Blendtec vs. Vitamix {Which Blender is Best?? An Unsponsored Review}
Today it’s Blendtec vs. Vitamix! Two of the most popular high-powered blenders go head-to-head in this closeup {unsponsored} look to figure out which blender really is the best!
Disclaimer: this is an unsponsored post (i.e. I haven’t been paid to talk about these blenders); this post contains a few Amazon affiliate links for products I’ve bought there. As always, feel free to shop around for the best price!
I fully realize I may be diving into controversial waters today, but it’s finally the day where we talk openly and honestly about blenders.
I know. Hold onto your hats.
Just like the Kitchenaid vs. Bosch debate (over 400 comments on that post!), I am inundated with emails, comments, questions about if I own a Blendtec or Vitamix, and ultimately, which one would I recommend.
I have strong feelings on the matter. This should not surprise anyone who even remotely knows me. {Spoiler alert: I have strong feelings on everything, particularly kitchen appliances. Also, I probably need to get a life.}
As I already mentioned, no company has ever sent me a free blender. Blendtec and Vitamix could probably care less who I am and what opinions I have (it’s ok, no hard feelings, guys).
Here’s a quick back story of my blender history: in about 2010 or thereabouts, my mom gifted me a Blendtec for a Christmas gift. I was stoked. Blendtec was my go-to blender for about 7 years (several models as I had two of them “die” and get replaced through the warranty). A little over a year ago in 2017, I gave my faltering, on-it’s-way-out Blendtec to my sister (I’m so nice like that) and bought a Vitamix at Costco. I’ve been using it exclusively for over a year now. Incidentally, the Blendtec is still working out pretty well for my sis, too (I borrowed it for the pictures in this post, actually).
I know there are many, many other blenders (high-powered or not) on the market, but because Blendtec and Vitamix are the ones I get the most questions about, and they are the only ones I’ve owned and used, they are the ones up for closer inspection today.
Additionally, there are a lot of different models available for both Blendtec and Vitamix. For today’s discussion, I’m comparing two fairly lateral models from each brand – mostly because they are similar to the ones I’ve owned: Blendtec Classic 575 and Vitamix 5300.
Let’s take a quick look at a few side-by-side comparisons.
You can see that at least for these two models, cost is fairly comparable (in addition, certified refurbished blenders for both brands can be found at a discount). The sky is the limit with these blenders, though. Both brands have professional series blenders that are upwards of $800!
Now let’s go a bit deeper into some of the pros and cons I’ve experienced with each blender.
Performance + Noise
From the above chart, the horsepower of the two blenders is pretty comparable. Keep in mind that the power given for most appliances is the peak power, and the blenders usually never operate at that highest level. Misleading and annoying? Yes.
But operationally, both the Blendtec and Vitamix, for these models, operate at right around 1,400 to 1,500 watts (right around 2 hp). So there aren’t any significant differences in power.
I can only speak from my experience, but although the Blendtec is slightly higher in horsepower, I have enjoyed using the Vitamix much more based on how effectively it blends.
Can you get a deliciously smooth milkshake with either blender? Yes. Smoothie? Yes. Neither blender skyrockets higher than the other in terms of actual output.
The difference is in how that creamy milkshake or smoothie is achieved. In my experience, the Vitamix blends more quickly and more efficiently than the Blendtec.
I would constantly have to repeat the smoothie cycle on the Blendtec to get our morning smoothies just right, whereas with the Vitamix, I swing the dial up to a 5 or 6 and let it blend for 30-45 seconds, and we’re good to go.
I think this difference boils down to three factors: the design of the jar, the preprogrammed functions, and the tamper.
Although I do feel like there are several cons with the design of the Vitamix jar(s) – more below – the fact that the low-profile, 64-ounce jar is wider and squattier (for lack of a better term) than the Blendtec jars earns a few points in blending functionality.
The wider surface area at the bottom of the jar makes for easier blending with large batches, in my very scientific opinion.
The tamper that is provided with the Vitamix is the source of a lot of controversy (Blendtec blenders don’t have this). Some people love it, some people hate it.
