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.
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Anyone else ever try to stop the blades with their hand like I did? I don’t recommend it. I don’t think it’s possible and also it cost me my hand. That whirling blade made a mince meat mess of my hand, literally. So, just so you know, you can’t stop the blade on a Vita-Mix with your hand, or at least I couldn’t. Maybe I’ll try stopping the blade of the Blend Tech with my other hand?
Ha ha very funny *D
Well, while my Blendtec is being repaired I decided to buy the Vitamix. I bought the CIA model, which is a dressed up version of the 5200. I really like it a lot. I don’t find that stuff gets stuck under the blade any more than in my Blendtec. For smoothies, nothing gets stuck. You have to load it with liquid, then fresh produce, then frozen. The Blendtec may say you don’t need a tamper, but if you want to put in a whole apple, you do. The Vitamiz is a cinch to clean. I don’t know why people complain about that. Just fill with eater and a drop of soap and it cleans itself. So far I have made my smoothies, hummus, apple sauce, and cole slaw. It doesn’t fit under my cabinet with the container on, so I just sit the container next to it. I got the red, and it looks great on my black counters. Next, the knobs…I don’t know why this is an issue as they don’t get really dirty. It would be a problem if you overfilled the jar, but with the domed lid, I haven’t had the problem, and I fill it to the top (only half is liquid, though). Even though the jar size is the same as my Blendtec it makes about 33% more smoothie because I can fill it higher due to the lid shape. I’ve only had it a week, so as I make more stuff I’ll keep you posted.
I have both the Bendtec with the new 4 inch blade / 92 ounce carafe… and the Vita-Mix variable speed 5000 with the both the original carafe and the short 32 ounce carafe.
Both blenders fit under the cabinets … (I take the top off the tall Vita Mix carafe and it fits… and the 32 ounce one fits with the lid on… )
Differences I noticed.
The Blendtec cord is stored wrapped behind the blender.. taking up just a bit of space.
The Vita Mix, the cord is stored under the blender wound up.. (one reason the Vita Mix is so tall)
The Vita Mix is heavier with a larger footprint…. I dont know if that means its a heavier duty machine .. .
I did an almond butter test with both.
I had seen an almond butter comparison with both machines on youtube and the Blendtec did much better
…I tried for myself.
1. 2 cups almonds – grind..
2. 3 tablespoons coconut oil
In the end both batches of almond butter were the same…
with just a bit of difference in performance
1. Both blenders ground up the almonds just fine…(unlike the demo I saw… maybe the fellow had an interest in making one blender look better or worse)
2. When I poured the melted coconut oil in, the Blendtec mixed it..
But the Vita Mix made a hole in the middle of the ground nuts.
I went and stirred it a bit.. then all was well
possibly handling the speeds on the Vita Mix differently would have done the job better.
all said and done.. the nut butter turned out the same from both blenders.
WHAT I LIKE BEST about the Blendtec… is the 4 inch blade carafe is much wider inside and easier to get inside to the bottom to scrape or clean than the more narrow Vita Mix container.
Its possible that the Blendtec blends faster because the bottom of the container is wider.. the food is closer to the blade. I dont think food heats up as much in the Blendtec
What I like Best about the Vita Mix? Dont know.. the looks… and the variable speed… but I like both Blenders the same for function … I like the Blendtec better only for the wider container that is easier to get into … it has speed control via the electronic pad… so the Vita Mix doesnt get too far ahead for its variable.
As far as I can see…
Both blenders perform about the same.
I am guessing the Vita Mix would do a small amount of something better than the Blendtec because the bottom is more narrow.. In the Blendtec a small amount sits under the blade..
I bought both to see if there was a difference that mattered…. with the idea I would sell one after I decided which suited me better
Kept the Blendtec sold the Vita Mix… only because of the wider container.
I may never know if one is the better blender…. it was hard to pick which to pass on.
I dont know why Vita Mix is more expensive… maybe because the name is already well known in the household market esp with raw foodists … Blendtec is just getting their name around household kitchens.
And that’s what I learned from having both blenders…
I hope it helps someone.
