VitaMix Disappointment

[RighteousYogini]

Hi Everyone
Well I got my high-powered crazy expensive VM yesterday and...well I'm pretty disappointed to be honest. The krate that sits on the base just sits there, capable of toppling over at anytime if you're not pressing evenly on it. Then I tried to make some juice. Well I had to stand there for 10 minutes to blend 3 really thick carrots. Honestly! Ten minutes, pressing the carrots down, stopping it, removing the carrots under the blades, pressing down again.... that was after peeling and chopping. I guess maybe you have to use water and thats the problem, but from what people had said this machine is supposed to "pulvarize" anything you put it in. I didn't think carrots would be a particularly demanding job. If it weren't for duty and shipping, I'd return it. Instead Ill find someone to buy it used and work with my $80 Black and Decker. AM I doing something wrong!?
Shanti

[kaleboy]

how much was it ?

[RighteousYogini]

With shipping to canada, taxes, and duty $400

[Eva]

Did you add enough water? We use the VM as a juicer all the time at my husband's cafe... even though... it is a blender not a juicer. So, as such we add enough water and a small amount of ice to make it turn quickly. Takes maybe, I dunno, a minute or two for 3 big carrots. If that.

I wish I could see exactly what you are doing! :)

[RighteousYogini]

Thanks Eva
Yep I did make some alright juice with water, no problem.... but... I guess I dont see how that differs from my basic food processor. AS well, when the dates wouldn't even becoming pasty without notable work on my end (pressing moving things around and then after 2 minutes VM dying), it became clear that for $400, I had made a mistake.
Shanti

[Raw Angel Mom]

Why don't you watch the video that comes with it. Any blender there is a way to use them. You have a plundger that come with it if this is too thick.

This is a wonderful blender that you have, don't give up on it.

I cannot imagine not having at least one. I have two of them and they are use all day.

This isn't a food processor, you need liquid to blend. Watch the Video or some raw food demonstration with youtub.

Once you figure out how to use it, you will like it.

All the best

p.s Date can turn to a very stick paste, you need a lot of water. If you have to work so hard as you said, something wasn't right, you need to figure this out.

[Eva]

A food processor and a blender are worlds different from each other and from juicers.

Juicers extract juice from the veggies with no need for additions.

Blenders have quick-moving blades and get the food smooth. But you still have to sometimes add a touch of water or soak the foods to get the smoothest texture.

And food processors are more for making chunky recipes, like guacamole, salsa, pates. Things you don't want to be creamy.

I almost feel on the defense here! HA! I'm just shocked. We put our (NON-commercial model) to use at least ten times a day at my husband's cafe to make raw cheese, coconut milk, juices (he doesn't have a juicer there except a citrus juicer), and the smoothest of smoothies. OH, and yummy milkshakes. Mmmmm...

We usually make batches that fill the whole pitcher. So in the morning he makes 4 liters of green smoothies (that's 2 batches) right away to cover his early smoothie crowd. It's so quick too.

I made my own tahini a couple days ago for hummus. YUM.

I wish I could picture what you are doing... lol... do you have a camera with the camcorder setting???

[RighteousYogini]

Maybe I wasn't sure what I wanted! I guess I figured for $400 it would blend carrots and dates. But now I see that it's really just for smooth smoothies. Since I have an $80 food processor, I can make hummus and tahini and all the raw sweets with dates, etc in them.... so I didn't need the VM even for that. And even for my smoothies, the Magic Bullet ($25 Canadian dollars) works like a dream. I thought it would be an all in one deal... I dont even know who I'd recommend one too, since together my bullet and FP would cost a fraction of my vitamix which has started smoking with each recipe. With water it was fine, but then it wasn't smooth, and I got a decent bicep workout with the tamper after 5 minutes (which I can also get free of charge where I have a gym membership!!:heart:)

All that said, I hear the blendtec will even pulvarize Golf balls (carrots should thus work) and juices, etc. SO... if I can get my money back for this Ill spend a little bit more and get something that's more .... versatile.

I can't camcorder myself because I have everything washed up and ready to go for sale Eva!
hugs,
e

[Eva]

We put our (NON-commercial model) to use at least ten times a day at my husband's cafe to make raw cheese, coconut milk, juices (he doesn't have a juicer there except a citrus juicer), and the smoothest of smoothies. OH, and yummy milkshakes. Mmmmm...


