before you decide.

[ruffsongraw]

Thank you ALL for this GREAT info and opinions! i will decide today and one will be on the way!
thx!!!!!

jen

[banana shake]

hi, Jen! I feel your indecision- I'm in the same spot- ready to buy, but not quite convinced one way or another. Please let us know which way you decide to go and give us a follow up on how happy you are with your choice. The VM is a lot of money, but it sounds like it's practically a lifetime appliance. Thanks again... Jen V.

[contessa20]

I was you a few months ago. I went back and forth, back and forth between the two. Today I finally ordered the BlendTec for many of the reasons that Taysia listed and I can't wait to get it. In the end I kept thinking, either one has GOT to be worlds better than what I'm using right now so I'm bound to be happy with either one, performance-wise. Beyond that it was purely about aesthetics, ease of use and ease of storage.

[JennaBoBenna]

Blendtec is my blender of choice when I finally buy a nice one

I've used Vitamixes at Jamba Juice before, and they can still leave chunks of fruit (in my experience at jamba). The Blendtec will blend up marbles. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OmpnfL5PCw)

[rawpreston]

I haven't tried a Vita-Mix, but after extensive research I went with a Blendtec ordered direct from them.

Things I love about it:
1) completely pulverizes my green smoothies. tip: use "Whole Juice" button for major smoothies, not "Smoothie", because it's ~50sec vs. 25. "Smoothie" is fine for a little milkshake but not for the 32oz GS concoction I make which contains all kinds of stuff.
2) Cleanup. The blade cannot even disassemble from the jar, so all you do to clean it up is give it a rinse, put in a drop of dish soap plus 8oz warm water, pulse for 5sec, rinse clean. I recommend Seventh Generation dish soap because it's not overly sudsy and rinses clean easily.
3) It also makes tahini and nut butters. With a little coaxing. It takes a little experimentation. I recommend dry ingredients and container for these, otherwise it can gum up. Use a minimum of 2 cups ingredient. Run numerous cycles at speed 1 until cavitation no longer occurs and it gets going on its own, then run a few cycles at speed 5 and it will get creamy.
4) It fits under my counter.
5) Blue light kind of sexy.
6) I'm pretty sure the jar is better than a VMs in terms of getting thick stuff out of it, due to square shape, and the blade is only 2-pronged so it's probably easier to get under there.

Possible negatives compared to VM:
1) shorter warranty. if you can, get it at Costco during a demo, I think you can swing a full 7 years that way. It's typically just 3 years on the base and 1 year on the jar/blade. The jar/blade costs about $60 to replace.
2) it's louder than a vitamix, I believe. Haven't had any complaints yet, but at top speed it sounds like a small plane in your kitchen.
3) if you have OCD, you might be annoyed to burn 10 cycles on the perma readout counter to making a nut butter, lol.
4) the Blendtec container does contain BPA. (gasp!) but, I did contact Blendtec and they told me that they are releasing a non-BPA container sometime this year. So that's good.

[MelissaO]

I have a Vitamix and I have never had any problems with it blending up things perfectly. I am going on vacation for 9 days later this week and am so sad I can not take it with me but would be more heart broken if it were stolen.

I use my Vitamix atleast twice a day every day, I have both sizes of the wet jars and just love it. As someone else mentioned if you can catch a demo going on at Costco you can pick up one for a very good price.

I have also used my friends Blendtec and did not care for all the buttons and programs on it. I had to re-run my smoothie because it did not get it to the texture that I wanted.

[c'estlaviebelle]

I have experience with both. I have used the vitamix 5 days a week for the last year at my job, and I use the blendtec about half as often at home for about the same length of time. Here is my opinion:

Vitamix: We use these at the raw restaurant I work at.
Pros:
-Large Pitcher (8 cups)
-Tamper helps move food into the blades
-Simple to use (easy dials and switches)
-Blends mostly everything very smooth
-GREAT warranty, customer support and repair should something happen
Cons:
-Very large/ tall (hard to store)
-Have to use tamper to really get dry goods ground
-Need a separate container to grind dry goods
-Hard to clean due to shape of pitcher and 4 pronged blades in bottom (more of an issue with sticky stuff than liquids of course)
-Have had a few mechanical problems with them (the rotor part which turns the blade has broken a few times on one of the machines- I think it may be largely due to extensive use and operator error than a problem with the vitamix itself, but it can happen if you tilt the carafe at all while it is blending)
-Sometimes leaves chunks of frozen fruit unless the tamper is used to blend

Blendtec: I have one at home that personally use

Pros:
-Shape of carafe and 2-pronged blade makes it easy to clean
-Low profile makes it easier to store at home and leave on cabinets without being intrusive
-Can blend anything to powder if put on the correct setting
-Has a pulse button
-Cool "high-tec" look and settings (if you are into that kind of thing)
-One container handles both dry and wet items
Cons:
-Smaller pitcher than vitamix (4-5 cups comfortably, maybe 6 c. at max- this isn't a problem for me at home since I rarely do such large batches of anything that it would require an 8 cup pitcher, and even then it is not that big of a deal to blend things in several batches, but if you plan to do larger batches it could be a problem)
-More complicated to use due to being "high-tec"- there are a lot of settings, which can be confusing, although I usually use the same setting for all things I want pulverized and the pulse button if I just want something mixed
-No tamper, so you have to figure out which cycle to use for some harder to blend items (I haven't personally found this to be a problem if you use the preset 4, as it will pulverize anything, but I could see this being a problem until you get the hang of it)
-Doesn't have as great of a warranty as the Vitamix I believe, however I haven't had ANY problems with the Blendtec at all
-Even louder than the vitamix (although maybe it is because in a commercial kitchen EVERYTHING is loud, so the vitamix sounds don't seem as loud as the blendtec does to me at home, where it is normally quiet)


After working with a vitamix at work every day almost for the last year, and being a previous blendtec owner when I went to work there, I still have to say I prefer my blendtec for the un-cooking I do at home. The vitamix is a great machine, and does everything a raw-foodist needs it to, but I find it harder to work with and clean than the blendtec, and its' size would also be a problem for me in my small kitchen at home. However, I do think either one is great and will do whatever a raw foodist needs. When I purchased my blendtec it was quite a bit cheaper than any of the vitamix machines I could find, so I think it is a great deal and every bit as good (if not better) for a home un-cooker raw foodist.

Just my $.02

Vie

[klomasius]

Sounds like a blendtec would be better for my needs, when I do get the money to get one.

The last bits on the underside of the blades and along the bottom of the jug send me absolutely SPARE with frustration trying to get them. I hate wasting valuable sauces, ice creams etc. If it's sweet, I end up make a milkshake from the dregs to save it.

And I like storability too, I tend to take my blender travelling so a more compact shape would be heaps better to get into a suitcase.

Thanks for all the info guys, this is a great thread!

[deberaw]

...I love my Vitamix for reasons that others have stated...I hadn't done my research between the two, but the reasons stated for the Blendtec are very appealing too....

Just wanted you to know that I got my VM, a BarBoss model, used in a coffee shop for 2 years {just for smoothies} for $265.00 approx., including shipping! On EBAY! {also came with an extra 64oz. container, just in case Revvell loses hers...hee-hee....}

[Revvell]

On EBAY! {also came with an extra 64oz. container, just in case Revvell loses hers...hee-hee....}

Ooooh! Bite your tongue! I've got me a spare AND the lil size too! And BT w/ 3 containers. Think I'm good-to-go here. :p

[ruffsongraw]

oh thank to you all!
i did finally decide on a blendtec. my counters are crowded and so being able to store it is a plus. but the main reason was b/c there is a seller on ebay that has several *nearly* new ones for 289 and free shipping. he used them for 2 days at a food show, so they are LIGHTLY used but come w/warranty and all manuals etc...
thx again and i will 4sure let you all know if i like it. i am sure i will, like the other poster said, all i have is a wimpy walmart blender!! so it really does sound like i couldnt have gone wrong either way, but i think this was a good deal on the price.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! you all have been SO helpful and informative--where else could i get this detailed 1st hand info??? THX.
jen

[raweater]

I have also used my friends Blendtec and did not care for all the buttons and programs on it. I had to re-run my smoothie because it did not get it to the texture that I wanted.

You need to select the proper cycle for the results you want, there are 25 cycles so one of them is sure to get the results you want. I use the "Smoothie XL" cycle for smoothies since I make large ones and the normal smoothie cycle didn't blend it enough for the size I make.

[raweater]

Blendtec: I have one at home that personally use
[...]
Cons:
[...]
-More complicated to use due to being "high-tec"- there are a lot of settings, which can be confusing, although I usually use the same setting for all things I want pulverized and the pulse button if I just want something mixed


I would say it's actually much more simple to use due to being high tec, with uncomputerized blenders you need to control the speed and pulse manually, with the preset cycles it's simply pressing a button and it's done, you can't get any more simple than a single button press.

Also, if you haven't read the manual, with the newer model there are 4 customizable buttons where you can preset your 4 favorite cycles, this is what allows one button press to do at least your 4 favorite different cycles.

I have my 4 preset buttons set to:
-Smoothie XL
-Soup
-Hot chocolate
-Ice cream

So whatever I'm doing it's as simple as pressing the one of the 4 programmable buttons for what I want, I almost never go in the menus.

[c'estlaviebelle]

I would say it's actually much more simple to use due to being high tec, with uncomputerized blenders you need to control the speed and pulse manually, with the preset cycles it's simply pressing a button and it's done, you can't get any more simple than a single button press.

Also, if you haven't read the manual, with the newer model there are 4 customizable buttons where you can preset your 4 favorite cycles, this is what allows one button press to do at least your 4 favorite different cycles.

I have my 4 preset buttons set to:
-Smoothie XL
-Soup
-Hot chocolate
-Ice cream

So whatever I'm doing it's as simple as pressing the one of the 4 programmable buttons for what I want, I almost never go in the menus.

I guess it depends on how you look at it! :) For me, I'm ok with high tech (I kind of like it actually, in a nerdy way), but for some people I could see it being a con.

I have my preset 4 set to "Juice" which I use for pretty much everything. I think the cycles are pretty great, and the manual is very helpful too. But I did want those who are not as tech savvy to be forewarned that the blendtec takes a little more technical getting used to than the vitamix.

[*RayRay*]

Wow! great info guys!! I too am making the decision to go vitamix or blendtec.... I'm leaning towards Blendtec...but one question...

Has anyone had a blendtec for 5, 10, or 20 years???

I hear alot of people say that vitamix's last forever...does the blendtec last forever as well?

[ambermum]

I love reading all this info! I've had my VitaMix for about 3 years now and it's faaaantastic. I hadn't even heard of BlendTec until recently! From what I've heard, the only real advantage to a BT is its size (slightly smaller than a VM) and perhaps slight ease in cleaning. I have to say that whatever I've made, cleaning my VM has NEVER been a problem - just squirt a little dish detergent in some warm water and run on the high setting for 5-10secs - done! The BT has preprogrammed settings but the VM is just as powerful and I like that I can decide manually how to blend. It doesn't have a pulse button but you can pulse manually on a low setting very easily. VMs last forever the tamper is very handy. I have the small jug as well and with that in the base, it fits neatly on the counter under my cabinets, and is great for smaller jobs.

It's down to personal taste, but I can't recommend VitaMix highly enough - it's the best!!

