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!
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I still have the first and only Vitamix that I ever bought….still use it. It has a stainless steel “jar” and a spigot on the bottom to pour your smoothie or whatever. I carried it in my luggage for years when I traveled for my morning smoothies.. No telling how many pina coladas and frozen margaritas were made in that amazing machine!!!
Ive had my second hand Vitamix 15 years now. Replaced the gears once. I use the thing at least twice a day for everything from nut butter to sauces to mayo. I LOVE my Vitamix. I’ve never been even tempted by Blend-Tec. It’s just me and hubby and I still love the 64 oz. jar. Vitamix all the way for me.
I have a Blendtec and I selected that brand over the Vitamix for one very important reason: Vitamix willfully infringed two of Blendtec’s patents. Blendtec sued and won a $24M patent infringement suit which was upheld on appeal. The jar was the subject of the lawsuit–perhaps you have noticed that the shape of the Vitamix jar has changed in recent years. I didn’t want to support a business that would willfully infringe a competitor’s patents. That’s just wrong! Plus, it says something that the Blendtec had features that were worth copying, right?
That said, I love my Blendtec. We had to replace our jar once. I learned that the newer jars are improved and can now be washed in the dishwasher. I’m sure the Vitamix is a fine blender but I feel better using the Blendtec and I’ll probably never switch.
Interesting! Thanks for the insight, Paula. 🙂
I loooooove my Blendtec too. 8 plus years and still going strong with well over 4300 uses. I think I finally need a new jar though.
I purchased a new Blendtec Total Blender. It keeps track of each time it is used. Before the counter reached 20, it stopped working. I called their customer service, explained the problem, was told I needed to return it, and will be issued a “refurbished blender”. It didn’t matter that the machine was brand new and only used between 15 to 18 times, they wouldn’t agree to replace it with a new one. I sent it back., It was replaced with a used refurbished model. It has worked fine through the years, I use it to make daily smoothies, no long running programs or ice cream. But, if I should need another blender down the road, it won’t be a Blendtec.
I would be frustrated about that, too! I’m glad it’s still been working fine, though!
I LOVE my Vitamix!!! I will never be without it. I use it for almost everything I do in the kitchen. I love its versatility. I have the personal cup adapter also and LOVE it too! We recently moved into a house with 2 kitchens so I now have the S30 model for that kitchen as well. My mom has had hers since I was 13 (I’m 38 now) and still uses hers every day.
That’s awesome your mom’s vitamix is still going strong after all these years!
I owned a blendtec for four years, had a microchip fault within first week..then after 4 years it broke. I bought vitamix after that and I am liking it so far. I love the blendtec better because of the twister jar and pre programmed options..Not once had a redo a smoothie cycle. Ground the thickest nut butters..I truly loved it.wish it lasted longer. Vitamix ascent series is very quiet though.
I agree, I LOVED the twister jar with my old Blendtec.
I’ve had my vitamix for 2 years now (never had a blendtec). I seriously had no idea smoothies could get so smooth……it’s amazing what a good blender can do. I use mine daily.
So true!
Vitamix for the win! We tried every brand under the sun (except Blendtec) when we finally switched. None came close. I even returned my 8 month old Ninja to Costco (Costco rocks) and got the road show Vitamix there. I recently bought the new single serve cups and adapter. Loooove them! I use my Vitamix 2-3 times a day so here’s hoping it lasts for years. Had it about 18 months now. I can’t believe you put yours away in a cupboard!
I’ve seen those single serve cups – they look amazing! I only put mine away because my counter space is limited and I try to keep it clutter free…but it is a pain to get it down a couple times a day.
Hi Mel, I’ve had my Vitamix for about 5 years and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have often wondered if I bought the right unit and now that I read your assessment, I’m more than confident that I did! Thanks for your great work!
Thanks, Jane!
I was introduced to a Vitamix in @2002-2003. I was dating my late husband and I noticed it looked a little industrial on his counter. He raved for minutes about all it did(as time went on, I too was amazed at all it’s functions!). Hardly a meal was prepared without some portion of it prepared in that Vitamix. The best part of the story was how it was acquired: He and approximately 8 of his cowboy buddies were waiting for their turn in the rodeo lineup at the local county fair. They wandered through the Home Show portion and were taken aback by this “blender” demo.
