Not feeling the Vita-Mix love...

[joya]

maybe you all can help?

I dropped 4 bills on a new Vita-Mix a few days ago. (Much to my husband's silent dismay over the cost.) I'd been wanting one for years and have heard so many rave reviews.

Yet, I have to admit, I'm kind of disappointed and wondering if I made a mistake. (Also wondering what the refund policy is on a used one?)

I had been using a good juicer and a food processor... but somehow thought the Vita-Mix would be superior and thus worth the high price tag.

I've made three drinks thus far:

1) Bananas, Spinach, and water -- pretty good, but nothing I wasn't already doing in my regular cheapo blender.

2) Carrots, Apples, Spinach, Banana, and ice -- this was disgusting, I had to throw it out as I couldn't drink it! And this is something (minus the bananas) that is a standard juice for me. But the texture in the Vita-Mix was like applesauce with no flavor, ugh.

3) The Vita-Mix recipe of tomatos, red pepper, spinach, carrots, onion, etc... and this I found to be just "okay".... again, the texture is like applesauce.

Maybe it's just a learning curve???

Any advice on how I can start to feel the Vita-Mix love? Right now I feel kind of foolish, as my other appliances seemed to do the job even better than this monster.

*sigh*

thanks!
joya

[Revvell]

It's not the machine... it's your combinations.

The best thing for me with the V-M is that I can make 64 oz. of smoozie, divide it in thirds and drink throughout the day.

Look through this forum for smoothies. There's only a few hundred. Must be some you'll enjoy.

[bikediva]

It's my understanding that the Vitamix shines when processing tough greens like kale, collards and parsley. I agree, a regular blender can do romaine and spinach. Also, I guess it can do nut butters and really smooth nut-based sauces.

I dunno...I've been raw for about 3 months, and I've never felt I needed a Vitamix. Don't need things uber-smooth.

[RawKnitster]

When I saw your blog yesterday that you "dropped four bills" on your VitaMix I was going to post what happened when I bought mine, but didn't want to jinx you. Now I will tell you, it took me a couple weeks to start being happy I spent that much money, ($395 at Costco). The first week was consumed with guilt and second guessing. The second week was still wondering if it was worth. By the third week I was starting to enjoy it with a little guilt leftover. Now, a year later... I LOVE my Vitamix and would not sell it for five bills.

I use mine everyday, often several times a day. There is no comparision between it and any standard blender. Try making something extra special; almond milk or a cashew cream dressing.

I agree with Revvell. Those smoothie combos don't sound good. Leave out the carrots (and all other root veggies) or add them to the smoothie as juice in place of water. And that veggie smoothie would made a better salad. I love apples in a smoothie with spinach or kale, but not with a banana, I like apples and greens with a couple dates or honey and cinnamon. There is definitely a learning curve in finding favorite smoothies. Keep experimenting in small batches.

I have found that some kind of sweetener and/or a bag of frozen strawberries in the freezer is very useful for salvaging a bad smoothie. One last suggestion, I don't use ice anymore. If I want it cold, I add a bit of frozen fruit.

Where did you buy it? If it was at Costco you can return it no questions asked. (Not that I would EVER recommend returning it. NO WAY!)

[RawHealthyBeauty]

Hi Joya!! :)

Feel the love of the Vita-Mix!! Allow yourself too!! It really is worth the investment!!

When I was without mine for a week, I realized that I really am so attach to my Vita-Mix!! Sarma M. mentioned this in her book, when it comes to the Vita-Mix that one may have dependency issues with it!! :D

Frozen Bananas for Ice Cream.
One of my favorite smoothies:
Mix Pineapple and Watermelon, Yum!!
Mix oranges and pomegranates!!
Mix grapes, coconut water, coconut meat!!

I have a sweet tooth, so any fruit smoothies takes care of that for me!!
I like my smoothies smooth as it can be.

Plus, if something didn't turn out right from the Vita-Mix, I mix it up with grounded flax seeds and spread it thin and put it in the dehydrator and they always taste great for crackers, chips. or bread!! For example: I try to make tomato soup with jalapeno!! Yuck!! But it turned out great for bread in my dehydrator. (mixed with grounded flax seeds for that too!)

