Note: right now, Amazon has the BlendTec for only $399!! You have to click on the black model for the lower price.
A Big Decision: Vitamix vs Blendtec, Blendtec vs Vitamix
As you can probably tell, I’m shopping out blenders. Not regular blenders, mind you, but super blenders. Blenders that will potentially pulverize an ipod (more random blending destruction here).
The two options I’m considering are the Vitamix and the Blendtec. According to this comparison chart, the Blendtec has three horsepower to the Vitamix’s two, and thirteen amps to the Vitamix’s eleven and a half. While both blenders have the same warranty on the overall unit (three years for the comparable Vita-Prep and Total Blender models), the Blendtech’s blade and coupling have a lifetime warranty. The above chart also says that the Blendtec makes better nut butters and doughs than the Vitamix.
Vitamix Blender vs Blendtec Blender – Seriously, What’s the Difference?
Retail on the BT is more expensive than the Vitamix, but on Amazon they’re about the same price. See the Vitamix here and the Blendtec here.
Overall, the above cited chart claims that the Blendtec is better because:
1. Depending on where you shop, the Blendtec costs less than the Vitamix.
2. More Horsepower ( 3-Peak horsepower).
3. Shorter/Wider container fits under cabinets better.
4. The Total Blender container can be used for both wet & dry material, while the Vitamix requires you to buy a separate dry pitcher.
5. The Total Blender supposedly does not need a tamper (because of container design), though some reports I’ve read say that a tamper would be useful and is indeed sometimes necessary.
6. Automatic shut-off feature.
7. Motor does not heat up as fast as the Vitamix.
8. Microprocessor controlled – 100% solid state
9. Easier and faster to clean than the Vitamix.
…but they fail to share the most important information: which is the higher quality (read: longer lasting) product and which blends more effectively? I’m curious about the BT’s multipurpose wet/dry pitcher versus the Vitamix’s need for two seperate pitchers for wet/dry action, and I want to know if it blends less effectively due to its ‘duo’ design.
And if the BT is a better product, why do all of the raw mavens out there still cling to their Vitamixes? Sarma Melngailis, author of Raw Food, Real World and owner of Pure Food and Wine in New York City recommends the Vitamix and says she doesn’t really like the competition. Not sure what difference that makes since she doesn’t give any real info, but she’s a professional chef so her opinion carries some weight.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Which blender do you have, and why did you choose it? If you have links to other comparison resources, I’d love to see them!
Edit: One of our readers, Audrey, was kind enough to provide an interesting link in the comments that might be useful in helping people choose between the Vitamix and BlendTech.
{ 182 comments… read them below or add one }
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Hi…I forgot all about this site/thread & found it while scrolling thru bookmarks & thought I’d check in.
We love our Blendtec 13A SpaceSaver commercial…though it really is the same as the Connoisseur model. Unfortunately, we seem to use it more for evil (potent potables) than good (green smoothies). The best is when those two forces unite….potent potables w/fresh fruit
. I gotta say that having 30 programmed ‘multi-step/multi-speed’ programs for different drinks is a BIG feature for me/us, which Vitamix doesn’t have on their residential machines (but they do have on the commercial models, like the one @ my Caribou). There’s just now guesswork on speeds, how long to blend, start fast then go slow (or vice versa)….they’ve set all that up for you.
BTW, not to be a shill, but over at everythingkitchens.com they’re giving out 3 CASES of Jet Smoothie mix with a purchase of any Blendtec or Vitamix commercial machine http://www.everythingkitchens.com/pdf/VitaMix_jet_Rebate.pdf . Well, they’re great…but we just have TOO much, so iffen any of you want one or more of the ones shown in that rebate form, I’d love to unload them for $10 each, including shipping (which, as I’ve learned this holiday, is about $7). No, I won’t charge Vitamix owners extra
! They’re quite excellent; not too sweet, made w/tea (though it doesn’t taste like it!!) and real fruit. They also make/sell some for consumers in different packages, check your local Sam’s Club….but it’s a lot more than $10 for a 1/2 gallons I have, which are in fact $17 + shipping elsewhere http://www.amazon.com/Jet-Tea-Strawberry-Bomb-Smoothie/dp/B000DZE710
Let me know…here or at my home website: poomplet@sbcglobal.net
Thanks!
I had just bought the Vitamix at Costco and was Perfectly happy with it. Then………I saw the Blendtec at Costco three weeks later. It seemed so much “better”!! No tamper, no turning it off (preset stations), easier to get the stuff out from under the blades, etc. I was on the fence and never decided. Blendtec lady went bye-bye with her $379 deal and the decision was made for me–I have the Vitamix.
