Do You Really Need to Spend $500 on a Blender? | Gear Heads
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- Опубліковано 6 тра 2024
- Blenders are vital for tons of recipes like smoothies, margaritas, hummus, and more. We've tested high end models, inexpensive models, and everything in between. Is a high end blender really worth the money?
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Buy our winning inexpensive blender: cooks.io/3hBq5Vg
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I have my grandmother's Vita-mix that she bought in the 50s(?). It has a stainless steel canister and still runs great. Even as a kid, I was told "be careful with the blender, it was very expensive ". I guess we got our moneys worth as it is on the 3rd generation!
Old is gold
The question is" Are the new crop of blenders built to last?" Everything seems to be built to fail these days.
Very impressive that you are still able to use your grandmother's Vitamix!
I have one of those as well, got it for 30 bucks on craigslist. The square canister design doesn't incorporate certain ingredients as well as modern designs but holy cow the 2 horsepower motor is an absolute beast. Dims the lights when I turn it on.
My granny has her Oyster for over 55 years! After crushed ice! 100O'S of smoothies! Souped purees of Carrots, etc. STILL RUNS LIKE NEW
In my experience, buy the best you can afford, no matter what kitchen tool you're considering. There's a lot to be said for being able to pick up whatever tool you need and having it do the job easily. Whether it's blenders, knives, colanders, or whatever, you'll really appreciate having the best tools at hand.
Just don't too many of them.
My husband did buy the best tools and encourage me to do the same when outfitting my kitchen. Makes getting the job done a pleasant experience.
There are few classic pieces that are 100% worth their price and last a lifetime like The Vitamix blender, Kitchenaid stand mixer, Le Creuset dutch oven and pans, etc... but I don't think that getting the highest end stuff is necessarily always worth it. In a lot of cases getting a decent product that isn't fancy and just does it's job is fine.
Not to mention that not everyone needs a stand mixer or an expensive blender, a lot of people get them as gifts and rarely use them.
That's all well and good, but $500 for a blender is freaking ridiculous. Anyone who disagrees obviously has more money than sense....
@@enlightenedidiot9552 they don't start at 500$
there are lower end/refurbished models for 200$, I recommend the refurbished ones tho because the lower end vitamix model is more noisy from what I've read online. Their refurbished products are like-new some people say. Cosco also sells them at a discount I've heard, I don't live in the us tho so idk how that works.
As my dad always said, "Buy the best you can afford, so you're not always having to replace it, which can cost you more in the long run." So, ta-da, I got a Vitamix, but not until after I could afford it. Since then, I've given one to each of my grown-up kids for their family use. Best investment ever!
@@newlin83 I guess then that money isn't everything
That's a very long-winded way of saying "buy nice or buy twice."
Best mom ever alert! lol
i have the vitamix and its fantastic! got it fro costco! plus we are a best foods mayo household. no need to make that for us. we love the blender for salsa, moles, and enchilada sauce. were mexican :)
Maybe youre Just broke
In 1993 I went to work at a ski resort, and they had a brand new Hobart toaster 4 slice stainless steel $900. Two weeks later it quit working, so they sent it back to Hobart. The manager stopped at the dollar general and got a $12 toaster, and we used it all winter. I went back two years later, and it was still there.
No kidding. I got a $20 immersion blender at the supermarket, and it fits well inside an old cocktail shaker. I haven't tried making almond or peanut butter with it but there's no reason why that wouldn't work. And it's more versatile: you can use it in hot soups or sauces without pouring ingredients back and forth. It's also easier to clean.
@@wastrelway3226 I highly doubt your immersion blender could make almond butter. None I’ve ever seen have the power needed for it.
@@wastrelway3226 The difference is metal vs. plastic gears. For the cheapos expect the gear teeth to wear down and possibly melt with any sort of prolonged heavy duty use.
$900 for a toaster? 😳
@@kalijasin It was made with angels tears
Vitamix 5200 owner here (after owning a Cuisinart $100 blender and then the Breville Hemisphere). Do yourself a favor and just buy the Vitamix once. You'll be glad you did.
DON'T! THE PLASTIC SEEPS. CHEMICALS STAINS EASILY. VERY OVERPRICED TOO. BUY A OSTER GLASS JAR ONE
No thanks.
@@captainamericaamerica8090 If you're concerned about plastic containers seeping chemicals, they have a stainless steel jar as an option.
I bought a Vitamix because I destroyed an Oster glass jar blender trying to make a smoothie similar to the test one.
