Is the Vita Mix Blender Worth The Expensive Price Tag?

by Theresa on April 17, 2010 · 1 comment

Vitamix disadvantages and benefitsThe Vitamix Blender differentiates itself from other blenders by the speed of its 240 mph, high powered motor. You've probably seen them in operation at your local smoothie shop. I personally bought one of these blenders a few years back at a Home Show and I'll tell you what I like and a few things I dislike about this product.

Yesterday we took a look at the Jack Lalanne Power Juicer. I don't mean to knock juicers but you have to admit that there is so much waste.  The fun part about the VitaMix is that you can use all portions of the fruit and vegetable. The whole thing... skin, core and all and throw it in the blender along with ice and it comes out creamy smooth. Less waste plus the Vitamix does more than a regular juicer. Here's a quick video plus the pros and cons so you can decide if the VitaMix is right for you.

What the Vitamix Blender Can Do

With the high powered motor you're able to blend  many more things than a regular blender.  It's not just for smoothies....Here's a sample of other things you can make with the Vita Mix.

It also creates frozen drinks, ice cream, fancy coffees, salad dressings, sauces, creamy soups, salsa, fondues, pates, peanut butter, vegetable juices, nut milk, pesto, hummus, dips, salad dressing and baby food. There's another special "dry grain container" where you can grind your own grain to make your own bread!

Advantages

  • You don't have to chop your food before adding it to the mixer. This blender can pulverize anything. Even large frozen chunks of fruit and ice in seconds.
  • I loved the fact that there's an automatic shut off when it has trouble blending ingredients so you don't have to worry that you'll burn out a motor.
  • Another thing I really love is that it blends recipe ingredients quickly and easily. There's also less bowls and mess to clean up afterward.
  • Blends everything with a creamy, smooth consistency which makes everything taste better. Also no annoying lumps in anything.
  • It crushes and blends ice with ease which many blenders can't do.
  • Super easy clean up. Just add one drop of dish soap and add 3/4 full of water and turn it on for 20 seconds. Empty and rinse.
  • I know that it can handle the wear and tear for the long haul. You can tell it's very well constructed.
  • The company stands behind their product and it comes with a seven 7 warranty.

Vita Mix blends everything creamy smooth

Disadvantages

  • It has to be the loudest blender on the market!
  • There's a bit of a learning curve when you get it. You have to add the ingredients in a special order. The most dense stuff at the bottom. The ice always on the bottom and work your way up. Then add the liquids last. If you don't, your Vitamix will stall and the automatic shut off will kick in.
  • In comparison to other blenders, the Vitamix requires a tamper to push the food down toward the blades.
  • I found it difficult to take the lid on and off. You definitely need a two handed tug.
  • It's very tall and won't go under some counters. It's also very heavy if you want to lift it in and out of your cupboard.
  • The cost is quite high at $450. You have to use it often to make it worth your while.
  • This is my personal preference - Vitamix makes delicious soups but they are more on the creamier side. I personally prefer to have a heartier soup that you cook and simmer on the stove.
  • You have to be adventurous to try new things you'd never normally put in a blender. Otherwise you won't get the full use out of it. Go through the recipes book when you get it and make things that will become a habit so that you will save money instead of buying grocery store products. Such as ice cream, peanut butter etc.


Other Advantages to Consider

  • Saves money on some prepared, store bought food.
  • Much healthier food with less preservatives, sugars and fats.
  • You're body is able derive three times more nutrients from fruits and vegetables when they are blended into very small pieces.

If you prefer to purchase a used Vitamix blender, there are various models available on eBay.

NEW NIB Vitamix 1782 TurboBlend 2 Speed Blender w 2 peak horsepower motor
NEW NIB Vitamix 1782 TurboBlend 2 Speed Blender w 2 peak horsepower motor
Paypal   US $529.99
Vitamix 5200 1 Speed 5200C Food Juicer Blender
Vitamix 5200 1 Speed 5200C Food Juicer Blender
Paypal   US $489.99
Vitamix Blender Barely Used Bought in 2011 Raw Foods David Wolfe
Vitamix Blender Barely Used Bought in 2011 Raw Foods David Wolfe
Paypal   US $304.00
NEW VITAMIX 5200 BLENDER PACKAGE CIA MASTERS COLLECTION 7 SANTOKU KNIFE
NEW VITAMIX 5200 BLENDER PACKAGE CIA MASTERS COLLECTION 7 SANTOKU KNIFE
Paypal   US $797.00
Vitamix 5200 1 Speed Blender
Vitamix 5200 1 Speed Blender
Paypal   US $450.00
Vitamix VM0126 Blender
Vitamix VM0126 Blender
Paypal   US $500.00
Vitamix 3600 Plus Blender
Vitamix 3600 Plus Blender
Paypal   US $100.00
Vitamix Create Recipes Cookbook DVD for your CIA or 5200 Vita Mix blender
Vitamix Create Recipes Cookbook DVD for your CIA or 5200 Vita Mix blender
Paypal   US $36.07
VITAMIX VITA MIX MIXER BLENDER MODEL 615 PAPA BARNARDS
VITAMIX VITA MIX MIXER BLENDER MODEL 615 PAPA BARNARDS
Paypal   US $24.99
Vintage Vita Mix 3600 Plus VitaMix Super Juicer Processor Mixer Blender Chrome
Vintage Vita Mix 3600 Plus VitaMix Super Juicer Processor Mixer Blender Chrome
Paypal   US $36.00
Vitamix 5200 Variable Speed Blender New In Box Black
Vitamix 5200 Variable Speed Blender New In Box Black
Paypal   US $480.60
Vitamix 3600 plus Blender
Vitamix 3600 plus Blender
Paypal   US $100.90


The Vitamix Blender to me, was well worth the $700 investment I paid. Thankfully they ARE ONLY $450 these days. I know it's heavy duty and will last. I use most of the the time but you definitely have to get into the habit of preparing new meals with it. Otherwise you might fall back into normal habits and leave it sitting in your cupboard.

Related posts:

  1. Magic Bullet Blender’s Suprising Test Results
  2. Jack Lalanne Power Juicer Review
  3. NuWave Twister A Magic Bullet Look Alike
  4. Bottle Tops Seal Canned Drinks but Are They Really Worth It?
  5. Find Out What the Handy Chef Can and Can’t Do

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

1 April Montgomery @ Best Kitchen Blender October 29, 2010

In my opinion, a good kitchen blender has to be as durable as possible, without losing its efficiency. I do think that this would be a good example of a kitchen blender that anyone would be pleased with, provided that it is used with care, instead of serving purposes that it was not crafted for. It is an investment that pays off.