Check out my comparison. I had my 5000 for a few years before getting a BT, but I prefer the 5000 because of the tamper, variable, and smoother consistency. I make lots of nut butters and don’t even bother with the BT anymore. Not planning on selling either at the moment as I have the 64 oz jar on the BT and we use that to make large amounts of margheritas (110 oz at a go) beyond 110 oz the 64 oz container blends HORRIBLY so don’t buy into the “you can fill it to the top” BS the sales guys go into.
We are trying to go vegan at our house and I have two friends who have been vegan. They both have VM’s and I decided to get one. I asked at a local Costco when VM would be there to demonstrate. Luckily they were coming the following weekend. I went to the demonstration, was impressed, and bought my VM. They had the spice mix for sale.. tempting but too expensive. The following week, I went to another Costo near by and they were demonstrating the BT. I was not as impressed with the demonstration. One time the person had to stop the machine and rearrange things to get it going. The soup was more like a broth because there were no pieces in it. They did use the taco seasoning that Costco sells. That impressed me. They kept saying how much better the BT was than the VM. Both have recipe books with them. I really like the VM book. The BT book may have really great recipes.. but the VM has pictures of most of their recipes and it is in a hardbound binder that bends in half so it stands up for you. Very nice. The BT book is paperback and I didn’t notice any pictures as I skimmed through it. I began wondering if I had done the right thing.. so I looked on the internet and found this site. Thanks for all the input. I already have a mill for my grain, so I don’t need that feature. I have decided to stick with the VM but I think both of them are great machines. Also.. I am quite sure, but will have to ask Costco, that they always extend warranties on products bought there. So, I am thinking that my 7 year warranty will actually be longer. Perhaps 10 years. I will check and report back here for anyone wanting to know. Oh.. I have only had my machine for 5 days and so far I have made Taco soup, Chocolate Tofu Pudding and Orange Sorbet and they were wonderful. We are going to begin having green drinks in the mornings. Yum!
Hands down Vitamix.
I’ve owned a VM 5000 for 5 years and got a BT at Costco a year ago.
Overall satisfaction with purchase:
VM = 90%
BT = 70%
I like my BT, don’t get me wrong, but after having both side by side the things I thought I’d like about the BT (presets, wider container, dull blade) are what I think give it an Achilles heal of sorts.
1) VM makes smoother smoothies, soups, and juices. I can run the BT smoothie cycle a few times and get a smoother consistency, but when we use ice we always find chunks in the BT, very rarely in the VM. I feel this is because their focus is on dull blades on pulverization while VM is sharp blades.
I made two identical smoothies. I ran the VM for the same amount of time as the the BT. The result was a silky smoothies out of the VM and a smoothie that was very good, but had “bits” in it coming out of the BT. In this area the VM beats the BT so greater power is wasted on pulverization and dull blades.
2) VM comes with a tamper that is SAFE to use during operation (i.e. not 3rd party void your warranty stuff). Not only that the VM guys know you need the tamper the BT guys tell you you don’t but trust me make a nut butter once and you’ll be wishing you had a tamper in the BT. In the VM I can make one in 60-90 seconds. In the BT it takes 5-8 min and that is with a year of practice. First time it took me around 15 min.
A tamper is also a must with the BT when using frozen fruits. Even today at Costco – the BT guys are there this week – and there machine was hit with the “underground ice cavern” (when the blades carve out a cavern in the frozen slush. He said it was that he used too much cream but then he stopped the machine and used a spatula to push the contents back into the blade. A nice air bubble splattered frozen stuff over him and the table… All this while having just told us why the VM is inferior because you NEED to use a tamper.
With the VM I RARELY use a tamper, but I know I’ve got it when I need it (nut butters, sorbets, and the occasional “frozen up” smoothie).
3) Variable ANALOG speed. Presets are nice, but when you want manual control your in a world of hurt on the BT. Sure you can do it but a much slower process. The presets are nice, don’t get me wrong, but they’re quickly proven to be a novelty.