All of them purchased one for the big $$$$$ and that was in 1975. It was misplaced in one of our moves and consequently repurchased one from Costco-still enamoured!!! Finally, I was gifted(manufacturer’s purchase points)approx 14 months ago with a Wolf blender. Gotta say they’re neck and neck…
Interesting that the Vitamix and Wolf blenders are right on par with each other. Great story, also!
I have a Vita Mix and love it. I make a lot of Almond Butter and it works great!
I need to make more nut butters in my vitamix!
Definitely agree that the Vitamix is better! My biggest complaint about the Blendtec was that it jumped all over the counter when blending!! 🙁
Yikes!
Where was this review when I purchase a Blendtec over a Vitamix from a similar review. The Blendtec broke down 4 times in the first year, I’ve resigned to not having smoothies (I made smoothies 2x daily for weight loss)… When I complained to someone, a smoothie bar (fairly small in my home state) he expressed similar issues with his commercial grade Blendtec and has since switched. I’ve had my Vitamix for almost 6 months, use it for almost anything I can think of and no problems. Never again, with the warranty, will I frustrate myself with a Blendtec. Never.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Lexie…
I have had the Blendtec for a few years now with over 800 uses and still love it. It is one of my favorite kitchen appliances! I have had issues twice but have both been resolved with no problems. I would buy one again. I really should get the second jar, that could be handy.
So glad you love your Blendtec, Christy!
Last year, for our 25th anniversary, my husband and I treated ourselves to a Vitamix! I know, so romantic… but we also took a romantic trip to the UK, so it’s all good 🙂 After years of the “cheap” blenders, I think, “Wow, why didn’t we get a Vitamix earlier?” I use it daily for green smoothies. It’s a newer model A2500 that has programs for smoothies, soup, and cold desserts. LOVE IT!
Haha, that’s my kind of anniversary gift! Seriously!
I have a blendtec that my husband bought at costco while I was out of town probably 6 years ago. We haven’t had any problems except for a leaky blender jar which was replaced under the warranty. I do have the same issues as you though with having to stop the blender and stir thick things which I find frustrating. I have found it helps a little (when making smoothies) to put the liquids in first and then put the frozen fruit in. For some reason it blends better. I think if I had it to do over again, I would get the vitamix for the tamper.
I have heard that the order of ingredients definitely makes a difference. I try to do that even with the Vitamix.
I heavily debated this question when creating our wedding registry and eventually decided on the Vitamix – glad to hear that confirmed by you! 🙂 (Not that we expect someone to buy us a $400 blender, but we are hoping to take advantage of gift cards and the registry completion discounts to purchase it ourselves.) Thank you for the comparison!!!
For sure! I hope you get enough gift cards to make it work!
Our first high dollar blender was a Vitamix. We had it several years and the jar cracked. I had heard so many bloggers talk about Blendtec so I decided to get one. Over time I had to have a jar replaced because black stuff came out around the gear. Then y a few years later it happened again. Now my third jar is also trowing out black oily stuff. I will not buy another Blendtec. My husband liked the Vitamin the best. I wish I had saved our money and just ordered a new jar for the Vitamix. I wasn’t too fond of the tamper thing though.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Charlotte!
Hi Mel,
Never had a Blendtec but I’ve had my Vitamix for about 4 years and I love it! NO problems !
Thanks for sharing the “twist”tip. I’ll be doing that from now on before using my machine
Linda T.
Your welcome, Linda!
I think the Vitamix is the best. I know the name and all the good reports about it. As far as the Blentec I know nothing about it. So take my opinion Vitamix wins. 🙂
🙂
I couldn’t live without my Vitamix! I use it several times a day to make protein shakes, salad dressing, grind wheat, etc. I have one with the smoothie setting, cold dessert setting, and soup setting. I can make soup in it and it ends up hot and ready to eat…amazing! I love the automatic settings so my kids can use the blender without breaking it! I’ve had it for 5 years now, and it’s still going strong! So glad you made the switch and love it too, Mel!
I’ve heard the Vitamix can make hot soups but I haven’t tried it! I wonder if you have to have that particular setting in order for the soup to heat while blending?
Mel – you can make soups with the model you have, also. There are recipes and instructions on the Vitamix website to get started.
Vitamix all the way! I’m so glad you agree with me Mel! I live in a studio apartment, so I don’t have a lot of space for kitchen things, but the Vitamix is not negotiable. I call the Vitamix, my Kitchen Aid, my All-Clad waffle iron, and my All-Clad copper core pots and pan sets the Crown Jewels of my apartment—because they’re what I’d bring with me if I had to evacuate!