Once you start playing around with it over time, you'll feel the Vita-Mix love!! :)

[D'vorah]

It's my understanding that the Vitamix shines when processing tough greens like kale, collards and parsley. I agree, a regular blender can do romaine and spinach.

Nope. No "regular" blender can do any of the greens as thoroughly as my Vitamix.

If I had to choose between my dishwasher and my Vitamix, the washer would have to go.

Deborah

[joya]

Thanks all... yeah, I guess it is the guilt over such an expensive purchase on what many (if not most) would consider a luxury item.

RawKnitster, thanks for your post. Yes, I DID buy it at Costco. Hearing your experience give me hope that it's just temporary buyers remorse, and that it will give way to Vita-bliss in time. Also, good suggestion using juice instead of water... I think it's the consistency of the pulp that is bothering me.

And WhoaRaw, I love your excitement. :) Thanks for the combo suggestions. I have a sweet tooth too, but for some reason when I'm in the grocery store none of the fruits appeal to me. I did pick up some frozen mangos and berries today though so will play with those in some way.

(And I really want a dehydrator, but feel I need to wait a bit on that. Don't want my husband to fall over. Finances have become a bit of a sensitive topic for both of us these days.)

Alright... I am feeling slightly better. This forum rocks. xo, joya

[Green_Woman]

It's not the machine... it's your combinations.

Yep, yep. *nods head*


Girl, you just need to experiment with YUMMY RECIPES... the Vita-mix isn't making those foods taste bad. ;)

[joya]

Also, if you like chocolate, the Vitamix makes a wicked avocado-chocolate pudding! So smooooooooooooth!

hmmmm, as a matter of fact I DO like choco-avocado pudding... my food processor did a fine job though. I guess that is what I keep coming back to is questioning the real need for the Vita-Mix. But hey, I will keep trying... and try the Right Combinations (thanks Revvell & Greenie)

[Green_Woman]

Just a thought...

In my 4 yrs of Raw, I've had 3 food processors burn out on me. I've had 2 cheap-o (under $70) blenders burn out on me.

However, my Vitamix I bought USED ($200 at a thrift store) 2 yrs ago and it's never given me a moment's concern.

But I don't need to put in a good word for Vitamix. You're literally the first person I've ever heard have anything remotely unenthusiastic to say about them. :D

[OnMyJourney]

I saw the title and fainted, I'm just now regaining consciousness or I would've responded earlier. :p

I can not imagine life without Veeta (that's her name ;) ). I use Kale in my smoothies and my freecycle blender just wasn't getting it! It would leave bits of leafy green in my smoothie and that did not go over well with my daughter. And I have to admit, it wasn't all that appealing to me either.

Banana ice cream...tried that in my old blender, FAILED! My Veeta makes the most DELICIOUS banana ice cream EVER!

I use her to grind my flax seed for pancakes and breads. I've ground up flax seeds every night for the past few nights so that I can have warm pancakes in the dehydrator for my daughter each morning.

I use Veeta at least 3 times a day. For smoothies and banana cream (for pancakes) in the morning, a smoothie when I get home and then around 9 (i just finished) to ground up flax seeds for pancakes all over again.

No way I could've used my old blender to make my "cheez its." There would've been cashew and garlic bits all in my crackers.

I can throw any vegetable in Veeta and she will pulverize it to the point that my daughter never knows...she's consuming all sorts of veggies that she never thought she would. :p Oh yes, Miss Veeta is a treasure. I anticipate once you get over the sticker shock you will treasure yours as well.

[theresaann]

Have to chime in...I've had my vitamix for almost 13 years and its still going strong, sometimes several times a day. When people ask me what one appliance would I recommend to be raw I always say the vitamix-it can sub for a food processor also.

I have a green smoothie almost everyday. This is what I generally make:

laciento kale or spinach or chard
1/2-1 banana (sometimes frozen)
frozen berries
parsley
3T flax seeds (REALLY good for balancing perimenopause hormones)
somtimes add sun warrior raw b. rice protein powder after a workout also

Don't know about adding root veggies to smoothies :eek:

You can also make nut butters, warm raw soups if you leave it run for at least 4 min. or so, and yes, that avo-choc pudding! Check out alissa's chocolate mousse recipe-still my fav....peace!

