Need a blender recommendation

[SundayCrepes]

My blender died. We eat smoothies for breakfast every morning. I pulled out my bosch mixer and blender attachment. (It's so big and takes up so much counter space that I got a free-standing blender, the one that just died.) What a difference in the smoothness of our smoothies between a small $40 blender and my super powerful bosch. Unfortunately, the bosch pitcher is made of polycarbonite--BPA. So, I need a new blender. I can't afford one of the really amazing ones that are $400. I'm thinking in the $100 range. Can anyone recommend one?

Thanks.

[askew]

I really want a vitamix. I think those are pretty pricey though. Although I just looked on ebay and say some for $150. 

[Shantimama]

I have a Kitchen Aid blender and it does a really good job at pureeing soups and smoothies.

[SundayCrepes]

Originally Posted by Shantimama 

I have a Kitchen Aid blender and it does a really good job at pureeing soups and smoothies.

Which model do you have?

I did a bunch more research last night and found this blender http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/glass-jar-blenders-wave-power-plus-blender.html

It's exactly what I was looking for: more than 500 watts (it's 700 watts,) 2 or 3 speeds, with a 48 ounce glass pitcher. Plus it's only $40 (except on their website) And today, you can get it on sale online at Sears and Kmart for $33. If you do a trial membership in their shipping, shipping is free. I'd buy it from amazon since I belong to amazon moms and get free two day shipping, but they don't seem to sell it. The one they have with that model number is only 550 watts with a 40 ounce pitcher.

[cmb]

I know the expensive blenders are really expensive, but I probably spent as much buying and replacing blenders in the past as I did on my vitamix.  I make a lot of smoothies and use the blender for a lot of other things as well.  I saved and bought a vitamix at Costco (they come to the one near me a few times a year).  It was a little less than direct from the company.  I also know people who have bought the refurbished models and love them just as much.  I used it all the time.  Most days multiple times a day. It really is as great as they say and you can do so much more than smoothies. (i've cooked soup in it, made pesto, made veggie burgers, sorbet, etc, etc.)  If you can find a good used one or save up for a new one you won't regret it!

[cristeen]

Somebody posted a link a while back on blender comparisons - to see how they compare to the Vitamix... don't remember all the details, but I do remember that after the Vitamix, the Oster Beehive was the best choice.  That happens to be the one I have, is why I remember it.  Mine came with a glass pitcher and a stainless pitcher.  It only has 1 speed and it is loud, but it gets the job done. 

[SundayCrepes]

I believe in buying quality so the vitamix makes sense to me. I will be getting a replacement blender for the one that died. It is the 700 watt one I mentioned earlier. Right now free wins out. I never considered a primo blender before, but given how many smoothies we're eating these days, I may just start saving up for one.

Thanks everyone.

[germin8]

I hear Oster is good. And here's a more affordable 3HP blender... the OmniBlend.

http://thesunnyrawkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/raw-foodies-rejoice-introducing-much.html

Whatever you do, do not get the Jack Lalanne blender... it's not that good.  Their juicer is good, though

Edited by germin8 - 2/1/11 at 4:00pm

[Coco17]

I agree with the other comments. Vitamix is the best choice, even though it is a bit pricier. But it is well worth it and because it is such high quality, it will last for years. I have had mine for over four years and I have never had a problem with it. We use it every day. This is one blender I could not live without!!!

[mama2jack]

Originally Posted by Coco17 

I agree with the other comments. Vitamix is the best choice, even though it is a bit pricier. But it is well worth it and because it is such high quality, it will last for years. I have had mine for over four years and I have never had a problem with it. We use it every day. This is one blender I could not live without!!!

I agree! at one point I posted on vegweb with the exact same question posted here. Need a blender rec but can't spend $$$$.... BUT not one person would reccomend anything other than a vitamix. One lady said she would even sell the clothes on her back, lol. I was so annoyed. Anyway I did save up and got some christmas cash as well and bought myself a vitamix. LOVE IT. It can handle tougher greens and veggies for my daily smoothie. I use it at leat once a day. Somedays lots more. :)

[germin8]

I recommend VitaMix, too.  I have both VitaMix and BlendTec (original pitcher). However, BlendTec has come out with a bigger pitcher and seems superior to VitaMix. Click here for video. Although, I still recommend VitMix because it has been here a very long time... and I really do not like the push-button of the BlendTec.  There is so much more precision control with VitaMix.

In addition to my previous recommendations, Waring is also a good brand.  If you can't afford the VitaMix, maybe some of these other options will be helpful for you.