Did you see this?

I wish I could see what you are doing... because having owned a VM 3600 (which was 30 years old but still made smooth nut cheeses and ice creams for my FL raw food classes), 4500, and 5200 as well as having worked with the commercial models in 2 raw restaurants, I have never once had an experience anything like what you are saying.

Nor has one ever smoked.

I did ONCE have a VM auto shut off b/c I was using it NONSTOP for about 10-15 different recipes. I stuck it in the freezer, and a few minutes later it was back like a champ.

Perhaps it would be good to talk to VM about this? Because I'm scratching my head at what to tell you without seeing this in action...

[Raw Angel Mom]

Maybe I wasn't sure what I wanted! I guess I figured for $400 it would blend carrots and dates. But now I see that it's really just for smooth smoothies. Since I have an $80 food processor, I can make hummus and tahini and all the raw sweets with dates, etc in them.... so I didn't need the VM even for that. And even for my smoothies, the Magic Bullet ($25 Canadian dollars) works like a dream. I thought it would be an all in one deal... I dont even know who I'd recommend one too, since together my bullet and FP would cost a fraction of my vitamix which has started smoking with each recipe. With water it was fine, but then it wasn't smooth, and I got a decent bicep workout with the tamper after 5 minutes (which I can also get free of charge where I have a gym membership!!:heart:)

All that said, I hear the blendtec will even pulvarize Golf balls (carrots should thus work) and juices, etc. SO... if I can get my money back for this Ill spend a little bit more and get something that's more .... versatile.

I can't camcorder myself because I have everything washed up and ready to go for sale Eva!
hugs,
e

What i do sometime when i want my sauce very smooth, i will start with the food processor. I will tranfer it back to my vitamix and use the plunger.

So if i do a humus, i will use the food processor first then the vitamix.

You truly have a valuable machine, don't get ride of it. You can make green smoothie, soup, sauce, i make icecream, i use it so so much. I do coconut wrap, vegetable wrap etc....then spread on teflex and dehydrate it.

If you want a more like a pate, you need the food processor. Vitamix is more a liquid consistence.

p.s The shut off is a protection for over eating your machine. It happens when this is too thick or far too full. I use it for my cheeze cake, i just don't use more then two cups of substance and use the spatula in the same time (careful not to use the blade), it makes a nice smooth cream.

[Aleesha Sattva]

i really suggest you listen to these ladies and give your vita-mix another try. trust us... you bullet doesn't do smoothies as smooth as your vita-mix will. it really is an amazing piece of equipment.

and if you aren't happy with your vita-mix you won't be happy with a blendtec... they are pretty much the same machine when it comes to what they produce for you.

often when i get a new appliance i get disappointed at first cause it's not meeting my expectations but once i relax, breathe and find out how to use it properly, then i'm very pleased indeed.

[snoops]

One of the staples is a raw food diet is a green smoothie. In my FP and old $80 blender it was a green chunkie. Only a Vitamix or Blendtec will give you smooth smoothies. My fruit smoothies in the morning used to be chunky and icy. With the vitamix they are smooth and creamy. Wouldn't give mine up for $1000. I use it 2-3 times every day. But you're right its not a food processor.

[DebB]

I've got a BlendTec and it operates the same way as the VM -- I've juiced many times with my BT, but you have to have water in there! And it has to completely cover the blades.

I have a food processor, I used to have a Magic Bullet - and believe me, a high powered blender will run circles around the Magic Bullet. It's not the same as a food processor.

Put your water in the blender first and then add your solid food. With dates - I typically soak them overnight to soften them and then using the soak water (it's loaded with sweetness) I can blend that to a paste.

I couldn't put in just veggies into my BT and blend it up - there's got to be adequate liquid.

Don't give up on your VM. I also recommend watching some "how to" videos on YouTube. I've got a BT and soon I'll be getting a VM and I see it comes with a demonstration DVD. I'll definitely be watching that because I'll need to learn how best to use the VM as it's designed differently from the BT. *Ü*

[dmb2002man]

Wow i love my vita-mix. I make carrot juice a few times a week with 2-3 carrots, squeezed lemon, ice-cubes and water. I cut the carrots in small pieces and it blends fine for me. I wouldn't have any other blender but this one. I bought mine in October 2010 and have used it daily since. I make green drinks everyday. I also make almond milk, soups, smoothie drinks, green drinks, etc.

