yes, another vitamix thread

[kidkid]

I did a search on this forum, but I couldn't find the answer to my question: There seem to be like a million vitamix models, and I don't know which one to get. I'm looking on ebay because I don't have much money, and I can't tell any of the models apart. The vitamix website doesn't seem to help much. Plus, I know they are trying to sell all of them. I'd rather just hear from you guys -- what models do you have? What do you know about the different ones?

[rawrawks]

I am with you. Clear out all the confusion. Lets hear it. I was wondering this same thing!!!

[Ilse W.]

The lower the number. the older the model. They don't make a new model every year, they just change them when they have some sort of upgrade. The difference between the latest two for example is the material used for the mixing container. As long as it is in working condition, just about any vita-mix should make smoothies and such. I bought a reconditioned 5000 from the factory for $299, and it came with everything that the reconditioned 5200s have, including the warranty.

[Biff]

not the one with only two switches. speed dial is key and I use my vitamix sometimes 3 or 4 times a day.

I originally went cheap, bought the old one, and then sold that and got the one with the speed dial. one of the best raw decisions I made.

Other people will say that you can get buy with flicking the switch up and down to control the speed. Try them both out at friends and then see what you like.

[Mary Kay]

I agree. I'd get the one with the variable speed. The 5000 was the previous model for their new one, the 5200.

Personally though, I'd go with the VitaPrep Pro 3. It has a 3 hp motor. I'm selling mine (already have a buyer - sorry - to an Amish woman!), to get the 3 hp more powerful one, which only has a one-yr warranty because it's meant for commercial use. But because $$$ is tight for you, this would probably cost too much. They're like $100 more.

I WAIL on mine and about once or twice a month, I overheat it, therefore I'd really like te 3 hp motor. (The 5000 and 5200's have the 2 hp motor). It's not a prob though, it just shuts down, and won't restart for about 10 min. I'm also betting the Vita Prep Pro will totally pulverize the greens, so the kids won't complain, and I won't have to run green juices through a strainer, which I sometimes have to do for them. .

Mary Kay

[snoops]

I have the three horse power one MK. My smoothies are still somewhat slushy but I couldn't identify the bits!! I'm not sure it would get that much smoother. That said - I have never taken it to the 10 on the dial. Usually just 7 or 8 does it. I'm almost scared to wind it up to 10 to be honest it sounds so powerful:eek: It grinds the greens in seconds though. I am glad I got the 3 HP.

[MiahTay]

I have the three horse power one MK. My smoothies are still somewhat slushy but I couldn't identify the bits!! I'm not sure it would get that much smoother. That said - I have never taken it to the 10 on the dial. Usually just 7 or 8 does it. I'm almost scared to wind it up to 10 to be honest it sounds so powerful:eek: It grinds the greens in seconds though. I am glad I got the 3 HP.

Snoops - I had read this but I don't remember exactly where or their customer service maybe told me, but the machine is designed to run optimally on HIGH, I have only ever had mine over heat when I am running it for an extended period of time on a variable speed. And I NEVER have bits of anything in my smoothies, give it a go. See what you think, don't be afraid of the POWER ... embrace the POWER ;).

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

I've had my Super 5000 for years, and love it. So if you see a reconditioned one, or one barely used, I wouldn't hesitate to get it. I use mine all the time for all sorts of jobs from making smoothies to cheesecakes and everything in between, I even used to regularly make nut butter with mine. LOVE it!

Blessings,
Heather

[Dimond]

The newest model is the best because it comes with the new healthier plastic container and a great lid & handle. I love mine. :)

[snoops]

embrace the POWER ;).



Ha ha - thanks miahtay - will do.

[kidkid]

thanks for all the information! I noticed on Ebay that the 3600 model is selling for next to nothing...is it no good? will it make a smoothie? or a "chunky"?

[Mary Kay]

If the 3600 has a 2 hp motor, then I think it'd be a pretty good deal, but I'm sure it wouldn't have the variable speed dial, which we all seem to like. If it's got the 2 hp and the price is right, I'd bid on it it, if I were you.

So, you two with the 3 hp motors ---Thanks for the info! Does it have the low/high AND variable speeds?

Even with my 5200, I wear hearing protectors, so noise won't really be a prob with the 3 hp unit!

Oh, and did one of you say you actually overheated the 3 hp unit? And to clarify: I never meant I was looking for smoothies to not be slushy. That's the nature of smoothies. What I meant about bits, was: in the mornng, I make the kids some fresh oj and mix it with greens etc. This has little bits in it, and son doesn't mind, but his twin sister has to have it strained....sigh. In our house, orange juice is green!

Mary Kay

[snoops]

embrace the POWER ;).



OK, I embraced the power and my raw butterscotch shake was smooth - no bits of date at the end. And my green smoothie today was very smooth - almost too smooth!! And I only took her up to 9:eek: I thought it was going to take off from the counter top.

So yeah, my 3 HP Vitamix is the BEST.

[Mary Kay]

Blad you "Embraced the POWER" LOL, but does it also have a high-speed dial on it? Sorry to be a pain.

Mary Kay

[kat1982l]

Other than smoothies what do you guys make in your Vitamix?

I am buying one as my blender is about to kick it.