[nellie]

FYI if you are a Costco member, I was at Costco the other day and heard a blender demonstration so I thought it was Vitamix but it wasn't, it was Blendtec. So apparently there are Blendtec roadshows at Costco now? If you are looking for a Blendtec, I'd highly recommend looking into getting one from Costco.

[raweater]

The BT has preprogrammed settings but the VM is just as powerful and I like that I can decide manually how to blend.

The blendtec can also be used manually from speed 1 to 10 like a regular blender, it's not limited to the 25 pre programmed cycles.

[sweetheart]

i used my vitamix for my entire dinner tonight! I made rawvioli and used it to make a thick marinara sauce, and creamed nuts and parsley for a creamy cheeze filling, then for dessert i made strawberry parfaits, and made strawberry sauce and cashew cream sauce. It was a lot of cleaning but oh my god were they ever worth it. :)


Sounds great!!!! I will have to try these ideas!

[papiyonmov]

I too love the size, functionality, and performance of my Blendtec. I love that I can just hit #4 (pre-set) for Green Smoothies and clean up the counter while it's blending. Anything to save this busy mom some time is great! I've been using it about 2-3 times a day since December and feel it's one of the best things I've ever purchased.

[EatRaw]

Would the ones that are using the blendtec's mind sharing which model they are using?

Thanks,
dave

[Rawjac]

I also am considering investing in a high end blender as mine seems to be struggling already - it's less than a year old, sigh. It suddenly gave yesterday as i made a green smoothie but luckily still works when I switch it to the ice crushing switch. I pray it holds a little longer as ££££s are tight at the moment.....

[ruffsongraw]

hey all, i got my BT yesterday (289 on ebay, free shipping) and it is SUPER powerful. WOW. just figuring it outnow. it is much louder than my old walmart belnder but all that power would have to be somewhat noisy. not sure what model it is. it was used as a demo at a food show for 2 days, so it is slightly used. but i couldnt beat that price!

thkx SO MUCH cor all the info that helped me to decide. i have had NO exp with "real" blenders.

jen

[papiyonmov]

EatRaw Dave: I believe my Blendtec is the HP3A (the 3 horse-power model home model). Mine's a former demo model too.

(p.s. Wait, I checked the bottom of the blender and it says EP3 HPA...it's the one that says BlendtecHome on the front, black)

[Rawjac]

Blendtec is my blender of choice when I finally buy a nice one

I've used Vitamixes at Jamba Juice before, and they can still leave chunks of fruit (in my experience at jamba). The Blendtec will blend up marbles. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OmpnfL5PCw)

I'm astounded by the powdered marbles. Goodness gracious me!!!!!

[raweater]

I have the HP3A also.

Rawjac, look at their other videos, they blend all sorts of things.

[michigan roman]

ive not been able to bring myself to pay the huge coin for a power blender yet because ive one main disagreement with their designs . and that is on all the big 3 , bt / vm / waring , the jars just sit on top the base without being held down by some type method . thusly you have to hold the jar when blending . and if you move around while doing so you could tilt the jar off center and damage the gears between jar and motor base . and i dont want that worry for that kinda money . itd just take a simple system where you set the jar on base and turn it a quarter turn to lock it into posistion . then when done turn it backwards a quarter turn to remove . with this set up the jar and motor gears are locked / meshed tight with no chance of damage being done , plus you dont have to hold the d*mn jar down :D

[raweater]

michigan: you're making assumptions, I have never ever held my jar down regardless of how thin or thick what I'm blending is (I always put my ingredients away while it's blending), there's no force that can make it go up anyway so a locking mechanism would only result in wasting time locking and unlocking with each use. I much prefer that you can simply slide it down.

Edit: They use blendtecs at Jugo Juice near where I am and they make smoothies in them and they have the blenders in a plastic box to muffle the noise, making it impossible to hold down the jar when blending. There's simply no force that would cause it to go up.

[michigan roman]

assumption or observation , you be the judge ;)

link :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OmpnfL5PCw ..

ps - and ive read vm owners complaints of accidentally tilting the jar off tight mesh with motor gear and stripping the gears teeth . i believe you on how its working for you and at store , its just im the kind of person that goes fast and breaks stuff if it isnt solid / tight . and i know sooner or later ide tilt that jar while it was spinning and then have problems . where as if that jar could be secured down ive no worries . same with lids , i wish they would screw into jar so no worries about lid flying off

[raweater]

I saw all those videos and he probably doesn't need to hold it, and anyway it's blending rock hard items so it's likely more shaky, he may also be holding it simply to prevent the dust smoke from comming out the top steam hole. As I've said in the hundreds of times I've used it, even with hard ice at -20 degrees celcius, I've never held it in place.

I also very easily break things, and the Blendtec is not something I could break. Also you mentioned it's VMs where people tilt and break the jar, on the Blendtec the base does not allow for any tilting whatsoever so that's not an issue with the Blendtec, not to remention that you don't need to hold it at all.

[irishserra]

Four or five years ago, my grandmother was walking through Sam's Club, I think, and got "sucked into" buying this blender. She is the kind that easily is persuaded into buying anything from an infomercial or anybody demonstrating anything at a store.

She invites me over one day and asks me if I will take it home, because it's been sitting in her pantry cupboard unopened and if my grandfather finds out she purchased another useless item...

I take it home and proceed to store it away in MY pantry...until I discovered raw about two years ago...

I go downstairs out of curiosity and check out that blender...IT WAS A VITAMIX!!!

I have used it just about every single day for two years now...it runs like a champ...easy to clean...it's the best investment I never made...

Woo Hoo!!

Also, as a side point, the only complaint I have is the lid. It's sometimes difficult to pull off, but it's not enough to dampen the value of the machine. :o)

[raweater]

I have used it just about every single day for two years now...it runs like a champ...easy to clean...it's the best investment I never made...


How is it the best investement you've made if you're grandmother bought it? :p

[LotsaRaw]

Well, after all the ruckus on this topic, I just purchased a blendtec (awaiting shipment) - to compete head to head in MY kitchen against my vita mix - the loser of the battle will be returned! I don't really have any qualms with the vitamix other than the size, so we'll see and I'll keep you posted.

I actually have the patience, time and $$ (just for now) to get the kitchen gizmos I LOVE! Quite the hassle, but I think it will be worth it!

[michigan roman]

Well, after all the ruckus on this topic, I just purchased a blendtec (awaiting shipment) - to compete head to head in MY kitchen against my vita mix - the loser of the battle will be returned! I don't really have any qualms with the vitamix other than the size, so we'll see and I'll keep you posted.

I actually have the patience, time and $$ (just for now) to get the kitchen gizmos I LOVE! Quite the hassle, but I think it will be worth it!


omg youve just put alot of pressure on yourself :D

ok we need side by side photos , check .
we need the marble test :eek: , check .
we'd like also for you to really out do those punks at
blendtec and pulverize a brick in yours :eek: , check .

were cheering for ya , go getum champ :D

[LotsaRaw]

omg youve just put alot of pressure on yourself :D

ok we need side by side photos , check .
we need the marble test :eek: , check .
we'd like also for you to really out do those punks at
blendtec and pulverize a brick in yours :eek: , check .

were cheering for ya , go getum champ :D

M'dear,

I will keep you posted, but there will not be any marble or brick tests! (I do plan on returning the "loser") Gonna use them for smoothies, dressings, and nut fluff...open to suggestions for other uses...the FP showdown will include dates, shredding carrots & sweet potatoes, herbs, nut crusts, etc...

Jen

[michigan roman]

i didnt know you were doing a fp showdown too , what brands may i ask ?

concerning your blender showdown may i request a half cup o seeds of some type such as flax or sesame to be ground into powder . thats cuz in my cheap salton blender i always use short burst of the pulse button to grind my seeds and am wondering if both these biggies work well with seeds

[raweater]

michigan: Just to let you know ever since I got my Blenctec I put away my $10 spice grinder, the blendtec grinds seeds and spices very well. Even if I'm making a very small amount that doesn't even make it up the the blades, it makes a wind vortex as it normally would with liquids and sucks the seeds into the blades.

[LotsaRaw]

i didnt know you were doing a fp showdown too , what brands may i ask ?

concerning your blender showdown may i request a half cup o seeds of some type such as flax or sesame to be ground into powder . thats cuz in my cheap salton blender i always use short burst of the pulse button to grind my seeds and am wondering if both these biggies work well with seeds

Michigan Roman,

I will also test the VM & BT with sesame & flax :)

Here's what I posted on another thread: "I have the Cuisinart MP-14, but will be returning it (the chrome is nearly impossible to keep spotless on the counter) and I am not happy with the cleaning of the buttons on this model (not the imbedded ones you just wipe clean) Functionally I love it though!

I have been comparing the Cuisinart PrepPlus 11 cup and the KitchenAid KFP750 - and am leaning towards the KA, since it is a 12 cup with 700 watts, despite Cuisinart carrying a better warranty."

I also just purchased a Acquasana water filter and a 9 tray Good 4U (I already had the round American Harvest with temp controls, but the shape got to be a pain when trying to make tortillas & crackers)

I am going to miss my tax-exempt housing/food money from this 12 month adventure with the Navy, but my RAW kitchen will ROCK!! :o

[michigan roman]

Thanx raweater and lotsaraw

[raweater]

I have the MP-14, I'm surprised you'd return it just because of the chrome not staying clean and buttons, anyway I love mine.

[LotsaRaw]

I have the MP-14, I'm surprised you'd return it just because of the chrome not staying clean and buttons, anyway I love mine.

I am just lazy - don't want to wipe off water spots off the chrome every day! And I can see that dust & "stuff" will get stuck in the space between the black soft buttons and the chrome. I was won over by the 20 yr warranty, but don't want to spend the next 20 years grumbling about the external cleanliness of my FP.

My kitchen appliances are like the clothes in my closet - if they don't feel great (or serve an important purpose) they need to go away.

[Revvell]

Also, as a side point, the only complaint I have is the lid. It's sometimes difficult to pull off, but it's not enough to dampen the value of the machine. :o)

They have new, easy-on-off lids now but methinks you also have to buy the new container for the lids. I got the smaller container and the new lid. They're maaahvelous!

To take the old one off easy, give it a lil squeeze by the pour spout. That should do it.

[Revvell]

How is it the best investement you've made if you're grandmother bought it? :p

Reread what was said "never" made.

[Revvell]

M'dear,

I will keep you posted, but there will not be any marble or brick tests! (I do plan on returning the "loser") Gonna use them for smoothies, dressings, and nut fluff...open to suggestions for other uses...the FP showdown will include dates, shredding carrots & sweet potatoes, herbs, nut crusts, etc...

Jen

Blendtec claims you can do a 64 oz. smoothie in their container. Please, give it a shot.

[Revvell]

Both the BT and the VM grind flax REALLY well. I do like the BT a tad more for this but use the "wet blade container" to do the seeds and works GREAT!



i didnt know you were doing a fp showdown too , what brands may i ask ?

concerning your blender showdown may i request a half cup o seeds of some type such as flax or sesame to be ground into powder . thats cuz in my cheap salton blender i always use short burst of the pulse button to grind my seeds and am wondering if both these biggies work well with seeds

[Revvell]

Michigan Roman,

I will also test the VM & BT with sesame & flax :)

Here's what I posted on another thread: "I have the Cuisinart MP-14, but will be returning it (the chrome is nearly impossible to keep spotless on the counter) and I am not happy with the cleaning of the buttons on this model (not the imbedded ones you just wipe clean) Functionally I love it though!