@@figmo397 be More Careful! We have our OSTER NOW FOR 32 YEARS! GRANNY DOES TOO. WE'VE MADE 100O'S, OF SMOOTHIES! CRUSHED ICE TOO! BLENDED HARD CARROTS! AND NEVER ONE MISHAP!!
@@captainamericaamerica8090 Sounds like a lot of idiots don't know that motors need to cool down or don't care and then blame the appliance.
I bought a Vitamix AFTER my kids were grown and gone. What a mistake-I really could have used it a couple of decades earlier. Now my favorite kitchen gadget.
After your kids are grown and gone is the optimal time to buy nice expensive things for yourself. They’ll last a whole lot longer.
@@karlhungus1569 : yup, my grown daughter came to visit and the first thing she did was start our vitamix on high with a spoon in it.
@@GHinWI nice.
@@GHinWI How high was SHE?
First off, I love Hanna's personality and Lisa's videos are some of my favorites! I received a Vitamix blender (E320) for Mothers Day. I make tamales fairly often. This thing pureed the chili pods so smoothly that I had no need to sieve the sauce after. I am very particular about feeling those chili pod skins in my food...so this was quite a time saver when making something that already takes a long time.
I hate chili and tomato skins! Thanks for your comment. I kept researching and the only thing I found people doing was smoothys. This is good for me because I make chili sauce and lots of marinara sauce almost daily.
How is your Vita mix holding up after 2 yrs? I was considering this model 🤔 I am Mexican so I identified with your review. something that blends Chile good enough to minimize my work load would be a great investment.
This was the most helpful video and demonstration! Thank you! I needed a great blender to help a friend post-surgery to make smoothies and this absolutely helped me make a decision! The Breville is perfect for my needs and I got the exact model and couldn’t be happier. Thank you again for this very helpful and informative comparison!
I know I wouldn't hear the full volume of the units, but it's too bad to have loud music replace the sound of the blenders so we can't hear the motor work with ease or strain.
I came here to say the same thing!
Wanted to post the same thing. Says "the Vitamix is quieter than the other blenders, I want to show it to you in action". Then she does show it, but replaces the actual sound with music. What was the point of that? Let us hear the blenders!
@@freibier It is a loud blender. It might measure on the decible scale, 2-3 db less, but they are loud. I doubt someone can happily make a smoothie when the kids are still sleeping (unless far enough from the kitchen).
What I like about my ancient inexpensive and multi-button Osterizer is that I can remove the blade attachment and screw it onto canning jars of any size. The tiniest jars are great for grinding individual spices or blends/rubs and can hold any extra for later use. Slightly larger jars work for grinding coffee beans, or blending and storing either salad dressings or marinades. The included jar is both narrow at the bottom and wider at top. The money I saved went for an immersion blender and a food processor since few tools do everything well.
StevyD, I had an old Oster blender too and loved it for what you said about Mason jars. Then one day I decided to try to grate some parmesan cheese. Well it blew a hole in the container! My vitamix won't do that! But not being able to take off the blades is a downside to cleaning out the bottom. I don't mean actual cleaning just removing the rest of the contents. I have yet to find a scraper that either doesn't get it all or gets nicked up from the blades.
I bought my Vitamix 5200 in Nov of 2009. After near daily use it still runs like a champ. I did have to replace the blade assembly a year back, not because the blades were worn out but because the blade bearings went south allowing the contents of the container to leak through the worn seals. That blender is the best kitchen tool I’ve ever bought and the one I’d want with me on a deserted island.
I bought my first Vitamix a couple months ago. I would argue that it's louder than my vacuum cleaner, but it does an unbelievable job on making silky smoothies.
I would agree mine gets loud when it's on the higher settings but it also vibrates my counter and everything on it which makes the noise even louder.
@@hamie58 put a damp towel under it
I always put ear protective ear muffs on when I use mine.
My parents bought an Osterizer in the 1950's, I bought a Vitamix used it once and it's collecting dust in the basement, my daughter bought a Ninja and when she moved out, we made her take it with her. My Osterizer has a food processor attachment and an ice crusher attachment that makes perfect snow cones. I still prefer my old Osterizer! .
@@lamarrharding4776 that’s cool it’s still going strong 60 some years later!
I use to have a pretty old Osterizer blender. It's only setting was on or off. It certainly had no finesse, but I'm pretty sure it could liquify a cinderblock if you wanted it to.
THEY ARE BEST. MY GREAT GREAT STILL WORKS HERS
My Osterizer is about 50 years old and has 10 settings. Weighs a ton because it's metal with a glass container. I still use it and dread the day it finally gives out. But it may outlive me!
