Vitamix... what do you love most?

[qwerty988]

So I'm just counting the days until my new Vitamix arrives! :cool:

I've never used one and have no idea what to expect..... What's the ONE THING you love about your Vitamix the most -- ??

[Papa2X]

It is that you have so little waste.... you can use almost everything.... Like the core of the pineapple.... no need to throw that away anymore. I use whole apples..... the seeds and core get used. I have even used an entire orange with ALL THE SKIN.... ( OK, that one wasn't great in flavor, but the Vita Mix did the job, and I read that the whole skin of an orange has more vitamins than the actual fruit ).

[BlackKat]

I don't have one (yet) but this should be an interesting thread to read because I am looking into getting one quite possibly this summer, since my blender is pretty old and rickety.. I would love to see what everyone LOVES about their vitamix.

[DebB]

I love its solid reputation and warranty! I love how people say they've had it for xx years and it's still going strong. :)

[Revvell]

I had my first one for 15 years and only purchased the second one because I loved the color.... that's it! Yup! They hold their value and can be sold to help pay for a new one ~ if you ever desire it. I use mine daily; have NEVER had an issue with it breaking down or needing repairs. It's the most used appliance in my household. Oh! VERY easy to clean as well.

[walnutty]

Nothing! :wow: I'm not kidding!

[Papa2X]

I love its solid reputation and warranty! I love how people say they've had it for xx years and it's still going strong. :)

Mine is about 12 years old. Can't complain.

[walnutty]

I know I am probably the only VM hater on this board, but I truly do hate it!

[rawgirl00]

I know I am probably the only VM hater on this board, but I truly do hate it!

I did return mine after testing it out for a couple weeks; to me it just was not worth the cost.

[Raw Angel Mom]

I love that machine. I love being able to make smooth cheese cake. Having the speed control versus a pre-selected speed. I use it every day. Smoothie are just perfect.

Hope you enjoy it as much as i do

All the best

[walnutty]

I did return mine after testing it out for a couple weeks; to me it just was not worth the cost.

For me, it's the design and the fact that mine has had to go back to Vitamix several times to get fixed and it's just about to go back again! I had never heard of the Blendtec, but after seeing it used on The Raw Food World TV Show constantly over the past year, I would have much preferred its design!

[Papa2X]

For me, it's the design and the fact that mine has had to go back to Vitamix several times to get fixed and it's just about to go back again! I had never heard of the Blendtec, but after seeing it used on The Raw Food World TV Show constantly over the past year, I would have much preferred its design!

It's funny how sometimes - I have seen this on different forums - how there can be really heated rivalries between Blendtec owners and Vita Mix owners. Usually tho, it appears to be that the people have a vested interest in promoting on over the other. I like them both. :)

[Revvell]

Usually tho, it appears to be that the people have a vested interest in promoting on over the other. I like them both. :)

I have both; love my VM.

[SunshineMN]

I had my heart set on a Vitamix but after looking at Blendtech closer I think I've changed my mind. I do have time to change my mind before we can afford one though. LOL It's hard to decide. They are both pretty close, both have good quality parts, both have great warrantees and both have good customer service.

I'm sure you'll love your Vitamix!

[qwerty988]

It's funny how sometimes - I have seen this on different forums - how there can be really heated rivalries between Blendtec owners and Vita Mix owners. Usually tho, it appears to be that the people have a vested interest in promoting on over the other. I like them both. :)

Agreed! I almost posted "high-powered blender" instead of "Vitamix" because from what I've heard they're both pretty awesome... but I didn't think anyone would actually go there!

Anyhow, thanks so much for all the well wishes.... I'm TOTALLY psyched to finally be getting a great blender and can't wait to see all the cool stuff it can do!

Cheesecake, yum............... !!! :heart

[Raw Angel Mom]

I actually tried the blend tech and i don't like it. I just don't like the digital technology and much prefer a variable speed to have control. The vitamix warranty are amazing too. Some people much prefer the Blentech especially, if you are a gadget person because it is a cool blender and it has 3 Horse power.