In all honesty, I’ll probably Never make Any kind of flour. I May make nut butters, but probably not often. We make fruit smoothies Every morning. I tried to sneak in veggies, but the kids know.
(I even tried to get a grass-free green berry powder to sneak into the fruit smoothies, but it just turned it brown. And, yeah, you can imagine how a Brown smoothy went over. *sound of lead brick dropping*
As far as the stuff in the bottom getting stuck and wasted, I give it to my dog, depending on what’s in it. Apples, carrots (I still eat veggies even if the kids won’t), celery. But then, I make her food anyway–yep, using the Vitamix. Carrots, sweet peppers, celery, basil, garlic, egg. I don’t put raw meat in the mixer for obvious reasons, so I just chuck the veggies on top of the meat. She Loves it!!
I had the same problem with the VM tortilla soup. Thanks, whoever, for the tip about less liquid!
Check out lisa´s last blog post: Ten Reasons to Use Paper Grocery Sacks as Gift Wrap
Thank you so much for your comments! To think I started this journey interested in the HealthMaster. Actually, it started years ago, when I started juicing (my fav, apples, carrots, ginger)…then realized I was throwing away most of the nutrients. I know these blenders in debate will blend them fine, but I want to make my own gluten-free breads and cookies as well as enjoy green drinks/smoothies at home and not pay $5 (plus) for one. So my mind’s made up!!!! I’m buying a blender….but then, I couldn’t decide on what to buy!
So I’ve been doing my research online and price checking (at this discussion is just what I needed to read…all 79 posts). It’s great to see a discussion for the “product” and it’s pro/cons, versus someone who’s looking to make a referral sale. Thanks again!!!! I think I’ve decided on which one to buy, but will go to sleep on it and order tomorrow!!!
Oh, gracious! I’m still so confused on which one to buy! QVC has the Vitamix on their today’s special value for $376 and free shipping. I was hoping the price was going to be better since you can get them for about that price at Costco or Sam’s club, but QVC’s customer service is great. You can try it for 30 days and send it back but you do have to pay shipping back. I don’t know how Sam’s or Costco’s return policy would be on that since the people demoing just come through, demo and then leave town. Well, I’m going to be researching and saving my $ to get one whichever one I decide. JoyAnn let us know which one you decided on and how you like it and check out QVC.
I actually decided on the Blendtec! It’s was a difficult decision, but as a previous responder mentioned…they are both good blenders and you make a choice based on preference. I purchased from http://www.2-life.com for $330 (use hp3a as promotion code); no shipping/handling or taxes.
I’ll be in touch once it arrives and I start using it!!!
Thanks again and all the best on your decision!
Hi Natalie….Just wanted to let you know that I asked about the return policy on Vitamix and Blendtec at Costco….and it works just as any other product bought from Costco. There wouldn’t be any problem as far as returns. I didn’t buy the Blendtec from there last month because I found a much better deal online…..$325 and no shipping and no tax (which is 9.5% at our Costco). It has worked out perfectly for me and I am very pleased all the way around. Good luck with your purchase!
Natalie..I forgot to tell you that I bought mine at 2-life.com.
Well, if nothing else this thread made me keep, as in Not return to Costco and Buy A Blendtec Instead, my Vitamix. I figured since I already made a decision once (which is hard enough for me in itself!) I should just stick with it. I was reminded, also, that–When exactly do I think I’m Ever going to make flour? haha!! I bought the Vitamix because I don’t cook and I need to eat something other than peanut butter on a spoon once in awhile. haha!! (That’s not exActly true, but close.)
Oh, and you can call Costco and ask about their return policy before you buy. Say, like, I was just WONdering…if I buy the Vitamix and is doesn’t suit my needs, what is the return policy? *batting eyebrows innocently* haha
Check out lisa´s last blog post: Things you can’t do if you’re famous–AND–Dude, where’s my Ego?
weird, I left above post because my other one didn’t show.
Check out lisa´s last blog post: Things you can’t do if you’re famous–AND–Dude, where’s my Ego?
This has been an awesome debate on blenders! I’m trying to decide which one to buy. I didn’t see anyone mention it earlier, but Consumerreports.com scored the Vita Mix 5000 higher than the Blendtec Total Blender TB-611 BHM. Those are older models but still interesting. QVC has the Vita Mix Creations as it’s Today’s Special Value for $376 (1-3-2010) with free shipping. I can’t figure out how it’s different from the 5200 except that in their demo’s they’ve used the same pitcher for wet and dry.
One more thing in the description on QVC it says a dry blade must be purchased separately. So now I really don’t see the difference.