Osterizer beehive👍
I agree, mine is from 1961, weighs a ton, and it has two speed settings, which is more than I usually care to use. If I want it blended, I want it blended.
@@vbachman6742
Please....price??
Thank you in advance.
P.S. would Target have these??
Yeah, the $500 price point was a hurdle. However, I've had my Vitamix for over 6 years and don't know what I ever did without it. Wanted to share that the most interesting use I've put it to so far was making creme brûlée's -- I'm always a little anxious about tempering the eggs so I moved the hot custard mix from the stove top to blender, blended the eggs into the mixture in the Vitamix and then back on the stove top, it was perfect!
i have a fresh and furious and i LOVE the pre-programmed time settings. the variation in the start up and pulses really helps get the ingredients blending right. I used to have a vitamix 5200 like 9 years ago. I had so many issues and had to use the plunger to get anything to blend correctly. I eventually sold it on craigslist and moved to the Blendtec Pro Designer. I LOVED the wildside jar becaues i never had to use the plunger anymore! I think if you care a lot about the aeration than that's probably important, I dunno it never seemed like a problem, I would just stir it with a spoon once i poured into my glass if it was too foamy. That being said, I use the fast and furious for smaller jobs and one serving smoothies, I still use the blendtec for any sort of soup or anything that nees to be blended until a boil. I also love using the special nut butter jar it came with, with the side scrapers, it makes making nut butters so easy and LUSH!!
For as much as you liked the Breville and I too liked it when I purchased it, it’s longevity is marred by the jug and it’s poor quality ball bearing seals. I had to purchase a new jug when my glass one had the bearing go bad due to contamination from foods going in it. It literally smelled like it was catching on fire. Turns out the part was not replaceable so Breville kindly sold me a new jug at full retail price…. That was about a year ago and just a week ago, the plastic replacement jug is doing the same thing. Their bearing seals are horrendous… we don’t use it in any way that would be considered harsh or continuous in our home kitchen. Three or four times a month for a minute or so at most to make juices. When working, it’s as you describe. But unfortunately, it’s quality lacks severely in the most important part of the machine, it’s seals.
I had the nutribullet and had the same issue you faced. After googling it, it’s apparently a common issue. After that I swore never to buy a nutribullet again.
I had a Breville once too. POS. Williams-Sonoma kindly replaced the first one for free. The replacement was equally crappy. I have been using a Jamba Juice model, made by Hamilton Beach commercial - still going strong after six years of fairly heavy use (lots of hummus).
Breville used to be a great company that made their own products.. Now I think they are just being used as a badge for random Chinese products..
I have both a Vita-mix and a Nutri-bullet Rx. While I don't have anything bad to say about the Vita-mix, it is pretty large. It lives on top of my fridge, next to my kitchen aid and 95% of my blending gets done with my nutribullet. It's smaller, a bit quieter, and works just as well on my morning smoothies.
I went with blendtec 8 years ago. I love it, but I have noticed the frothiness you mentioned.
AMAZING REVIEW. LOVE YOUR channel, I was unsure of what blender to buy and I trust you so much I bought what you suggested without hesitation. Please keep it up
I love my Vitamix 5200! I got it as a result of your recommendation. I can make a smooth Veloute that’s smoother than I ever thought possible. I’m not surprised the Breville makes a good mid-sized model. I love their products, including their hand blender.
I've had my Vitamix mixer for 18 yrs and still running. I grind coffee in it, make smoothies, cream soups, dog food. I've loved it!
I’ve had a Vitamix for over a decade. It is worth the investment, IMO. Great for making almost anything from soup to sorbet.
I like to make mayo right in my serving jar with an immersion blender. No washing up a big blender cup. 💖🌞🌵😷
Vita Mix has an immersion blender on the market now.
Is it the best on the market?
Hey, ATK.
I've done that but prefer to use a food processor, it seems quicker and makes a firmer mayonnaise. I drilled a small hole in the bottom of the innermost plunger in my food processor to let the oil drizzle in unattended. Immersion blenders can't do that. I have also made mayonnaise in a blender (the Vitamix 5200) but getting the mayo out of the blender was annoying.