I don’t love that it’s one more piece to clean, but the upside is that I also don’t use it every time I blend food in the Vitamix. I only pull it out for extra thick mixtures (like if I add too much frozen fruit to our morning smoothies or am craving a perfect chocolate milkshake), and it really does make a world of difference for that ultra-thick smoothie or milkshake or ice cream.
Whereas the Blendtec often has to be stopped and stirred with a spoon or spatula so the thicker bits at the bottom transfer up to the top, the Vitamix tamper does the job for you while the blender is running (don’t worry, there’s a safety edge that prevents the tamper from hitting the blades).
And a quick note about noise: both blenders are loud. There’s no getting around it. I’m sure in super scientific tests, there’s a difference between the two, but in my experience, it’s not significant. THEY ARE LOUD!
Options + Ease of Use + Jars
Like I mentioned above, the Blendtec definitely has more options available in terms of blending and preprogrammed cycles.
The model pictured in this post is a little older than the current Blendtec Classic blenders, but preprogrammed cycles are still available on the new models.
The Vitamix is plain and simple. You’ve got yourself a pulse button, start/stop switch, and a speed dial.
Having used both, I think of the Blendtec as the quick, little, strong, whippersnapper of the two, while the Vitamix is a gentle, rumbling, hard working giant.
And yes, I’m weird.
While I really like the design of the 64-ounce Vitamix jar, I also don’t think it’s a very practical size for smaller families or individuals. It’s huge! For us, it’s great because I have a large family and make almost everything in bulk, but it’s not very useful for someone who might want to blend smaller batches of salad dressings and sauces – the smaller batches don’t blend as well in the low-profile jar.
A major plus of Blendtec is that very often, the blender packages come with two jars: the classic jar (32 ounces) and the wild side jar (36 ounces). I also had the twister jar when I owned my Blendtec, and I used it for smaller batches (sauces, salad dressings, graham cracker crumbs, etc). I loved that little jar.
When I bought my Vitamix, it only came with the wider 64-ounce jar. I later bought the 32-ounce jar – I’m often using my blender for multiple things, and so for me, it’s been worth it to have both jars. However, it is an additional expense (I wish Vitamix would add it to their blender packages!).
One note I’ll add in this section is that the Vitamix is definitely heavier, bigger, and bulkier. You can see that just from the pictures. The base is taller and wider. I keep the base and the jars in a kitchen cupboard, and it definitely takes up more cupboard space now that I have a Vitamix instead of a Blendtec.
Cleaning
In my experience, both blenders clean about the same. My mom swears by adding warm water and a drop or two of dish soap to the blender and pulsing or running it on medium speed and then rinsing. I hardly ever do that because I’ve usually put the base back in the cupboard already.
So I do the old-fashioned hand wash action, and it’s fine. Honestly, it takes less than a minute to clean either Blendtec or Vitamix. The jar configurations and lids don’t make a significant difference for cleaning, in my opinion.
However, I will say that I have found the Blendtec splashes around much, much more while blending. The Vitamix doesn’t seem to be quite as…well…energetic (see my above “gentle giant” comment).
For example here are the lids after blending identical batches of smoothies. Now certainly some of this boils down to size and configuration of the jars, but it still may be a helpful visual.
Durability
While I think both Blendtec and Vitamix blenders have their merits (and downfalls), one thing I can speak to from specific personal experience is that over the 6-7 years of owning a Blendtec, the motor burned out two separate times.
This was with fairly average daily use. I never store liquids or food in my blender jars (either brand) overnight, I rarely make ice cream or other ultra-thick concoctions in the blender (milkshakes are another matter), and I always twist the bottom of the driveshaft that spins the blades before using (a tip I learned from a Costco salesman years and years ago).
UPDATE: several of you in the comments have asked for details about this so I took a quick picture of what I mean. Basically, when I pull the jar out of the cupboard, I give a little twist to the metal driveshaft extending out of the bottom of the blender. You might notice it sticks a bit as you twist it – and that’s exactly why it’s important to give it a good spin before blending anything. The way the “blender professional” 🙂 explained it to me is that pre-twisting it with your fingers before blending keeps the driveshaft and blades from sticking while blending which will in turn keep them in tip top spinning shape. A simple step, but one I do out of habit now.