Haha, love that! I always tell my husband to grab the kids in case of a fire, because I’m going for my KoMo wheat grinder, Bosch mixer and vitamix. 🙂
I wanted a Blendtec for sooo long. My husband bought me one at Costco. I had it for 1.5 years and HATED it. I loaded everything properly and it didn’t blend completely. I had to use a spatula and I still ended up with chunks. I bought it to make thick, whole food smoothies. What a disappointment! I tried to make almond butter in it and I had to put it in my food processor. I was so happy I bought it at Costco because they let me return it. If I buy another high-powered blender I will get the Vitamix. My best friend returned her Blendtec and bought the Vitamix and says it is so much better.
Oh darn it, I’m sorry the Blendtec wasn’t the greatest experience for you!
I own a Vitamix professional series 750 and it has a wash cycle. I just add hot water and a couple drops dish soap and blend it. It works great, no hand washing! When I make my smoothies I add a variety of frozen fruits and most times it has trouble with the larger chunks where I need to then use the tamper to help it along. I’m always worried when I hear the motor struggling to blend this. I also pregrind my flax seed in a coffee grinder before adding to my smoothies since the vitamix doesn’t do a good job of that. I used to own a Breville Hemisphere blender and it blended everything up beautifully each time. After owning it for one year I needed to have a part replaced. Then just after the warranty was up the motor went. We then decided to go the vitamix route. It’s going on its third year now so hopefully it will last like others have mentioned.
On another note….Mel could you post your chocolate milkshake recipe and smoothie recipes your family make. I looked in your recipe index under drinks and couldn’t find any.
Thanks for all you do Mel, I love all your posts and we love your recipes!
Thanks for your insight, Ann! I have a Breville food processor and love it, so I can imagine their blender is pretty amazing. The milkshake is a recipe I sent out in my newsletter a while ago, but it’s pretty simple: 1 quart chocolate ice cream, splash of vanilla and one can evaporated milk. Best milkshake ever!
Hi
Do you use the small can or large can of evaporated milk?
I think it’s 12 ounces.
Great post, Mel. I did a good deal of research before buying my current Vitamix in 2011, and had come to the same conclusion as you had from the many other reviews I had read. Still, not having ever tried a BlendTec, I couldn’t quite shake the FOMO effect! (Fear of missing out!). Your comparisons provided a timely reminder as to why I’d gone with Vitamix in 2011. I’ve loved my current one, and besides the ordinary tasks like mixing, chopping, and smoothies, mine gets a workout at least twice a month making cashew-macadamia butter (1 oz. macadamia nuts to 7 oz. cashews), and though it makes an absolutely unholy racket doing so, it produces a great nut butter. That, in fact, had been another factor in my buying decision, since BlendTec hadn’t rated as well at making nut butters. The tamper is critically essential for making nut butters, of course, but I’d discovered with the first batch I’d ever made that Vitamix will shut down rather than burn out the motor, if struggling with a difficult task. More judicious and rapid tamping solved the problem, once the motor had cooled off, and Vitamix has never shut down on me since when making nut butter, having gotten the hang of doing it and been spared the catastrophe of a burned out motor thanks to that Vitamix safety feature! I mostly use a lower-profile 48 oz. container that came on my unit, but the model I have can also use a 64 oz., a 32 oz., and the smoothie jar adapter, which I think is a 20 or 22 oz. capacity. It does get to be rather expensive buying the other containers, but Vitamix has been pretty good at standardizing their mixer containers to, so those are likely to be compatible should someone ever upgrade to a newer model Vitamix, plus it reduces the wear on the blades when using a variety of containers for various tasks, also. I’ve heard of people still using Vitamix units that are 40 years old. Appliances being made today, of any kind, don’t seem to last as long as appliances made many years ago had, but Vitamix still seems to produce a high quality workhorse of a mixer even today. Mine is 7 years old and still going strong in spite of the relatively demanding task of making nut butters regularly. I have no complaints about my Vitamix, and if it ever does kick the bucket, wouldn’t hesitate a minute in ordering another one, and even springing for overnight express shipping rather than being without one! The fabulously delicious and healthy smoothies one can make, that taste like gourmet ice cream shop confections, are alone worth the investment! And, unlike juicing and juicers, there is no waste of fiber or nutrients either, since it nearly liquifies things like apple skins and even nuts in a smoothie, so none of the goodness or nutrients need to be sacrificed in the process. It’s just a great appliance–very handy, very useful, and very reliable!