—-
Finally there is a philosophical difference between BT and VM. VM sells itself by selling the virtue of health living. Every time they come to Costco, Sams, or a Home show they draw large crowds that cheer on the very enthusiastic demo guys. These guys tell you why their machine is better than a run of the mill blender. They tell you the blades rotate at 180+ mph as compared to 30 in a normal blender. Sure this is when there is no load on the blades, but it makes the point. They then demo demo demo.
BT on the other hand seems dull. Their only draw, the “will it blend” videos. They also talk very little about standard blenders and instead focus on comparing themselves to VM. Not only that but in the 3 years they came to our Costco they only made smoothies if they had a crowd but the smoothies are what bring the crowd so the rule was not crowd. They seem to have changed this though for this latest demo (this week). The only reason I even bought was from watching the “Will It Blend” videos and being drawn by the presets.
Case in point, VM always sells out their machines at Costco, rarely, even in this economy, leaving a machine unsold. BT on the other hand always seems to struggle to sell more than 10-20% of the machines they bring. Why is this?
Perhaps, and this is my opinion, VM sells you the virtue of a healthy eating in a simple (analog variable) machine. They demo the product 90% of the time they are at Costco and talk 10% of the time. Finally VM compares itself to standard blenders, selling the audience on why the 400 dollar blender is a blender you need and not why their 400 dollar blender is better than the other 400 dollars blenders.
BT on the other hand has a computerized digital blender. Sure it’s easy to use, but once you get it in your kitchen you start to say man it would be nice if this thing had a dial or some easier way to go from 0 to 100%. The demo guys demo 0-30% of the time and talk 70-100% of the time. Finally, their sales guys tell you why their blender is better than the other 400 dollar blender, not why you need the 400 dollar blender to begin with. And to boot when they do so they attack the very things that experienced users of both machines would actually say are pluses on the VM side.
At todays Costco Demo a kid said “Can I make these with my blender at home” The BT guy seemed confused. His response was “yes but this is the ONLY blender you can make this sort of stuff on” The kid wasn’t convinced, but in his defense, at no time did the BT guy say what the difference between BT and say a run of the mill Hamilton-Beach was. To the kid it was just a blender being sold buy a guy, a salesman at that.
VM on the other hand is sold by people who live the lifestyle. People who IMHO are passionate about it. Not to say that BT usres aren’t passionate about their machines, but the BT guys selling at Costco aren’t users or at least hardcore users. I find this is the rule with BT demo guys, I’m sure there are ones who are passionate, but with VM I’ve never seen the case where the demo person was not a rabid enthusiast who wanted people to see the virtue of healthy eating.
Perhaps I’m biased, but I do own both, and belive me when I purchased the BT I was stoked. Again I love the BT, but the one thing I see is BT is a gadget, VM is a lifestyle.
Both work equally well, BT just needs to learn that the first job is to sell the person on the 400 dollar bit, and not comparing to the other 400 dollars competition… That, and they need to realize that they need to sell a tamper AND they would consider an analog dial for manual speed selection.
VM has take a book out of the BT page with some of their design, BT should do the same. Competition is good.
Just my 2 cents.
The first part of this post was very informative. The 2nd, not so. I, too, have seen both VM and BT demoed in Costcos and did not notice any of these differences you mention in the respective salespeople. In fact, both VM reps I spoke with did nothing but put down the BT, while the BT reps spoke very highly of VM while pointing out the differences. As far as whether they “walked the walk,” both VM reps I saw looked and acted like they were “at work” while the BT reps appeared to truly have a passion for what they were doing. The BT reps did use microphones and talked consistently while they demoed the machines. The VM reps seemed to enjoy their “break” from talking while their machines were running. I don’t know about you, but when I’m about to spend $400 on something I’d like to hear as much as possible about it. I’ll trust my own instincts to weed out the fluff from the important stuff. What I take from this is that the salespeople should not be the determining factors when purchasing. I still haven’t purchased yet. I simply don’t have that kind of money. I’m leaning one way but until I can afford one I will continue to see both in action as often as possible.
BTW I agree that the share blades of the VM make cleaning out all the contents a pain sometimes but I do have a solution for cleaning up excess nut butter mess.