One blender, i wouldn't mind trying is a new one from omega, they have variable speed and also digital. It is a high power blender.

[Traceyraw]

I love its easy to clean. Lately I have been blending five cups of spinach 3 cups of OJ 2 cups of water for my Breakfast. Its sooo good.

[walnutty]

Just to let you all know, if I "went there" it's because I OWN a Vitamix and have had nothing but problems with it! Plus, again, I watch the Monarch's use their "mulitple" Blendtec's and wish that I had seen their videos using them before I came across this board 4.5 years ago and all the VM lovers here. I had not ever heard of any high powered blenders before coming to this board and trusted what I read here...BIG MISTAKE on my part!!!

[qwerty988]

One blender, i wouldn't mind trying is a new one from omega, they have variable speed and also digital. It is a high power blender.

I just saw this one over at the QVC site -- it looks AWESOME!!! And comes with a 10-year warrantee.... sweet.

[Raw Angel Mom]

I just saw this one over at the QVC site -- it looks AWESOME!!! And comes with a 10-year warrantee.... sweet.

I agree, it does look amazing. I find this is very smart to engineer this appliance this way and the 10 years warranty is a keeper.

All the best

[R'Mila]

Like others, I love that I use whole fruit/veg without waste. I love the power & I don't have chunks or bits of food throughout. I also love that I can slightly warms things if I wish, it doesn't give out when tired, and most of all- a sinch to clean.

[qwerty988]

Like others, I love that I use whole fruit/veg without waste. I love the power & I don't have chunks or bits of food throughout. I also love that I can slightly warms things if I wish, it doesn't give out when tired, and most of all- a sinch to clean.

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to being able to warm stuff in the blender! I've been making more blended soups recently -- which is I think what finally killed off my brave little oster hahahaha!

What kind of ingredients do you use in a high-powered blender that you can't use in a regular one? I'm thinking I'm definitely going to be using more apples and pears..... also I haven't been able to make smoothies with kale yet because it comes out too chewy. Someone mentioned using sweet potatoes in a smoothie, which really blows me away!

[GoingtoRAW]

I love absolutely EVERYTHING about my Vitamix! It's fast and easy to clean. But...the thing I love the most is how it purverizes everything and makes everything so smooth. I actually bought my machine about two years ago refurbished - I use it just about every day and I have never had one problem. I have used several different "blending" appliances from the very expensive to the "reasonably" priced and I would have been better off just saving all the money I spent on those other machines and just bought the Vitamix in the first place.

[Papa2X]

yeah, it hurt the wallet a lot when I bought it, and my wife wanted to shoot me, but she has since learned how great it is, and has forgiven me. Haha!

[R'Mila]

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to being able to warm stuff in the blender! I've been making more blended soups recently -- which is I think what finally killed off my brave little oster hahahaha!

What kind of ingredients do you use in a high-powered blender that you can't use in a regular one? I'm thinking I'm definitely going to be using more apples and pears..... also I haven't been able to make smoothies with kale yet because it comes out too chewy. Someone mentioned using sweet potatoes in a smoothie, which really blows me away!

That's exactly what I mean. Today I made the lovely sweet potatoe soup someone posted (sorry, can't remember who at this time). I peeled and roughly chopped the sweet potatoe and apple. The other ingredients were water, avocado and lil salt- slightly warmed. Didn't have to stir mid-way or come to its rescue at all, and it was very creamy.

[Aleesha Sattva]

i love my vita-mix. i use it all the time when i'm not juicing. green smoothies are such a great way to start the day!!! and making mylks in it... oh yea... oh and raw soup! mmmmm

mmmm i'm water fasting... gotta stop talking about all these yummy things LOL

[Revvell]

For those who are thinking 'bout the money aspect, consider this.... I think my last one ran about $450. I kept my first one for 15 years. $450 divided by 15 = $30. So, my blender cost me $30 per year AND, I sold the original for $150!!! It was still working GREAT! (I wanted the red one I saw at a convention)

Yeah, ya gotta come up with the funds in the first place ( I think you can make 3 payments OR, get a refurbished one for less)...