2-3 carrots cutup
3/4 cup water
1 cup ice cubes
squeezed lemon

blend on high for a minute and drink up.

[terry brown]

Hello
I did not have time to read all of the replies, but my advice is learn to work with your vitamix. You will LOVE it and wonder how you ever lived with out it.
I have had mine for 18 years and use it every day!!
~Terry

[Eva]

Wow i love my vita-mix. I make carrot juice a few times a week with 2-3 carrots, squeezed lemon, ice-cubes and water. I cut the carrots in small pieces and it blends fine for me. I wouldn't have any other blender but this one. I bought mine in October 2010 and have used it daily since. I make green drinks everyday. I also make almond milk, soups, smoothie drinks, green drinks, etc. I could be happier.

2-3 carrots cutup
3/4 cup water
1 cup ice cubes
squeezed lemon

blend on high for a minute and drink up.

Hey, sounds yummy! :)

[dmb2002man]

Hey, sounds yummy! :)

yes its good and refreshing and will give you lots of energy. :) Still not sure why someone would complain about the vita-mix. I recommended it to all my friends.

[RighteousYogini]

Did you see this?

I wish I could see what you are doing... because having owned a VM 3600 (which was 30 years old but still made smooth nut cheeses and ice creams for my FL raw food classes), 4500, and 5200 as well as having worked with the commercial models in 2 raw restaurants, I have never once had an experience anything like what you are saying.

Nor has one ever smoked.

I did ONCE have a VM auto shut off b/c I was using it NONSTOP for about 10-15 different recipes. I stuck it in the freezer, and a few minutes later it was back like a champ.

Perhaps it would be good to talk to VM about this? Because I'm scratching my head at what to tell you without seeing this in action...

Hey Eva
yah! It blatantly stopped and started smoking with carrots and soaked dates. Im not doing anything weird! What can you do wrong? chop carrots, put in, turn on......

[RighteousYogini]

Hey, sounds yummy! :)

I get what youre saying.......if I spend the time chopping up carrots, though, why did I get this so-called super high power blender? Smooth is nice, for sure, but as I noted, I get smooth with my magic bullet... for $30....

[RighteousYogini]

Hey, sounds yummy! :)

I make smoothies, green smoothies, raw vegan cheesecake, nut milk, milkshakes with my food processor and magic bullet, for $80 and $25.... I think the problem is taht with the rave reviews, I thought this machine would somehow do MORE.

[rawnhealthy]

of course, there is a small possibility that there is a defect with your particular VM. If you follow the instructions and you take all the wonderful advice from everyone on here and it still has issues, maybe its your VM and could need to be replaced.

but i agree with everyone, I love my VM! Life isn't the same without it

[RighteousYogini]

Well I think its just me. I didn't know it was really mainly just to make things super smooth and that Id still need a food processor. Its no problem to add water to make my juices... but I can do that with an FP too.

All good.. pretty sure I can find a buyer. The blentec blends, juices, food process, and does what the vitamix does, so for me, that's worth the investment.

[dmb2002man]

I get what youre saying.......if I spend the time chopping up carrots, though, why did I get this so-called super high power blender? Smooth is nice, for sure, but as I noted, I get smooth with my magic bullet... for $30....

Not to be rude but how long does it take to cut up the carrots. It prolly adds 20 seconds on the time. I guess im just to impressed with my vita-mix to say anything bad. It hasn't let me down once and i use it once or twice daily. I do red beets and those are hard as a rock and after cutting them up, the vita-mix blends them fine. What is good about the vitamix is it does it all (even greens). This morning i made this.

1 kale leaf
1 collard green leaf
1 mustard green leaf
handful of spinach
1 avocado
1 banana
1 cup of green tea

*The key is to almost always add water or liquid and it will work. Even if you just cut the carrots in half it would probably still work. I mean i own a breville multispeed juicer to and that wouldn't do greens. That would do carrots whole though. I ended up setting that aside after getting my vita-mix and probably wont use it again. I own a magic bullet and only use it for chopping up tomatoes, onion, green pepper, etc. I cant see it chopping up a carrot and being smooth.