Blendtec always came through with a refurbished warranty replacement (although I did have some sketchy and frustrating experiences with their customer service line once or twice), but after my last Blendtec replacement started having display issues and a burning smell while making our smoothies, I decided to cut ties with Blendtec and try a Vitamix.
I’ve only had the Vitamix for a little over a year, so I can’t say right now that it is more durable than a Blendtec, but I haven’t had any issues so far. My dad has had a Vitamix for several years with no issues.
Conversely, I have many friends who have had Blendtec blenders for many years, also, with no issues.
But in my experience, my Blendtec wasn’t nearly as durable and long lasting as I had hoped and anticipated.
In Summary
Well, if you’ve gotten this far (bless you), you might be wondering – with all this information, which blender really is best?
Obviously this is going to boil down to many personal factors: budget, the exact model you want, size of family (for jar size), room for storage (remember, Vitamix is slightly bigger), desire for preprogrammed settings, etc.
But for me, after using a Blendtec blender for 6+ years and now having experience with a Vitamix blender for the last year or so, I can easily say that the Vitamix wins for me.
It blends better, it’s easier to use, I love the tamper provided to aid in quicker/more efficient blending, and even though the specifications may not agree, it feels much more powerful than the Blendtec blender.
Overall, it’s the blender I would recommend! However, I also know it may not be the right blender for everyone.
And because I know you might also have strong opinions about this, comment below and let me know if you own a high-powered blender, which one you own, and why you love (or hate) it!
Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
271 Comments on “Blendtec vs. Vitamix {Which Blender is Best?? An Unsponsored Review}”
Had our blendtec classic over 7 years now. When following their directions, have had NO PROBLEMS! Banana bread, smoothies, soups, and more. We only have the wild side jar but even grinding a few peanuts worked out pretty well. (Not supposed to use a wild side for nut grinding). Yes after 7 years we spin the blade as mentioned. Wash up with pulsing water and 1-2 drops dish soap. Price at Costco was too good to pass up, especially when we had ice cream made for us. Being pensioners, cannot afford a vitamix. . We love our blendtec. P.S. never have had any smells of burning that has been mentioned. No motor smells. BUT.. A VERY GOOD REVIEW WAS GIVEN.
Thanks for your honest and funny review. Sounds like I’m going to be getting a Vitamix in the future.
Hi I just saw your comparative post AFTER I ordered a Blendtec 575 from Bed Bath and Beyond online. It was 380 at first came down to 330 and with my 20 percent off coupon it was 263 something that I could not even find on Amazon at that price. I have been wanting a high end blender but I have a Ninja Fit and my older HB just didn’t grab me anymore so i placed it for the the thrift store. (It is sturdy and heavy and will last a while more.) Doing intensive review readings on all websites and all kinds of blenders and asking myself for my 2 smoothies a day do I really need a massive piece of structure on my small counter area and won’t the newer osters with the higher wattage do the same and so went to store after store to see actual sizes, measuring height etc. Then thought of the mid range ones KitchenAid K400 (again massive base) Cuisinart Hurricane, Instant Pot Blender, Ninja Foodi, Breville Fast and Furious and even the 100 dollar 1200 watts nutribullet as it was the smallest among all of the above.
Was going to pull the trigger (to get on with life as I was getting obsessively analytical of all ) on a Vitamix 5300 new, but took one last look at the actual size of the “low profile” model and the massive base and decided to buy the Blendtec as it would do as good a job as vitamix for my iced smoothies and blending of soups and with the the 8 year warranty, I wouldn’t go wrong. And MOST Importantly, it would fit under my kitchen cupboards at 15 inches in height, the cupboards hanging at 17 inches, and will not look incongruous in my tiny kitchen. So I am hoping for the best and I do wish that I had the space for BOTH gadgets! (And the money!)
Listening to frequent replacement of the Blendtec jars are causing me to worry though.
Recently purchased the Blendtec 575 for 219$ on Amazon. Currently, this model in white is 209$.
It’s an awesome blender. Here are things I’ve made in it thus far (wildside 90 oz jar): hummus, lemon curd, soup, hot chocolate, coffee dringks, smoothies of every sort with frozen fruit, fresh fruit, fresh veg (carrots, celery and such), flax seeds, lots of greens. It’s performed every task brilliantly, no tamper, no scraping. Smoothies smooth as silk. The lemon curd was to die for…imagine, mixing and cooking it in a blender! I also ground almonds for flour which worked very well!