I have been comparing the Cuisinart PrepPlus 11 cup and the KitchenAid KFP750 - and am leaning towards the KA, since it is a 12 cup with 700 watts, despite Cuisinart carrying a better warranty."

I also just purchased a Acquasana water filter and a 9 tray Good 4U (I already had the round American Harvest with temp controls, but the shape got to be a pain when trying to make tortillas & crackers)

I am going to miss my tax-exempt housing/food money from this 12 month adventure with the Navy, but my RAW kitchen will ROCK!! :o

Thanks for this. I've got the CPP ~ dislike it muchly ~ and am looking at the KA 12-C or the Cuisinart 14 C.

Have you not tried the Excalibur 9-tray with timer? I LOVE mine!

[raweater]

Reread what was said "never" made.

Aha, you don't usually hear that lol.


Blendtec claims you can do a 64 oz. smoothie in their container. Please, give it a shot.

I actually did put 64 oz of water in mine to test and it is very very close to the top of the jar. I was able to run it on low speed (1 of 10) but wouldn't dare run it faster so full, and I did hold the lid down with it that full (it almost certainly would blow off otherwise). I agree that although it can hold 64 oz, I wouldn't use it with that much. I normally make my smoothies one portion at a time anyway, I can still make 2 large ones if I want to with plenty of room to spare.

[Revvell]

I actually did put 64 oz of water in mine to test and it is very very close to the top of the jar. I was able to run it on low speed (1 of 10) but wouldn't dare run it faster so full, and I did hold the lid down with it that full (it almost certainly would blow off otherwise). I agree that although it can hold 64 oz, I wouldn't use it with that much. I normally make my smoothies one portion at a time anyway, I can still make 2 large ones if I want to with plenty of room to spare.

That's what I thought. If you do as much as I do (two full VM containers a day), then you'd have it all coming out the top... or, blow the top off as you say. My BT has its uses but I'll stick with VM for smoozies.

[raweater]

Do you consume that much smoothies to yourself or are others also having some? Are smoothies the main part of your diet?

I normally have 2-3 a day and put walnuts and oil to get them around 800 calories per 2.5 cups.

[Revvell]

Just me! Smoothies and salads. I don't count calories.


Do you consume that much smoothies to yourself or are others also having some? Are smoothies the main part of your diet?

I normally have 2-3 a day and put walnuts and oil to get them around 800 calories per 2.5 cups.

[irishserra]

How is it the best investement you've made if you're grandmother bought it? :p

Actually, I said it's the best investment I NEVER made... :cool:

[EatRaw]

Thanks everyone!

I will prob go for the BT because it will fit under the counter. But will be watching LotsaRaw's review, just want to order that sucker now! :D The weak one I'm using works ok, but the plastic caraft cracked the other day, plus its way to small.

dave

[*RayRay*]

I think I have decided on the blendtec....the only thing that makes me keep considering the vitamix is the 7 year warranty!! But.....I like the features of the blendtec...and they do have a 3 year which is pretty good too....so That will most likely be my choice...My hubby gave me the go-ahead to order a blender of my choice!!! I am going to wait until May 1st because that is when blendtec is coming out with their BPA free pitchers!! (I contacted them to find this out!)....btw, thank you to whomever mentioned BPA earlier in this thread, I had no idea what it was and am glad I didn't order a blender that contained it!!

[LotsaRaw]

Just opened & washed...it is loud and sounds different from the VM.

Would someone post in this thread the info about the container? I recall they were coming out with a new one for the Blendtec? It does seem cheaper (lighter weight and more likely to crack) than the VM one, but the clean inside lines appear good for cleaning/pouring all the smoothie goodness out. Thanks!

Reading the manual now...

This is gonna be tough...just whipped up a smoothie - I do like the smaller size of the container, but it "felt" rougher when blending. In the auto programmed smoothie cycle, there were froz strawberry bits still remaining, so I added a bit more coconut water, then recycled it through the smoothie setting (#2) - voila - perfect smoothie. RESULT: matching smoothie consistency with both VM & BT

[rawpreston]

Would someone post in this thread the info about the container? I recall they were coming out with a new one for the Blendtec? It contains BPA, that nasty stuff which the FDA says is fine but studies have come out all over the place in recent years about how it can leach out and affect hormone levels or cause cancer and crap. However it's also present in the liner of almost all canned foods and drinks as far as I know, where it would presumably be more of a concern than a couple minutes of exposure from a blender carafe. But then again the Blendtec is pretty violent like you said so who knows if anything's being micro-chipped off. :(

But I contacted Blendtec and was told they would be coming out with a BPA-free container sometime in the next few months.

edit: oh another thing: when I make my typical big green smoothie I hit the "whole juice" button. It's twice as long as the smoothie cycle and gets the job done in 1 go. I dunno why they're named like that :) I use the smoothie cycle when the only thing to blend is like 4 ice cubes (like when i make a half of this rawkin cacao/tahini/banana smoothie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oFwjqyO83E))

love my blendtec!

[onelife2live]

My Vitamix arrived today!!! Wooooooooooooohoooo!! :D:D The first thing that came out of my mouth after opening the box was 'WOW! This thing is HUGE!':eek: It just means the possibilities are endless...YIPPY! :p

[iwuvmydoggy]

Blendtec doesn't have as long or as good of a warranty as a VitaMix, but it seems to blend things better. On the Blendtec, I forget which part it is, but it's only under warranty for 1 year, whereas the VitaMix has a long warranty, for all parts.

Blendtec seems to be a bit easier to clean and is smaller, so it fits under your cabinets easier.. Vitamix can hold more & has a better quality jar thing (LOL i just woke up & am having one of those moments)

[LotsaRaw]

In a nutshell, both work great! I had my housemate back home in NJ measure the distance between the cupboards and counter - 18"....which means the VM will be too tall to keep on counter. The BT will fit, so it is looking like it will stay. (in my current residence, there is no cupboard above the counter where my VM & FP live) I am considering looking at the smaller VM container for overall dimensions...does anyone have the smaller container...and what is the total height (base + container)?

I will be making salsa this weekend to test out the pulse buttons on the BT - and reading the manual on how to program the 4 buttons.

[raweater]

In a nutshell, both work great! I had my housemate back home in NJ measure the distance between the cupboards and counter - 18"....which means the VM will be too tall to keep on counter. The BT will fit, so it is looking like it will stay. (in my current residence, there is no cupboard above the counter where my VM & FP live) I am considering looking at the smaller VM container for overall dimensions...does anyone have the smaller container...and what is the total height (base + container)?

I will be making salsa this weekend to test out the pulse buttons on the BT - and reading the manual on how to program the 4 buttons.
For pulsing on top of the pulse button, I think there's a menu category called Food Processing and in that category you have several more pulse options also.

[LotsaRaw]

It has been a toss up between the Vitamix & Blendtec. The reason I am keeping my Vitamix and selling the Blendtec, is that I think you become comfortable with the first one you start with, and with both on the counter, I keep going the the VM (then intentionally doing a double batch in each blender to make the determination) Neither outperformed each other per se. Each has its little quirks and pros & cons that have been discussed on other threads. I'll list the BT for sale on a new thread.

OK - my new thread dissappeared so - if anyone is interested in purchasing my BT - let me know!!

[EatRaw]

Well I purchased the BT came in Monday...I love it, course its the only GOOD blender I've ever had :D love to hit smoothie XL and watch and listen to it change gears! LOL :D Main reason I chose it, was that it fits under the cabinet. Happy with it so far!

[supersonic_528]

I got my vita mix 5200 on thursday (bought it factory reconditioned from ebay) and used it today for the first time. The first thing I tried was the green smoothie that I make everyday using the ordinary $30 blender. It came out SUPER smooth. I usually put flax seeds in it and for the first time I didn't feel the flax seeds in my smoothie. The whole thing was flowing really smooth in the bottle. I guess it would also have broken the cellulose better, so hopefully more nutrients will be absorbed. After that I made a fruit smoothie using apples, oranges and banana. It's good, although a bit tart. BTW am I supposed to use the oranges with seed?

[raweater]

Orange seeds can be very bitter, I know if I make an orange or grapefruit juice in my Green Star juicer they come out extremely bitter if some seeds get through. It's added nutrition especially vitamin B17 that is powerful against cancer, but if there's too much it really gets bitter.

[RawVeggie]

which blendtecs are you guys using???
there are so many of them. i was peeking at the "smoothie" one, but this gorgeous one is really expensive ... in germany i would pay around 1300 euros i believe ... that was basically the reason, i never really thought about getting one.

problem is, lots of people say, one needs the "smoothie" with lots of hp ... is this really true? i mean, the 3hundredsome blendtec and the "smoothie" ... there are big differences, aren't there? but still alot of people seem to be happy with what the 3hundredsome blendtec does so why would i really need the "smoothie"??

i'm really confused about these blenders ... really ...
happy easter to y'all anyway :D

[Cheremoya]

I have been using a K~Tec Champ HP3 for 3 years, and I am quite happy with it. Not one problem ever. Blends perfectly.

[raweater]

We are mostly all using the HP3A which is $325 US new. The one you mentioned is an industrial model for restaurants.

[*RayRay*]

We are mostly all using the HP3A which is $325 US new.

where did you see it for this price? I have only been able to find it for about $399.

thanks

[michigan roman]

where did you see it for this price? I have only been able to find it for about $399.

thanks

ditto /////////

[raweater]

2-life.com sells it for $325 with the instant rebate.

[EatRaw]

I'm EXTREMLY happy with my BT...from 2 life. I have had it about a month..

dave

[Lovestocreate]