Oops, correction! The container that came with mine was the low-profile 64 oz., but the high-profile 64 oz. fits it also, plus the 32 oz., and the smoothie adapter with the smoothie travel cup.
(PS: Cashew-macadamia nut butter is made without any extra oil or additives, using only roasted and unsalted cashews and macadamia nuts, putting the macadamias into the container first. Salted nuts can be used if preferred, or salt can be added if desired, but it has great flavor even without salt. I’m not anti-salt in the least and only buy 1 or 2 low-sodium products, but had found the nut butter happened to be very good using unsalted nuts and have gone that way ever since.)
Thanks so much for your detailed comment, Wynn! Loved it! And I am so trying that cashew/macadamia nut butter. So many of these comments make me realize I am totally missing the boat on not making more nut butters (now that I know the vitamix can handle them so well!)
Yes! Mel, this is my exact same story! I had a blendtec for about 9 years and I finally switched to Vitamix this year. I was really surprised at how much better it blends. The clearest example for me is that I save my leftover smoothie for the next day. Blendtec smoothie would always separate, but my Vitamix smoothies stay together. It really does a better job emulsifing the smoothie into one. I also had a blendtec motor burn out and several jars that needed replacing. Customer service does pull though, but it is a headache. Anyways, I’m with you! I’ve switched teams to team Vitamix all the way.
Such good feedback from your experiences, Emily!
Not gonna lie…Seeing this post in my inbox made me super nervous, considering I literally just received my Vitamix Pro Series 750 yesterday…but I’m relieved you came to the same conclusion Mel!!
I have never owned a fancy, schmancy expensive blender before, but after several hours/days of research (and way too many Blendtec vs Vitamix Youtube videos later), I decided to go with a Vitamix. Reliability, consistency, longevity & tamper…
My main dilemma was deciding on the 750 Pro model vs the brand new “smart/sleek/sexy/blender of the future” Ascent series A3500. (They are also the same price right now on the Vitamix website for Mother’s Day which made it even more difficult!!!). Regardless, I chose the 750 because I feel like this model may hold up better in the long-run. Switches and knobs seem easier to replace compared to a digital touch-screen that might be more likely to short out, or be more difficult to fix? & I don’t foresee myself purchasing all of the different attachment containers or taking advantage of the “wireless capabilities”–but I’m sure that opinion will seem dated and silly soon enough. I found the website blendingwithhenry.com to be very helpful in comparing each model for anyone else that might be trying to decide 🙂
Thanks so much for your wonderful recipes & posts Mel! Keep them coming!
I bought a black and decker (I know you were not referring to them in your post) blender at a garage sale (it was practically brand new)
and I use it so seldom, I’m not sure where it is. Or if I even have it anymore.
I DO cook but obviously have very little reason to use a blender. I was hoping the blender I bought would crush ice – it had a setting for that – but alas, it did not work.
I have since stopped trying to crush ice and bought it already done!
Totally valid! I think there are a lot of people that just don’t use a blender, and that’s totally ok! 🙂
I also bought a Black & Decker for the purpose of crushing ice (coffee slushies, anyone?). I reasoned that anybody who can make all those power tools can make a blender capable of crushing ice. Wrong. Finally gave it away and purchased a KitchenAid, and that handles ice just fine.
I don’t use my blender nearly as much as the other commenters, or for anything as difficult, but I’m perfectly happy with it except that it’s too tall to fit in the space between the countertop and the cabinet. I should note that I’m not very demanding.
Not gonna lie…Seeing this post in my inbox made me super nervous, considering I literally just received my Vitamix Pro Series 750 yesterday…but I’m relieved you came to the same conclusion Mel!!
I have never owned a fancy, schmancy expensive blender before, but after several hours/days of research (and way too many Blendtec vs Vitamix Youtube videos later), I decided to go with a Vitamix. Reliability, consistency, longevity & tamper…
My main dilemma was deciding on the 750 Pro model vs the brand new “smart/sleek/sexy/blender of the future” Ascent series A3500. (They are also the same price right now on the Vitamix website for Mother’s Day which made it even more difficult!!!). Regardless, I chose the 750 because I feel like this model may hold up better in the long-run. Switches and knobs seem easier to replace compared to a digital touch-screen that might be more likely to short out, or be more difficult to fix? & I don’t foresee myself purchasing all of the different attachment containers or taking advantage of the “wireless capabilities”–but I’m sure that opinion will seem dated and silly soon enough. I found the website blendingwithhenry.com to be very helpful in comparing each model for anyone else that might be trying to decide 🙂
Thanks so much for your wonderful recipes & posts Mel! Keep them coming!
