This review of the Blendtec is worrying me

[Dirkg]

http://www.amazon.com/review/RLN7GNCUHFG6/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#RLN7GNCUHFG6


I am sure there are people here who have owned one for a long time. Please tell me this is not true?

[MysticTree]

I have neither B nor V machines. You can only do some research and speak with the people at B and see if it is true. There will always be customers and general public who will bash a product and the rivalry between these two products and their devotees is fierce.

[Arky]

http://www.amazon.com/review/RLN7GNCUHFG6/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#RLN7GNCUHFG6


I am sure there are people here who have owned one for a long time. Please tell me this is not true?

The link you posted is for a Vitamix, not a Blendtec.

Either way, I have no allegiance to either company (I chose a NewGena), but I must say I find that review unconvincing.

When I compared the Blendtec machine with the Vitamix, what struck me, above all else, was the difference in engineering quality of the blade spindle and ballrace housing (these are on the base of the jug itself). Put a Blendtec jug next to a Vitamix jug and you'll see, within seconds, exactly what I'm referring to.

But as I said, I have no allegiance to either company.

That puts me in a fairly unique position, here on RFT, since most blender owners here will be loyal owner-users from either the Vitamix or Blendtec camps.

Dirkg - are you considering purchasing a blender? Since you got the brandnames mixed up (no offense), I'm guessing you're not yet an owner loyal to one brand or the other.

If you are considering buying either a Blendtec or a Vitamix, I strongly urge you to go and see each brand up-close-and-personal. This is one decision one should definitely not make on the basis of reviews. Personally, I think both brands charge outrageously high prices for their products, but if one is choosing between the 2 brands, then they're on-par with each other, price-wise, so that becomes something of a moot point. Therefore, I would choose between the 2 brands based upon which you feel has superior engineering quality.

[Dirkg]

Sorry I posted the wrong link! Looking at too many Amazon reviews. This is what I meant -


http://www.amazon.com/review/R3LQGYSPMDDD5/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R3LQGYSPMDDD5


When you talk about the difference in engineering quality, which one did you mean was better? It was hard to tell from your wording.

[MysticTree]

I thought it pretty plain Arky thought blendtec better engineered.

[Arky]

Sorry I posted the wrong link! Looking at too many Amazon reviews. This is what I meant -


http://www.amazon.com/review/R3LQGYSPMDDD5/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R3LQGYSPMDDD5


When you talk about the difference in engineering quality, which one did you mean was better? It was hard to tell from your wording.


I thought it pretty plain Arky thought blendtec better engineered.


I intentionally didn't state which I consider to be better engineered, simply because, as I suggested, I feel very strongly that potential purchasers of an expensive product, which may last for upwards of a decade, should experience the competing products firsthand and not rely upon online reviews. Juicers operate under much less stress but, where high-powered commercial-grade blenders are concerned, the dynamic stresses upon the various drivetrain components are truly enormous. Therefore, only a very carefully engineered drivetrain will be able to withstand the punishment of years of demanding use.

I was really shocked at the enormous difference in engineering quality between the Blendtec and the Vitamix, in terms of their drivetrain components.

I still refuse to be drawn on which of the two brands I consider to be inferior, in the above regard.

Please, if you are serious about potentially buying one, go and see each of them, firsthand, for yourself. You'll be thankful you made the effort, I assure you.

It's not just about the specifications quoted by the manufacturers on their websites.

[blissrunner]

I intentionally didn't state which I consider to be better engineered, simply because, as I suggested, I feel very strongly that potential purchasers of an expensive product, which may last for upwards of a decade, should experience the competing products firsthand and not rely upon online reviews. Juicers operate under much less stress but, where high-powered commercial-grade blenders are concerned, the dynamic stresses upon the various drivetrain components are truly enormous. Therefore, only a very carefully engineered drivetrain will be able to withstand the punishment of years of demanding use.

I was really shocked at the enormous difference in engineering quality between the Blendtec and the Vitamix, in terms of their drivetrain components.

I still refuse to be drawn on which of the two brands I consider to be inferior, in the above regard.

Please, if you are serious about potentially buying one, go and see each of them, firsthand, for yourself. You'll be thankful you made the effort, I assure you.