[Tirza]

With all the rave reviews that people give the VM, I have looked at it a few times, wondering if I should buy one when/if my KTec ever wears out. But when I have seen demos at Fairs for instance, while everyone was ooh-ing and aah-ing over the smoothies, I looked at them and walked away. I guess I should have sampled it but I could see that the texture was not near as smooth as my KTec produces. And every time I see a video demo and they zoom the camera to the interior, I can see the same thing with the VM - it always looks just a little granular. Super-smooth and satiny IS an issue with me. If I want a little texture, I have a good food processor.

All those suggestions as to what ingredients to avoid and the right order to add them...I never worry about that with my KTec. I just throw whatever I want into it and it blends it like satin. I use carrots and beets in borscht smoothies. The only thing that has ever been less than satiny was a little extra pulpiness if I use the thick tough stalks of kale or blend celery without cutting it up first. Even that is solved by putting it through an extra cycle. But the extra cycle starts to warm it a bit and sometimes I don't want warm. So I strip the hard stalks of kale and I chop the celery 1/2".

I used to make everything in a beehive-style (2 speed) Osterizer - circa 1967. In fact I taught vegetarian cooking schools using it right through the 70's. It made cashew and almond milks, cheeses, butters, smoothies-everything. Good, but not 100% satiny with some of the harder stuff. The texture that old Osterizer produced looked just like the VM. I would really need to try a VM for myself before I bought it to be convinced that it really does things up as satiny-smooth as my KTec. I also find the KTec jar's straight sides SO much easier to scrape things out of. As for the pusher, I have maybe thought I could use one only a couple of times. So I popped out the little center thing in the lid and inserted a silicon spatula handle through it to keep things moving. (Upside down) The scooper part of the spatula anchored it to the lid so I didn't end up with blended silicone in the product.

Now that KTec has come out with that huge 4" blade which they say is even better, I would like to keep informed as to how these brands really compare with each other. I just want one machine that can produce "satin" for me out of almost anything I want to put in it, in whatever weird combination I can think up.

Don't mean to start another blender brand war, but I sympathized when I read this post.

AND I would sure welcome a good price reduction from KTec for this unsolicited testimonial. ;)

[mulch]

I got my VM from Costco as well. At first, I was like no big deal, my magic bullet can do this. Well, I was initially shocked over the price as well. After the sticker shock wore off, I noticed that my smoothies are sooo smooth.

However smooth the VM makes the carrots, it still adds a fiberlike consistency to your smoothie so I wouldn't use it with just greens. AND I wouldn't add it to a banana. I recently went home to visit my mom and I was loaded up with lemon and grapefruit. I was too lazy to juice them so I just cut the skin off of them, added water and sweetner and presto!! I had lemonade and grapefruit juice instantly. I also wanted to add that I was too lazy to take the seeds out as well:eek: I was amazed at how nice the juice turned out.

[T-Bird]

I also had buyers remorse on the vitamix....I had built up an impossible ideal!

Once I got over that - I love it, won't trade back!

[Eva]

Wouldn't trade mine for anything. It just keeps on trucking.

I tell my new clients not to invest in the VM right away unless they have the budget... but you CANNOT make really good cheeses and smooth soups without it. Or smooth ice cream. Mmmm. Iiiiiiiice cream. :)

You get 30 days at least, so why not play around and have fun with it in the meantime?

[Green_Woman]

And every time I see a video demo and they zoom the camera to the interior, I can see the same thing with the VM - it always looks just a little granular.

Funny. I've never gotten anything as smooth and creamy as I get it with my used, ancient Vitamix... and I had a sharp little blender before that got it close, until it burned out after a year........

If the texture is off, add more liquid and blend longer. Voila..... creamy smooth joy. :D

[beckx]

i'm always super impressed with mine. when i got it and used it for the first time i remember thinking "so THIS is how people stay raw"

a couple things things to try:
- any cashew based 'yogurt'/pudding - SO smooth and creamy and perfect
- strawberry sorbet - mash strawberries and a little agave with the tamper and then blend until it forms the 4 peaks in the container - i couldn't believe this one

i also use my vitamix to make quick juices strained through fine mesh when i don't feel like using/cleaning the juicer.

