My gf is insisting on getting a new blender. She’s making smoothies everyday at least once a day and usually twice. It’s difficult to clean, because it has a spout at the bottom that always traps gunk. As its gotten older it takes a while to blend. Doesn’t blend smoothly.
Is there a good alternative to Vitamixes, or are they worth it?
Yes it is worth it. For sure. I think. Blentec is the only other alternative option.
Initially I was all pffftt about the Vitamix. I had a Nutribullet and thought for $100 you can’t go wrong. Well we ended up spending the money and bought a Vitamix. It takes up a little more space, and the lights dim in the house when this thing turns on, but it is awesome! I just blended up one of the neighbours cats. Go buy one, it kicks ass!
The Ninja works as well for only $100 AND the Ninja is dishwasher safe.
Parents got us a vitamix and aside from making soup or ice cream it performs no better than the Ninja.
i was hesitant, wife really wanted one. you know what they say, when mama’s happy everyone’s happy. i love the thing. i pretty much only use it for smoothies, she’s made flour, soups and peanut/cashew butter with it.
since you’re with a gf, depending on how serious you are, have your mom or dad buy it and give it to YOU, that way if it doesn’t work out you take it with you. unless she’s buying, then don’t worry about it.
I love my vitamix! We got ours at Costco for a good price a few years ago. Been using it almost daily since for green smoothies. Totally worth the cost in my mind.
Our ninja has seen several years of heavy use and is still going strong.
My gf is insisting on getting a new blender. She’s making smoothies everyday at least once a day and usually twice. It’s difficult to clean, because it has a spout at the bottom that always traps gunk. As its gotten older it takes a while to blend. Doesn’t blend smoothly.
Is there a good alternative to Vitamixes, or are they worth it?
Yes!!!
Mine is 23 years old. Made a pitcher of protein smoothie after swimming this morning. Works like it did when I got it as a graduation gift. In a day when gadgets, household appliances and anything expensive is built with about a 5 year life span the VitaMix delivers a home run.
Another vote for the Ninja. I’m pretty sure I can mix concrete in that thing if I wanted too.
I purchased a Blendtec after my Ninja died. Worth every penny and I’m sure it may very well be the last blender I ever buy.
The Vitamix will do things nothing else can do. Period. The Ninja, Bullet, Etc. simply cannot do what the Vitamix can do. If you are making simple smoothies, it is more machine than you need. But, if you are doing the “kitchen sink” smoothie (i.e., wheat grass, core, etc.), nothing else will do it.
Didn’t need it. Didn’t want it. Wifey bought it. Was amazed what we were able to do with it that simply cannot be done on those other models. Anyone who says otherwise has never really used the Vitamix.
I love mine! I bought a refurbished unit from their website at a nice discount and it has a five year warrantiy.
the Vitamix mixes and heats up stuff and makes soup piping hot and ready to eat in 1-2 minutes - it also tears up any seed ie strawberry/raspberry etc.
it is loud - I fill it up, turn it on, and run like hell
I purchased a Blendtec after my Ninja died. Worth every penny and I’m sure it may very well be the last blender I ever buy.
+1
More powerful than the vitamix, more automated controls for commonly made items, better control surface that’s easier to clean up.
Both are good but Blendtec is better.
I bought a Vitamix a few months ago after craving after one for a few years. The $500+ price tag was a tough pill to swallow but I am glad I finally bit the bullet and got one. Performs really well and is able to make a lot of stuff which was never possible in my “cheap” blenders that would break every other year. I wish I would have bought one years ago. Should last a long, long time.
I know the Ninja blenders have a bit of a following and I have used them a little bit. The blade are really f’ing sharp. I accidentally grabbed one while taking the unit apart and still have a scar on my finger from it. It worked fine but I don’t think things come out as smooth as the Vitamix. You can take it apart and wash it in the dishwasher which appeals to some people, but cleaning the Vitamix is even easier in my opinion. Just put a drop of soap and some hot water and turn it on and let in run for a bit and it comes out really clean.
Lots of videos on youtube comparing the two above as well as Blendtec.
Spent many work hours researching between the Vitamix and the Blendtec. Ultimately settled on the Blendtec and couldn’t be happier. Blendtec doesn’t have a sharp blade at the bottom so you don’t have to worry about slicing a finger when you clean it. Also the Blendtec is wider at the bottom so less stuff gets stuck in the bottom corner when emptying or trying to clean it. Finally, the Blendtec has several preset blending options where the speeds and duration are already programmed in, with the Vitamix you choose high or low and hope it works. The only thing I miss from the Vitamix is the plunger piece to the top. About once every 20-ish uses stuff doesn’t work its way down and I wish I had the plunger but the Blendtec is so powerful that it rarely happens. But I doubt you’ll be disappointed in either.
If your just doing smoothies, a Ninja is probably ok. A Blendtec is not a bad option either.
The best price on a Vitamix is reconditioned from their website (even better than costco). It is the original, your paying some for the name. It can do somethings a Ninja just wont, but not everyone uses them for that.
We make shakes sometimes with frozen bannana’s other times ice. A co-worker has a ninja, he says he cant get ice to the level of smoothness we do. But smooth enough for him. Not sure how well a ninja would do on grinding grains, if you want to go that way.
Ultimately I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the 3. You might find yourself upgrading, if you go Ninja and find out you use it alot and need more. I think Costco has the Blendtec and the Vitamix, so you can buy them and have a blend off. I bet you can find someplace that sells a Ninja with a 30day return policy. Try all three and decide for yourself.
Thanks to everyone for the input.
Do any of the Blendtecs heat like the Vtamxs supposedly do for making soup?
Thanks to everyone for the input.
Do any of the Blendtecs heat like the Vtamxs supposedly do for making soup?
The Vitamix absolutely makes hot soup. I refused to believe it could when the wifey told me. I tried it. It is very strange to me, but, it makes great, very hot soup.
The Blendtec says it can do the same. There are mixed reviews on the effectiveness, if you read the reviews.
Here is a good video review: http://blenderdude.com/videos/blendtec-vs-vitamix-power-test-2/