After 10+ years, still living my VitaMix.
I hope you will keep us updated as the years tick by. If you still feel the same after 6 plus years of blending with the vitamix. Enjoyed the review very much!
Ugh the burning smell is my current Blendtec problem. I can only blend on low or pulse while using my smallest jar and hope it doesn’t make my food taste like an oil refinery. Their customer service was such a nightmare I’m thinking of not bothering with the warranty and splurging on a Vitamix. Thanks for the post.
I bought a Vitamix (5200 series) in 2011, and it is still going strong, after nearly daily use throughout the spring and summer (can’t do frozen smoothies when it’s cold outside!), and occasional use for peanut butter, cream soup recipes, and, for a while, cat food for a cat (that left me a year or so back) with health issues.
Just gearing up for spring use now, and this chocolate smoothie recipe is the first new one I’m going to try! (My favorite is one Whole Foods gave me sometime back: a banana, handful of spinach or kale, half cup each frozen dark cherries and blueberries, and a cup of coconut water. I usually add a tablespoon or two of chia seeds or flaxseed meal, plus a smidge of cinnamon and turmeric, just for taste.)
I have had a Vitamin 7500 for five years and it is a workhorse for me. I plant 80 peppers and 80 tomato plants and make many gallons of spicy tomato juice and hot sauce every Fall. The recipes say you have to pre cook the onions, carrots, celery and garlic then add the tomatoes and peppers. I mix everything together and simmer for awhile and then add to the Vitamix and blend. After 30 seconds everything is a liquid with no solids of any kind.
I used a Kitchen Aid blender for years and had to strain the mixture as it was always full of small pieces of vegetables not so with the Vitamix.
I hope to get the smaller bowl this summer which will work better when making small batches of hot sauce.
I’m in the midst of this decision! Thanks for your comparison – most of the reviews online are designed to get people to buy through the website so they are very wishy-washy (well, we like the Blendtec better, but actually the Vitamix is better, well… they are both good. Buy either here!) I had decided on the Blendtec because of the price (and placed the order at Costco), but durability is really important to me and the comments about decades old vitamixes are hard to ignore. Also, your long experience with both of them is such a valuable data point!
Thanks again! Here’s hoping for some good black Friday deals on the Vitamix…
Hi Mel! Just a quick, dumb question…your tip about twisting the drive shaft on the bottom of the pitcher before each use–does it matter if you twist clockwise or counter-clockwise? I love this tip! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hey Kim – doesn’t matter just as long as you give it a good twist! 🙂
Hi Mel! I know you have a beautiful grain mill that you use, but have you tried making flour in your Vitamix? I’m thinking of splurging and getting one and I can better justify it if I can get that extra use out of it. I want to start grinding my own wheat, but just haven’t taken that step yet. I know make most of the bread we eat because of you and your recipes!
I’ve never tried grinding flour in my Vitamix…but I know a lot of people say it works great!
I have both…one at home and one at the lake cabin. I love them both. I prefer the blentec.
1. I don’t like the tamper stick. It drips all over and is one more thing to clean and store. I never need to stir anything in my blentec. It just blends without needing a tamper stick.
2. I like the slightly smaller size of the blentec base. It allows me to store the whole thing under my cabinet. The vita mix I have to store with the jar removed from the base, which bugs me. It takes up more space on my counter top and doesn’t look quite as tucked away because it’s stored in two pieces instead of one. Seems simple, but that is a big con for me.
Both have run well and are dependable and have not needed to be replaced
We have had a similar experience. I have owned both. The Blendtec seemed to perform well, but burned out once within the warranty period and again right after it ended. The Vitamix we also owned for several years and gave to a relative is still going strong.
I notice you did not comment about the blade assembly which would be my only con. I have a Vitamix blender and researched quite a bit before deciding to get it and am overall pleased although I do find some blended products difficult to get out of the base. My daughter has a Ninja blender where the blade assembly can be removed from base. I notice that some Vitamix bases now can also be removed from the blade assembly. My sister in law has had her Vitamix for 30+ years and it is still working great. One reason that tipped the scales in favor of a Vitamix was the reviews I read that if you ever did have a problem and needed a replacement or repair that Vitamix service was great. I have not had to have service on mine in the 5 years that I have owned it.
