Not liking my Vitamix 3600-Advice?

[MommaMoo]

After wanting a Vitamix for about 10 years, I finally got one off of ebay. It's an older model-the 3600, but I prefer that because of the stainless steel container. It didn't come with a manual or recipe book. So far I've only tried making smoothies in it. My cheapo blender does a better job of mixing smoothies than the Vitamix. The smoothies always have chunks of unblended fruit, no matter for how long and on what level I blend it. This morning I used frozen strawberries and banana and tried blending it on low, medium, and high for what felt like a long time on each level. The smoothie was STILL full of chunks from both fruits! Am I doing something wrong? I'm going to return this thing if I can't get it to work. The main reason I wanted one is because it's supposed to do such a great job at blending foods. Can anyone help? Is this my problem or a problem with the Vitamix?

[sunnysandiegan]

I have a different Vitamix and LOVE it!

That said, maybe a collective group of us can help you troubleshoot your situation to determine if it is your specific model or something you could do differently???

Does your model have a "stick" you shove in through a small opening in the lid? Mine does and that is what I use to shove the frozen stuff down into the blades for proper blending to occur. My version has one that is designed to be just short enough to NOT hit the blades themselves.

What other ingredients are you using in your smoothies along with the frozen fruit? In what order do you add them to the container?

Have you gone to the Vitamix website to look up some recipes and tips? They have tons of free information there.

[MommaMoo]

When I make a smoothie I put in the fruit first, then yogurt, egg yolk, and honey. My machine didn't come with a tamper but I know I can order one separately. I checked out the Vitamix website and the recipes and instructions. The controls are different on the new models-mine has low, med, and high. I'm going to guess that variables 1 and 10 and low and med. Most of the smoothie recipes on the website don't mention that a tamper has to be used, so I should be OK without one. They do specify to run the machine for 60 seconds, so next time I will time it. Thank you for the reply!

[sunnysandiegan]

Try putting the yogurt in before the fruit, also (along with timing).

I use the tamper with most recipes, so you may want to get one eventually. The main reason I need it is the volume I make is typically lower than average and the tamper ensures everything gets down into the blades to be chopped/blended well. Otherwise, it tends to fly all over the container. Yogurt at the bottom helps with frozen fruit smoothies, specifically. Fresh fruit tends to stay down on its own better (due to wetness/heaviness probably).

[MommaMoo]

Thanks, I will try putting the yogurt in first next time. I'm making smaller amounts, too. Only a cup or so of yogurt with an equal amount of fruit, so I'm sure the tamper would be a good investment for me.

[echospiritwarrior]

sell it to me!

[MommaMoo]

Originally Posted by echospiritwarrior

sell it to me!

I will remember your post if I can't get this darn thing to work right...