@@ritahall8148, hmmm? My receipt for mayo is pretty simple. You put all the ingredients in the jar, place the immersion blender over the egg yolk, push the blender all the way to the bottom, turn the blender on and slowly pull the blender to the top. There's no drizzling oil. So, Yes! My immersion blender can beat that! Besides, I don't have to transfer it out of the blending bowl. I make it right in my fancy serving jar and if there's anything left, the lid goes on and into the fridge with no fuss, no muss. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. 😷
@@borisbeverton5998 I just got one to replace a really old cuisinart stick blender. I like the vitamix two part design ( easy to clean) but so far I’ve not been overly impressed by its performance. It’s okay … I occasionally use it for individual smoothies ( which I never tried with the old immersion blender) but my ninja does a better job ( it’s just too noisy to use in the morning). The docs say the vitamix can handle ice, but I have found it struggles, unless you add really tiny ice cubes. I also find the amount of food that gets trapped under the cap/blade is wasteful. If you’re using it for processing small amounts, and then half is left behind, what’s the point. It’s easy to clean the blades - but it’s not easy to get the food out if you’re planning to actually eat it.
The vitamix is not demonstrably better than less expensive immersion blenders on the market. It does have a little plastic guard on the bottom which may keep it from scratching pans - it’s been too hot to make soup, which is my go_to test for stick blenders.
I have the Breville Fresh & Furious (which I purchased based on reviews from ATK and many others) and couldn't be happier. I just couldn't justify the cost of a Vitamix for how often I use a blender. The Breville is a beast and it easily goes through anything I put into it, including making various nut butters which most other blenders struggle with.
Curious how does it handle frozen fruit smoothies? My Breville Boss 910XL is having issues after 8 years (1 year out of warranty of course lol) and Breville wants $200 to repair/send me a refurbished model. I'd rather just buy a new one although my issues seems like an easy fix. I'm debating on getting the fresh and furious if it can blend just as well as the boss can. I would like a Vitamix A3500 but not paying $650 for that.
@@RonnRicco perhaps you can check QVC from time to time, to see if they are having a special sale on them. With them you are able to make a few monthly payments!!! Just a thought.
My mom and grandma had an Osterizer that lasted well over 15 years. And they were tough on it! Like making roasted pumpkin seeds into purées.
Edit: this was like made in the 80s. I’m sure quality has gone downhill since then.
My gramps still uses hers! Alot. For 70 years now. Only needed a cord twice
bought a Osterizer and it died from minimal use.
Yes! My grandmother's from the 70's lasted with me until 2010 or so! DO NOT think you will get this longevity with a newer one. I am STILL using my grandmother's 70's Oster food processor! In 2021! It was hard to crush soft drink cans and to collapse cereal boxes in the 70's, too. 😉
I still have the osterizer that my folks bought 68 years ago & it still works.
Always had an Oster👍
I do have a Vitamix and LOVE it. I’ve had it for over 10 years. Also have an immersion blender and use it for soups.
I LOVE my Vitamix. I purchased it 17 years ago. Still works like brand new. I burned up an Oster motor (many years ago) and I do not like the Blendtec at all. It just did not puree well without adding a lot of air. This weekend I made kid friendly pina coladas with frozen pineapple and a can of coconut milk. Easy, smooth and the kids loved them.
I love your reviews, they feel very true and honest! I have a small space and have been interested in all in one blenders that have the food processor, blender and smoothie jar. There aren’t too many options, and sometimes it’s not possible to get everything in one, but man would it save me space! Can you try a review in all in one blenders?
Hey! Have you found one? I’m in the same situation
I'd suggest going all the way and getting the Vitamix. (Although I hear good things about the nutribullet) I didn't try these specific mid range blenders but I went midrange when I was in Germany and blew through 3 of them in less than a year! I finally gave in and have now have had my Vitamix for 10+ years and have never had to repair or replace parts yet! I did get a new canister because my old one got scuzzy. I grind my coffee grounds in the dry canister, make oat flour on the fly if I need to in that as well. It makes the absolute best smoothies, banana nice cream, marinara sauce, serves up hot soups, and veg mac & cheese sauce.
I still have a food processor for things like pesto and hummus. Vitamix can do hummus and pesto but I like using my Cuisinart better simply because it's easier to get those kinds of sauces out of the Cuisinart canister.
But yeah, after I got my Vitamix I wondered why I waited so long! (Well, the price tag.... I mean, it cost more than my dishwasher!) This is an item that for real in opinion is worth the money. I appreciate that they manufacture in the USA as well. They offer repairs & replacement parts upping the chances of one repairing an item vs. throwing the whole thing away and buying something new.