It's not just about the specifications quoted by the manufacturers on their websites.

Many people like myself wouldn't know the first thing about figuring out how well a machine works mechanically. I wouldn't even know where to start looking in regards to engineering quality. When I invest in machines from appliances to cars I need someone to help me because I personally know nothing about any of that stuff I just want it to work well and not break.

[Arky]

Many people like myself wouldn't know the first thing about figuring out how well a machine works mechanically. I wouldn't even know where to start looking in regards to engineering quality. When I invest in machines from appliances to cars I need someone to help me because I personally know nothing about any of that stuff I just want it to work well and not break.

You don't need to be an expert at all, in order to see the differences in engineering quality I referred to.

Simply make the effort to look and you'll see within seconds;it's as clear as day.

[Revvell]

I've had to V-M's. The first one I bought new and kept for about 15 years. I think I paid somewhere around $350 for it. I sold it for $150. Only reason I sold it, I wanted a red one. I bought that brand new, paid about $450 for it maybe 3 years ago.

When I look at price I look at long-term value. Take $350. Divide it by 15 years. That breaks down to under $24/year, yeah? Not bad for all the pleasure, health, smoothies and smoozies I received over that time and the new owner will also derive the same for many years to come.


Personally, I think both brands charge outrageously high prices for their products,

[walnutty]

I have only owned a Vitamix, but I have barely used it as it is constantly being sent back to Vitamix to be fixed. I have owned it for almost 5 years and it has stopped working over 10 times. So, I have had a completely different experience than Revell. I purchased a Vitamix because of the personal opinions of people on this site 5 years ago. I had never heard of a "high-powered" blender before visiting this site. Obviously, I regret listening to the personal opinions of those people. Since that time, I have done my own research and KNOW that the Blendtec is a much, much better blender. As soon as I have the money I will purchase a Blendtec new and GIVE AWAY this &%!$ Vitamix!!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

I haven't had any issues with my VM at all except that my son put the tamper in the machine and it ate it LOL VM sent me a new one free of charge.

I picked up a refurbished model about 4 years ago I think...

Like Rev I look at long-term cost. Something that will last me 20 years turns into such a small amount per year. I love quality products!!!

[MysticTree]

It's such a pity that you can't pay for a vitamix or blendtec or whichever you choose in 20 year installments because of course we would all have a top of the range blender if that was the case. Cheaper brands exist because we can't all make that financial commitment. You aren't alone Arky in being a blender owner who has neither a B nor a V; there are lots of us :)

[walnutty]

It's such a pity that you can't pay for a vitamix or blendtec or whichever you choose in 20 year installments because of course we would all have a top of the range blender if that was the case. Cheaper brands exist because we can't all make that financial commitment. You aren't alone Arky in being a blender owner who has neither a B nor a V; there are lots of us :)

I have actually owned a Hamilton Beach Wave Action Blender ($30) for about 7 years. I had it before the Vitamix and still rely on it when my Vitamix is in the shop. It makes green smoothies just as "smooth" as the Vitamix and is easier to clean and has NEVER been in the shop!

[MysticTree]

I have actually owned a Hamilton Beach Wave Action Blender ($30) for about 7 years. I had it before the Vitamix and still rely on it when my Vitamix is in the shop. It makes green smoothies just as "smooth" as the Vitamix and is easier to clean and has NEVER been in the shop!
$30 over seven years is good value :)

[Arky]

When I look at price I look at long-term value. Take $350. Divide it by 15 years. That breaks down to under $24/year, yeah? Not bad for all the pleasure, health, smoothies and smoozies I received over that time and the new owner will also derive the same for many years to come.


$350, I take no issue with, and totally agree with you. Quality costs money and it's a false economy to skimp on quality. I understand that as well as anyone else.

What I do take issue with is Blendtec and Vitamix charging massively more than that in the UK (even taking into account UK sales tax of 20%)

For example, a Vitamix TNC is currently $737 in the UK. Even divided by 15 years, I take great exception to being charged more than twice what you paid in the USA!

I purchased a NewGena for precisely this reason - they weren't ripping me off. Now, I know some people haven't had good experiences with NewGena, but certainly no more problems than others have had with Vitamix or Blendtec.