Thanks for the tips, Lauren! I haven’t even seen those brand new Vitamix models, but wow, they sound crazy different with the digital format. I think I would have made the same choice as you. Hope you love it!
I bought a refurbished Vitamix total nutrition Centre 3 years and it has been fantastic. It has preset settings for smoothie, soups, and frozen items. I don’t find those settings especially necessary (just like on the Instant Pot, I use manual pretty much all the time). So, I would say just buy one without all the fancy settings and it will get the job done! The tamper is And takes like 5 seconds to rinse off when you’re done anyway. My two cents 🙂
Yeah, I’d have to agree with that. I’ve learned (also with the Instant Pot) that simpler is better.
I love my Vitamix. We even bought it used (and we have three canisters, wet, dry and small) I also have a Blentec. My Blendtec jar started leaking and they happily replaced it for me but my opinion the Vitamix is better. I love the tamper, feel like it blends better (in general, but especially for really thick things), and I have never heard of anyone’s dying or having other issues. I think my parents have had theirs for 15 years and it’s still going strong.
I can’t believe the number of people that have had vitamix blenders for over 10 years! That’s crazy!
Vitamix hands down! I’ve had a refurbished one that I got nearly 3 years ago after being wooed at Costco on numerous occasions with their demos. I love it. It’s one that has the taller traditional pitcher and the base I have has three presets which I adore. It’s been a workhorse so far and I love that I can make peanut butter in it too. My family will never eat store bought again (I tried and they balk through the whole jar).
I’ve never seen the presets on a Vitamix – that’s cool! I need to try peanut butter in mine!
I’ve had my Blendtec for 8 years and had the base and jar replaced several times while under warranty. Now that it’s not under warranty, I just use it less and don’t do anything that I know pushes they motor/rubber gasket on the cup. It’s frustrating. I wish we had gone Vitamix from the start. The advertising got me!! I’m too much of a cheapskate to dump my blendtec, but doubling my capacity would be soooooo nice with my growing family.
I hear you on not wanting to replace something that is still working! Hopefully it hangs in there for a long time!
My husband spent a bundle on a Vitamix. I hate it. Everything tastes like burnt wires and it smells like that too.
Oh darn it, Lori! That’s not good.
Their customer service kills! (In a good way!) I’d recommend calling them and sharing your experience…def not the norm. Sorry to hear!
Similar experience same conclusion! My blendtec burned out twice … loved it, but it was a pain to replace! Let be the vitamin and do feel like it blends smoother! Thanks for your review!
Thanks for adding your experiences, Cherish!
I’ve had a Blendtec for 2-3 years and I love it! I’ve never used a Vitamix so I can’t compare the two myself, but I’ve never had to stir a smoothie or do another smoothie cycle to get it the consistency I want.
That’s good to hear, Diane!
I agree with you. I owned a Vitamix for 12 years and never had a problem until the motor completely died. We used it every single day for smoothies for breakfast and for other items as well. When it died, I had several friends that loved their Blendtec, so I thought I would try it out (plus I got it considerably cheaper than I could Vitamix because of a good sale going on). After using the Blendtec for two years I can honestly say the Vitamix is so much better! It blends better, smoother, faster and is just a better machine. I’m stuck with my Blendtec until it dies unfortunately, but will buy a Vitamix the next time.
12 years is pretty remarkable! I think your feedback is helpful for others who might be on the fence!
I’ve had a Vita-Mix for almost 12 years and no issues with motor or anything I’ve chosen to do with it. I use it 1-4 times daily: smoothie, soup, puree veg to freeze, nut butters (this is the only time I use the tamper).
I have used it with grain and it works fine, but I have access to local ground flours so I typically only grind oatmeal for oat flour.
I did change to the shorter jars and since just me to a 32 oz which is perfect for just me 🙂 And while I do have the “dry” jar, I’ve used them interchangeably (by accident) and noticed no difference, although the blades are different.
I can’t compare having never had or used a BlendTec but I am very happy with Vita-Mix and buy another on the spot if something ever does happen to mine.
I kind of feel the same way about my Vitamix, Liz…I’d replace mine as soon as possible if something happened!
Wow, there are a lot of Vitamix lovers out there. I’ve never had the pleasure of owning one (yet), but I do love my Blentec. I’ve had it for 3-years now, and it’s been reliable and consistent. I’ve used it everyday with no issues. Why change a good thing, right? 🙂
Thanks for your solid comparison, Mel!