1) make a chocolate based smoothie after making a nut butter smoothie, especially peanut butter. Makes a great PB-Chocolate smoothie
I also went to the local BedBathBeyond and got a set of spatcuals that included a very long but narrow spatula that works wonders in the VM. It’s all about practice, but I agree this is one area where I prefer my BT’s wide container and dull blades (though again I prefer the RESULTS produced by the sharp blades of the VM even though they may be a pain to clean up when making some nut butters). As far as smoothies go I don’t spatula out every last bite out. I use to, but after 5 years of doing this I realize there will always be a little waste I can’t consume.
CHARLES
do you have the blendtec with the 4 inch blade?
I foolishly sold my vita mix when i got my blendtec… but now my daughter wants a machine and I wish i did more comparison so I could advise her on which might suit her better.
Can you say which blender might suit which uses better… not everyone makes the same thing.
Thanks
I was wondering if the Blendtec can chop food like carrots, onions, or even egg. VitaMix claims it can do the work of a food processor, but BT doesn’t. It seems like the BT would obliterate the veggies or hard-boiled egg. Any thoughts?
Yes. The Blendtec will obliterate hard boiled eggs. SOmeone earlier did a good post on how you CAN run the VM on a slower speed when you do not want to liquify things. (eg dips, omelettes, egg salad)
I think that is a big advantage to the VM – although I have BT.
I did all the reasearch. Bascially the basic blendtec tha tyou can buy at bed bath and beyond and everywhere else is the same level as a commercial Vita-prep 3 1005. The residential vita mix 5200 is not as powerful as the Blendtec.
Yet the Blendtec you can for about the same price as the weaker vita 5200.
I use the blendtec and it works really well. I was considering stepping up to the vita prep 3 1005 but the blend tec actually has high amps than even the vita prep 3 1005.
The blendtec works great and I use it often for wet and dry materials. Save some money and get the more powerful blendtec over the vitamix. I don;t work for blendtec or vitamix.. peas out
Newbie point of view:
I had been using my 28-year-old Oster for green smoothies until I bought my Blendtec, so of course I’m going to say that I’m thrilled with it!
I’ve only used it for green smoothies so far (these are per Robyn Openshaw’s instructions in her book Green Smoothies Diet)–these consist of kale, 2 collard leaves, and around 8 C. of spinach, along with 2 apples, banana, and some pineapple.
The “programmable settings” were not what I expected. I thought I would be able to program in my own speeds–for example, make button #1 go low for 2 minutes on speed #2 and then high on speed #6 for 1 minute–but no. The machine has preset programs of speeds and times and MY choice is to decide what preset program I want button #1 to have. Bummer.
Because Robyn’s instructions say to blend the veggies and THEN add the fruit and blend them, that’s what I’ve been doing. I agree with posters above that just pushing the program for making smoothies (or actually, for green smoothies you’re supposed to use the Whole Food/Whole Juice program) won’t be enough, but since I came into it expecting at least 2 run-throughs, that doesn’t bother me at all.
Absolutely love it–sooo easy to empty, sooo easy to clean, sooo easy to use.
I bought mine for $318 from 2-life.com with free shipping (a St. Patrick’s day sale).
Hello Everyone,
I love how everyone has done so much research on both products. They are both amazing machines. Its a lifestyle change for one and each one has a little something different to offer than the other. I actually work for Blendtec. I do the shows in the Costco’s in Oregon and some lower parts of Washington. Some of the fact’s I have been reading are incorrect and it seems like there might actually be some salesman in here as well for there companies. Now these two are the top two companies. If you go with either you will be happy, now any recipes you make at home are going to come out differently based on multiple factors. Frozen/Whole/Liquid to Solid/ Amount of Moisture in the fresh fruit or vegetables you are using. I am not here to just sell our blender. I do believe in my product but my background is to promote nutrition. Each company has thousands of extremely happy customers. Any questions feel free to ask, I will give you an honest answer. Happy shopping and I hope you find what you are shopping for. Now just so you know Hp3a and the total blender there are two difference right away. One is Costco doesnt carry the Hp3a just the total blender at the roadshows. The Total blender is 3 Peak Horsepower meaning when at its highest speed its using the higher power and Vita’s Newest one is a 2.2 Peak. Now Peak means the same neither will use the full amount continuously. Hp3a has a 1-4 you get a programming card and have to manually program it. Its not that difficult to do. Total blender you do not it has them already done. Hp3a actually is a 12amp less watts. Than the Total blender which has 13 amps. When at the Costco roadshows we sell the Total blender from Blendtec for 379.79. You also get a 7 year warranty when you purchase through there.
