vitamix vs. k-tec

[rawjojo]

Hi!
I have finally decided to spend the $$$ and invest in a "great" blender. I was decided on the vitamix until recently someblody suggested getting a k-tec instead. The prices are similar so I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions about one or the other. Any experience with either or any pros or cons? You info will be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Sweet lips]

I have had my Vita-Mix for 16 years and never had to replace a part, it functions very well. Alissa sells them both I think, she may be able to give you a comparison.

[rawjojo]

Well, since I have heard more great things about the vita-mix then I think I am going to go ahead and make that my purchase. I love that it has lasted you 16 years! Wow!

[Rawkinlocs]

Here's a site that does a comparison of the two (and a couple others): http://discountjuicers.com/blendercompare.html

Well, actually it's comparing the KTech to the Vitamix 4500 model and not the newer one. I think if you're considering getting the newer one (the 5000 or whatever it is) then the Vitamix probably does out perform the Ktech, but if comparing the basic Vitamix blender (the 4500) then both would probably run neck and neck.

[rawjojo]

Which blender do you have rawkinlocs?

[Rawkinlocs]

I actually have the LeQuip. It's okay and does fine with grinding nuts and flax seeds...but sometimes it doesn't blend certain things well enough and then I have to use the food processor whereas, I'm assuming the Vitamix and/or Ktech will blend as well as a processor...I'm not sure.

I wanted a Vitamix, but that's just waaaay outta my budget at this moment. Maybe later on down the road, but for now, the LeQuip is doing fine at what I need it for (mainly smoothies, dressings, and grinding nuts/seeds)

[rawjojo]

Yeah, the vitamix certainly isn't in my budget either BUT I keep on buying a zillion cheap appliances to substitute for what I believe the vitamix can do so I finally feel like instead of spend 40 bucks here and there I might as well go ahead and splurge on what I really want because all of these little ones are just going to end up in a garage sale someday anyway. I have seen how well a vitamix blends whole foods and none of mine even compare to that so I figure that it would be nice to be able to do most things with one machine. We'll see..............

[corky]

HI there, i have also had a vita-mix for about 15 yrs and the only thing i did was get their new container because it was see thru and the other i use for composting to a liquid to put straight in the garden--well, haven't done it religiously but do plan on it. I use it everyday and it has not broken down once! It took me about a year to save for it at the time but it was well worth it! Check your local buy and sell papers or bargain finders--i recently saw one in there for $100!! It was sold already and the daughter had no idea how much it was worth--her mother went into a nursing home and everything was being sold! So you never know...

[marigold]

vita for me but i did read naomi shannon discussing the benefits of the other one recently..dont thing there is much in it thought...

[smasty]

I got the K-tec after reading the reviews, I'm really happy with it.

[Smileen]

I adore my K-Tec.

[Analeah]

I have been used to using a blender from a bosch food processor/blender combination and I always thought it worked okay but not great. I went home this week and my mom has a vita-mix which I used to make some thing I had made before in this other blender and I was really disappointed with the performance. It's like the engine kept dying or something. Really annoying because it would cut off and make me wait for around 30 minutes I think before it would start back up again. I have used a vita-mix before and have never had this problem though so I think maybe she has a defective one or the motor needs to be replaced or something. Does anyone know how the warranty works for the vita-mix blender? I haven't used any other high end blenders but personally I think the other cheap bosch blender I used worked better than the vita-mix (for some things) though I am sure the vita-mix is superior....I guess I would be more inclined to find out about other blenders.

[rawjojo]

Well, my k-tec just got delivered. However I am at work and don't have anything to blend so I can't wait to get home and try it out. The packageing wasn't all that great but it doesn't look like it's too banged up. The machine itself is very nice looking and, it fits under my cupboards! That's a huge bonus! I'll let you know tomorrow what I blend up!
jojo

[Analeah]

Yeah cool, definately les us know! :)

[Sharon in Colorado]

I've used both blenders extensively - I borrowed the Vitamix from 2 different people who weren't using theirs and used it for over a year, and then I bought the K-tec which we've used for a couple of years now. I have used them both at least on a daily basis for morning smoothies, sometimes more.

I have to say each one has its positives and negatives. Here is what I have found:

Vitamix pros - very sturdy (no vibrating or dancing like its competitor), the plunger is a plus, the dial has great control, control dial is a plus

Vitamix cons - base too narrow to remove thick things like nut butters, unit too tall to fit under cabinets when assembled, not enough power when making things like hummous (cuts off when something is too thick/solid).


K-tec pros - fits under cabinets nicely, excellent warantee and customer service (8 year warantee I think), 3 horsepower motor, shape of container makes it easy to remove stuff from the bottom, clean control panel

K-tec cons - needs a plunger to get stuff moving at the bottom, tends to 'cavitate' (air hole on the bottom) when something is too thick, I've had to have the container replaced twice now (the gears tend to grind at the base causing black fluid to leak on the outside), I have to wear earplugs as the unit is so loud, unit tends to 'dance' and vibrate on the counter when the stuff I'm blending is too hard (like frozen fruit).

I have to say that because the Vitamix's container is shaped the way it is, and because the K-tec tends to cavitate, it is not even worth using to make nut butters or hummous. I just use my Kitchen Aid food processor for that purpose.