Dear Steph,
In the end which blender did you buy? In conclusion from reading all the comments, which blender do you think is better steph? the Vita-mix 5200 or blendtec?
Just to muddle all the information, Blendtec now offers a larger 3 qt (versus 2 qt) with a 4″ blade (versus 3″ blade). Good Youtube comparison. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0Nx52bpuV0 Other companies are selling this item for less than his company.
$379.95 Free shipping/No taxes from http://www.everythingkitchens.com/totalblender.html I think I’m going to order this one next week.
Hope this helps…
Great people @ everything kitchens.com!! You can get ‘em on the phone…they know the merchandise…the prices are great.
OH…forgot to point out that the commercial version of the Total Blender…the EZ 13 amp…is a much better deal!!
The unit is identical (they now have the newer programming system & BPA-Free jars), and while you sacrifice some warranty time (it’s one year), you get TWO 64 oz jars/lids (that’s like $75 alone)…AND you can get 3 CASES of JET Smoothie mix for FREE (totally free..including shipping) I mention that a few threads back…I have so much, I’m trying to unload it cheap..but it’s GOOD, and @ $10 each & 8 half-gallon units per case, this is worth $240.
All this, and it’s LESS money…only $355 w/free shipping. http://www.everythingkitchens.com/blendtec_ez_blender.html
I’ve been doing quite a bit of looking at these. Looks to me like the Blendtec is probably the better choice since space is limited in our kitchen.
The next question is which one to get. My gut says to go ahead and get the package with the alrger 96 oz(3 qt) jar. I can’t think of any drawback to it. You can always fill it less full for a smaller batch. I don’t know if I should get the smaller jar also or not. Any thoughts from those of you who already have one?
Just stumbled on this discussion and I wish I had found it last year when I was facing the same decision. I read a lot of pros and cons, but it’s great to hear the personal experience of different people.
I think they’re both great machines, and I went back and forth a lot. Ultimately I chose the BlendTec, based on the following:
Fits under cabinets
Wider canister is easier to scrape out remaining food (flat walls, no ribs)
Consol is easier to clean—no buttons to get food stuck around
Top easier to get on and off (read somewhere that this was annoying)
No additional canister needed for grain
And superficially I liked the color options/more modern look
I regretted giving up the better warranty, the tamper, and the heavier weight canister. I’m fairly sure I could break the BlendTec canister if I really tried. I’m not always thrilled with having to program in my blend settings. As for noise, I think they’re both noisy.
But I’m happy with the BlendTec, especially every time I go to scrape it out after using. I knew it that was really going to annoy me with the Vitamix. And the fact that I can keep it on the counter under a cabinet is huge as well.
They’re both great machines. Just decide which features are most important to you.
I just bought a Vita-Mix at a home show and WOW his thing is worth every penny. Me and my SO personally own 6 other machines and this thing is hands down the BEST we have used soo far. I was researching this and hte Blendtec and was going crazy trying to make up our minds but we settled on the Vita-Mix in the end. We are glad we did.
Ty everyone for all your get comments on both bt & vm, both seem to be great blenders with a few differences in regard to carafe size, removable parts for clean up and tamper. I have a better understanding which one will work for me better. TY again also for all the websites i will probably order from 2-life since i do not have a costco mmbrshp. Happy smoothies to all.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Vitamix 5200! I bought it about 15 days ago and have had a smoothie every single morning with an assortment of fruits and vegetables. Can’t believe I didn’t buy one earlier.
I just bought my vita-mix 5200 at Costco. I had no idea there was another blender out there. Oh well it seems like it was a good decision anyway.
How do these work with meats? Such as making a mouse. Do I need to step up to a commercial model such as the Vita Prep.
After much research I finally ordered the Vita-Mix over the Blendtech. I think either blenders would have served my purposes well which will almost exclusively be green drinks though. My decision to go with the VM really came down to the 7 year warranty, the manual control, and the higher RPM’s. I have not recieved it yet but will be posting results.
Also I called VM and went with the refurbished unit. It comes with a new container and the same warranty for $379. Also they did give me free shipping as well. I did have to pay taxes so the total price was $409.
I have had my blendtec for 14 years, back when they were called K-tec. I love it and it is still running great. I make smoothies every day for my large family of 9 before they head to school. Love it.
It,s is very very LOUD! it works freat but my chain saw makes less noise… I am sure you know that!
It,s is very very LOUD! it works great but my chain saw makes less noise… I am sure you know that!
I just got my refurbished Vita-Mix in the mail and am I impressed. Here are my thoughts.