[jruez]

I purchased a Vitamix for my family about 4 months ago, and we have used it almost everyday since then. We mix vegetables into drinks for our 2 year old son, and he loves it. I am consuming more vegetables than I ever have on a daily basis, by making shakes with kale, spinach, romaine, celery, and frozen berries. The best part of it is making orange julius with fresh oranges.

Is it better than a blentec? I don't know. I've never used one.

[qwerty988]

The best part of it is making orange julius with fresh oranges.

YUM! How do you do this?

[jruez]

Plenty of recipes on the web. Here is mine - I peel 2-3 oranges, add some ice, and 2tsp vanilla. Some optional ingredients, to make it more truly like an orange julius are milk and sugar, which I use stevia. Put in about 1/2 - 3/4 cup of milk and 2-3 tsp stevia.

[dmb2002man]

I bought my vitamix in october of 2010 and i swear it gets used each and everyday. So many recipes i have now and created. Best blender i have used.

[walnutty]

This video says it all...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO7bkHxiQEM&feature=plcp&context=C342fd09UAOEgsToPDskLClnVkVE8Vn4s_K-244PcA

[The Sproutarian (Mr Raw)]

So I'm just counting the days until my new Vitamix arrives! :cool:

I've never used one and have no idea what to expect..... What's the ONE THING you love about your Vitamix the most -- ??

lt's excellent for beginners because it makes going raw much easier at the start. Everyone should have a good blender when they first start out.

[The Sproutarian (Mr Raw)]

Just to let you all know, if I "went there" it's because I OWN a Vitamix and have had nothing but problems with it! Plus, again, I watch the Monarch's use their "mulitple" Blendtec's and wish that I had seen their videos using them before I came across this board 4.5 years ago and all the VM lovers here. I had not ever heard of any high powered blenders before coming to this board and trusted what I read here...BIG MISTAKE on my part!!!

l have a vitamix and things have been alittle weird lately too. When l come to turn the dial speed down, it slows down until l get to the 3rd or 4th speed, then it starts revving up again, but goes slower again when l get down to 2 and lower. The engine is abit funny.

[The Sproutarian (Mr Raw)]

For those who are thinking 'bout the money aspect, consider this.... I think my last one ran about $450.

Better than the $1,200 we have to pay in Australia for them.

One thing l don't like is all the froth at the top of the smoothie.

[Traceyraw]

I love making applesauce. I soak a few dates cut and core the apples put them in with a little lemon juice blend with cinnamin. Yummy applesauce.

[R'Mila]

Wow, this is good information. It would've been better if they used frozen bananas or something sticky. I think I may have made a different decision had I seen this previously. I too trusted everyone's testimonials, without comparing videos. I haven't had any problems with vitamix yet, so I'm still pleased with it.


This video says it all...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO7bkHxiQEM&feature=plcp&context=C342fd09UAOEgsToPDskLClnVkVE8Vn4s_K-244PcA


Just to let you all know, if I "went there" it's because I OWN a Vitamix and have had nothing but problems with it! Plus, again, I watch the Monarch's use their "mulitple" Blendtec's and wish that I had seen their videos using them before I came across this board 4.5 years ago and all the VM lovers here. I had not ever heard of any high powered blenders before coming to this board and trusted what I read here...BIG MISTAKE on my part!!!

[qwerty988]

I'm just really happy and grateful to FINALLY have a high-speed blender hahahhaaa!

I am loving it. :heart

[qwerty988]

lt's excellent for beginners because it makes going raw much easier at the start. Everyone should have a good blender when they first start out.

I couldn't afford it when I first went raw! Also, I had a working blender so I chose to buy other equipment first.

Now, looking back, I wish I HAD gotten one right away because it's actually changing the way I eat every day -- I think for the better. I'm eating MUCH more simply now because I'm just wanting smoothies and soups and blended-fruit dressings on my salads!!