[RighteousYogini]

Its true I cant juice with my FP but I would probably rather spend another $70 on something that does it all.

[RawHealthyBeauty]

Carrots is pretty dry and doesn't have the watery juice to begin with to be pulverize on its own without water. I think every fruits and vegatables I use in my Vita-Mix needs a dab or more water to get things going. What effect were you trying to achieve with carrots?

Just wondering if you got the demonstraion dvd with your Vita-Mix on what you can do with the dry container and the wet container.

If you want to pulveriize stuff without water, go for produces that is really juicy and most likely will end up as a thick sauce,

Just give it a fair chance and play around with it since you have certain amount of days to return it.

[RighteousYogini]

That's not a bad idea... I just think I wasn't clear on what I wanted and what the VM limitations were. I really hope this place will let me return it. I didn't buy it direct from VM.com.

Oh, well I just looked, and as suspected.... this is their policy: (coolshinystuff.com), so note to anyone looking to buy one . . . this is their unfortunately policy

RETURNS & EXCHANGES

Due to our extremely low profit margin we must maintain a strict return policy. We therefore ask that you be absolutely certain that you want the products you order. If you are unsure and would like to order a product to try it out, please do not order from CoolShinyStuff as you will not be able to return it.

Returns or exchanges will not be accepted without prior authorization. Returns and exchanges will be accepted only if the product has not been used. All authorized returns must be shipped prepaid and are subject to a 20% restocking fee. You will have 14 days from receipt of your order in which you may return it for a refund or exchange. Shipping charges will not be refunded and return-shipping costs must be prepaid by the customer.

All items that we carry are brand new and covered by their manufacturers' warranties. In the unlikely case you receive an items that is defective, please contact the manufacturer and they will be able to assist you.

[green goddess]

My vitamix is, by far, the best kitchen investment I've ever made. :heart:

Righteous Yogini, do you make green smoothies? The vitamix is perfect for this. Its engine is so powerful that the blades will actually cut through the tough cellular walls of plant leaves, which a regular blender cannot do. This enables more nutrition to be gained from your greens, because the regular blender can't break down the cellular walls, and thus some of the green nutrition simply passes by.

As far as I'm concerned, green smoothies are a staple with the raw food diet, and the vitamix has a welcome place in the kitchen for at least just this one reason! I've used mine at least once every single day, and it's so fast. I love it!

And yes, the vitamix blends. It's not a food processor. It needs water just like any other blender to get things blended. It's also not a juicer, but lots of people (myself included) use the VM to juice - chop up the juicing ingredients, add enough water to get things moving in there, and strain through a nut mik bag. I call that versatility!

And maybe you're not chopping the carrots small enough. My boyfriend likes to make watermelon juice, using a chopped up whole mini watermelon, but he doesn't chop it small enough - the pieces are too big, and get caught in the blade, and he has to tamp everything down (several times) to get things moving. This is solved (as I've told him several times! :rolleyes: ) by taking a few extra seconds to chop stuff up more finely. And we're talking 5" triangular chunks he was using - takes a few more seconds of prep time but a few less minutes of fighting with the machine!

Please reconsider getting rid of the vitamix. It's a great investment, when used for what it's made for. It'll last many years, and maybe take the time to read through the book about it and watch the dvd. Please, do it for all us vitamix lovers out here? :pp:

[RighteousYogini]

You guys are HILARIOUS!!!!! Lordy lord... okay, I used big fat carrots and cut them into fat chunky pieces. Yes, they got caught under the blades. HOwever I also made a smoothie yesterday and it still tasted chunky-WITH water. My magic bullet did a better job! I LOVE smoothies and have 2-3 a day and wanted more, hence the VM. But I have heard the Blendtec does a demo where it even pulvarizes avocado pits, golfballs (to prove a point) AND juices, etc. So...$400 for Smooth smoothies seems insane. I can handle a few chunks in my drink and go buy a huge dehydrator or save another $75 and get a machine that juices too!! I might have to give it another shot tho, given the place I got it wont take it back...