Completely liquefied my broccoli, kale, spinach, and blueberries. I am astonished and how well it worked. Not a lump or anything that resembled a solid.
The thing is big and industrial looking and feeling. I like it, but I can see where it could put some people off.
It really wasn’t as loud as I expected or that other comments have led me to believe.
As I posted before I went with the Vita-Mix because it’s main purpose will be for green smoothies, I am not concerned with space, and the 7 year warranty. I think either the VM or Blendtech would have been good for me but even after one use I am extremely satisfied with my VM.
We have owned a Vita-mix for 10 years and it is awesome! We use it many times per day…making protein shakes, fruit smoothies, soups and more. I have great recipes for fruit drinks (I add 20 grams of veg protein). How else can you get 7 servings of fruit in a day!!! I am a vegetarian now, but when I was eating meat, we even ground beef. It worked great. When we purchased the Vita-mix, I was unaware of another blender that would do what the VM does, so I have really enjoyed reading all of the other comments. I haven’t had any problems with the VM until now and I called the company and they were very helpful, although I will need to send it in to get it fixed…$145 and they will replace all bad parts and send it back to me within 2 days!! Can’t beat good customer service:) OR I can buy a new unit and get $100 refund…..haven’t decided what to do. I just KNOW that I don’t want to go without my VM!!!
warmly, Patti
What a helpful and insight post filled with excellent, thought provoking comments. I too am considering the great blender purchase and want to make green smoothies and pulverize whole fruits and veggies. I felt like this was a very balanced look at both of the major players in the blending market. I am drawn to the shape and size of the Blend tec, but fear the electronic component and the presets – I just wonder if they will stand the test of time. That being said, my bread maker is old and its electronic settings are just fine! The Vita Mix seems to be the machine that all the raw foodies covet and I always think that a reputation for quality is an awesome selling point – but also am wary of hype. It may be months before I finally decide and save the money I need to buy either. Here in Canada, both products are even more expensive and in my small city, neither are available at my Costco =( Thanks so much for all the information – everyone!
Here is some (hopefully) helpful information to help you compare the two machines:
Vita Mix RPMs:
1,100 = Variable #1
24,000 = Variable #10
37,000 = High
BlendTec:
4,080 = Lowest RPMs
29,400 = Highest RPMs
There is a significant difference between the performance of the two machines at both ends of the spectrum. I am always surprised when I read reviews comparing the two machines and the critical information regarding blade speeds is left out – there is often a lot of focus on the HP when the HP does not affect the action inside the container where the food is being made. The soup gets hotter (and more cell walls are ruptured in juices) in a Vita Mix at the high end (7,600 RPMs faster than the BlendTec), and the Vita Mix has the ability to perform a nice, coarse chop at the low speed (about 3,000 RPMs slower than the BlendTec).
The slower blade speed of the Vita Mix makes it a very versatile machine. I scramble my eggs in the AM and when I want to make omelettes I chop veggies/cheese and scramble the eggs all in the container at the same time at the slow speed (this AM my eggs were scrambled with a small chunk of onion and a small chunk of cheese prior to frying in a cast iron skillet). I use the lower blade speeds to: chop veggies, nuts, dates, apples, make salsa, guacamole, egg salad, chicken salad, brocolli salad, tuna salad, carrot salad, cole-slaw, chunky vegetable soups, hash brown potatoes, and to turn raw meat into hamburger, shred cooked beef for barbecue beef, etc.
I simply could not imagine having 4,080 as the slowest blade speed available. I use my VM so often to coarsly chop things. Pulsing off and on at a higher speed does NOT do what chopping at a slow 1,100 RPMs does.
BlendTec beats the Vita-Mix 5200, ANYTIME, ANY DAY. One will run into the HardCore Vita-Mix fans who think the Vita-Mix can do no wrong and vice-versa (BlendTec fans). So, you want to hear from people who have owned and used both machines. I have. Vita-Mix is great, no if, ands and buts about it. However, The BlendTec is smaller, it has a stronger motor. You don’t have to plunge the full jar to make a smoothie or an ice-cream. One doesn’t need to buy an extra $100 jar to do dry stuff & grains. I found myself actually using the blender a lot more, once I switched to BlendTec, because this was actually EASY. You don’t have to stand there moving the switch and the knob. One pushes the button and the blender will stop by itself. In a nutshell, the BlendTec is more compact, slightly cheaper, more powerful, easier. I don’t know about the other people that have used both, but to me, IT WAS A NO BRAINER.
