[Velveteen]

Sooo, I've been looking for the ultimate blender, and did some research and came up with the Vitamix. Anyone have one? Are you happy with it?
We have some dietary restrictions, and I use the blender a lot. Mine broke last week, with all my good stuff still un-mixed in it!
But before I shell out big bucks, just wondered if anyone here at MDC had one.

 

[lao80]

I have one. We love it. I have a friend who went on and on about the K-tech which is very similar but about $100 dollars cheaper. So, I told my mom and she bought that one instead of a vitamix. The container on it broke within a month and then so did my friends. I guess that's a side note.

Anyway, we love it. It's very easy to clean. Blends like a champ. It's not any louder then any other blender. If you use to much frozen stuff you end up with ice cream instead of a smoothie, so be forewarned. My son loves this 'ice cream'.

I have the dry container, also. I make flour and grind grains up and stuff. I tried making bread once. It didn't go as planned but I only tried the one time.

 

[Erin Pavlina]

I've had a Vitamix for nearly 10 years. I love it and it's still going strong! Never had any problems with it. Once, though, I dropped the container on the floor and a piece chipped off, nothing essential though, just a small piece. I mentioned it to the Vitamix corp and they overnighted me a new container free of charge. Phenomenal customer service.

We are vegan and I use mine to make vegan soft serve ice cream (pm me for recipe if anyone wants it), hummus, dips, and most of all fruit smoothies. My husbnad uses it a lot to make fresh veggie soups.

If you buy from the Vitamix company, use this code and they'll give you free shipping (even on a used model and even in Canada). Code: ITEPA02

We love our vitamix. It's the only appliance that has a permanent spot on our counter.

 

[Velveteen]

Thank you SO much!! I really appreciate the insight~ I would be using mine primarily for fruit smoothies, although I wanted to get the dry container too for grains.

 

[HeatherG]

OH MY. They are expensive!

Does anyone know the difference between the Vita-mix Super 5000 & the Vita-mix 5000?

I really am FLOORED at the cost. I thought my food processor was expensive at $300.00. So if I wanted the Dry Container it would be another $120.00 on top of $400.00 or $480.00.

 

[Erin Pavlina]

First, get a reconditioned model. Same warranty, same great product.

Second, the non-5000 model would be just fine. I've owned both, not much difference. Made ice cream the same in both

Third, in my opinion, and this is just my opinion, you don't need the dry container. I use my wet container to do dry things too. And heck, if you found you needed the dry container, you can always buy it separate.

The cost is high, but the value is phenomenal. I've had mine for 10 years. That's like $40 a year, which saved me tons of money by not having to buy ice cream or Jamba Juices. Know what I mean? It will save you money off your grocery bill.

 

[ILuvMyBaby]

Unbelievable product...I use mine everyday without a doubt!

 

[goatlady]

What does a vitamix do that a good blender can't?

I wanted one after seeing the demonstration at costco..

 

[Erin Pavlina]

See this link for the answer to that question.

 

[goatlady]

Thanks, Erin. Yeah, my blender cannot do that! LOL Can you post the icecream recipe please??

When I saw the demo at Costco, I think they were selling them for about 260 plus they added in lots of free extras like a cookbook and I can't remember what else. I want one!!!!

My DH loves to buy chai cremes from starbucks and they also use vitamixes there!

 

[sprinkle pocket]

i love mine! also the only thing that has (and deserves) a permanent place on our counter! yea vitamix!

 

[Velveteen]

They had a Vitamix at Costco?? That would be great......
I really want to try that vegan ice cream!!

 

[callmemama]

Erin, I was wondering what was different about the "dry" container. Have you actually ground grains into flour in the "wet" container?

Has anyone made almond butter in it (wet or dry container?) without adding oil - just almonds?

I'm so glad you posted this thread, Velveteen! I've been trying to justify a VitaMix after buying a really good food processor two years ago! But my blender just died and there are some things that just don't work as well in a fp...or so I keep telling myself

 

[goatlady]

Yes, but it's like a special item thing so call vitamix and find out when they're going to be at your local costco.

 

[Erin Pavlina]

I didnt' notice anything about the dry container that was different than the wet one. But, I haven't exactly looked lately either. perhaps someone else will know.

there are ice cream recipes in the vitamix cookbook. Have you guys tried those? For the vegan version I just sub soy milk instead of milk.

 

[callmemama]

I'll answer one of my own questions

The vitamix site says the difference in the wet and dry containers are the blades. The wet blades are designed to cut through food, while the dry blades are designed to "push" the food. I equate it to putting the dough hook on my mixer...

 

[Erin Pavlina]

Someone I know who uses her dry container said the the dry container pushes the food down, while the wet one shoots it up. Makes sense.

 

[Velveteen]

Those of you with the dry container, do you use it?? I really, really want a Vitamix!
Thanks to all of you that helped me out.......

 

[callmemama]

Velveteen, have you purchased your Vitamix yet? What do you think?!

 

[Velveteen]

We are pricing Vitamix's, but it seems they are all about the same. Ebay has some..............but that would anul the 7 year warranty, so I think I will just end up ordering from the website. I'll definately let you know!!