Hi everybody!!
I'm going to just start out and say that I have a biased opinion. I sell the Vita-mix 5200. But at least I am being honest about it. I have read a couple of posts on this thread that are most likely posted by Blendtec reps- be careful.
So lets talk warranty. I view a warranty as a very good gauge of a company's confidence in the longevity of their product. When you buy a Vita-mix directly from the company you get a 7 year warranty. When you buy a Blendtec directly from their company the machine only comes with a 3 year warranty. Now at costco the blendtec comes with a 7 year warranty but only because there are both vita-mix and blendtec roadshows at costco and blendtec must try to stay competitive. But the question is this which machine will be most likely to give you trouble the one that has a 7 year warranty or the one that usually has a 3 year warranty?
Consumer Reports- Vita-mix is rated #1 in the blender category year after year. For 2010 blendtec is rated #4. Of course blendtec is a fine machine after all most people who are going to buy a high performance blender will generally only be deciding between one or the other. And anybody could probably love them equally. But there are some important differences between the two.
Blendtec has buttons and pre-programed settings. Vita-mix has SIMPLE manual switches and a very precise variable speed control. I don't like when machines think they are smarter than me and besides creating with food is an art and with the vitamix you have more control. For example when making a smoothie there can be tremendous variation solely based on how long its blended for. The longer is goes not only will it be smoother but also sweeter and more flavorful. The change in taste must be due to the total pulverization of everything; the texture will hide some of the sweetness and flavor. So really nice deciding when to turn off the machine. Sure the blendtec has a option of being able to control the speed but again your limited due to the buttons only giving you limited options. The variable speed is so nice, simple, and smooth. Instant results no working through a series of buttons. All the vita-mix asks of you is for you to turn it on and off. The idea that you need to be tending to a smoothie or soup with a vita-mix is just silly. Besides it hardly take a minute to make a smoothie. No pulse on the Vita-mix? Not needed. The slowest speed (11 mph) is perfect for making CHUNKY salsa or chopping other vegetables. If YOU DECIDE that you would like to make it finer you simply adjust the variable speed control.
The Vita-mix has a tamper! What a great tool. For those who don't know what it is its a basically just a rod with a collar on it. Allows you to push ingredients down into the blades and WONT hit the blades. So simple and so effective. Do you know why blendtec doesn't have one? Because its a patent and unfortunately for them they aren't allowed to. Now their container is wider and you are less likely to need one - but for nut butters, ice creams, and other really thick spreads and pates you will really be glad to have one. Besides when i make smoothies i put in the whole apple the whole orange (other fruits too) and one quick push with the tamper and away it goes. I don't have to chop up anything before i put it in knowing that the tamper will effectively push everything into the blades. There's no other way for it to happen. Cleaning to tamper? Come on - a 2 second rinse in the sink is all it needs. The vita-mix blades (like the blendtec) also are fan shaped pulling all the ingredients down into the blades. The vita-mix blades (also the blend-tec) are dull and really never need sharpening they are hammer mill blades and they smash.
Horse power- Blendtec has 3 vita-mix 2. Don't be fooled by the "bigger is always better" idea. The blades spin at the same rpm. There is nothing that the blendtec will do that the vita-mix wont. After all if the horse power is all that blendtec cracks it up to be why is vita-mix always the #1 rated blender. Besides the base of the blendtec (containing the motor) weighs about four lbs. The vita-mix base weighs about 9lbs. There is more to the vita-mix motor this not only allows amazing performance but also incredible durability.
Vita-mix is also quieter than blendtec.
Durability - I am young and have only had my vita-mix for just over a year (no problems with it ever, works amazing) but as I mentioned i sell the vita-mix 5200. This is usually done at a Costco. I see allot of people and hear allot of things. EVERY SINGLE DAY MULTIPLE people will come up to my booth and give amazing testimony. In a years time hundreds of people have told me that they have (and still use) a vita-mix that's over 30 years old. They say things like "The only problem with Vita-mix is that they last too long. I'm waiting for mine to die before I buy a new one!" and "We bought one 25 years ago and its the best purchase we've ever made." Vita-mix has been around for 90 years and they started making blenders in 1937. They are a great company (made in the USA) and make a great machine.
Vita-mix has a separate container for grinding grain. This container has a different blade to allow for a finer flour. Before 1991 the vita-mix only had one container for both wet and dry and you can use the "wet" container for grinding grain into flour as well (makes fine flour) . However grain is hard and moves really fast and will scuff the container. Its nice that a dry container is available this keeps the grain grinding out of your main container leaving it nice and pretty looking longer.
Size- Vita-mix is taller when the container is on it. If it doesn't fit on your counter due to a cabinet its so easy for most just to store the base on your counter and to keep the container nearby. A shorter container is also available.
I hope this is able to help out those who are deciding between these two machines. Just remember also about the 7 year warranty of the Vita-mix VS the standard 3 year warranty of the Blentec. I think that tells allot. Continue to do your research.
Good luck and happy blending!

[raweater]

I have read a couple of posts on this thread that are most likely posted by Blendtec reps- be careful.

I can assure you I don't work for blendtec.

So lets talk warranty. I view a warranty as a very good gauge of a company's confidence in the longevity of their product. When you buy a Vita-mix directly from the company you get a 7 year warranty. When you buy a Blendtec directly from their company the machine only comes with a 3 year warranty.

The part most likely to fail on any blender is the gasket/bearings where the blade shaft does through the bottom of the jar, on absolutely every single of the dozens of blenders I had, the only part that ever broke was that. On the blendtec, that part has a LIFETIME warranty, the vitamix only has a 7 years warranty on that part.

Blendtec has buttons and pre-programed settings. Vita-mix has SIMPLE manual switches and a very precise variable speed control. I don't like when machines think they are smarter than me and besides creating with food is an art and with the vitamix you have more control. For example when making a smoothie there can be tremendous variation solely based on how long its blended for. The longer is goes not only will it be smoother but also sweeter and more flavorful. The change in taste must be due to the total pulverization of everything; the texture will hide some of the sweetness and flavor. So really nice deciding when to turn off the machine.

The blendtec also lets you operate it manually between 10 different speeds, it also automatically regulates the speed based on the thickness, in a vitamix if you're blending something thick it's not smart enough to realize it and will slow down compared to blending something more liquid on the same speed setting. So to say the extra features are a negative for the blendtec is ridiculous. Pulse is also essential to roughly chop things like onions. Electronic controls like the Blendtec has last infinately longer than outdated 50 year old switches the Vitamix has, even Vitamix themselves say failing buttons are a common failure, I have never heard of a button failing on the blendtec and likely never will because the touch buttons it has never fail unlike outdated mechanical buttons that have moving parts that will wear out and fail after just a few years of average use.

The idea that you need to be tending to a smoothie or soup with a vita-mix is just silly

With these high speed blenders letting it just 20 seconds too long is enough to cook your mix and have it come out steaming hot, with the blendtec automated cycles I can start the cycle and go do something else and not worry about having a steaming hot cooked smoothie when I return.

The Vita-mix has a tamper! What a great tool. For those who don't know what it is its a basically just a rod with a collar on it. Allows you to push ingredients down into the blades and WONT hit the blades. So simple and so effective. Do you know why blendtec doesn't have one? Because its a patent and unfortunately for them they aren't allowed to. Now their container is wider and you are less likely to need one - but for nut butters, ice creams, and other really thick spreads and pates you will really be glad to have one. Besides when i make smoothies i put in the whole apple the whole orange (other fruits too) and one quick push with the tamper and away it goes. I don't have to chop up anything before i put it in knowing that the tamper will effectively push everything into the blades. There's no other way for it to happen. Cleaning to tamper? Come on - a 2 second rinse in the sink is all it needs. The vita-mix blades (like the blendtec) also are fan shaped pulling all the ingredients down into the blades.

I've never needed the tamper, the better shape of both jar and blades of the blendtec make a tamper not needed. It will take in whole fruits and blend even the thickest blends without requiring a tamper.

Don't be fooled by the "bigger is always better" idea. The blades spin at the same rpm. There is nothing that the blendtec will do that the vita-mix wont.

There is, as I said about the blendtec monitors blade speed and if they slow down due to a thick mix it will automatically send more power to the motor to bring it back to the proper speed. On a Vitamix it will just slow down and not realize it's not running at the proper RPM. With the Blendtec, every speed has a set RPM value and the computer ensures it spins at that exact RPM for each speed no matter if you're blending water or almond butter.

After all if the horse power is all that blendtec cracks it up to be why is vita-mix always the #1 rated blender.

I'm not sure where you see it's the #1 rated but the Vitamix simply has more exposure and advertising. Don't forget american health care is rated #1 in the world even though reality shows it to be the worst in the world. So the worst thing in the world can be fraudulently made to look like the best, so that doesn't mean anything at all. After all, why to all big smoothie places and raw food restaurants use the blendtec?

Size- Vita-mix is taller when the container is on it. If it doesn't fit on your counter due to a cabinet its so easy for most just to store the base on your counter and to keep the container nearby. A shorter container is also available.

Both the 64 and 96oz containers of the Blendtec fit under kitchen cabinets.

Just remember also about the 7 year warranty of the Vita-mix VS the standard 3 year warranty of the Blentec.

Again, the part most likely to fail on any blender has a LIFETIME warranty on the Blendtec, why is Vitamix too afraid to give a lifetime warranty like blendtec?

And on top of all the extra features and better reliability of the Blendtec, it costs a lot less than the Vitamix.

[proteus]

i didn't want to post here but raweater you made me ...

if you really don't work for blendtec that is pretty sad.

sad that you have nothing else to do other than worship your inferior blender.

blendtec played you like a child with their worthless buttons and programs.

and your research is crap. vitamix doesn't need a jam sensor because it has a replaceable breakaway gear coupling which blendtec doesn't have. and less electronics means greater reliability - that's a good thing. there is a reason why vitamix warranty is twice of blendtec.

and the most likely part to fail on blendtec is the bearing assembly which is not replaceable on a blendtec, but on a vitamix is replaceable AND warrantied for 7 years.

and there is nothing advanced about your blendtec - its just a toy for kids who like buttons. with optional software i could write my own programs for my vitamix ( blending station advance ) can you do that with your toy ?

did you think your blendtec was so cheap because you are so awesome? well you were wrong once again. your blendtec was cheap because blendtec IS cheap. it's cheap because it breaks and vice versa.

Vitamix has only been making blenders for half a century longer than blendtec. don't be sad - maybe in another 50 years blendtec will learn how to make blenders too. and in the meantime ...

VITAMIX FTW ! ! !

[raweater]

lol it's really hilarious reading your reply and shows that you probably work for Vitamix. Isn't it strange that posts of many people saying the Vitamix is better have only 1-2 posts ever made on this forum and then never return? Those are classic signs of a spammer.

Now this is the most hilarious part so far, you say the Vitamix is better because rather than a jammed blade sensor it's designed to break? Sorry but that's the most illogical thing I EVER read. I'd much prefer my Blendtec's LCD screen to display "Blade jammed" than have a Vitamix break itself into peices and no longer work until you get a replacement part.

About your "less electronics means more reliability" that's simply wrong, electronics have no moving parts and almost never fail, none of the older mechanical devices like those outdated 70 year old switches on the Vitamix ever lasted very long because they are moving parts and wear out and fail quickly, even Vitamix says they often get returns for failed switches. In electronic controls nothing moves except the push buttons which are rated for over 1 million button presses (rather than a few hundred like the vitamix switches). Electronic devices always last longer, we just replaced our washer and dryer with old vitamix style buttons that kept breaking with digital ones that won't break in 30 years. Electronic appliances are always infinately more reliable (from experience all my electronic appliances by far outlasted the old mechanical ones).

About the bearing assembly that's exactly what I said is most likely to break on any blender (my 10+ previous blenders ALL broke in the bearing assembly), the blendtec has a LIFETIME warranty on the bearing assembly, and yes it is a replaceable part (they replace the whole blender jar).

You are just getting more absurd with every line you type, I know you feel bad about having paid hundreds more for an inferior blender that does less and breaks easily, but it's you that didn't do the research, by posting absurd things like you are you are just showing everyone you in fact made the wrong choice.

So before you said the vitamix is better because it's designed to break apart unlike the Blendtec's computer that prevents anything from breaking, now you say the Vitamix is better because you could build your own computer and wire it into the Vitamix to add functions to it when the Blendtec already has all that built in? Please, stop making yourself sound so ridiculous. Plus the Blendtec has a tachometer (RPM meter) on the motor so the computer can monitor and control the speed of the blades accurately, the Vitamix wouldn't have that even if you added a computer to it. And to answer your question, yes I could add a computer to my Blendtec, but it already has one with 25 pre programmed cycles, the ability to proram 1 click access to my 4 favorite cycles, and the ability to pulse or use it mnaually between speed 1 and 10.

If blendtec is so cheap, why do they have hundreds and hundreds of youtube videos of it blending rakes, marbles, metal objects, video cameras and more into fine dust? Why doesn't Vitamix show the quality of the product like that? They probably tried and it broke on the first attempt so they abandoned the idea.

And I didn't mean to bash vitamix this much but with poists of people so desperate and ridiculous trying to say their vitamix is better when they are unknowingly themselves saying the blendtec is better in their own post I just had to reply.