[Raw.N.It.Out]

Kind of a little bummed with watching someone on Youtube right now use a Blendtec Res & Commerc to blend some carrots & than he strained the pulp. He than tried to do it with with the Beloved Vita res. but wasn't very successful. No water added to either. But one never knows, they could be bias towards the blendtec.

Yes, I bought a Vita-Mix last weekend. & I had had a 2 in 1 Cuisinart that quit on me after a few uses. So far I have been loving it. My problem lies with not reading the *manual*. Should probably get on that, as the vita makes some aweful noises at times, mechanically....noticed those same noises of pain when it was trying to blend the carrots in his video. I will be adding water to mine.

EDIT: Whoa just watched the vid that was posted by 3pO, & now I am checking into the return policy of the Vita...just curious. haha Re-Edit: I am sure the Vita will catch up soon with one of their own 4 inch blade carafe's with a wider base, & maybe change to a different shape, so that it is easier to pour out & does not get stuck in the divets.

[Sir Lunchalot]

maybe you all can help?

I dropped 4 bills on a new Vita-Mix a few days ago. (Much to my husband's silent dismay over the cost.) I'd been wanting one for years and have heard so many rave reviews.

Yet, I have to admit, I'm kind of disappointed and wondering if I made a mistake. (Also wondering what the refund policy is on a used one?)

I had been using a good juicer and a food processor... but somehow thought the Vita-Mix would be superior and thus worth the high price tag.

I've made three drinks thus far:

1) Bananas, Spinach, and water -- pretty good, but nothing I wasn't already doing in my regular cheapo blender.

2) Carrots, Apples, Spinach, Banana, and ice -- this was disgusting, I had to throw it out as I couldn't drink it! And this is something (minus the bananas) that is a standard juice for me. But the texture in the Vita-Mix was like applesauce with no flavor, ugh.

3) The Vita-Mix recipe of tomatos, red pepper, spinach, carrots, onion, etc... and this I found to be just "okay".... again, the texture is like applesauce.

Maybe it's just a learning curve???

Any advice on how I can start to feel the Vita-Mix love? Right now I feel kind of foolish, as my other appliances seemed to do the job even better than this monster.

*sigh*

thanks!
joya

The Blendtec has a more powerful motor and is easier to clean. Note: Blend-Tec and K-Tec are the same. http://rawgourmet.com/ktec-hp3-blender

"K-tec HP3 Blender

Now known as the Blendtec Home HP3A The inside information about heavy duty blenders

There are two heavy duty blenders on the market worth talking about: The K-tec HP3 and the Vita Mix. These machines are about the same price, and are considered to be comparable. So if you already own a Vita Mix-there is no need to trade up to a K-tec. But if you are looking for a heavy duty blender I definitely recommend the K-tec over the Vita Mix. Here’s why-

I like the K-tec HP3 blender better than the Vita mix for the following reasons:

* K-tec is 3 peak horsepower. Vita Mix is only 2.Horsepower is huge deciding factor in a blender.
* K-tec has a life time warrantee on the coupling and the blade
* K-tec lid is much easier on/off than the Vita Mix lid. MUCH EASIER.
* K-tec does not use a plunger. It doesn’t NEED one. It uses pre-set varying speeds to pull the food into the blades.
* K-tec has a computer chip. It has no knobs or dials to get dirty, just a nice clean keypad.
* K-tec is as tall as a normal blender, the Vita-Mix is very high and uncomfortable to work with if you happen to be under 5′5″, plus the K-tec will fit under most upper cabinets, the Vita Mix doesn’t.
* K-Tec container is lighter and has straight sides making it much easier to get all the food out of the container, and easier to hold up for long periods of time while scraping out every last delicious bit. This may seem inconsequential, but daily use struggling with curves and waves in a jar while trying to scrape out that expensive guacamole or smoothie is a recurrent pain in the..arm.