Thanks alot tho guys.... at least I know it will do something if I spend more time prepping and have to keep it.

[rena]

I understand how you can feel disappointed in your vitamix. My husband got me a dehydrator for Christmas cause I wanted it so bad. It's a five tray Excalibar.

Well, I've used it three times and don't like it at all. I have no use for it and am wondering what to do with it. I don't care for any of the things you make in it.

[Aleesha Sattva]

your smoothie was chunky? sounds like you aren't using it properly... i've never had a chunky smoothie with my vita-mix AND i often put in avocado pits! you don't need a blendtec to do that.

but it's your choice. sell it if you want... or... spend some time and effort into learning how to use it. after all... it's your hard-earned money... you can do what you want with it.

but please remember the lovely members here are just trying to help... they are taking their time and responding... in an effort to assist you to better understand this machine and hopefully help you to love it as all of us do.

[kaybee]

i think you should contact the VM manufacturer..if it was smoking, sounds like there is a problem! if its not working properly, and you sell it, whoever you sell it to is going to end up with probs. I would just see about returning it to the manufacturer. I doubt they will give you your money back though, probably just a replacement. If you are set on returning it though, I wonder if you could return it to where you got it from on the grounds that it does not work properly (ie smoking etc.)

If you are unhappy with vitamix, I think its unlikely you will be happy with blendtec. they are basically the same machine with the same capabilities.

good luck! i actually really wish i DID have a VM though :( nut butters, smooth smoothies--even ones with tougher greens or carrot juice, mature coconut blended smooth.... my FP or blender cant get any of these thigns truly smooth th way a VM can :(

[fastfreedom]

More water.

LOL. It is kinda funny how so many of us here are quick to jump in to try and help ya and convince ya to keep that quality machine. But it's too bad that it's not everything you hoped it was.

Anyhow if ya decide to keep it here's my experience. more water. LOL

When I use my vm to make smoothies I typically make a full jug. And I'm always having to add a little more water to get it to blend thoroughly.

While on the low speed and being able to use the speed control knob I get everything chopped and I begin turning up the speed knob. If you watch the liquid there should be a vortex in the center. But once I reach around 7 or higher the vortex will go away and I'll get an air bubble. That means I need more water. Once I can use the speed knob and get all the way to speed 10 while mainining the vortex in the center,.... I'll flip the switch from low speed up to high speed. This works for me. It's pretty common for me to need to add more water to get it to blend properly.

It's pretty simple and quick to make a smoothie now that I've figured out how to do it.

[RighteousYogini]

More water.

LOL. It is kinda funny how so many of us here are quick to jump in to try and help ya and convince ya to keep that quality machine. But it's too bad that it's not everything you hoped it was.

Anyhow if ya decide to keep it here's my experience. more water. LOL

When I use my vm to make smoothies I typically make a full jug. And I'm always having to add a little more water to get it to blend thoroughly.

While on the low speed and being able to use the speed control knob I get everything chopped and I begin turning up the speed knob. If you watch the liquid there should be a vortex in the center. But once I reach around 7 or higher the vortex will go away and I'll get an air bubble. That means I need more water. Once I can use the speed knob and get all the way to speed 10 while mainining the vortex in the center,.... I'll flip the switch from low speed up to high speed. This works for me. It's pretty common for me to need to add more water to get it to blend properly.

It's pretty simple and quick to make a smoothie now that I've figured out how to do it.

Guess What Guys??? You'll all want to run to Canada and hug me I think when I tell you this, BUT . . .. as FastFreedom suggested, I added MORE WATER AND as someone on Facebook suggested, I FOUND THE HIGH BUTTON! Yowsa! Okay, I had been hummin along at Versatile . .. i found HIGH (I guess V is for chopping etc) and aside from this blender almost jumping off my counter, I made a super smooth fully blended smoothie (which is my green juice). :excited::woot:
So there it is folks; there's a chance I might fit in after all. I think perhaps VM and me can be friends.

[Raw Angel Mom]

Its true I cant juice with my FP but I would probably rather spend another $70 on something that does it all.

I haven't food this machine, yet but if you do let me know

There is a need for food processor and there is a need for a blender. If you are continuing to do smoothie and go back to a regular blender, you will miss the vitamix.