...let me see, now...how much would a Blendtec currently cost me in the UK?

Almost identical price to the Vitamix TNC - well over $700 bucks.

[MysticTree]

$350, I take no issue with, and totally agree with you. Quality costs money and it's a false economy to skimp on quality. I understand that as well as anyone else.

What I do take issue with is Blendtec and Vitamix charging massively more than that in the UK (even taking into account UK sales tax of 20%)

For example, a Vitamix TNC is currently $737 in the UK. Even divided by 15 years, I take great exception to being charged more than twice what you paid in the USA!

I purchased a NewGena for precisely this reason - they weren't ripping me off. Now, I know some people haven't had good experiences with NewGena, but certainly no more problems than others have had with Vitamix or Blendtec.

...let me see, now...how much would a Blendtec currently cost me in the UK?

Almost identical price to the Vitamix TNC - well over $700 bucks.

Hear, Hear!

[Dirkg]

You don't need to be an expert at all, in order to see the differences in engineering quality I referred to.

Simply make the effort to look and you'll see within seconds;it's as clear as day.

It might be clear if someone had access to both the machines side by side to compare, which is not going to happen very often. More often than not people base their buying decision based on reviews they read. Since these forums, and every other website, are full of opinions on which is better, I think it would help if you shared your views.

[MysticTree]

It might be clear if someone had access to both the machines side by side to compare, which is not going to happen very often. More often than not people base their buying decision based on reviews they read. Since these forums, and every other website, are full of opinions on which is better, I think it would help if you shared your views. one thing that seems fairly clear about review sites is that the most convincing reviews are written by people with a vested interest. These two particular brands are seem particularly seasoned with animosity towards each other. The respective bands of acolytes are positively foaming at the mouth to praise up their preferred brand and slag off the brand they perceive as inferior. You do get the option to look at these machines in stores in a way we don't over here in the UK. If you are spending out such a chunk of money then it makes sense to reasearch more than just paying attention to the comments of someone who is a stranger and may have a vested interest.

[Revvell]

I've actually never seen either of these in stores. I've seen the V-M at trade shows which is where I got mine. I've got no remembrance of where I purchased my BT. I've never actually seen them side-by-side other than on my own counter. I DO have them both; I don't "foam at the mouth" for either. I prefer my V-M over the BT as I've said here numerous times. I also understand the BT has been upgraded so, can't go by any comparison I may make now.

[Dirkg]

I agree that the 'blender wars' will continue to be fought for a long time, as no side is going to surrender :) That being said from what I've seen both are extremely capable and the differences come down to opinion, personal preference etc, either one will work great and is a lot better than not having one.

The reason I asked for your opinion is the difference in engineering quality is the first comment I've heard of this sort (every other 'comparison' is about height, manual controls, tamper, jar design) and I was genuinely interested. For making an objective decision, every little bit of info helps.

[blissrunner]

I just got a blendtec on special at Costco and I have no complaints so far other then that it's loud as all get out. It also came with an 8 year warranty that says it includes all parts. Although very nice and of course better then the $30 blender I was using, they are charging WAY to much for these high speed blenders. Hundreds of dollars for a blender is ridiculous.

Now I have to save up for a good dehydrator, better food processor and better juicer *rolls eyes*

[RawLibrarian]

Sorry I posted the wrong link! Looking at too many Amazon reviews. This is what I meant -


http://www.amazon.com/review/R3LQGYSPMDDD5/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R3LQGYSPMDDD5




I got my Blendtec in 2007. I haven't had a single problem with it and I use it every day. I got one of the really big blender jars when they became available, so I am not using the original jar. I got the new jar over a year ago; no problems.

[thadius65]

It might be clear if someone had access to both the machines side by side to compare, which is not going to happen very often. More often than not people base their buying decision based on reviews they read. Since these forums, and every other website, are full of opinions on which is better, I think it would help if you shared your views.

I my self did have both. And while each had their positives/negatives, I did make a decision - http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/search.php?searchid=631167

Then just recently was able to get the best of both worlds. I got a Wild Side jar for my VM. Whatever you decide, both do a great job and are built like tanks.