Here is what is says on page 209 of my book about the K-tec:

K-tec

The premier home blender

K-tec is the innovative leader in the commercial blender market. This same engineering genius goes into their home use blender, the Champ HP3. Computer controlled blend cycles make perfect smoothies or soups with one-touch operation. No old-fashioned knobs, switches, or dials to wear out or struggle with cleaning. Its half-gallon capacity GE lexan (break resistant) jar is lightweight and easy to clean. Pre-programmed blending cycles direct a powerful 3 peak horsepower motor to change speeds and times, automatically assuring perfect blending consistency-making any blending task a breeze. Complete 3-year warranty on machine and lifetime warranty on coupling and blade for home use. The K-tec can blend frozen bananas into smoothies or large chunks of carrot into soups. Easy on, easy off lid with no need for a plunger type tool to mix ingredients. For daily raw food prep, the K-tec is essential for smooth results and fast preparation.

K-tec has revolutionized the commercial blender market. Now all Starbucks, Jamba juice, and Disney use K-tec in place of the Vita-Mix and for good reason.

The K-tec at your local Starbucks in encased in a lucite box and its base is black. The one you will get does not have the lucite box. Choice of black base or white base."

[Raw.N.It.Out]

It's actually cheaper through the link that 3pO posted with their video. ;) Than the link posted above. :)

I had wanted to buy the Vita 3 prep but it cost a little bit more & it was a buy now so I could start my green smoothies right away type of thing. Now that I've had it for a week, & since watched a few more vids upon comparisons. As well as come across a spinach leaf the other day, directly in the middle of one of my blended smoothies, along with a few other things. Why not give the Blendtec a go (it's cheaper than the 5200) with a better package deal.

Sorry to take the thread off of topic OP. :S

[RawKnitster]

The blend-tec is easier to clean????? :confused: Easier than blending soap and hot water in the Vitamix for a minute, then rinsing it out? I remember reading another thread here where blend-tec users were posting about how they had to clean black gunk (from under the blade?) after every dozen or so uses.

Raw.N.It.Out mentioned the noise level of the Vitamix. I have really sensitive ears. I wear industrial style protective earwear when I use the Vitamix. If I don't my eardrums feel swollen and painful. Blend-tecs are even louder. Here is a comparision chart. http://www.blendersoundbox.com/BlenderReview.html

Could be why some commercial applications (like Starbuck's) use the sound mufflng boxes.

[Revvell]

Staying out of this except to say, I have both. I prefer my VM.

[beyceo]

I know what you mean about the buyers remorse. I had it buying my Breville for a good month. I love it but seeing the Vita Mix makes me want that too. I will probably have buyers remorse for 3 months after that purchase!

[Sir Lunchalot]

The blend-tec is easier to clean????? :confused: Easier than blending soap and hot water in the Vitamix for a minute, then rinsing it out? I remember reading another thread here where blend-tec users were posting about how they had to clean black gunk (from under the blade?) after every dozen or so uses.

Raw.N.It.Out mentioned the noise level of the Vitamix. I have really sensitive ears. I wear industrial style protective earwear when I use the Vitamix. If I don't my eardrums feel swollen and painful. Blend-tecs are even louder. Here is a comparision chart. http://www.blendersoundbox.com/BlenderReview.html

Could be why some commercial applications (like Starbuck's) use the sound mufflng boxes.

Esp with the 3 Quart carafe, the Vitamix is taller, narrower with more blades and less space, comparatively. It is much more difficult to clean and the space for your bruch or spatulla is more limited. The Blendtec square design is both larger and easier for a spatula and a water jet, flexible faucet. 2 blades is understably easier to clean the 4, More space, fewer blades, easier to clean.

[joya]

wow. suddenly this has become a commercial for BlendTec? I've never heard of this blender, and I have already purchased the VitaMix -- so am not in the market to purchase another brand. um, thank you though... I'll assume that your (Sir Lunchalot) post was not thinly disguised marketing, since that sort of thing turns me off.

Anyway... I AM starting to feel the LOVE! :)

I have already used my VitaMix twice today, and most likely will whip it out again later. Y'all were right about choosing the appropriate ingredients. I was used to a juicer, which apparently is a different sort of beast.

One thing I'm really starting to love is how easy it is to clean... it makes me more inclined to use it. Having to assemble, disassemble and scrub the juicer inhibited my inclination to use it.