My husband “inherited” his Grandma’s vitamix, and it is still going strong more than 20 years later. Meanwhile, his dad has been through 5-6 Blendtech blenders. We are a Vitamix family for life!
I have a Kitchenaid Proline blender with the thermal control jar, it is AMAZING. I was torn between that and a Vitamin, but ultimately decided on the Kitchanaid and I am not disappointed. It has a smoothie setting, a soup setting (it heats the soup) and a clean setting, along with all the regular blend functions.
After growing up with a mom who had one of the early vitamix models I tried out the blendtec when it first came out- I didn’t like how it whipped my smoothies till frothy and yet there were still lumps! I was more than happy to return it after 2 years when it started smoking. LOVE my vitamix!!
I have a Ninja—I hate it. It actually makes me angry.
I’ve had my Vitamix for 13 years and use it EVERY day and not a single problem! Uh oh, have I just jinxed myself???
I’m a Vitamix person for the past 10 years. I love it as it blends so very well, particularly soups that turn out “creamy” without any cream in them (roasted butternut squash). I too wish there was a smaller jar for my particular model, as I’d like to make salad dressings, etc. and the jar that came with it is much too big for that. So I use a Magic Bullet for that job. Love the Bullet as well for very small jobs.
I have a Blendtec and I wish I had purchased the Vitamix- for similar reasons- I’ve already had to use the Blendtec warranty because of problems.
Ohhh this deserves an update on your “favorite things” page, aka my kitchen wishlist. I’ve wanted a high power blender but couldn’t make up my mind. You just did it for me!
We’ve had a Blendtec (with the regular and wild side jars) for 5 years and recently passed 1,000 blends! We have had no problems, ever—it is my favorite appliance and is so easy to clean by doing a soapy water blend. Sometimes frozen fruit (which I hardly ever use) needs to be blended twice but everything else comes out dreamy. I always follow the liquids first and ice last rule. I like that it is short enough to fit on the counter under a kitchen cabinet.
Vitamix girl here, 6 years and going! I bought it refurbished, had one engine repair covered by the warranty with excellent customer service and love love love it!
Does anyone else have trouble making thick things like nut butters in their vitamix? For me, when I put nuts and/or dates, it gets too gummed up. Am I doing something wrong? Love my vitamix otherwise.
Are you using the tamper immediately for nuts and dates? If not, try that. I make peanut butter regularly and the Vitamix does great 🙂
I have a bosch blender with my mixer. I’ve been using it for 14+ years and love it!! Never had an issue other than very occasionally needing a larger container. Thanks for the comparison! Very informative.
I’ve had my BlendTec for about 5 years (i think) and my mom has had hers the same amount of time. Both or blender motors burned out around the same time and we both got new jars with the warranty. Customer service wasn’t an issue for us. I’ve loved my blendtec but it doesn’t like to blend very small amounts. The twister jar is perfect for that but it costs like $99. I think I’ll try a Vitamix next when mine finally dies.
I have had my Vitamix 5200 for about nine years now and I LOVE it. I use it almost daily and it’s still going strong!
I LOVE my Vitamix! One of my favorite functions is the dry blender – I had never attempted to use those huge bags of wheat in my food storage before I got it, and now I grind my wheat constantly! (Btw – My family loves your pizza dough recipes with whole wheat!)
I really feel like my Vitamix has promoted healthy eating for this used-to-be (and occasionally still is) junk food junkie. 🙂
From the moment I saw Vitamix on QVC I was in love…I had to have one. At an average price of $400 I had to wait until the time was right. Every time I saw the demos I was in awe. Finally, I was able to order it from Costco. Mine came with the 64 and 32 ounce containers and variable speed up to 10. It’s my most cherished kitchen appliance ! After reading how much you love your IP I bought one and it is amazing but I have an emotional attachment to my Vitamix haha.
