Vitamix Anyone?

jww · Post by **jww** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 6:56 am

After many costly and not-so-costly blender options, we have finally decided to go with something more "robust" and are probably going to go with a Vitamix 5200 (TNC in Canada). With the amount we have invested in cheaper machines, we could have easily bought one (or just about bought one) by now.

Anyone with experience/thoughts on the Vitamix product line?

ShadowsDad · Post by **ShadowsDad** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 9:38 am

We've had a Vitamix for 25 years or so, and love the machine, it's not inexpensive, but it's worth it. Ours get a great deal of use too- hard use. BTW, we currently have the 5200.

Some criticisms of it, because nothing is perfect...

1) It's easy to overheat it and the internal circuit breaker trips. It will reset when the machine cools off, and by itself will reset in about an hour. I found that if I take the base out to the shop and blow compressed air into the center of the base I can cool it off in minutes. To prevent all of that, when I'm using it hard, I give the machine a break by using the variable speed at about 1/2 speed and under no load just to keep the motor cool.

2) The variable speed self destructs in a short time. It continues to work after a fashion, but in a fashion of it's own choosing. Using the VS with no load the machine will sit there and will vary the speed all on it's own. When starting the machine with the VS engaged you better have the lid on, because the machine may decide to start at near full RPM.

Even with those criticisms it's a workhorse, and we put ours through more hell in a year than other folks will put theirs through in a lifetime. It's the best blender I know of. (It's actually a hammermill grinder)

Wendell, if you want a recipe for nutmilk let me know. It's my own concoction and it's pretty good. Much better than store bought soy or other nutmilk for a fraction of the price. The VM makes it in minutes.

jww · Post by **jww** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 10:54 am

Go figure -- the downeaster from Maine is the first to respond -- why am I not surprised?

RazoRock · Post by **RazoRock** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 8:18 pm

I use mine every single day... definitely my favorite kitchen tool; I hear the bluetec is good as well but never used one; for me, it's been the biggest difference to healthy eating.... at $400-500, it's not cheap, but i love it and would not go without one.

The warranty sold me on it... any company backing a blender for 7 years (and being in business for a few decades), must be putting out quality.

jww · Post by **jww** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 10:37 am

RazoRock wrote:... I hear the bluetec is good as well but never used one; ...

Did you meant BlendTec? Bluetec is the Mercedes Benz diesel technology -- -and it is good technology, but I don't think I want a diesel engine in the kitchen..... not enough space for it, and where would I store the fuel?

My hesitation with BlendTec is that it's all digital -- for some reason, even though I am a techno-geek-gadget-guy, I like the old-fashioned knobs and controls of the Vitamix.

never2close · Post by **never2close** » Sat Aug 18, 2012 6:49 pm

All of the top end blenders claim they can make a smoothy without destroying themselves, but the Vitamix is the only one that works for me.

bernards66 · Post by **bernards66** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:32 pm

I don't really use blenders but my new wife is totally hooked on her Vitamix and would not do without it. When she makes these concoctions that include ice I step outside as it sounds like a pile driver or some other kind of industrial machine...but it certainly works. She's had hers for years and uses it daily so obviously they hold up.
Regards,
Gordon

Post by **drmoss_ca** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 3:02 pm

"My new wife..."

Gordon, you owe me a PM with ALL the gory details, you dog, you. Even if only to let us congratulate you on your nuptials.

Chris
Who is way too tired for any new wives and barely copes with the old one.

brothers · Post by **brothers** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 3:16 pm

followed by

!!!

Gene · Post by **Gene** » Tue Aug 21, 2012 4:12 am

My wife and I would like the Vitamix, but at this point can't justify the extra costs. We see the Demo guy at local Costco showing one, and it looks nice, maybe someday.

In the meantime we use the Ninja system. Currently sells for about $70.00, and Consumer Reports rates it almost as well as the Vitamix. It's not nearly as powerful, so the ice blending is probably not as good, but it makes protien shakes and "green" drinks all day long.

brothers · Post by **brothers** » Tue Aug 21, 2012 4:31 pm

Gene, my oldest daughter has the Ninja and her family say they love it, especially the ice crushing and smoothie making.

Thalay Sagar · Post by **Thalay Sagar** » Tue Aug 21, 2012 5:25 pm

Gordon, congratulations!

bernards66 · Post by **bernards66** » Tue Aug 21, 2012 8:45 pm

Chris, A....ahem....yes, well....it's been quite a year and it's really quite a story but perhaps I ought not tell it here....this site is easily acessible and it might, therefore, be in poor taste. I will attempt a PM as soon as I can.
Regards,
Gordon

changabang · Post by **changabang** » Wed Aug 22, 2012 7:50 am

As long as you're happy, Gordon. That's what counts. Best wishes.

Squire · Post by **Squire** » Wed Aug 22, 2012 8:51 am

Well Gordon, a happy ending . . . best wishes to you both.

jww · Post by **jww** » Wed Aug 22, 2012 12:27 pm

Squire wrote:Well Gordon, a happy ending . . . best wishes to you both.

+1

And who would have thought that this would come to light in a VitaMix thread???

GA Russell · Post by **GA Russell** » Wed Aug 22, 2012 1:42 pm

Congrats Gordon!!!

Post by **ichabod** » Wed Aug 22, 2012 1:45 pm

Wow Gordon, congratulations!

All part of life's rich blend, you might say. . .

fallingwickets · Post by **fallingwickets** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 4:22 am

How about a cliff note version, Gordon??

clive

jww · Post by **jww** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 6:40 am

ichabod wrote:Wow Gordon, congratulations!

All part of life's rich blend, you might say. . .

Trust Dominic to make the connection between the thread topic and the content ... brilliant!