Peace.

[Raw.N.It.Out]

I think it comes down to quite an even tie:

The Blendtec having a couple up on Vita 5200. These are the only real differences that I've found: (from someone that has both of the Blendtec & VM)

I am still churning it in my mind~:rolleyes:

-you are space limited and you need a shorter blender
(image above shows accurate size difference)*can't post link* {not a big concern

-you like to push a button and walk away {not a big concern

-you prefer computer controlled - digital display blenders {not a big concern

-you need a 3qt (96oz) BPA-Free container {bigger..might be nice,but I am only prepping for moi

-you travel a lot with your blender {yes

-you just got to have a coffee colored blender {no

-every penny counts (about a $50 difference) {yes

-3Hp Faster unless buying the VM prep 3 {yes & than the difference would than be $125 approx. Canadian.

-2 in one (wet/dry) {might be nice later on, in fact I am going to make nut butter tomorrow!!:D

[DebB]

Hmm - I have never had black gunk under the blade of my BlendTec, I'll have to search for that thread. I love my BT and I love the larger jar.

Havin' said that - I watched the VM being demoed at Costco today - I think it was the 5200 (?) and it was $395. They were also selling the jar for around $90, I just caught it out of the corner of my eye - so I honestly don't know if the jar came with the base for the $395.

I love watching the demos at Costco for both the BT and VM.*Ü*

Ahh, okay - I think this is the thread (http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=51222&highlight=blendtec+blade+black)about the black line (?). This is on the outside of the base, on the underside of the jar. I don't have this line on my new larger container with the 4" blade.

[Revvell]

Havin' said that - I said the VM being demoed at Costco today - I think it was the 5200 (?) and it was $395. They were also selling the jar for around $90, I just caught it out of the corner of my eye - so I honestly don't know if the jar came with the base for the $395.


It comes with a 64 oz. container. The $90 is usually the additional smaller container which I use for pates, dressings, etc.

[Revvell]

....that keeps the veggie and fruits from heating up.
Cheers

I've had my V-M for 14 years and have never had an issue with my produce heating up. It takes longer than the few seconds it takes to blend a smoothie to heat 'em up.

[EatRaw]

maybe you all can help?

I dropped 4 bills on a new Vita-Mix a few days ago. (Much to my husband's silent dismay over the cost.) I'd been wanting one for years and have heard so many rave reviews.

Yet, I have to admit, I'm kind of disappointed and wondering if I made a mistake. (Also wondering what the refund policy is on a used one?)

I had been using a good juicer and a food processor... but somehow thought the Vita-Mix would be superior and thus worth the high price tag.
It was your decision? NO?

I've made three drinks thus far:

1) Bananas, Spinach, and water -- pretty good, but nothing I wasn't already doing in my regular cheapo blender.Why upgrade!

2) Carrots, Apples, Spinach, Banana, and ice -- this was disgusting, I had to throw it out as I couldn't drink it! And this is something (minus the bananas) that is a standard juice for me. But the texture in the Vita-Mix was like applesauce with no flavor, ugh. (carrots killed it) But why make something you never made and blame it on YOUR PURCHASE (VM) and recipe (RECIPE) of blender?

3) The Vita-Mix recipe of tomatos, red pepper, spinach, carrots, onion, etc... and this I found to be just "okay".... again, the texture is like applesauce. Sounds pretty good to me!! Applesauce=a blender...LOL...or sauce...or maybe puree! You decide! I have lots of recipes.....its my decision!

Maybe it's just a learning curve??? I think so! Don't pay any attention to this or that blender...I love my BT...LOL :D

Any advice on how I can start to feel the Vita-Mix love? Right now I feel kind of foolish, as my other appliances seemed to do the job even better than this monster.

*sigh*

thanks!
joya

I'm sorry that your post has turned into a BT vs VM thread...not gonna go there......LOL...cept to say I love my blend tech...you pick sweetie!!:D

gotta watch the icons also! Cant have more than 4...so I have chose NONE.

dave

[Revvell]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0Nx52bpuV0&NR=1

Don't know what this is, don't care. I know my own experience.