[raweater]

http://www.youtube.com/user/blendtec

[January Noir]

I have both blenders. They both work wonderfully, but if I could have only gotten one (based on experience using both), I enjoy the Vitamix more.

[DebB]

I've got a $300 gift certificate coming soon and I'm thinking about putting it towards a Vitamix 5200 from Costco. I've had my BlendTec for 3 years and I love it - but I'm thinking it would be a dream to have both! I'm still in the thinking about it stage... (I've also been looking at the 14 cup Cuisinart food processor too ~ Hmmm....eeny meeny miny moe).

January Noir ~ Do you use both, or do you have the BT tucked away now?

[January Noir]

I've got a $300 gift certificate coming soon and I'm thinking about putting it towards a Vitamix 5200 from Costco. I've had my BlendTec for 3 years and I love it - but I'm thinking it would be a dream to have both! I'm still in the thinking about it stage... (I've also been looking at the 14 cup Cuisinart food processor too ~ Hmmm....eeny meeny miny moe).

January Noir ~ Do you use both, or do you have the BT tucked away now?


I use both! I like to "mix" it up every now and then! :D To me, it's like having two burners on a stove. I can use one for blending one recipe and the other blending something else. I have 2 food processors too. One big one and one mini.

That 14 cup Cuisnart sounds great. :dance: Decisions, decisions! :woot:
Aren't we blessed?

[DebB]

Yes, I couldn't agree more - we are blessed! I just *love* kitchen gadgetry, always have. It's what I like to spend my extra money on. Not clothes or such - kitchen gadgets.

I've got a mini FP too. It's perfect for small jobs. My 11 cup FP is a work horse and I doubt I'll get the 14 cup, but it's sure perty & fun to pet! *Ü*

[EatRaw]

I've had the Blendtec going on 2 yrs now...I love it..I just love to put it on Smoothie XL and walk away putting stuff up and things in the garbage..rinse my hands...and then my smoothie is done... :drool: hands free, and it fits under my counter (big in the decision).

I have the 14 cup Cuisinart and love it also....:throwhearts:

I don't work for anyone...I'm retired...LOL

[DebB]

I've had the Blendtec going on 2 yrs now...I love it..I just love to put it on Smoothie XL and walk away putting stuff up and things in the garbage..rinse my hands...and then my smoothie is done... :drool: hands free, and it fits under my counter (big in the decision).

I have the 14 cup Cuisinart and love it also....:throwhearts:

I don't work for anyone...I'm retired...LOL

I like that about the BT as well - both of those items are what made me decide on the BT. I liked the clean lines of the touch pad and the fact that it would fit under my counter with the carafe in place. :) I don't think one can go wrong with any high speed blender!

(And you're lovin' your 14 cup Cuisinart! I was just looking at them a couple days ago ~ purrrrrr!) *Ü*

[drolemil]

My two cents on this topic...

I own and happily use my lovely Vitamix w/ no issues. Today, I happened to have dealt with a Blendtec. We were making a banana smoothie of mainly dates and frozen banana, and it could not easily handle it the way the vitamix could. We ended up opting for more of a thinner banana milk using more water, w/ a couple date chunks still in the final product (since the longer bananas blend they gradually become more bitter).
I gotta vote vitamix on this one.
:cheer:

[Lovestocreate]

raweater please.
I noticed that you have a link to you ebay review of the blendtec. Very nice. Do you always put up such through reviews of products you buy on ebay?
Couldn't help but copy some of it. Seems helpful.

"The menus and buttons can take a few minutes to get used to but in general it is very user friendly. There is a cycle menu button which when pressed will cycle between 5 categories on the display (Beverages, Drinks/Ice Cream, Whole Foods, Food Processing and Multi-Use). Once the desired category is displayed, you can use the up/down arrow buttons to cycle through the sub items, each of those categories has 5 sub items (for example, the Beverages category has these sub items: Smoothie, Smoothie XL, Milkshake/Ice Crush, FullStrenght & Hot Chocolate). Once the Category and sub item is selected press the Start/Stop button to start that cycle and the blender will alternate between different speeds for different amounts of time for a perfect blend and then stop automatically."

That sounds really fun

"If the above menus sounds complicated, don't worry, there are four programmable buttons labeled 1 to 4, each of these can be easily programmed to your four favorite cycles for one touch access without having to go through the menus. These four presets come preset as: [1] Low Energy, [2] Smoothie, [3] Mixed Drinks, [4] Whole Juice. To assign your preferred cycles to the 4 programmable buttons simply select the category and sub item as described above and then hold the button to program that cycle to for several seconds until the display says the button has been programmed. I set the four buttons to: [1] Smoothie, [2] Smoothie XL, [3] Soups, [4] Ice Cream."

seems like blendtec's button system may be a bit of a pain. So there are four programmable buttons. And then you decide what they are. yippie that's boring i want to retain more creative control. The vitamix will do everything and more. The vitamix user is the "brain" of their machine.

raweater you posted this -"I'd much prefer my Blendtec's LCD screen to display "Blade jammed" than have a Vitamix break itself into peices and no longer work until you get a replacement part."
Whats a jammed blade? Is that a problem with your blendtec? Where are you getting this stuff from? also - do you need to look at a screen to have it tell you that kind of information?. seems kind of silly to me.

The Vita-mix has an overload protection feature- if the machine begins to overheat it will automatically shut off protecting itself(This has happened to me only once when kneading dough that I had not added enough water to.))
Your blendtec manual control is not as user freindly.

Now I don't want to be nasty. We all know blendtec is amazing as well. As i said before- one chooses primarily between one of these two machines.
But raweater. You immediately jump on my first post (had been awhile for this thread i see) You accuse me of being a spammer - sorry you wish. I believe was very clear about my position. And when i look at this thread and see you posting about how in a vita-mix its likely impossible to make chunky salsa i have to object. Now your referring to vita-mix as having "outdated 70yr old switches"? Who would say that? Another red flag for me was you saying "all big smoothie places and raw food restaurants use the blendtec?" You left out a couple of big ones there buddy. Someone who has done as much research on this product as you have should surely know that in fact most places like that use a vita-mix. Look for yourselves- Smoothis King, Jamaba Juice, Orange Julius, Emerald City Smoothie, and hundreds more use vitamix.
Whats your real position here? Are you really being (to quote you here) "so desperate and ridiculous" because it is you that secretly wishes that you'd gone with a vita-mix. Does anyone else know? That must be it- you need to go over and beyond to promote your blendtec so aggressively to feel good about it right?

You say its vitamix that has more exposure and advertising. Really? advertising? I've never seen a vitamix add. Any one else seen one in the last 25yrs? (I know of one that's sometimes on youtube from the early 80's)
But everyone who plays around on youtube knows about blendtec's will it blend viral marketing campaign videos. Got to give them some credit here simple and very entertaining -making use out of this new media. But realistic or practical? No one will ever do (most? i havent seen all) any or even want to do anything in any of those videos (but deep down you know the vitamix would do it better ;) ). Just like at the blendtec demo- raweater you scream about their videos. Maybe they are the reason you are so in love?
I think I have been pretty clear. And no offense to Blendtec or its users. It also is an amazing machine. Come on! Both these machines gently heat soup from scratch, incredible smoothies seeds and stems, ice cream, and everything else.

[Revvell]

I have both blenders. They both work wonderfully, but if I could have only gotten one (based on experience using both), I enjoy the Vitamix more.

Agreed... I only use my BT when I travel.

[Aleesha Sattva]

i only have a vita-mix but i sure do love it. if i had to replace it... i'd get the same. it's given me nothing but joy since i purchased it 3 years ago.

besides if i got a blend-tec guaranteed my teenage son would be doing his own "blend it" show in my kitchen :LOL:

[proteus]

lol it's really hilarious reading your reply and shows that you probably work for Vitamix. Isn't it strange that posts of many people saying the Vitamix is better have only 1-2 posts ever made on this forum and then never return? Those are classic signs of a spammer.

i don't work for vitamix, but i AM an electrical engineer.


Now this is the most hilarious part so far, you say the Vitamix is better because rather than a jammed blade sensor it's designed to break? Sorry but that's the most illogical thing I EVER read. I'd much prefer my Blendtec's LCD screen to display "Blade jammed" than have a Vitamix break itself into peices and no longer work until you get a replacement part.

it is only hilarious if you're not very bright. the "replacement part" is replaceable in 30 seconds ( i have done it just to see how easy it is, it wasn't broken ) with a tool that was included for free with my blender. this part is sold in packs of 5 for about ten bucks. in an event of actual jam this part will save both the blade, the bearings and the motor.

a blendtec sensor will do absolutely NOTHING to save any part of the blender once the blade is up to speed because you cannot will the motor to abruptly stop. the only way to save the blender if a jam occurs at high speed is to decouple the motor from the blade which vitamix does and blendtec does not. the only thing a sensor can do is to prevent the blade from spinning up in the first place if the jam occurs BEFORE the blade picks up speed. unfortunately if the jam occurs before the blade starts spinning it will not spin up anyway even without a sensor. the only use of a sensor in this case would be to prevent a motor burnout due to excessive current in a stalled motor. unfortunately for you vitamix has thermal protection so it won't burn out even without explicitly detecting a jam.

the breakaway coupling will not break in an event of a static jam, instead the thermal sensor will do the job - not meaningfully different from blendtec. in the event of a jam at speed the vitamix will incur about $2 worth of damage and will require "repair" that is as complicated and lengthy as tying your shoelaces. In a similar jam with blendtec best case scenario is you will need to buy a new carafe, and possibly an entire new blender.


About your "less electronics means more reliability" that's simply wrong, electronics have no moving parts and almost never fail

really? is that why consumer electronics come with 30 days to 1 year warranty instead of say 10 year warranty that mechanical items such as many cars come with ? if there are 50 cheap chinese capacitors in a circuit only one of them needs to go bad to bring the entire unit down. but then i doubt you have passed or even taken probability in college.


none of the older mechanical devices like those outdated 70 year old switches on the Vitamix ever lasted very long because they are moving parts and wear out and fail quickly

funny how mechanical switches are still good enough for $2,000,000,000 stealth bombers but your $300 blendtec is beyond such "inferior" technology.



even Vitamix says they often get returns for failed switches.

switches in vitamix are designed to be replaceable. the $30,000 set of tires on a $2 million bugatti veyron super sport only lasts 30 miles at top speed. does that somehow make veyron not the best car in the world? of course if veyron was made by blendtec the tires would not be replaceable and if you ran over a piece of broken glass you would need to buy a new car.

my vitamix ( blending station advance ) has buttons like blendtec, but i would rather have the standard switches as they are more ergonomic for home use. i got BSA for the soundproofing that it has. buttons are a pain in the ass unless you actually want to use preprogrammed presets which are only useful in a commercial environment which serves identical smoothies every 5 minutes to customers. my blender has buttons because it is a commercial blender ( with commercial warranty ). yours has buttons because blendtec couldn't afford to put mechanical switches on it.


rather than a few hundred like the vitamix switches

where did you get that number? you made it up. in some circles this is called LYING. i am not a lawyer so i cannot say whether you could be sued for this.



Electronic devices always last longer, we just replaced our washer and dryer with old vitamix style buttons that kept breaking with digital ones that won't break in 30 years.

do you own a time machine ? you know what will happen in 30 years ?