Replying to my own I was focused on a video and went off on a tangent sorry. Happy health everyone!
Hey there I had never heard of Blendtech till now and have been using a breville and have loved it but after reading your post and going to the company site and watching the demo I have since sent my husband to costco as they are on demo right now. You just made a sale for just being honest about it. I have used vita and did not like it because of the tempar stick. Good job there …
Thanks for your insight.
I’ve been using Vita-Mix for over two years. I mean heavy use, as we are eating 80% raw and this machine became our workhorse.
We are very happy with it – it blends smoothies, butters, soups juices etc. Very powerful and effective. I wish they could make glass containers for it, but they say that vibration and speed are eliminating this option.
The drawback I could say only one – whn i blend powdery stuff (like nuts to make almond powder or sesame seeds) they heat up very quickly and become sticky and extract oil out of nuts or seeds.
And recent discovery of food leftovers under the blade made me a bit worried – now I will make sure I clean container immediately after use – still have to make sure it was my fault that pieces of food got stuck there.
thanks for all your comments you’ve made me reach my decision and I am going for (drum roll)….both are great blenders….but I am going to have to go with the Blendtec…..just seems the ideal choice for my needs and budget. Again thank you to everyone….healthy living to all
Thanks for all the comments. I am also debating which to buy. I went with Costco since they have a LIFETIME return policy on both models and I am not sure I will use $400 worth of blender. We will see in the next couple months
There is also a warranty extension for the BT (previously noted). I saw the BT advertised here for $50 less, but determined the Costco ‘no questions asked’ policy was worth $50…
this video says it all http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0Nx52bpuV0&feature=related
the blendtech came out with a 4″ blade and a larger bpa free carafe that looks like it’s well worth the money for this and the selling factor for me is it doesn’t oxidize the food as much as the smaller carafe on the blendtech or the vitamix.
Darn, I bet the one at Costco doesn’t have the larger carafe! errggg and I am sure they are expensive!
it’s $429 at therawfoodworld.com It’s the only place you can buy the motor and the large carafe without having to get the smaller one too. also if you put in ‘rawfood10′ you get 10% off your order, making it cheaper than the smaller blendtech or vitamix. Now that’s a deal!
I haven’t used either blender(s), but based on your review, I will have to lean towards the Blendtec model. Cost is a major factor in deciding which product to buy, but quality is also high on my list. Given the facts, the Blendtec model has similar quality traits (although not as top notch) as the Vitamix, so my decision is made… Thanks for a great review.
.-= Check out kim@ ninja blender´s last blog post: Making a Smoothie with the Ninja Master Prep Blender =-.
I’ve had my BlendTec for about three years and I love it. Rock solid, no problems, and I haven’t found anything it won’t chop including ice cubes, and a wide variety of fruits. Best smoothies, guaranteed! A notable stat is that the motor has more HP than my lawn mower!
.-= Check out Larry´s last blog post: A ZinFull Weekend =-.
Ok I dont know about the blendtech but I have used the vita mixer and I own a breville and I love the breville for smoothies over the vita mixer. I would load the breville the same way I would the vita mixer and my breville had no problems and the tamper thingy had to be used in the vita. Once I load my contents in the breville I just let it go and it is equally as smooth as the vita. It handles full size carrots, celery, skins and much more breaking it down to a smooth texture. I might upgread to the newer model breville that looks like the vita mixer.. Happy blending..
I just sent my husband to by a blendtech after reading the reviews and researching in the last hour. It seems to put vita out for me. I never was sold on vita but I am sooo sold on blendtech.