[Revvell]

Whoa! Seems as though you're taking this personally. I'm happy with what I've got. I've got both the VM and the BT. I know what works for me. End of story.

Lighten up yourself.


...I would be great if you could lighten up a little...

Be great anyway. Don't wait for me. LMAO! :D

[punpkin]

Just wanted to thank ya'll- I read this forum before I went to work last night and all night long, all I could think of was getting a Vita-Mix!!!!!!!:p I have really been sold based on everyone's opinion of it- and since they last so long, apparently, I am going to seek out a second hand one!

[sprouts2go]

I went to my sisters for the weekend and had to have smoothies made in a regular blender. OMG chunks just like before my vitamix. I love my smooth smoothies in my Vitamix. I have to foirce myself to drink them when I vist my sister. I need my vitamix!!

[DebB]

I went to my sisters for the weekend and had to have smoothies made in a regular blender. OMG chunks just like before my vitamix. I love my smooth smoothies in my Vitamix. I have to foirce myself to drink them when I vist my sister. I need my vitamix!!

I hear you sprouts2go! We flew to MO a few months ago for a week and my blender went too - ha! *Ü*

[Raw.N.It.Out]

I hear you sprouts2go! We flew to MO a few months ago for a week and my blender went too - ha! *Ü*

How did you pack it? With the cargo, so that it didn't get smashed up down below?

Thanks! :)

[DebB]

I was determined to take my blender along, so I actually stopped by the airport and took my blender and talked to the FTA folks and asked them if I would be allowed to carry it on.

They said I could carry on the base (FWIW it's a BlendTec - I don't know that it would matter for another brand), but because of the blades, the jar had to be checked. So, that's what I did and it worked great. And I had my green smoothies every day - ha. And all was well with the world. *Ü*

[Sir Lunchalot]

wow. suddenly this has become a commercial for BlendTec? I've never heard of this blender, and I have already purchased the VitaMix -- so am not in the market to purchase another brand. um, thank you though... I'll assume that your (Sir Lunchalot) post was not thinly disguised marketing, since that sort of thing turns me off.

Anyway... I AM starting to feel the LOVE! :)

I have already used my VitaMix twice today, and most likely will whip it out again later. Y'all were right about choosing the appropriate ingredients. I was used to a juicer, which apparently is a different sort of beast.

One thing I'm really starting to love is how easy it is to clean... it makes me more inclined to use it. Having to assemble, disassemble and scrub the juicer inhibited my inclination to use it.

Peace.


In your first post, you said "I dropped 4 bills on a new Vita-Mix a few days ago. (Much to my husband's silent dismay over the cost.) I'd been wanting one for years and have heard so many rave reviews.

Yet, I have to admit, I'm kind of disappointed and wondering if I made a mistake. (Also wondering what the refund policy is on a used one?)"

If you were not in the market to purchase another brand, you could have said so in your first post and saved us both the trouble. I don't work for Blendtec. I own one and it has been good to me. Glad you are finally happy with your purchase.

[joya]

Thanks for your input.

I use my VitaMix every day -- sometimes 3x a day. Just had to get over the price tag and the initial learning curve.

[FreedomSeeker]

If you have children or a picky husband, the Vita-Mix is a good way to get produce in them that they might not ingest otherwise. When my kids eat breakfast in the morning, they have one serving of fruit if it is in its whole fruit state; if I make smoothies, they have two to four! Without awareness on their part. Also, I can add more variety than they eat otherwise, as long as what I add does not overpower the smoothie. I like to throw a few frozen cranberries in, for example. It's also a great, delicious way to use up fruit on the brink. If you use it for this purpose, it'll save you money in the long run.

[Revvell]

I agree with FreedomSeeker. My husband will rarely eat anything living yet, when I make smoozies and put them on his desk, he'll suck 'em down! Making raw soup is easy as well.

[Basenjimamma]

Yes, I agree..the smoothie thing is doing wonders in our family as well. My kids and hubby are avid fruit and veggie eaters, but with smoothies I am sneaking in more spinach or kale and they don't even bicker about it..some comments on why the Pineapple/banana smoothie is so greeen, but no one is staying away from its lovely taste due to the color. I love my Vitamix..I now know why it is called smoothies..'cause they are so smooth.