Electronic appliances are always infinately more reliable (from experience all my electronic appliances by far outlasted the old mechanical ones).

appliances last as long as they were designed to last regardless of the technology. some electronic components like transitors, resistors and chips are very reliable. others like capacitors are not. button switches are not reliable at all, and there are many different technologies of such switches and you don't know which one your blendtec uses. warranty length is the best indication of how long the product will actually last.


About the bearing assembly that's exactly what I said is most likely to break on any blender (my 10+ previous blenders ALL broke in the bearing assembly), the blendtec has a LIFETIME warranty on the bearing assembly, and yes it is a replaceable part (they replace the whole blender jar).

why are you LYING again ? the lifetime warranty in the blendtec is on the coupling, not bearings. which is a gimmick because the coupling is precisely the part that SHOULD break away to protect the bearings, but in a blendtec the coupling is indestructible so it is the bearings that break. the warranty on the jar is 1 year, after that you have to buy an entire jar when in a vitamix you just buy a $2 coupling.



it's you that didn't do the research i have spent about 30 hours researching - i have read all articles, reviews, watched all videos, examined all parts diagrams, and spent several hours on phone with vitamix asking questions.



now you say the Vitamix is better because you could build your own computer and wire it into the Vitamix to add functions to it when the Blendtec already has all that built in?

once again you got everything ass backwards. everything your blendtec has my vitamix ( blending station advance ) has as well. it is in ADDITION to all that that i can also make my own presets and you can not. because my vitamix has a memory chip which can be programmed with a USB cable. your blendtec does not. yes i can build my own computer and have built many computers but no i don't need to do that to program my blender - that's just you being insane again.

here, read the programming documentation:

http://www.vitamix.com/foodservice/pdfs/products/instruction_manuals/XIN003.pdf


Plus the Blendtec has a tachometer (RPM meter) on the motor so the computer can monitor and control the speed of the blades accurately, the Vitamix wouldn't have that even if you added a computer to it.

only the vitamix does also have servo feedback on the motor.


And to answer your question, yes I could add a computer to my Blendtec

why do i get the sense that you are talking to yourself with this adding computers crazy talk ?



but it already has one with 25 pre programmed cycles

mine has 30+


the ability to proram 1 click access to my 4 favorite cycles

yours has 4, mine has 6


and the ability to pulse or use it mnaually

me too, only i have two pulses ( high and low ), you have one.


between speed 1 and 10.

you have 10 speeds i have 93.



If blendtec is so cheap, why do they have hundreds and hundreds of youtube videos

because posting videos on youtube is free.



of it blending rakes, marbles, metal objects, video cameras and more

because idiots like to watch youtube videos of sh1t geting blown up.



Why doesn't Vitamix show the quality of the product like that?

because the quality of the blender is defined by how well it makes smoothies, not by how well it blends iphones.

i have a 5 pound sledgehammer with which i could turn your blendtec into dust in ~1 second. does that make my sledgehammer a superior smoothie machine ?

jokes aside, raweater how old you are ? i don't think you're really stupid - just young. kids get easily impressed by "cool" technology - i used to be the exact same way as you are. it takes some time to get wiser and learn to see through the hype. unfortunately it is not at all guaranteed that this will ever happen - that will be up to you.

ps: since you love youtube so much and obviously can't understand what blender i am using here is a video of me blending a smoothie in my vitamix:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLCw-aUrTxU

i made the video in 1080p High Definition so you could see the texture of the smoothie. hehe, i just came up with a cheesy line for vitamix:

VITAMIX - PUTTING THE SMOOTH IN SMOOTHIE !

[DebB]

I'm wondering....Have they ever blended a BlendTec in the BlendTec on Will It Blend....? *Ü*

[proteus]

I have both blenders. They both work wonderfully, but if I could have only gotten one (based on experience using both), I enjoy the Vitamix more.

and that's the only thing that matters, not how many microchips you have or how many iphones you have blended.

technology is nothing but hype until it is proven by real world results - and by that i mean smoothies.

[proteus]

seems like blendtec's button system may be a bit of a pain.

it doesn't seem to be - it is. that system was designed for commercial use in smoothie and coffee shops. it is not designed for home use at all. that's why vitamix only uses it on commercial blenders.

but blendtec uses it everywhere because they didn't think your user experience was worth their time designing a new interface for you. they simply took their existing interface from their commercial blenders and put it on their home blender.

if you go to jamba juice all they use is presets and they use different containers for different presets. so a certain milkshake may be preset 1 and 48 oz container and another milkshake is preset 3 and 64 oz container etc. and they use VITAMIX. when you blend 200 mostly identical shakes per day it makes sense to have one button for each kind of shake on your menu.

when you are making one smoothie at a time and being creative it makes ZERO sense to have presets - NONE. i wish i had the same controls on my vitamix as on the regular 5200, but i like how mine is quieter.

[thadius65]

So other than back and forth - coke vs pepsi, ford vs chevy... I still can't decide. Here is what is in progress:

Vitamix white 5200 Refurb. $379 + $23 tax and free shipping. Will be here mid-week. 7 Year Warranty.

https://secure.vitamix.com/acb/stores/4/Factory-Reconditioned-5200-SPECIAL-P2142C119.aspx?COUPON=06-005220

Blendtec Total Blender WildSide combo Refurb. $250 + $17 shipping. 10 Year warranty included.

https://www.blendtec.com/products/total_blender_wildside_combo

So, $267 for two jar system 10 year warranty or $402 for one jar system with 7 year warranty?

For juicing and nut butters, almond milk, salad dressings. What will I notice between these two?

(PS both are in transit)

Thanks!

Newbie - Ted

[thadius65]

Anyone? Need help....

[Revvell]

What will I notice between these two?

(PS both are in transit)


Not many folk here have had both and, I've spoken here, on this forum about them ad nauseum. If you've got them both on the way, you'll find out soon enough, eh? :D

[raweater]

So other than back and forth - coke vs pepsi, ford vs chevy... I still can't decide. Here is what is in progress:

Vitamix white 5200 Refurb. $379 + $23 tax and free shipping. Will be here mid-week. 7 Year Warranty.

https://secure.vitamix.com/acb/stores/4/Factory-Reconditioned-5200-SPECIAL-P2142C119.aspx?COUPON=06-005220

Blendtec Total Blender WildSide combo Refurb. $250 + $17 shipping. 10 Year warranty included.

https://www.blendtec.com/products/total_blender_wildside_combo

So, $267 for two jar system 10 year warranty or $402 for one jar system with 7 year warranty?

For juicing and nut butters, almond milk, salad dressings. What will I notice between these two?

(PS both are in transit)

Thanks!

Newbie - Ted

I don't understand why you're even debating this, about the only point that wins on the Vitamix is the longer warranty, if you get an even longer one than the Vitamix with the Blendtec and it costs less then it's clear the Blendtec is the best choice, and I think it is even if it had the 3 year warranty.

[thadius65]

I guess one of the remaining struggling points is that I see really good videos of people making nut/peanut butter with a Vitamix, but not so good ones with Blendtec. Seems to be a great deal of messing around to make with Blendtec due to no tamper? Or am I not seeing things correctly?

Blendtec videos have people stopping, pushing sides, starting, stopping, pushing sides down, etc. Vitamix appears to be put them in, use tamper and all is good.

Am I not seeing good examples?

[Mindy Sue]

I was bored so I just read through this entire thread. And honestly - Raweater you are too much :LOL: Do VM vs. BT threads keep you up at night? Thanks for the laughs. :LOL:

http://s1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb416/mindysuespencer/?action=view&current=duty_calls.png

[Mindy Sue]

http://s1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb416/mindysuespencer/?action=view&current=duty_calls.png

[thadius65]

Well, the Vitamix 5200 showed up tonight. Made the following:

Carrots and apple (whole) - added 8oz of water and attempted to blend. Used tamper and high speeds, but i had to stop to get a piece of apple out from side, then all went well.

Protein Fruit Smoothie - frozen strawberries, protein and fiber powder, almond milk (16oz) and frozen blackberries. Worked like a champ (but my $40 Cuisanart portable does also).

Almond Nut Butter - 1 cup of Almonds. I tablespoon of sunflower oil. On high with tamper until smooth (a bit of a workout), but turned out great.

Newbie, so I am sure after reading manual and forums I will overcome any of my issues. The apple bothered me a bit, but will try again.

Blendtec should be here in a week or two. Any comments or suggestions on the above, please advise.

Thanks!

Ted

[Revvell]

I was bored so I just read through this entire thread. And honestly - Raweater you are too much :LOL: Do VM vs. BT threads keep you up at night? Thanks for the laughs.

http://s1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb416/mindysuespencer/?action=view&current=duty_calls.png


HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! :yes: :LOL:

[Revvell]

Protein Fruit Smoothie - frozen strawberries, protein and fiber powder, almond milk (16oz) and frozen blackberries. Worked like a champ (but my $40 Cuisanart portable does also).



Add some greens and see which works better?

You put a whole apple in the VM w/out cutting it??? :weird

[Mrs. Papaya]

I'm wondering....Have they ever blended a BlendTec in the BlendTec on Will It Blend....? *Ü*

LOL! I think that counts as cannibalism. :wuv

[thadius65]

Add some greens and see which works better?

You put a whole apple in the VM w/out cutting it??? :weird

No greens in my normal shake, but will try. Yes I did put a whole apple (without stem) in. 1/2 fist sized.

[Revvell]

No greens in my normal shake, but will try. Yes I did put a whole apple (without stem) in. 1/2 fist sized.

Greens are the true test of a blender.... or, blending a BT in a BT ... whole. :D

[jhodi]

Consumer Reports has the Oster BCBG08 blender rated just under the Vitamix and just above the Blendtec! And it is only 40 dollars. WOW.

I will edit this post in a minute with the rating details.

Thoughts?

[jhodi]

Brand cost overall icy drinks convenience smoothie puree crush noise


vitamix 450 89 Excellent VG E E E G

Ham Beach 425 80 VG VG VG E E G
commercial tempest


Oster 40 77 G VG VG E E G

Blendtec Total 400 76 G VG VG E E G




sorry for the messy post....i cannot edit it any better with the way it gets saved.


E Excellent
VG Very Good
G Good

[raweater]

Protein Fruit Smoothie - frozen strawberries, protein and fiber powder, almond milk (16oz) and frozen blackberries. Worked like a champ (but my $40 Cuisanart portable does also).

Almond Nut Butter - 1 cup of Almonds. I tablespoon of sunflower oil. On high with tamper until smooth (a bit of a workout), but turned out great.


I just wanted to tell you something since you are new here and may not know:
-All almonds form USA since 2007 are sprayed with cancer causing chemicals to pasteurized them, I now buy my almonds from Italy or Spain, they taste a million times better too
-I have a feeling the almond milk you used was store bought (sorry if I'm wrong), if it is not only is it made from the above said toxic almonds, it is then super heat pasteurized so that it can keep at room temperature for years
-Protein and fiber powders are highly processed foods and completely unnecessary on a raw food diet, you get all the protein and fiber you need by eating whole foods. I've even gained a lot of muscle on a mostly raw diet with absolutely no supplements or protein powders.

[jhodi]

see the consumer reports ratings here: INTERESTING!!!

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=64280

[jhodi]

maybe I should have placed this topic in the vitamix versus blendtec thread....oops!

sorry to create redundancy.