There are a lot of Blendtec fans in this thread, too! And I agree…why change a good thing? 🙂
I never owned a Blendtec but we splurged and got a Vitamix a few years back and I’ve never regretted it!
I have had a Vitamix for about 5 years. I love it! I love the tamper. Smoothies are my go to breakfast on work days plus misc other things so it gets lots of use.
Yeah, the tamper is a plus, in my book.
Thanks SO Much for this one! I am just about to dive in on the Vitamix Professional and this helped push me over the edge! Your opinion is always super valid to me, as we seem to be of the same mindset most times 🙂 You ROCK!!! XOXO
Yay! Let me know what you think if you end up with it!
I love my Vitamix! I have never owned a Blendtec, but I used to have an old Oster–really old, it was my grandmother’s. I burned out the Oster motor after using it for many years. I replaced it with a Vitamix and have never looked back!
Glad to hear you love your Vitamix, Cyndi!
I have never commented on a post in my life and I’m old, but if my experience will help someone… I have had THE SAME vitamix since 2000 (18 years). I use it almost every day. Just before the warranty went out it broke and they sent me a refurbished one (no problems at all) and it is still going strong. I gave my 3 daughters blendtecs for Christmas a few years ago; thinking they were the same thing. One daughter has already had to replace hers. When I visit and use theirs I don’t think it works as well and the buttons give you less options. Also, my daughter has commented when using mine that she likes it much better than hers. So for me, when this one dies I will not consider anything but a vitamix to replace it. (PS…vitamix has a 4 cup pitcher you can purchase separately).
I’m not one to ever comment on posts, but I absolutely love my Vitamix! I’ve have it now for 14 years and have had no issues with it at all. I use it all the time and make peanut butter in it weekly. Just throw in a jar of honey roasted peanuts, put the lid on and use the tamper to push down the peanuts. In a short minute or two, you’ll have smooth peanut butter. I know with a blentec it’s not as easy to make and you have to buy a separate twist jar. Love my Vitamix!
This is so helpful! Like several others, I’d be interested in learning your opinion on wheat grinding capabilities of the two models.
Unfortunately, I have zero experience grinding wheat in either because I have another wheat grinder. Maybe others in this thread can chime in??
I have the dry blade for grinding also. It grinds perfectly! Wheat, rice, corn, coffee, you name it! You can grind super fine on high or use the variable speed for a more coarse grind. That variable speed dial makes it so easy to do just about anything!
I have a vitamix, and I purchased the dry container separately. I have ground soft white wheat in it a couple times, as well as almond flour, and i think it works very well. Although I have never used other wheat grinders, so I don’t have anything to compare it to.
I did use my Blendtec to grind wheat. It would take MANY cycles to get the consistency I wanted (sort of…it was never as smooth as I really wanted it) and it burned up after a couple months of doing it. They replaced it. But I don’t dare do it ever again!
Vitamix sells a separate dry container just for grinding things like grains. I love it. I use it multiple times per week to grind wheat into wheat flour for homemade bread, pancakes, waffles, etc. The flavor and texture are far superior to wheat flour you buy at the store. I’ve also ground rice into rice flour, rye berries into rye flour, popcorn into cornmeal, freeze dried fruit into powder for flavoring frostings, and granulated sugar into powdered sugar.
I had a Vita Mix for well over 10 years and used it daily. My husband gave me a Blendtec for Christmas so I’ve now been using that daily since then. All what you wrote above I agree with….however….I prefer my Blendtec for TWO reasons only: My Blendtec is much quieter (I have the professional one with the cover) AND because my Blendtec is dishwasher safe, and the Vitamix is not. Those 2 features are very important to me.
Thanks for the feedback! So helpful. I bet the cover would make it quieter – that would be nice!
I was nervous to get to the end of your post and read your final decision. But alas, I’m at complete peace with your assessment! Vitamix all the way!
We bought a refurbished Vitamix about 4 years ago and I love it! I have all the same thoughts as you did. I also a magic bullet my mother in law gave me one year, and I use that for small things like dressings. Yay!
Refurbished is definitely the way to go to save a few bucks!
Great comparison! I have had a Blendtec for 6 years now and it works great (never tried the Vitamix). I did have to replace the jar once because the blade got out of whack, but no motor problems.
Glad you love your Blendtec, Ryan!