Also I feel like my body's absorbing more nutrients from the smoothies and soups. I definitely feel a difference in my energy. And my skin is actually changing since the Vitamix arrived -- it's incredible!

[DebB]

I couldn't afford it when I first went raw! Also, I had a working blender so I chose to buy other equipment first.

Now, looking back, I wish I HAD gotten one right away because it's actually changing the way I eat every day -- I think for the better. I'm eating MUCH more simply now because I'm just wanting smoothies and soups and blended-fruit dressings on my salads!!

Also I feel like my body's absorbing more nutrients from the smoothies and soups. I definitely feel a difference in my energy. And my skin is actually changing since the Vitamix arrived -- it's incredible!

WhooHOO! Go qwerty! (Well, I never noticed that qwerty is all in a row on the keyboard - haha)

[MysticTree]

WhooHOO! Go qwerty! (Well, I never noticed that qwerty is all in a row on the keyboard - haha)

It is the name that describes a keyboard with the layout QWERTYUIOP. So I can now say with quite confidence that you have a qwerty keyboard!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QWERTY

[R'Mila]

Woohoo!! Happy for you! Enjoy!


I couldn't afford it when I first went raw! Also, I had a working blender so I chose to buy other equipment first.

Now, looking back, I wish I HAD gotten one right away because it's actually changing the way I eat every day -- I think for the better. I'm eating MUCH more simply now because I'm just wanting smoothies and soups and blended-fruit dressings on my salads!!

Also I feel like my body's absorbing more nutrients from the smoothies and soups. I definitely feel a difference in my energy. And my skin is actually changing since the Vitamix arrived -- it's incredible!

[Raw Angel Mom]

Better than the $1,200 we have to pay in Australia for them.

One thing l don't like is all the froth at the top of the smoothie.

You should return this, this isn't normal. They have good warranty, they will take it back.

[Basenjimamma]

I have a love relationship with mine daily..it wakes my senses up with a green smoothie in the morning, sometimes it gets me out of my afternoon blues with a nice banana icecream and other times it makes dressings galore...but regardless, it loves me daily and I love it.

[qwerty988]

Seriously, it sounds kind of crazy to have such an intimate relationship with an appliance...... but I TOTALLY relate hahahhaaa!!!

Maybe it's a Pisces thing?

But I do DEFINITELY have a love relationship happening with this blender hahahahahaaaa!

[The Sproutarian (Mr Raw)]

I couldn't afford it when I first went raw! Also, I had a working blender so I chose to buy other equipment first.

Now, looking back, I wish I HAD gotten one right away because it's actually changing the way I eat every day -- I think for the better. I'm eating MUCH more simply now because I'm just wanting smoothies and soups and blended-fruit dressings on my salads!!

Also I feel like my body's absorbing more nutrients from the smoothies and soups. I definitely feel a difference in my energy. And my skin is actually changing since the Vitamix arrived -- it's incredible!

Eventhough l believe cold pressed juices are much much better than blended food, l always recommend that raw folks start by buying a blender. Everyone needs a blender to start that raw journey, because without it, it is going to be hard to achieve. Blenders save time.



You should return this, this isn't normal. They have good warranty, they will take it back.

What's not normal, all the froth?

[qwerty988]

I never asked for your recommendations, Mr. Raw!

I'm happy with my Vitamix. I got it when I could, I'm cool with that. :throwhearts:

[The Sproutarian (Mr Raw)]

I never asked for your recommendations, Mr. Raw!



Eventhough l quoted your post, my comments were more of a general nature, not specifically directed at yourself.

[qwerty988]

Eventhough l quoted your post, my comments were more of a general nature, not specifically directed at yourself.

Then perhaps you shouldn't quote my posts and respond to them.

[The Sproutarian (Mr Raw)]

Chill and be happy. No need to sweat the small stuff.

[qwerty988]

Chill and be happy. No need to sweat the small stuff.

I always do! :heart:

[PansyLo]

I'd really like one but I can't see me getting one any time soon. There's so many things I could get with that money instead.