[LaniB]

Interesting, I am a subscriber and when I login to view ratings, I see the Vita-Mix 5200 as the top blender and the $400 Hamilton Beach Commercial Tempest HBH650 right below that. I don't actually see the Blendtec at all unless I'm overlooking it.

Is this in the newest magazine or something that you are seeing the ratings? I love my Vita-Mix, but actually just recommended a Vita-Mix to a friend so if there's really a good low cost alternative I'd like to let her know.

[jhodi]

You are correct...online ....it is Vitamix at the top with the HB next, then the Oster, then the Blendtec.

[LaniB]

Hmmm, I see Breville Ikon BBL600XL next.

In any case, it's good to know there is a $40 blender out there that's worth people checking out if they are not ready yet to commit to spending the money for the Vita-Vix.

[jhodi]

Log in and then try to go here:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/kitchen-appliances/blenders/blender-ratings/ratings-overview.htm

[LaniB]

Thank you! No idea why it was not showing for me earlier. (just noticed - I think Blendtec is not one of their recommended blenders and I was looking at the their 10 top picks which Blendtec is not on ...)

[jhodi]

I bought the Oster...I mean, why not use it for a while and see if it works for you...save a few hundred clams to go towards my Greenstar!

:-)

[thadius65]

I just wanted to tell you something since you are new here and may not know:
-All almonds form USA since 2007 are sprayed with cancer causing chemicals to pasteurized them, I now buy my almonds from Italy or Spain, they taste a million times better too
-I have a feeling the almond milk you used was store bought (sorry if I'm wrong), if it is not only is it made from the above said toxic almonds, it is then super heat pasteurized so that it can keep at room temperature for years
-Protein and fiber powders are highly processed foods and completely unnecessary on a raw food diet, you get all the protein and fiber you need by eating whole foods. I've even gained a lot of muscle on a mostly raw diet with absolutely no supplements or protein powders.

RawEater,

I will definitely review the almond issues. In regards to your protein comments, I think I am as good as I can get without going raw with what I am using:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/323403-arbonne-protein-shake-ingredients/

There is not much in what I take in with this powder that is not good. Would raw replace? Possibly, but I am not there yet and not sure if I will be.

Thanks,

Ted

[thadius65]

Ok, received my Blendtec today and now have both products to compare. I did the following:

1). Made my normal smoothie that I have been using Vitamix 5200 to do. 16oz almond milk, 4 scoops of protein powder (vegan), 2 scoops of fiber (also vegan), 1 cup of frozen strawberries and 1 cup of frozen blackberries.

Hit Smoothie button. When finished went to pour out into glasses and still strawberry clumps. put back in and used manual (speed 2) for about 20 seconds and all good. (note - Vitimix is used in manual mode obviously and time to do in it is about equal to Blendtec)

Outcome on Smoothie - Tie

2). Made Almond Nut Butter. Attempted manual effort like with vitamix with two cups of raw almonds. I had to stop and push down from sides at least 4 times. It finally started to butter up. added some sunflower oil (like i do with vitamix) and it would start to swirl and stop. Kept blending and then stopped. Heat from blades caramelized it (not creamy).

With the Vitamix, I run on high using tamper, never opening and have not had this occur. Not even on my first try.

Outcome on nut butter - ( I will give benefit of the doubt that I screwed up and there is a better way. Please let me know tricks for Blendtec).

From a looks standpoint, the Blendtec definitely wins. Cleanup of jars, it is a bit easier, but not by much. In regards to Blendtec lids... odd and poor design. Difficult to put on and stuff can get up into and out the sides of the top clear cap?? Odd. Vitamix has an easy to put on lid and a great seal.


At this point I am leaning towards the $400 Vitamix investment over the $265 Blendtec cost. But will continue review. Any other tips, please advise.

Thanks,

Ted l

[greentooth]

I don't post much but this thread is so hilarious as well as informative I couldn't resist.

I am an owner of both blenders. I had a really really hard time deciding. I first bought the Blendtec mostly because I was wowed by the fancifulness. I thought it was a great blender but was disappointed in most of the programs. I also make a lot of nut butters and puddings. I got tired of stopping the Blendtec to push things down especially when making small amounts.

I was blessed enough to be able to get a Vitamix to know what I was missing and I am happy I did. I find nut butters and puddings so much easier to make with the Vitamix but not as easy to remove from the jar as the Blendtec.

Now, my Blendtec is my travel machine mostly because it is smaller and lighter while my Vitamix stays on the counter to be used most of the time.

This Blendtec vs Vitamix (http://gotgreensrevolution.com/Vitamix-versus-blendtec-review.html) article really hit the nail on the head about the differences.

I like them both but if I was forced to give one up, I would keep my Vitamix.

[DebB]

I don't post much but this thread is so hilarious as well as informative I couldn't resist.

I am an owner of both blenders. I had a really really hard time deciding. I first bought the Blendtec mostly because I was wowed by the fancifulness. I thought it was a great blender but was disappointed in most of the programs. I also make a lot of nut butters and puddings. I got tired of stopping the Blendtec to push things down especially when making small amounts.

I was blessed enough to be able to get a Vitamix to know what I was missing and I am happy I did. I find nut butters and puddings so much easier to make with the Vitamix but not as easy to remove from the jar as the Blendtec.

Now, my Blendtec is my travel machine mostly because it is smaller and lighter while my Vitamix stays on the counter to be used most of the time.

This Blendtec vs Vitamix (http://gotgreensrevolution.com/Vitamix-versus-blendtec-review.html) article really hit the nail on the head about the differences.

I like them both but if I was forced to give one up, I would keep my Vitamix.

A couple years ago I was able to order a wooden "tamper" from ebay for the Blendtec. I don't have to use it often at all, but when I do use it, I'm sure glad I have it.

It's a very simple dowel construction. It looks quite a bit like this (http://cgi.ebay.com/VITA-MIX-3600-4000-STOPPER-TAMPER-VITA-MIX-/220744800156?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33656a579c) - but this is for a Vitamix, not a BT.

I've made nut butter just a couple of times in my food processor. Here are wonderful instructions (http://www.rawmazing.com/recipes/raw-recipe-almond-butter/#more-4157)for a FP. No added oil needed.

I've got a BT, but soon will be getting a VM - I'm really excited about it! *Ü*

[amytug]

i got a blendtec. LOVE IT. wouldn't trade it for a vitamix, they are tall and ugly. although i vote for performance over looks ;)

[raweater]

RawEater,

I will definitely review the almond issues. In regards to your protein comments, I think I am as good as I can get without going raw with what I am using:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/323403-arbonne-protein-shake-ingredients/

There is not much in what I take in with this powder that is not good. Would raw replace? Possibly, but I am not there yet and not sure if I will be.

Thanks,

Ted

I'm not quite sure I understand what that link is, are you saying your smoothies are made only with a mix of processed food that you mix with water? If so it is largely artificial with many petroleum based ingredients.

Making a smoothie is so simple it's one thing that an artificial version is just silly.

Simply add water, frozen or fresh fruits, a bit of nuts for protein and honey if you want to sweeten it. Blend and in seconds you have a natural smoothie, there's no need for toxic artificial protein powders, the fresh fruits and raw nuts have all the protein you need.

[raweater]

Ok, received my Blendtec today and now have both products to compare. I did the following:

1). Made my normal smoothie that I have been using Vitamix 5200 to do. 16oz almond milk, 4 scoops of protein powder (vegan), 2 scoops of fiber (also vegan), 1 cup of frozen strawberries and 1 cup of frozen blackberries.

Hit Smoothie button. When finished went to pour out into glasses and still strawberry clumps. put back in and used manual (speed 2) for about 20 seconds and all good. (note - Vitimix is used in manual mode obviously and time to do in it is about equal to Blendtec)

Outcome on Smoothie - Tie

2). Made Almond Nut Butter. Attempted manual effort like with vitamix with two cups of raw almonds. I had to stop and push down from sides at least 4 times. It finally started to butter up. added some sunflower oil (like i do with vitamix) and it would start to swirl and stop. Kept blending and then stopped. Heat from blades caramelized it (not creamy).

With the Vitamix, I run on high using tamper, never opening and have not had this occur. Not even on my first try.

Outcome on nut butter - ( I will give benefit of the doubt that I screwed up and there is a better way. Please let me know tricks for Blendtec).

From a looks standpoint, the Blendtec definitely wins. Cleanup of jars, it is a bit easier, but not by much. In regards to Blendtec lids... odd and poor design. Difficult to put on and stuff can get up into and out the sides of the top clear cap?? Odd. Vitamix has an easy to put on lid and a great seal.


At this point I am leaning towards the $400 Vitamix investment over the $265 Blendtec cost. But will continue review. Any other tips, please advise.

Thanks,

Ted l

With the amount of ingredients you used, you MUST use the "XL Smoothie" option, NOT the "Smoothie" option, the clumps you had left are due to this and using XL Smoothie will leave them 100% clump free.

I think a blender to make nut butters is simply ridiculous, a food processor is a much, much better tool to make nut butters and is far less likely to overheat it (but it will also if not careful). You also don't need to add oils when making them in a food processor.

[thadius65]

With the amount of ingredients you used, you MUST use the "XL Smoothie" option, NOT the "Smoothie" option, the clumps you had left are due to this and using XL Smoothie will leave them 100% clump free.

I think a blender to make nut butters is simply ridiculous, a food processor is a much, much better tool to make nut butters and is far less likely to overheat it (but it will also if not careful). You also don't need to add oils when making them in a food processor.

Will try the XL button tonight. Thanks!

[jhodi]

I just received my Oster BCBG08 blender and although I have never used a Vm or Blendetc, I can say that I can see why consumer reports placed the Oster between them....WOW!!! This is one serious blender for only FORTY BUCKS!!!!

SO I would simply submit that if any one is really trying to go green and healthy but is on a limited budget, don't let this choice impede you...the Oster just made one gorgeous and delicious green smoothie.

:-)

[raweater]

Most blenders will work great when new, I even had a $20 "emergency" blender which I used when my main blender broke which was very often (until I got a Blendtec).

The real question is how long will it last and are replacement parts available for when it breaks? With no replacement parts you're going to have it for 1-6 months and when it breaks it will be trash. If replacement parts are available then you can replace the parts that brake and not have to buy a whole new blender.

I've searched and cannot find any replacement parts available for Oster blenders so I would not recommend them.

That's the main reason why when I bought cheap blenders I got the $100 or so Cuisinart models and later got a $250 or so Breville because you can buy every single part of any of their appliances separately, so no matter what breaks, it can be fixed easily and at low cost, with a Oster brand, once it breaks it's garbage.

The breville was good except you need to take the jar completely apart after every use. The Breville is around $250, I think it's more than worth paying about $100 more for a Blendtec, otherwise get a $100 Cuisinart blender. It may be worth noting the high end Breville has 2 pre programmed cycles similar to the Blendtec. Keep in mind the Breville is no high speed blender and will leave "smoothies" grainy like any blender other than the Blendtec and Vitamix.

So you can see that after 2 years a Cuisinart at $100 ends up costing less than a $40 Oster:

Cuisinart (assuming it breaks every 6 months which is my experience with all blenders under $400):
-Blender $100
-Blade $15
-Blade $15
-Blade $15

Cost after 2 years: $145

Oster (assuming it breaks every 6 months which is my experience with all blenders under $400):
-Blender $40
-Blender $40
-Blender $40
-Blender $40

Cost after 2 years: $160

[jhodi]

What was important to me was to see how much I will actually use this blender as I am new to raw foods, etc.