I have had my Blendtec for almost 8 years, and I have had to use the warranty to replace it at least 4 times (I kinda lost count) for various reasons. Since the warranty is now expired, I keep saying next time it breaks down I’m getting a vitamix! Thanks for this post, it’s so helpful!
I love my VitaMix that I bought from Goodwill for $13!
I agree with your post. I have a Vitamin and love its power and ease but not that it won’t blend small batches. I had a Magic Bullet for that but it has died on me 🙁 To clean mine, I do what your mom says and add a drop of dish soap and blend it. When it stains, I have used a Magic Eraser to clean it. Thanks for the tip on the gear shaft. You are the best.
Vitamix ALL THE WAY!!! I loooove it! That thing is a workhorse. The only downside is like you said, it doesn’t do small batches of things very well so whenever I do salad dressings I at least double it. But I have a lot of kids so it works for us!
I bought my Blendtec because I liked the way it looked better than the Vitamix! I wanted a blender that would fit under my counter and the Vitamix just didn’t cut it. I have enjoyed my Blendtec but don’t use it that much. I guess I need to get in on the morning smoothie thing that I see so many comments about!
I have used our Vitamix almost daily for 13 years. The front plate started to peel off after year two. I contacted the company. They had great customer service. They had me send it to them. I told them I could only part with it, for them to repair when we went on vacation. They sent it back in a timely manner after we returned. There was even a hand written note hoping we had a great vacation! I still remember this and it has been 11 years ago. I LOVE my Vitamix. I say it’s the key to healthy eating, my daily green, oatmeal shake. I have since then only replaced the liquid blender container. It’s an amazing machine!
I had a Blendtec for many years which I purchased at a state fair. It worked for years very well, but did walk all over e counter, and I noticed that after a while it just wasn’t working as well as it did in the beginning. I also had replaced the glass twice. Besides the programs kinda bother me, so we purchased a Ninja with all the attachments. It doesn’t have the same power as the Blendtec when it comes to blending things but my husband loves the food processor and the small cups for smoothies. I do miss having power for making soups. I make tomato soup and the Blendtec work pretty well on the tomatoes in getting them smooth. Thinking very seriously about a Vitamix blender. Have made lots of your recipes, and love your blog,, you are a delight!
My Dad used to make parts for Blendtec (those little drive shafts at the bottom? yep.) until they outsourced some of their parts to China. Boo. The old Blendtec that my parents had from back in the day (before said outsourcing) was awesome. They still own it and it’s going strong! However, my own Blendtec blender was a newer model and the most frustrating kitchen appliance! We had many of the same problems mentioned – burning smell, the bottom of the jar leaking and even leaving black bits in our smoothies! After replacing the jars repeatedly, and trying out my friends’ Vitamix, we made the switch and have never looked back! It’s awesome!
(By the way, both Blendtec and Vitamix claim to be “made in the USA,” but Blendtec definitely outsources some of their parts, so I’m not sure if Vitamix is 100% made in USA or not.)
I haven’t verified this, but the Blenctec rep at Costco recently told me that they are now making all parts in house. Because of this, the old problems are gone and the quality is higher. Maybe no longer outsourcing to China? I hope that’s true.
Both Blendtec and Vitamix get almost of their parts made in the USA, but a small percentage are outsourced. Blendtec definitely gets their drive shafts made in the USA because my son’s company manufactures them. Perhaps Angie’s dad was told by his company the parts were being outsourced to China when in reality the contract was just going to a different US company. Both Blendtec and Vitamix have excellent warranties and the competition between the two companies is a win-win for all us consumers.
I’ve had a Blendtec for several years (I bought it before my son’s company got the contract for the drive shafts) and used the warranty to replace the jar for free. The new one arrived just two days after I called the company. I would love to have both brands just to do side-by-side comparisons, though each brand has several different models. I’ve had no difficulty with making smoothies in my Blendtec and never have to stop and scrape the sides. I bought the Blendtec because it was a couple of hundred dollars less than the Vitamix at Costco and the lower profile fits in my cupboards. If and when it dies, I will once again consider multiple high powered brands before buying a replacement.
I am glad you wrote about this. I currently have a Ninja, and i chose it (from Costco as well), because it came with the food processor, the extra cups, the shredder, etc. However, i’ve had to return it 3 times, due to some issue or other. For example, once, a little plastic tab broke, and without it, it never turned on. Silly things like that.