I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a Vita-mix since I'm only going to use a blender for smoothies and soups. I will be purchasing the fresh and furious blender. Now I can stop researching blenders. Thank you both. And Lisa, I appreciate your thoroughness on all the products you have tested over the years. (I love the auto clean feature on the fresh and furious. The hemisphere control did not have that as far as I know).
I had thought of buying a new blender, but I still like the Osterizers I grew up with. I am not sure I like how much appliances cost now a days when I think vintage ones work much better and are able to last longer. Companies now charge you an arm and a leg and then expect you to upgrade within a few years.
I've had my same glass Oster for over 30 years and it still works great. Bought a newer blender once because I thought I needed it and I gave it away and went back to the Oster. Recently had a house guest who uses a Vitamix and they loved my old Oster and wants one now. Just need to go to the thrift stores to find another.
still using my avocado green osterizer from the early 70s! have replaced a number of parts, but it's still a workhorse.
The glass jugs (which imho are just one of the great features that modern blenders seem to have left behind) are so vastly superior that it's worth the thrifting time. As a kid, I once knocked my mom's off the counter (onto vinyl; tile probably would have had a different outcome) and it didn't even dislodge the lid: I just picked it back up and continued. Cold stays cold, hot stays hot, and compared to the same base with plastic, the glass jug is far quieter.
P.S. That blender was a wedding gift in 1967, and still does just fine. (Repaired twice, each time as good as new!)
Bought a Ninja Auto IQ this summer. Beats every blender with just blades at the bottom or stick blender! I love it - only a little over $100 and the best I've ever used.
Doesn’t beat a vitamix.
Ninja has plastic grooves and will not last and is not replaceable. Better start that countdown.
I bought a Vitamix less than a year ago to replace a 15 yr old Kitchen aid. Best purchase ever. So easy to use and easy to clean. I don’t avoid using the blender anymore and thus are trying new recipes. My hummus and salsas have never been better!
I got the Breville based on the review in the magazine, and that I wasn’t at a point where I could afford a $500 blender. So far, I have not been disappointed. I make smoothies several times a week and I’ve had it for a little over a year. My smoothies always have various frozen fruit.
Have your blades rusted at all?
@@Sleepyboiwonder nope!
Please do avoid getting water in the under side of the jar. I am already on the 3rd jar because of water damage to the blade bearings. And there was no option to just change the bearings or blade+bearings. I had to buy a new complete jar twice. But apart for that, it really is a great blender. The only reason I didn't get the Vitamix 5200 is because it is not sold in Brazil.
I've known for years, that the Vitamix was top rung of blenders ! Didn't know, or wasn't certain, of other blenders that that could hold its own, if one couldn't afford the high end one, at least right away. Thanx ladies for this valuable information 👍!!!!
I have a Blendtech blender. It's really great and compared to the small nutribullet my parents had before, no one missed it, and I've had the same BlendTech motor base for 6.5 years . Caution: it's loud but the blend is worth it.
Got my Vitamix 5200 when it went on sale during the last Prime Day. Very happy with the purchase. Instead of getting fast food for breakfast every day on the way to work, I'm now doing healthy fruit and spinach smoothies.
Been waiting for this one! You guys are great :)
Bought a Vitamix a few years ago, and haven't regretted it for one second. Soups, smoothies, CRAZY good peanut butter, and frozen drinks - all perfect.
Purchased a 5200 thirteen years ago, and have never regretted it. Vitamix customer service is outstanding. The old saying "you get you pay for" couldn't be more true. Happy blending :)
I bought my vita-mix 10+ years ago and I love it! I don't own a food processor because everything I've needed one for can be done in my blender. We tried to make haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding) in my dad's cheap blender and it totally croaked. Once at home, the two horsepower motor in the Vita-mix pureed raw coconut with no problem. For reference, the motor in the average garbage disposal is about 0.5 hp. My husband got a bad case of motor envy!
One thing most people don't talk about with blenders is the weight. The Vita-mix is heavy, with sturdy rubber feet, so it doesn't dance around on the counter. We had to hold down Dad's blender while it tried to chop the coconut. Until it died.
I like the Blendtec. I don't worry about it dancing off the counter, you can't cut yourself on the blades, it has done everything I've asked it to do excellently.
Blendtec is a decent machine, but saying you shouldn't worry about it dancing is isn't true. It has a lighter base that will hop around a lot more readily than a Vitamix will if the counter-rotational torque has to deal with tough ingredients, so you shouldn't just assume it's going to stay where you put it if you're blending something thick. And neither of these machines are sharp enough to cut anyone, they all use dull blade designs.
