Vitamix Vs. Blendtec Vs. Juicing?

[SusanElaine]

Deb, thanks for helping but what is the difference why not just have a smoothie and not bother with straining. Is the juice healthier without the pulp and fiber?

[DebB]

Deb, thanks for helping but what is the difference why not just have a smoothie and not bother with straining. Is the juice healthier without the pulp and fiber?

Hi SusanElaine ~ Drinking a juice and drinking a smoothie are 2 completely different things. Personally, I do both. I don't know if 1 is "healthier" than the other - they're both so nutritious. Here's a video of Dr. Mercola and Cheri Calbom (The Juice Lady) - I learned a lot from it and ordered 2 of her books after watching (I watched it just 2 days ago) it because I thought there would be a lot of great information to have in my raw food library. She does talk a bit about the difference of juicing vs. smoothies. *Ü*

[greenrunner]

I new to this and trying to learn. I was thinking about purchasing a Vitamix for my smoothies but I'm reading about the juicer and to strain if you use the Vitamix. Why strain? I thought all of the fruit and veg were healthy? Confused?

They are. The benefit of juicing vs. blending is that if your drinking a LOT of juice there's only so much fiber and cellulose you can take in before it gives you issues (bloating, gas, etc) - not to mention it tends to stress the digestive system vs juice enters rapid and with ease. Some fiber is def great tho.

I typically juice leafy greens and carrots and blend all fruits, which has the added benefit on combining the fiber with the higher sugar content items.

[aslraw]

I vote for the Blendtec. I have had mine for 3 years and love it, I just recently bought the larger jar called the Wildside and absolutely love it! I use my BT 2 times per day and it is a great machine.

[LauraYHEiser]

I have had a Vita Mix for over 20 years. I passed my older model on to my daughter. It was 20 years old and still worked great. It needed a seal replaced in the lid and that was it. She continues to use it and it very happy to have it. I have made juice, soup, and icecream in mine, along with other tasty treats. I wouldn't trade my Vita Mix for anything. It does what it advertises. Great product!

[somedude79]

Well, a blender just chops up whatever into tiny pieces, juicer on the other hand removes the liquid from the pulp.
If you are looking for quick meals, then go with a blender, if you want to supplement your meals, then get a juicer. Seems like quite a few people here do both, but if you can't afford both the blender and the juicer, i would probably go with a blender. I don't own a blendtec, but you can read the reviews here.

[thatoneguy]

When it comes to blenders you can't beat a Blendtec with the 4 inch blade.

Vitamix fans will still be using the plunger to push food around by the time you're done drinking.

Vitamix fans will also still be twisting the knobs while the Blendtec automatically adjusts speeds.

Also, a blender motor getting so hot that you can heat food (Vitamix) is NOT a good thing lol.

The Blendtec also has a juice setting. It also fits under most counters.

Here's a video of Matt Monarch demonstrating the two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO7bkHxiQEM

Remember, I'm talking about the Blendtec with a 4 inch blade.
I was lucky enough to win one and I'm very happy with it.

Here's a video of me making a fruit smoothie with it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_AMJyMOjqw

Good luck!

- Matt

[RioGirl16]

I have a juicer (Omega) & a Vita-Mix. Prob would go w/ the blender first. Only thing is that the Vita-Mix will heat food up if left to run too long. Although most things blend very well before ever heating up. My mother in law bought a refurbished VM back in the 70's and it still works! I bought mine refurbished-reconditioned from VM as well and it works great and still came w/ a full 7 yr warranty & I saved about $100!

[Revvell]

Vitamix fans will still be using the plunger to push food around by the time you're done drinking.

A bit of an exaggeration.

Vitamix fans will also still be twisting the knobs while the Blendtec automatically adjusts speeds.

Wow! Sounds like a lot of work. Wonder why/how it is I've got the BT AND the VM and always choose the VM over the BT. Hmmmm. Maybe twisting knobs is fun? Uh, there's only one twisty knob btw.

Also, a blender motor getting so hot that you can heat food (Vitamix) is NOT a good thing lol.

Oh no!!!!! Horrors! Actually, mine has never gotten that hot ~ EVER!!! And, I had my first one for 15 years; sold it and got me a red one. They hold their value. BT's haven't been proven to do so.

The Blendtec also has a juice setting. It also fits under most counters.

A juice setting? Meaning, it separates the juice from the pulp???? Or, do you still have to strain. Ummm, my VM fits fine under my counter... just put the carafe next to the base. Perfect!

I was lucky enough to win one and I'm very happy with it.

I'm sure ~ until it breaks down. It's got a history of doing that yanno?

[MysticTree]

I am always amazed by the fiery defence of blenders and juicers alike. I can't afford either at the moment and maybe if I could and spent the sorts of money that get spent on the top of the range versions I'd be fiery too ...

[Revvell]

I am always amazed by the fiery defence of blenders and juicers alike.

No fire or defense. Clarity.

[k8sl8]

Ive used both a Vitamix and a Blendtec, and I mich prefer the BT! The automatic/pre-programmed controls where you can press say the "smoothie" button then walk away to do something else and it will go through the cycle and stop once its done is a huge bonus in my opinion. Also I dont like the fact that the Vitamix can heat up foods while blending, where as the Blendtec wont. Last thing that made me decide on getting a Blendtec was that I found it to be a tad quieter than the Vitamix. :)

I've never heard that the Blendtec does not heat. It's just friction that heats the food - wouldn't that be the same in either?? Interesting...

Have had a VitaMix for over 20 years and if it dies, it will be replaced with another just like it.

[Milagros]

I'm new to juicing and blending and wonder about taste. For those of you that do both, which has the better taste?

[drraw]

I have the Vitamix and wouldn't go any other way.

The heat setting is perfect for soups. I have my recipes measured with heat timings not to go past 100-110 deg F so I can still have a warm yet raw soup. It would be very difficult to do this any other way.

--drraw

[Dirkg]

My opinion (after doing a lot of research) -

They say juice allows your body to skip the digestion process and deliver nutrients directly. But it also causes spikes in blood sugar, is more expensive, and you will be hungrier. So IMO it is not a feasible solution unless you are very sick and need the concentrated nutrition (e.g. Gershon Therapy).

The blender is more versatile, much faster and easier to both use and clean, and also will allow you to experiment and have fun - put whatever you want and blend it!

My suggestion, if you are new to the whole thing, is to do this -

1. Start with a cheap blender, either one you have or spend $30 on an Oster etc. They can still make green smoothies, it just won't be as smooth. Get used to the process and the taste. Don't waste $400 on an appliance you'll regret because you don't use it daily.

2. While doing this, search on the web, this site, youtube etc. There are a million reviews on this topic. If possible go to Costco/Whole Foods to see a demo.

3. Once you decide, or if you skip 1 and 2 :), look for the cheapest price, online or local. Personally I favor the Blendtec and I've seen good offers online for the combo with both the Wildside and normal jars (Costco had it for $400). If you want to buy at Costco, what I tell people is to ask a friend to get them a $10 gift card from Costco. With this you can enter the store, and pay the balance with cash/debit card. This is a good way to shop there without the annual membership.