Like I could buy enough French lessons to become fluent and still have enough money left over for a quick shopping spree.

Hopefully I'll survive with my mums food processer. I'm doing pretty well with the dreadful cheap blender we have so anything that's better than it will be a blessing.

[michigan roman]

i havent used mine yet but i just bought a used vitamix . its the old stainless steel kind from 80's , but i think the one i bought is in such great condition it was reconditioned by vitamix in 2005 because person i bought it from on craiglist put it in a vitamix box with shipping label from 2005 . previously ive never ran a big powered blender , and have been happy for years with a solid brushed steel base / glass jarred salton brand with 600 watt motor . so now i put two blenders next to each other and test one on high speed for 30 seconds , then the other . and the vitamix you can tell has like 6 times or whatever the speed and power . havent used yet but shall soon and report . its the exact type like one in below link :



http://www.ebay.com/itm/VITA-MIX-3600-PLUS-BLENDER-STAINLESS-STEEL-WORKS-PERFECT-NEEDS-UPPER-GASKET-/320858298743?pt=Small_Kitchen_Appliances_US&hash=item4ab4a51977

[PansyLo]

I'm curious... I love the taste of berries but can't stand the seeds. Would a vitamix blend small seeds like berry seeds if you were making a berry smoothy?

That's the one pull it has for me despite the price. I'm not a big fruit person, I love smoothies but I hate doing all the fiddly bits and getting seeds out and seeing as I don't like the taste all that much I rarely put the effort in.

If a vitamix means you can pretty much shove in fruit without loads of effort preparing it and end up with a smooth drink rather than something full of lumps and pulp then I'd be a little more interested to move it up my priority list.

[snoops]

It doesn't blend raspberry or blackberry seeds. If I use those I get seedy smoothies. I just choose not to and use strawberries, blueberries and cherries in mine.

[PansyLo]

^ Thanks. Good to know :)

That reminds me of another question though! Sorry. Does it blend the skins? Whenever I put cherries in smoothies there's always bits of skin that aren't all the appetising.

[blessteve]

I found that to be true also. Blackberry seeds are like small pieces of wood but blackberries taste so good
in a smoothie I just eat go ahead and eat some wood.


It doesn't blend raspberry or blackberry seeds. If I use those I get seedy smoothies. I just choose not to and use strawberries, blueberries and cherries in mine.

[qwerty988]

i havent used mine yet but i just bought a used vitamix . its the old stainless steel kind from 80's , but i think the one i bought is in such great condition it was reconditioned by vitamix in 2005 because person i bought it from on craiglist put it in a vitamix box with shipping label from 2005 . previously ive never ran a big powered blender , and have been happy for years with a solid brushed steel base / glass jarred salton brand with 600 watt motor . so now i put two blenders next to each other and test one on high speed for 30 seconds , then the other . and the vitamix you can tell has like 6 times or whatever the speed and power . havent used yet but shall soon and report . its the exact type like one in below link :



http://www.ebay.com/itm/VITA-MIX-3600-PLUS-BLENDER-STAINLESS-STEEL-WORKS-PERFECT-NEEDS-UPPER-GASKET-/320858298743?pt=Small_Kitchen_Appliances_US&hash=item4ab4a51977


Yes I almost bought onejust like this on eBay!!! Please report on how it works and how you like it!

I'm still in the Honeymoon phase, using my Vitamix 3-4 times a day and just LIVING on smoothies and soups and making all these new salad dressings!!! It sounds really stupid but this appliance has changed my life hahahahhahahaa!

[qwerty988]

I'm curious... I love the taste of berries but can't stand the seeds. Would a vitamix blend small seeds like berry seeds if you were making a berry smoothy?

That's the one pull it has for me despite the price. I'm not a big fruit person, I love smoothies but I hate doing all the fiddly bits and getting seeds out and seeing as I don't like the taste all that much I rarely put the effort in.

