Vita Mix 4500 vs 5000?

[prana]

The main difference between these two blenders is that the 5000 has a variable speed control along with a high speed where the 4500 has simply a low and high speed.

Has anyone had any experience with either of these products? Is one more preferable than the other?

The 5000 is only sold by vitamix.com where as the 4500 is sold by retailers.

Thanks for your help.

[levamssg]

I use my vitamix almost daily, and have the variable speed. I do use the variable speed option a LOT, so don't know if I would be happy with just a hi or lo setting. If the cost isn't that much different, I'd get the one with the variable speed.

Once you have a vitamix, you'll wonder how you lived without it!! :)

[Punky]

I have a variable speed Vita-mix as well and love it.
I have the Professional Series which is exactly the same as the 5000
series except for some design aesthetics and it uses the same
bowl for both wet and dry instead of 2 seperate bowls.
I absolutely love it. Got it 2 months ago. I do use the variable speed on it.
I suppose if it was just high/low I would get use to it that way too
and still use it just as much...it's just a nice option.
Figure out your budget and go from their. If you can afford the variable
speed I would go for it...it has a longer warrenty too.
But the 4500 is still an awesome machine that you'll get a lot of use out of
though...

[Mystical]

I got the 4500 about a year ago, and we use it twice a day, at least! I never missed the variable speed at all. Great machine.

[JinxieKat]

The one question I have about the two is, well really about the 5000. Do you need the dry blade container to do nut butters? If all the dry blade container does is grind grain and nead dough, well I don't need it. They aren't very specific on what the dry container does on the website, was hopeing someone had used it so I could see what it really does different.

Thanks!

Jinx

[livingatthetop]

When I start to work this is going to be my first purchase. A vita mix I have an orstasizer and it sucks it went dead on me while i was grinding up some butternut squash for a pumpkinpie. I day dream about a vita mix . lucky yall

[eachpeachpearplum]

I have the 5000 and LOVE IT use it twice or more a day! I cannot imagine not having the variable control; BUT thats because I have it. If I had not expirenced the variable control I believe I would be VERY happy with the 4500.

You know it's just when you upgrade with most things you wonder how you ever did without it - but the upgrade was not really nessasary! I mean what did we do before email......?

Look at your budget and let that decide!

It's a great machine, you will not regret which ever choice you make!

EPPP

PS: VM do traveling shows at Costco among others and list these show dates on their website. The shows offer the VM at a discounted rate. I bought mine, a 5000 for $369 at a Costco in Nov last year

[Punky]

The one question I have about the two is, well really about the 5000. Do you need the dry blade container to do nut butters? If all the dry blade container does is grind grain and nead dough, well I don't need it. They aren't very specific on what the dry container does on the website, was hopeing someone had used it so I could see what it really does different.

Thanks!

Jinx

the dry container would be good to grind flax seed in
among other things; if you have a coffee grinder you can use
that for your flax seeds though.

[SamuelWilson]

I have the Vita-Mix Super 5000 in all black.

JinxieKat, you use the wet container to make the nut butters in combination with the tamper (the push rod that slides down through the cap to push contents into the blades).

The variable speed dial is a very important feature to have. It allows you to walk up the speed, which I like. Walk up the speed means I can start at super low speed and gradually increase the speed while the blender is operating, instead of going from zero to light speed in a nanosecond.

The dry container will be handy if you ever plan on grinding any grains.

[JinxieKat]

Thank you for the replies. I found an ebay store that is located 5 minutes from my work that has the Vita Prep mixer which is the professional version of the VitaMix 5000 and is the one that Punky has. I'm able to get it new for 389 vrs 479 for the super. They have free shipping though I'm hopeing to be able to just pick it up on Monday at their store!

Thanks again!

Jinx

[SamuelWilson]

JinxieKat, I realize the Vita-Mix Super 5000 cost a little bit more, however, you get a full 7 year warranty.

You might save some money with that other model, but since it is a commercial model, you will only get a 3 year warranty (per my conversation with Vita-Mix via 1-800-848-2649).



You can't go wrong buying the 4500 with a full 7 year warranty from Alissa. This is a great bargain and if you ever want to upgrade to a different model, you can always sell it here on the forum in the classifieds.

Click here to purchase the 4500 => http://www.alissacohen.com/vitamix.html

[Punky]

Thank you for the replies. I found an ebay store that is located 5 minutes from my work that has the Vita Prep mixer which is the professional version of the VitaMix 5000 and is the one that Punky has. I'm able to get it new for 389 vrs 479 for the super. They have free shipping though I'm hopeing to be able to just pick it up on Monday at their store!

Thanks again!

Jinx

Jinx,
I do not believe the Vita Prep is the same as the Professional Series...
The Professional Series is exactly like the Vitamix 5000 except for
some aesthetics and uses one container for both dry/wet prep.
It comes with the 7 year warrenty too.
I have heard of the Vita Prep, but I am not familier with the differances.
Hope that clarifies. Kinda confusing isn't it. Maybe someone else knows more about the Vita Prep model. The Professional Series cost a tad more than
the Super 5000. $500 plus shipping or tax

This is what I have:

http://www.surlatable.com/common/pro...?prrfnbr=15184


http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=2055

[eachpeachpearplum]

Just while we are on the subject I had to replace my long VM tamper and noticed on the VM website they sell their own special plactic spatchula designed just for the VM container. I just got mine last week and I love them - they come three to a pack and fit the grooves of the container perfectly and get right in between the blades! And they were cheap too, $7 for 3!

EPPPP

https://secure.vitamix.com/household...ectGroup_ID=26

[JinxieKat]

I'll find out today which one I got then Punky. OOopss :) I think it is one of the professional ones, but doesn't sound like the same one as yours. I looked on VitaMix's site and they have an industrial one called the 'Vita Prep'. I'll just have to let you all know how it works. I'm hopeing well! Though it is odd that it only has a 3 year warenty vrs the 7 year. I'm guessing it is due to the fact it is marketed as multi purpose instead of for drinks. But who knows!

Jinx

[Punky]

I'll find out today which one I got then Punky. OOopss :) I think it is one of the professional ones, but doesn't sound like the same one as yours. I looked on VitaMix's site and they have an industrial one called the 'Vita Prep'. I'll just have to let you all know how it works. I'm hopeing well! Though it is odd that it only has a 3 year warenty vrs the 7 year. I'm guessing it is due to the fact it is marketed as multi purpose instead of for drinks. But who knows!

Jinx

I think they all are marketed for multi-purpose; my guess would be
maybe yours is marketed for commercial (business/restaurant) use rather than home use and
that's why the shorter warranty. I think it looks like the same machine as
the 5000 or Professional Series.
Usually items used in commercial places have shorter warranties
because they assume it will get used a lot more.
I'm sure you'll love it!