Can someone who has experience with either vita mix or blendtec help me to make a decision. I want a blender that Is EXTREMELY easy to clean and fast, I want It to be able to liquify (the best it can) whole carrots and celery without me having to cut them into small pieces.I want to be able to take several carrots and celery and just throw them in the juicer without having to cut them into small pieces. I use a juicer and about all I ever use It for Is carrot and celery juice, however I hate cleaning It do to all the parts and am wanting to use the fiber also instead of throwing it out. Also I did get the chance to use a old model of vita mix and I hated the lid that came with It, I felt like everytime I was getting ready to take the lid it off It all was about to gush out because the lid was pretty difficult to take off, so which blender between the new vita mix and blendtec has the easier lid to take off? Also tell me which blender can juice whole apples without them having to be cut. Call me lazy but I don’t want to cut any vegetables I just want to cram whole carrots and celery and apples down in there and let It do the work, Im even willing to buy the 20 amp blendtec If It can handle this task. Let the machine do 99% of the work is my motto and Im willing to pay alot of money regardless of price to have this.
We just watched the Vita mix “dissolve” a whole apple in a demo at Costco. The demonstrator was making juice and used a WHOLE apple, slice of pineapple WITH the “spiny husk”- strawberries, grapes, spinach, slice of honeydew melon.
The vitamix comes with a “tamper” so you can push stuff down through the top- and he did have to give the apple a “push” but that was all.
The juice came out totally smooth- not even any teensy bits of seeds. We have a Blendtec and, if we use strawberries, the strawberry seeds are still there in the smoothie or the juice- they were NOT there with the VitaMix- which was pretty impressive to me.
But we really like the flat control panel on the Blendtec- so easy to wipe off. And the presets are so easy- “smoothie” “whole juice” for example. Just hit the button and come back when it’s done (varies the speeds- turns itself off) The VitaMix has dials and would be harder to clean off drips.
Vitamix is taller and blades are sharper so a little harder to clean out the stuff at the bottom by the blades. Another reviewer did a great post about how the Vitamix can run at a slower speed if you only want to chop things and not liquefy them- which could certainly be helpful (eg. with Dip recipes or applesauce)
We have not tried a whole apple in the Blendtec. Will try soon and post the result!
Good luck- it is a hard decision !!
I am a Vitamix owner. However, after 10 years, it is dying a miserable death. So I am in the market and doing the research, I am debating between the two. As one who has been using my machine fairly regularly I have to say, I have not found the dry pitcher to be very impressive as far as grinding grains. The flour is more course than I like and it has also given off a motorized smell that transfers to the food. My machine has also done this while trying to make powdered sugar. If you do want to make your own flour I would suggest going with a wheat grinder, especially if you frequently grind your own wheat. I have the Wondermill and it is fantastic. I do use the dry pitcher to blend things that have a higher oil content, such as flax, but I think the wet container could handle those jobs. I also think that grinding grains was the reason my motor started burning out in the first place, even though I didn’t do it very often. In my opinion I would not buy a vitamix to replace a food processor or a wheat grinder. I have found that I did need seperate machines to do those jobs. But I have really enjoed my vitamix for making fantastic smoothies, milkshakes, nutbutters, and such. While I did hope my vitamix would last longer than it has, I can’t complain too much about 10 years. I can only imagine how many blenders I would have gone through in that time period. I think I am leaning towards the Vitamix again, however, I won’t waste my money on the dry container. I hope this helps.
I bought the Blendtec ez-blend commercial version 16 months ago. I bought a commercial unit because I thought that for my use, it would last a long, long time. I used it every day to make a green smoothie, and it was great. It blends avocado seeds, celery, carrots, lettuce, and alfalfa sprouts into a fine puree. It also does a beautiful job grinding flax seeds. Last week it died on me. For no reason after only 1100 cycles (cleaning it is a cycle) it read “overload” and wouldn’t blend. I had to send it back at my expense, and it will cost me $185 to fix. Also, I will be without it for about a month. So, yes, it’s a great blender, but boy I wish I’d gone with the Vitamix and gotten that 7 year warranty. Consider that when you factor in its initial cheaper price.
This discussion was so helpful to me, even though it has been several months since you-all discussed it!
I still found a discount for both the Blendtec AND the Vitamix at 2-life.com and have just bought the Blendtec for a total of $318.95 with free shipping. I never expected to spend so little!
I appreciate people sharing their pros and cons–it was hard to decide which! But then I remembered that both machines are WAY better than what I have now, so I chose the one that will be easiest for me to use: if the Vitamix doesn’t fit under the cupboard, is difficult to get the food out sometimes, and has knobs to clean–well, that would drive me crazy, and green smoothies would lose some of their appeal, and I wouldn’t make as many…
Thanks, everyone!
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