When it breaks, and I find I have made good use of it, I will buy the VM.

Much better than dropping the cash for a VM now only to find I never use it. Our motivations are all so different.

I do like your analytical mind, however! SO thank you for that "break"down analysis. Very good points, and well taken.

[raweater]

I understand not wanting to buy an expensive blender at first, but I think a blender is something many people will use regularly, even non raw foodists. Anyway, that's also why at first I got cheap Cuisinart blender (even before I went raw) and had to replace the blade assembly several times. Getting a Blendtec or Vitamix costs a lot at first but ends up paying for itself after a few years, not to mention you get FAR smoother smoothies and can do thick things that would break a regular blender in a matter of seconds.

[Revvell]

I just received my Oster BCBG08 blender and although I have never used a Vm or Blendetc, I can say that I can see why consumer reports placed the Oster between them....WOW!!! This is one serious blender for only FORTY BUCKS!!!!

SO I would simply submit that if any one is really trying to go green and healthy but is on a limited budget, don't let this choice impede you...the Oster just made one gorgeous and delicious green smoothie.

:-)

I'd like to hear how that works for you so it can be recommended if worthwhile. Sounds good so far! :)

[jhodi]

I'll see if I can find some marbles to blend up. heehee

I never use a blender and did not previously own one...my Cuisinart food processor I do use often.

I will report back when it craters....I hope I do use it a lot as the smoothie I made this morning was a great way to get lots of love in a quick easy morning breakfast.

[rita3212]

hi,

i am trying to decide which kind to buy---with similar prices, which do you all think is better for typical raw-prep type use? is it really WORTH the money do you think?

THX!!
jen

I'm curious to know which one you chose. I recently did a lot of thinking about which Blender to choose and I decided on the Vitamix for two reason over the Blend Tec.
1. was because the warranty is longer than blend tec which is a great guarantee when making such an expensive purchase.
2. comparing the two blenders, I realized that the performance of these blenders are basically the same. The decision maker for me was that I had read many reviews where people said that they have had their Vita-Mix for years, but I did not see many of the same statements for the people that owned Blend-tec's. It made me wonder if a Blend-tec would last as long as a Vita-Mix.
I have ordered my VM and I can't wait to get it to explore recipes that couldn't make with my $25 blender.

[thadius65]

Still using both in comparisons and though leaning toward Vitamix 5200, it is not a slam dunk. One thing I notice that is bugging me. The Vitamix cavitates like crazy. You have to play with High, regular, variable, etc to keep the vortex going while making green or fruit smoothies. The Blendtec just beats the $*#@ out of the liquid adjusting speed and no cavitation at all.

This morning was a berry smoothie - Straberries and Blueberries. Blended both for same exact time (hit Smoothie button twice on BT and ran VM on 10 and/or high). Outcome was good for both and equally blended.

I guess the "fifth side" on the BT really does the trick, along with the wider jar and blade.

Damn I wish this was easier. I think engineers at Nasa put less thought into space station cabin design... ugh. :rolleyes:

[Revvell]

I'm not sure what you mean by "cavitate" yet, what I do is leave the tamper in and on high and everything works with no help from me.

[Eva]

I appreciate the logic, and I appreciate my VitaMix.

BUT, I must say... my mom was using my VM for awhile and then when I took it back, she had to find something to use. She loooooves her blender. I'll have to ask her what it's called. She's had it for about 6? months? NO, a year or so now! Time flies. She hasn't replaced anything on it, and it's apparently also a food processor.

THE NINJA! I just remembered. :)

Anyways, so Jhodi, it sounds like for you, your decision was a good one. Please keep us updated on how it keeps working for you. I love to know good budget equipment to tell others about, as some people don't even HAVE $400+ in the bank so are making the choice to have a blender, or not. Not on WHICH blender to buy!

Love to all. This is a great thread, lots of good info here!

[thadius65]

I'm not sure what you mean by "cavitate" yet, what I do is leave the tamper in and on high and everything works with no help from me.

air pocket above blade, not allowing mixing/vortex to occur. It seems to happen more often on the VM than the BT in testing "like" ingredients.

[Revvell]

air pocket above blade, not allowing mixing/vortex to occur. It seems to happen more often on the VM than the BT in testing "like" ingredients.

Did you have the tamper in? If not, drop it in when you see that and see what happens.

[raweater]

...hit Smoothie button twice on BT...

If your smoothie is more than 1 cup use the XL Smoothie option rather than run the small smoothie option twice, it's less trouble, gives better results, and is the proper way to make anything more than a 1 cup smoothie.

[thadius65]

Unfortunately there is no XL Smoothie button on the BT Total Blender. If there is a trick better than hitting Smoothie twice, please let me know.

[raweater]

I can tell you haven't looked at the manual, read the BT manual, you will find it does MUCH more than you think it can.

There are 25 seperate programs/cycles to choose from, but only 4 are preset, without reading the manual it's easy to think you have only 4 cycles when you have 25+10 manual speeds. You can also reprogram the 4 preset buttons to do any of the 25 cycles you want (I programmed mine to XL Smoothie, Soup, Ice Cream, and I don't remember the last one I programmed).

I would highly recommend you reprogram your Smoothie button to run the Smoothie XL cycle instead of the small Smoothie cycle (I don't remember the programming procedure as it's something you do once when it's new to configure it to your preference and then it's stored in permanent memory and I did this about 3 years ago).

If I remember correctly, I think you navigate the menu to the cycle you want to assign to a button, so for example navigate to XL Smoothie (I believe it's in the "Whole Food" category), and then hold one of the 4 preset buttons to assign it to for a few seconds, for example "Smoothie" (on my older model the buttons are simply labeled 1, 2, 3 & 4). If I remember the directions correctly, this will have reprogrammed your "Smoothie" button to run "XL Smoothie" instead.

But again, the above is just off the top of my head, read the manual to be sure of the proper programming procedure.

Of course you don't need to reprogram the buttons, but navigating through the food categories and cycles each time is a waste of time when you can program it for 1 click use.

[thadius65]

I did look as well as googled after your original XL comment. Here is the manual I have:

http://www.blendtec.com/files/user_manuals/TotalBlender-Manual.pdf

No mention of re-programming. If you have a link, let me know please.

Thanks!

Ted

(also left you a message in your profile)

[raweater]

Wow, looks like Blendtec reduced the number of cycles from 25 to a lousy 6 largely useless cycles.

I can't believe they did that, I'm so glad I got my Blendtec before they did this stupid change. This removes a big advantage of the Blendtec used to have, at least it still has 6 but they removed the "XL smoothie" button leaving you with no cycle to make anything more than a tiny smoothie. I can also see in the manual the new Smoothie option doesn't even use more than speed 5 or 6 meaning you might as well be using a $40 blender.

For those you have the new sabotaged blendtec with only 6 cycles I'd recommend using the manual speed control and start out at speed 1 for a few seconds, then 5 for a few seconds, then 10 for about 30 seconds.

I still can't believe they removed the 25 pre programmed cycles, and the 6 they left are rather useless!

[raweater]

(also left you a message in your profile)

I tried to reply but it tells me my reply is too long, can you please start a thread about this issue and point me to it or give me your email (do not post your email on this forum as spam bots will catch it and ruin your email, break it like "me [at] email [dot] com").

[thadius65]

{Email}

Thanks,

Ted

[raweater]

I just sent the email thanks.

[LotsaRaw]

Vitamix :cheer: won my competition...

I actually bought both and did a test of my own. I preferred the manual controls of the VM, and sold my BT to a friend (who loves it!) Both have their own pros and cons, and I think it comes down to your personal taste.

[thadius65]

Vitamix :cheer: won my competition...

I actually bought both and did a test of my own. I preferred the manual controls of the VM, and sold my BT to a friend (who loves it!) Both have their own pros and cons, and I think it comes down to your personal taste.

Now that Raweater exposed the non-programability of the new BT... My decision is nearly complete.....:p

In all seriousness, it is a close match and if I do decide on the VM, I will have a white refurb BT with two jars (one wildside and one not) with a 10 year warranty, with receipt and not yet registered. Only looking for what I have in it plus shipping to you ($265 plus ship). If BT wins, the VM goes back to VM.

Ted

[thadius65]

I wanted to provide an update to my comparisons and ultimate purchase:

So after my selection of a VM 5200 and use over the past 19 months, I am very pleased. There were some things I liked about the BT Wild Side, but overall, the VM I felt was a better selection. BUT... I just bumped into something interesting a few weeks ago. A VM Wild Side jar for a Vitamix! I found on Ebay and then ordered directly from the company. Here are the link(s):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VM-WildSide-Jar-Container-for-Vita-Mix-Blenders-90-fl-oz-/280965052388?pt=Small_Kitchen_Appliances_US&hash=item416ad277e4

http://www.blendingpro.com/

I received it last week and works really well. Now I have best of both worlds.

Ted

[DebB]

I wanted to provide an update to my comparisons and ultimate purchase:

So after my selection of a VM 5200 and use over the past 19 months, I am very pleased. There were some things I liked about the BT Wild Side, but overall, the VM I felt was a better selection. BUT... I just bumped into something interesting a few weeks ago. A VM Wild Side jar for a Vitamix! I found on Ebay and then ordered directly from the company. Here are the link(s):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VM-WildSide-Jar-Container-for-Vita-Mix-Blenders-90-fl-oz-/280965052388?pt=Small_Kitchen_Appliances_US&hash=item416ad277e4

http://www.blendingpro.com/

I received it last week and works really well. Now I have best of both worlds.

Ted

This is interesting. I have both a BT and a VM. I also have the BT Wild Side carafe. After reading this, I tried to put the Wild Side on the Vita Mix and it would not fit on the VM base. I have a 5200 VM. The base of my Wild Side is approximately 3.50" square. The base of my VM carafe is approximately 4.25" square. You say yours fits your VM?

[thadius65]

Yes, the one i shared link with does fit my VM 5200.

[DebB]

I sure wish my Wild Side fit my Vita Mix - I woud prefer using the Wild Side SO much more than the VM carafe!!

[thadius65]

I must say after several days of use, this is a match made in heaven! Plunger/VM when needed for better butters, Wildside/VM for better smoothies and juices.

[DebB]

I must say after several days of use, this is a match made in heaven! Plunger/VM when needed for better butters, Wildside/VM for better smoothies and juices.

Thank you thadius65 for posting about the BendTec carafe for the Vitamix. I looked into it further and even called BT today. They said they produce this carafe exclusively for BlendingPro. I'm saving up and I'm going to get one. The WildSide carafe is SO much nicer to use than VM's carafe. I'm looking forward to getting it.

The only down side... BT warranties their WS carafes for the BT for 3 years. BlendingPro's warranty for this carafe is just a year. I've had BT carafes fail in the past (twice) and they've still been under warranty. But I'm going to go for it. Thanks again for sharing.

[DebB]

I contacted BlendingPro and asked if they had reconditioned (discounted) units. They said they had 5 right now that the box was damaged, unit was perfect. They're selling those $30 off (free shipping) for a total of $89. I ordered one from their Amazon store.

[Jayla]

for those that cant afford to pay for a vitamix upfront


QVC had the vitamix on there. You have the option of paying for it over 5 months. This was the only way I could afford it. I have been wanting one for sometime now and was so happy to see them on there. OH and if you go to the vitamix web site they allow you to pay for one in 3 payments......