Vitamix or Blendtec - opinions wanted! :)

I got a Vitamix reconditioned standard for a steal at $250 shipped. If you google around, you'll find similar deals.

https://www.vitamix.com/Shop/Certified-Reconditioned-Standard

I use it far more than I thought I would. Smoothies, nut butters, soup, hummus, sauces, blended drinks, etc.

I personally haven't had a need for a dry jar because I'm not making flours, but I know some people love theirs. My wet jar does the job.

I also haven't had a need for the program models of some more expensive Vitamix blenders. This one works perfectly for my needs. The only negative is that the 64oz jar that comes with the 5200 is too tall to go under most cupboards on the counter. I store mine on a shelf.

Also note that with the less expensive 5200, you have to: turn on the machine using the right switch, gradually increase speed from 1-10 using the middle dial, then turn the machine from variable to high (if desired) using the left switch - in order, every time. Then the reverse must happen to turn it off. If you buy a more expensive model, you don't have to do that. It's a tiny annoyance but worth the $200ish price difference to me

Overall, I really like it and I'm so glad I got it. Plus, the reconditioned models have a 5-year warranty.

As for berry seeds, I can't really answer the question but found this:
http://www.blenderbabes.com/blender-babes-101/blender-reviews/vitamix-vs-blendtec/blending-raspberry-blackberry-strawberry-berry-seeds-blendtec-vs-vitamix-vs-ninja-review/#.Vbjp4PlVhBc

I have a vitamix but both are quality blenders that you wouldn't regret owning. If you're wanting to grind grains, the blendtec has a single container for both wet and dry ingredients. I have a grinder that I use for all my grains (corn, wheat, rice, beans, whatever I want) so that wasn't a selling point for me. The vitamix has a separate dry container that costs extra.

If none of that matters and you're looking purely for wet blending (smoothies, soups, hummus, peanut butter) then it really doesn't matter. Personally I'd start price shopping and see what's out there.

My ninja pulse has a crack I just discovered yesterday. I'm drooling over the Vitamix. My question is how well do they clean? I can never scrape stuff out of the ninja well because of all of the plastic seams and crevices. Is the Vitamix dishwasher safe?

Vitamin is what all fine dining professional restaurants use to blend your soups and sauces.

They are extremely expensive, but you're paying for the horsepower and durability.

tnqnt wrote: »

Hi!

Looking to replace my Ninja - it just isn't cutting it anymore.
I am interested in either a Vitamix or a Blendtec.

Which models do you have? Recommend? Not like?

Looking for power to break down to seed level.

Also, are the bells and whistles important? Why?

thanks in advance.

I have had a Vitamix for around 3 years, love it! I have made smoothies, salsas, dressings, ice cream, soup, peanut butter, pretty much anything you could imagine. Mine came with the dry blade at no extra cost so I suggest looking for a promotion where you can get it free since some posts are saying they had to pay extra for theirs. I previously used a Ninja but didn't care for the way it left my strawberries/blackberries & such. As far as cleaning it , it's actually very easy. The worst I've had is after having peanut butter in it lol Seriously you cant go wrong, I would recommend it to anyone!

The Vitamix sold at Costco are the older models. - they do not fit under the kitchen cabinets as the newer ones does. Just a thought.

We have a Vitamix 6300 from Costco. It's great having the option of manual control or the preset settings. We have the standard tall container. I have read/heard that the new, shorter container does not pull the food into the blades quite as well as the tall container. You can't go wrong with a Vitamix. Check the Vitamix website...they sell reconditioned blenders for $250 or so. My sister just bought one and it works like it was brand new.