So glad to have found your site, just saw a Vitamix demo in UK and it seems we pay same figure in UK pounds as dollars! This makes it very expensive However I was looking on ebay and all Vitamix come from US (expensive shipping etc.) But, finding this site made me search for Blendtec and there is more choice and they available in UK. However, can anyone tel me the difference between – HP3A, Total, and Express? Also is 2,500 cycles good or bad?
Thanks for reading.
Diana
Oh, and has anyone any info on – Waring Pro Classic – made in US and much cheaper than the other 2?
Diana
I have a Blendtec I bought in Feb 2010. – I found a good price on it, and couldn’t afford $130 more for the Vitamix.
I am not happy with it. It REALLY needs a tamper. I can’t believe that they advertise it doesn’t need one! When making smoothies, if the fruit is a little frozen (which most people like in their smoothie) it can’t blend it. You have to stop & stir many times. I’ve tried to make nut butter & also had to stir many many times. Cavitation is a real problem.
Michelle,
I have had y blentec about a month and I think the key for me is not packing the veggies (fruit) in the bottom too tight. Also, I was advised (and it works) that I needed to add a bit of water before blending my smoothies. Both of these things have helped the few times I have had problems. Altering the speed is also helpful (smoothie program does this automatically)
Anyone is concern about the plastic containers? Do you know of a high-power blender like the Vita-Mix with a glass container?
Pascale: I have read that neither vitamix or blendtec does a glass jar because the vibrations caused by the high speed blade would be dangerous and possibly cause it to shatter/break….
OUCH!
VITA-MIX INFRINGES BLENDTEC’S PATENT
U.S. Federal Court Judge rules against Vita-Mix in four-year long court battle http://www.blendtec.com/Commercial/news/details/3f408d51-a2e2-4176-a7c0-d0b42c2ebdeb
I THOUGHT something was awry when I saw the square jars w/single, wide blades being used on VitaMixes @ my local Caribou Coffee. Whaddya know, I was right! While I can kinda see that the wide, single blade w/upturned ends & having it built into the jar is more of an NSA-approval thing than a BlendTec ripoff, that doesn’t explain how/why the shape of the jar would be cloned.
And bottom line, having ALL of their new, commercial drink-blender jars does indeed fly in the face of the sales pitch they use on their home machines! http://www.vitamix.com/foodservice/products/accessories_beverage.asp
VM owners might wanna go grab those VM XP jars while they last (they DO look nice, though!).
http://www.jlhufford.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=vita-mix-xp-container-48
http://www.jlhufford.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=vita-mix-xp-blade
I meant to say
“…having ALL new VM commercial drink-blender jars be so BlendTec-esque does indeed fly in the face of the sales pitch they use on their home machines!”
Blendtec vs Vita Mix?? Read no more the final verdict is in! I own both the Vita mix and blendtec, Here are some important points. Be aware I have no ax to grind with either company, This is an objective review 1)Both are very good (powerful)blenders 2)The Blendtec makes more noise, sounds as though it might be a bit more powerful but its hard to tell. 3) The gear connection between the base and the carafe is thicker and appears to be of a better quality on the Vitamix.After a few uses with the blendtec on high speed, if you wipe the base with a white paper towel you will notice traces of a fine black powder 4)The Blendtec is 4 inches shorter and looks more domestic while the Vitamix looks more commercial 5)Without question the Vitamix makes creamer and smoother drinks.6) Blendtec is a bit easier to clean because of its wide base at bottom 7)Both blenders form a vortex and pull contents to bottom. The blendtec seems to do so more violenty, as it pushes the contents up then pulls it down.Vitamix vortex seems more consistant.8) With blendtec from time to time contents gets stuck and needs to be pushed down 9) Vita mix has a much lower RPM speed setting and therefore makes better salsa. 10) Controls on the blendtec are preprogramed while you have more control with the vitamix. I like vitamix controls better. My personal choice is the Vitamix, although I can tell you that you won’t go wrong with either.
Hi all,
Someone was just singing the praises of her vita mix to me today and I had to look to see exactly what that is…Now, I want one!