Congratulation for finding it some good use, lol....

Have fun

p.s Yes if you use this machine for the wrong purpose such the purpose of a food processor should do instead, it will dance on the counter because it is powerful and it is struggling . It is really meant to blend liquid and food processor for chopping.

[Raw Angel Mom]

Guess What Guys??? You'll all want to run to Canada and hug me I think when I tell you this, BUT . . .. as FastFreedom suggested, I added MORE WATER AND as someone on Facebook suggested, I FOUND THE HIGH BUTTON! Yowsa! Okay, I had been hummin along at Versatile . .. i found HIGH (I guess V is for chopping etc) and aside from this blender almost jumping off my counter, I made a super smooth fully blended smoothie (which is my green juice). :excited::woot:
So there it is folks; there's a chance I might fit in after all. I think perhaps VM and me can be friends.

That is good news.... Sending you this hug right here in Canada.

[RighteousYogini]

Actually it was fine on the counter when I used it for chopping, etc. The high voltage made me jump a foot as it kicked into gear when I used it PROPERLY, lol. I just wasnt expecting that. Yah apparently Blendtec blends, juices, chops, etc.... so you dont need all the others. But I already have them so unless it dehydrates too, Im in for a little more spending...

[Raw Angel Mom]

Oh yeah the dehydrator, lol..... Love it too. I must admit that there was a time i wouldn't use it at all but now with my daughter growing up and going to school, i prepare more gourmet food.

I made brownies last night, miumm.... and nut free. For this i needed the dehydrator. I also used my vitamix to do this.

Doing raw food is a very long journey, you will learn none stop and now i can finally make desert that taste ok. I never was able to bake before but with this raw food stuff, so much easier for me.

Enjoy!

[Aleesha Sattva]

ahhhhh we all knew that once you figured out how to use it... you'd see the value in it. congrats on your discovery!!!

and more importantly... congrats on taking the time to discover!

[appifanie]

I love my VM and I recently have begun using it a bunch more for my most favorite recipe -

1 1/2 cups raw almond milk
1 banana
1 cup blueberries
1 scoop raw protein powder

Blend. And when you think it might be done blending because it looks done, give it another 30-90 seconds.

For awhile I was like "well this is okay, but the stuff isn't that smooth" and then I realized it's because I was assuming stuff was ready when it looked smooth from the outside, but giving it a tiny bit longer really helped.

I don't use the VM for much other than smoothies just because I hate cleaning out the thicker stuff from the bottom, but that's me :D I may have to though b/c my cuisinart blade is nearing the end of it's life...

[RighteousYogini]

Thanks! Yah stuck under the blades kinda sucks......

[KPetro]

Did you see this?

I wish I could see what you are doing... because having owned a VM 3600 (which was 30 years old but still made smooth nut cheeses and ice creams for my FL raw food classes), 4500, and 5200 as well as having worked with the commercial models in 2 raw restaurants, I have never once had an experience anything like what you are saying.

Nor has one ever smoked.

I did ONCE have a VM auto shut off b/c I was using it NONSTOP for about 10-15 different recipes. I stuck it in the freezer, and a few minutes later it was back like a champ.

Perhaps it would be good to talk to VM about this? Because I'm scratching my head at what to tell you without seeing this in action...

Where in FL are you?

[RighteousYogini]

That is good news.... Sending you this hug right here in Canada.

Where in Canada!!!

[Raw Angel Mom]

I am in the Ottawa area

[RighteousYogini]

I'm in Ottawa too!

[wannabehealthy]

i don't have a vitmix, but i think that maybe you just have to learn how to use it properly. i think it will be ok then. take care ok! :)

[Eva]

Where in FL are you?

I'm in Brazil at the moment. My husband is from here, so we are living here but I do come to the States as often as possible. Which will be less often soon since I'm 6 weeks pregnant! ;)

BUT I'll arrive in Jacksonville next week to visit my mom and do plan to teach some classes while I'm there if that's why you're asking. :)

[ambermum]

I agree - Vita-Mix is the best blender out there and the ONE piece of equipment I couldn't imagine being without! If it's smoking, VM will surely replace it as their customer service is second to none. All the best to you! :heart

[ab_flab]

I love my Omega 8006. Same as my Auntie's and her friends too.
Im sure it takes getting used to a new machine.