If a vitamix means you can pretty much shove in fruit without loads of effort preparing it and end up with a smooth drink rather than something full of lumps and pulp then I'd be a little more interested to move it up my priority list.

Have you made any green smoothies yet? This is where having a high-speed blender really pays off imo. You have yummy fruit smoothies that are PACKED with cups of greens.......... it radically nourishes your body and alters your experience of life hahahahhaaa!

You can make them in a regular blender, too -- if you haven't tried one, I recommend checking it out!

[Traceyraw]

I love spinach / orange in my vitamix. Since I have been making this I haven't juiced any spinach. My kids even drink it. Put 5 cups spinach 2 cups water and 2 cups fresh Orange juice blend. Soo good.

[michigan roman]

qwerty - ive completely disassembled this vitamix , even taken motor out of housing . and taken the two peice pitcher apart and simmered for like 8 hours in hot water with white vinegar and baking soda to scrub off every spec of residue as theres seams along the inside bottom and side of this stainless steel pitcher . plus the plastic top peice is stained . im cleaning back to mint condition so havent used yet beyond starting it up with empty pitcher on it , and you can tell it has awesome power . one thing i'll say to anyone considering buying a used vitamix , since buying this ive been all around internet and to vitamix checking on prices for parts and its totally RIDICULOUS . you know how this has a spout on it , well the spouts lame just gets in way so im taking it off . i call vitamix to see if theyve a simple two peice with gasket cap to plug hole from removing spout and its $18 . and most of the parts vitamix quit making so you have to buy from people on line charging mega prices . so unless you buy local off craiglist where you can go check out blender being sold from original owner and not a flea market type buyer or commercial restraaunt buyer ide be leary of buying one because having to fix one is going to cost big . ide think about buying a 100 level one , i'll link two later , with two to 5 year warrenties and like 700 to 900 watts making them better than basic 450 watt blenders before dropping money into used vitamix on a gamble

tracy ive been making frozen 100% pure orange juice smoothies with raw spinach leaf and banana recently and love them . but when i get vitamix on the road i'll use fresh fruit instead of frozen juice

[DebB]

I love it that you love your VitaMix qwerty!! Puts a big ole' smile on my face!

[Arky]

Just for anyone that may be new to high powered blenders like the Vitamix (particularly if they're analogue, rather than digitally, controlled) - do remember to bring the blender up to speed gradually, rather than simply instantly hitting the fullpower switch from standstill to fullspeed. Besides potentially making a mess, you may damage the ballrace in the pitcher/carafe.

[Arky]

oops - ACCIDENTAL DOUBLE POST - Aleesha, please delete! thanks.

[qwerty988]

I love it that you love your VitaMix qwerty!! Puts a big ole' smile on my face!

Awwwwww, thanks Deb! :kisses:

[qwerty988]

Just for anyone that may be new to high powered blenders like the Vitamix (particularly if they're analogue, rather than digitally, controlled) - do remember to bring the blender up to speed gradually, rather than simply instantly hitting the fullpower switch from standstill to fullspeed. Besides potentially making a mess, you may damage the ballrace in the pitcher/carafe.

Hahahhahaaa -- YES! I learned this the hard way. :D

[DebB]

Just for anyone that may be new to high powered blenders like the Vitamix (particularly if they're analogue, rather than digitally, controlled) - do remember to bring the blender up to speed gradually, rather than simply instantly hitting the fullpower switch from standstill to fullspeed. Besides potentially making a mess, you may damage the ballrace in the pitcher/carafe.

Me too! It scared the bajeebers right outa me!

[michigan roman]

as always arky with helpful tips . to be so wise you must be like 150 arky ;-) better bet is your a voracious reader . hopefully thats proper spelling / usage of the word , lol

[Arky]

No, I learned exactly the same way qwerty988 & DebB did - the HARD way! HAHAHA! ;-)

(my NewGena is an exact replica of the Vitamix)


...suffice to say, I didn't make that mistake a second time. Always stage one, then fullpower!

[blessteve]

what the heck is that post above me.