This thread is the best source of info on comparing these two models that I’ve found.
However, I’m with Pascale….Do you folks really make hot soup in plastic pitchers? I don’t even like the idea of plastic for cold smoothies but hot foods in plastic sounds like a really bad idea. That alone would turn me away from either blender.
Do the older models of vitamix use plastic pitchers too?
John
All,
This has been the most informative site, although it has been a long read. I have been researching the Vita-mix for so long now – trying to justify spending $395 on a blender. In fact, I am getting married at the end of the month and my husband-to-be asked me how much this Vita-mix was and I asked him not to make me tell him!
In the end, I’ve decided that, for us, the Vita-mix is going to be what I purchase. Here’s why:
1. My fiance and I are not healthy and certainly not eating the vegetables and fruits that we should (sadly, not even close). So, my main use is going to be whole food smoothies. I read that the Blendtec simply doesn’t emulsify the way the Vita-mix does and I don’t like chunky drinks. This was the biggest factor for me.
2. 7 year warranty. I think spending about $65 more on the Vita-mix than the Blendtec is worth it. That’s about $15 per additional year. I also read that so many people have owned their Vita-mix for years and years, but only a couple have owned their Blendtec for long period of time. That made me weary about the Blendtec and why they’d only warranty their product for 3 years.
3. The slower wet-chopping and blending action of the Vita-mix. The next thing I would use this item for is chopping things like onions, celery, and cabbage for salads. Honestly, this is my least favorite job in the kitchen and I do it often because I’ll make salads (both the green kind and the creamy kind) in large batches for church dinners and luncheons that we have weekly and quarterly. This action actually got me excited!
4. There are some things that are just not important to me – like grinding my own grains. I rarely eat bread and have no desire to make any of my own. I don’t think that I’ll need the extra container for said process. But, if I did need it in the future, I’d likely just buy a grinder. Another unimportant factor is size or style. I have a tiny kitchen. But, I only have a coffee maker and then this blender will be on my counter (remember I don’t eat bread, so no toaster), so I may have to set the container next to the base. Plus, the food left over in the bottom seems like it can be solved with a long handled hard spatula. So no biggie either way there.
5. I like the idea of control from the knobs. I really am impatient and don’t think I’ll enjoy trying to figure out which setting I need to use when I can more easily just turn it on and spin some knobs. Plus, I like the idea of “customizing” or being in charge of the speed (I might be a little bit of a control freak).
6. The tamper seems like something I’d want to have.
Overall, I’m mostly concerned about longevity and smooth smoothies and these were the deciding factors.
Now…what to say to my future husband to justify the price?!?
Rachel
I just want to clarify about the Blendtec that I have never had chunks in my green vegetable smoothies. Yuk! I don’t eat veggies like I should either, so I bought the Blendtec for the sole purpose of making green smoothies. I drink over a quart a day, and believe me, there is no way I would want to drink a chunky or gritty or thick drink. The Blendtec does the job just fine and I love my green smoothies!
Rachel,
You might try Ebay if the $ are that important. The friend who told me about her Vita Mix is a Naturopathic Dr and she got hers on Ebay for $185. YMMV…..
Thank you, Localhero!
I did just that and have placed a bid on one on ebay a minute ago!
I’m excited and hope I don’t get screwed in any way shopping ebay again…But, I can’t beat the price I’m seeing.
Thanks again,
Rachel
Blast! I didn’t win the ebay auction. But, I know someone who can give me the Costco/Sams Club deal, even though I don’t have any membership.
I really want my Vita-mix!
Sorry you missed it, Rachel. Were you going for a new one or used one? I’m cautious with Ebay but have had mostly good luck. (I bought my car on Ebay)
Can anyone tell me the differences between the 3600, 4500, 5200 etc? Again, do any of these have a glass pitcher or do I have to go back further in their history?
John
Answering my own question somewhat, I see that the 3600 series on Ebay has stainless pitchers. Does it make any practical difference if you can’t see thru the pitcher? (I realize it might be “fun” to watch things vaporize, but is it necessary?)
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