I love mine.. I do all sorts with it.
Just be patient with yours.. and all will be well..

[RawKnitster]

I have a Vitamix, a juicer, a Magic Bullet, and a food processor. Each has different uses. I can't imagine having to do without any of these.

The juicer is best for juicing. The food processor works best for chopping/blending/grating/slicing vegetables and recipes that use thick or sticky foods like dates and nuts. The Magic Bullet is great for grinding small amounts of nuts or seeds, and for making small amounts of salad dressing.

None of these machines can make smoothies, soups, sauces, nut milks, and creamy desserts like the Vitamix can. Not even close.

All that said, when I first bought my Vitamix I had about a week of buyers remorse because of the $400 it cost. Now, after 2 years of using it at least once a day, if it broke I would run out the house and buy another immediately!

[Eva]

All that said, when I first bought my Vitamix I had about a week of buyers remorse because of the $400 it cost. Now, after 2 years of using it at least once a day, if it broke I would run out the house and buy another immediately!

But you know it wouldn't! And you'd still have 5 years warranty left. There is a reason they hand us so many years warranty... they know it will last! And it does! :)

What do you all use at Jodee's?

[RawKnitster]

But you know it wouldn't! And you'd still have 5 years warranty left. There is a reason they hand us so many years warranty... they know it will last! And it does! :)

What do you all use at Jodee's?

Your right! It isn't going to break and if it did I could use the machines at Jodee's while it gets repaired under the warranty.

At Jodee's shop we use commercial Vitamix with the noise muffle shield. We use them all day long! She has 3 of them, and 14 containers. We use the square containers, which are easier to scrape everything out of than the standard container that came with the 5200 I have at home.

[Eva]

Your right! It isn't going to break and if it did I could use the machines at Jodee's while it gets repaired under the warranty.

At Jodee's shop we use commercial Vitamix with the noise muffle shield. We use them all day long! She has 3 of them, and 14 containers. We use the square containers, which are easier to scrape everything out of than the standard container that came with the 5200 I have at home.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! 14 containers!!!!!!!!!

I do like the square ones better. When I helped open this raw cafe in Ohio, we made a lot of jokes that even with the noise shield it's not quiet tho. We would call it The Quiet One in a very mocking way. lol! STILL FABULOUS. But... you know... blenders aren't quiet when they're workhorses!

[RawKnitster]

Very noisy even with the covers. I wonder what the decible count is on a Vitamix? At home I use heavy duty construction ear muffs to protect my delicate eardrums. My family leaves the room or plugs their ears.

[GoingtoRAW]

Maybe I wasn't sure what I wanted! I guess I figured for $400 it would blend carrots and dates. But now I see that it's really just for smooth smoothies. Since I have an $80 food processor, I can make hummus and tahini and all the raw sweets with dates, etc in them.... so I didn't need the VM even for that. And even for my smoothies, the Magic Bullet ($25 Canadian dollars) works like a dream. I thought it would be an all in one deal... I dont even know who I'd recommend one too, since together my bullet and FP would cost a fraction of my vitamix which has started smoking with each recipe. With water it was fine, but then it wasn't smooth, and I got a decent bicep workout with the tamper after 5 minutes (which I can also get free of charge where I have a gym membership!!:heart:)

All that said, I hear the blendtec will even pulvarize Golf balls (carrots should thus work) and juices, etc. SO... if I can get my money back for this Ill spend a little bit more and get something that's more .... versatile.

I can't camcorder myself because I have everything washed up and ready to go for sale Eva!
hugs,
e

I'm like Eva - I wish you wouldn't give up on the Vitamix. It does not just work for making smooth smoothies. I have made soup, salad dressings, ice-cream...lots of things. I use it just about every day. I tried using other high-powered blenders and even the Magic Bullet. The Magic Bullet drove me crazy especially when making smoothies. It took forever because the containers are so small and you have to put the ingredients in one at a time. I like to make a lot at one time.

Did you follow the directions that came with your machine?

I make sure that I have enough liquid to blend whatever I am making. I haven't tried to blend anything "dry" in my Vitamix. I've had mine for a year now and with almost daily use - it works like it did on day one.

Good luck.