I’ve been playing with the idea of upgrading to a vitamix, but i do have concerns that i’ll loose my ability to
1. make a small batch of something…like a morning shake, or blending your BBQ sauce.
2. i won’t have a food processor (though some sites swear that you can process food there).
My question to you is: Have you ever tried to use it as a food processor: i.e. for your tortilla recipe, or shredding carrots for your carrot cake? I am sure you have a dedicated food processor but my CFO at home, won’t let me buy more gadgets. lol. Just curious.
Thx.
I wonder about the food processor aspect too! I also have a Costco Ninja and need to return it because the food processor no longer works (and tbh never didn’t a great job anyway).
I make hummus and a chunky salsa—two things that have varying degrees of thickness. I know a vitamix will liquify but what if I don’t need that all the time?
Thanks for your post, Mel!
I make hummus a lot in my Vitamix. If you get the model with variable speed you can use it to ” rough chop” by keeping it on a lower speed. They have tons of recipes on their website. Myself, I like watching the demos on QVC..I’ve gotten so many ideas.
Check Crate and Barrel’s website, they have a vitamix with small jars that they say are used for food processing, even a drink jar like the Ninja.
I haven’t used my Vitamix as a food processor, but I can make a single serving (16 oz) smoothie in it even with the large cup.
We got a Vitamix for a wedding present and it’s been going strong for 13 years. No, we don’t use it daily but certainly often and any appliance that lasts that long with continual use deserves recognition!
Woah! After reading through the comments and hearing about 20, 30 and 40 year old Vitamix blenders, I guess mine is just getting warmed up!
I’ve had my Vitamix E320 for a week now, and love it so far. My kids used to only tolerate green smoothies made in my KitchenAid blender, but they are so smooth and tasty when made in the Vitamix. No chunks of spinach!
We bought our at Costco, because I knew for some reason if I got it home and didn’t like it, that I could return it easily and go with the Blendtec. Plus, they were demoing the Vitamix (and it’s on sale for $270), so I got to sample before I bought. The seafood guy was stationed across from the demo and kept telling customers walking by how amazing the Vitamix was.
I have both blenders, the Vitamix Pro 500 and the Blendtec Designer Series. They are both great blenders, but I do think Vitamix does a better job. I tend to use my Blendtec more, though, because it’s more convenient. It fits under my countertop, and the Vitamix doesn’t (because of the tall jar). So I use my Blendtec for every day smoothies (I do have to use the smoothie button twice sometimes for it to blend everything), and if I’m blending something that’s much thicker, I’ll pull out my Vitamix because the tamper rocks! The Blendtec doesn’t blend frozen fruits as well as Vitamix. I’ll have to push the food down with a spatula before blending it again. The Vitamix really makes my smoothies “smooth” whereas sometimes I’ll have frozen chunks of fruit still in my Blendtec after it blends. I also have the Twister Jar with the Blendtec and recently bought the Go Jar, which blends individual sized smoothies. It works way better than the Magic Bullet, which I had and gave away. But, if I had to keep only one blender, I’d choose the Vitamix.
My mom passed onto me her Vitamix 3600. It is 40 years old! Stainless steel pitcher. 72 oz. capacity. She used it regularly to grind wheat. I remember the sound was scary. My kids leave the room when I use it. The motor is still going strong. I think a new model would make smoother smoothies. I usually end up with a few fruit chunks. That is my only complaint. I plan to stick with it until it dies. And when that day comes, I will stick with Vitamix.
I have a Kitchenaid blender and must say, it is NOT my favorite Kitchenaid product. I have lusted for a Vitamix or a Blendtec but have hesitated on purchasing either one because I always thought Kitchenaid was the answer to most kitchen appliance questions. I really appreciate your detailed evaluation of both the Vitamix and Blendtec appliances. Thank you for taking the time to post this for our benefit!
Hello,
I have a Vitamix 6300 it’s my first high end blender, and I love it! I’ve never had or tried a Blendtec, but I’ve heard they’re great. I got mine at Costco and I’d buy one again if mine burns out, but it hasn’t yet!