I love our Vitamix! I make mostly smoothies, but we've done peanut butter, Nutella, hummus, salsa.....and we have both sized pitchers for it!
My Breville worked well, but the motor burned out within a year. Needless to say, I do not recommend a Breville blender. So I was able to get a credit at the store I bought it from, and paid more for a Vitamix (with the shorter canister). Absolutely LOVE it. Well worth the money. Never a single problem with it. It is a workhorse.
If the motor burned, you have 8 yrs warranty on Breville... 🌸
In far too many cases, it isn't worth the shipping and packing costs to return the item.
I'd love to see a comparison of different Vitamix models -- specifically, how the E310 Explorian stacks up. I've seen a few people in here mention other models that I'd be interested to know more about, too.
Not ATK but:
ua-cam.com/video/g_99S8mysnA/v-deo.html
walked into our St Vincent's and scored a CHAMP3HP for 35 bucks. Still excited about it been making smoothies with it all weekend. before getting this I used a regular blender from the 90s I just made sure stuff was semi thawed or cut to approp . size and it worked just fine
Hello and thank you for letting me comment on your channel, one of the main parts that goes out in these blenders is the gear our the cutting blade. Most of my old blenders had plastic gear and don't last.🤫 Vita Mix blender has a metal gear and last longer. 😁 you pay and gain benefits from your blender you purchase.🤔🤗 I am surprised that this was not mentioned on the review. 🧐
Yeah true, metal gear would be preferable but it comes at a cost and it's not 100% that the bender wont fail. I got the nutribullet and it lasted me 2 years so far, I use the mug to blend more then the pitcher. While it is plastic it seems to be holding up. I would give it 5 more years till it dies, not like the over priced ninja that's crappy. I like using the blender cup becuase it's rare I need to blend anything above 32oz. I think that's the main reason why I bought it. Blend in the same cup you drink from. The pitcher is only used when I have a lot of people to serve.
🤟👍🏾
I just bought the Nutribullet from Costco! Glad to hear it passed the test and luckily for me I hate mayo! 😀
I used to work in the kitchen so I've used that vitamix before I just wasn't sure if it was worth it for me for the price. However I want to start making more soups. I made a roasted vegetable soup the other week that was incredibly delicious and healthy but with the immulsion handheld blender it was quite a messy and lenghty process which still wasn't completely smooth. I forget the brand I have, it's pretty decent I mean I use it for making pesto but even soft cooked vegetables in liquid was too big a task for it.
Anyway, I'll have to look into this a bit more but thanks for the video.
Vitamix was one of the best purchases I have ever made. 5+ years now
I got a refurbished 5200 many years ago after my Hamilton Beach food processor turned itself on all by itself in the middle of the night.
@@ritahall8148 I just wanna know if the Hamilton Beach food processor at least made anything worth eating after it turned itself on. Btw, a refurbished Vitamix 5200 is like new and could possibly outlive you.
I got a vitamix 5200 on Facebook market place for $175.00. Was almost new! Love it
I wish I saw this before I bought my Vitamix A2500. At the time, I wanted a machine that would fit under my cabinets. I didn't realize the payoff was a wide base on the canister that would not be as good as a narrow base. Learned that lesson the hard way.
The 48 oz container (wet and dry) is a narrow base. I use it for smaller batches of less than 4 cups. The larger base of the 64 oz container isn't really a problem with larger batches.
This should’ve included the Pampered Chef Cooking Blender where smoothies in a full capacity gets really smooth, velvety and fine in less than a minute of blending and it’s not as loud as the vitamix, which I also have. The good thing is it’s much less expensive than vitamix.
And not just for smoothies, it does nut milks, nut butters, cooks sauces, purées, soups, jam and baby food! And it has a hot wash preset to clean the pitcher!
I bought the Vitamix A3500 a year ago and I love it.
3:00 glass and jar switcheroo!
i have a hamilton beach bar blender that i've owned for about 30 years now and is still going strong. very simple, 2 toggle switches one is on/off the other is high/low. does everything i've ever needed a blender to do and it was less than $100 new.
I used one 40 years ago when I tended bar! 😉
I’ve had my Vitamix for more than 20 years and it’s still going strong. Worth the money in my opinion.
Years ago I bought a vitamix model with the newer shorter container and I wish I would’ve just bought the 5200. I assumed the newer design would be better, but it just isn’t. As they said in this video, the wider container just introduces more air and seems to create a bubble around the blades way more often than the original container design does. It is still really good though, so I’m not about to spend $500 on the other one now.
The vitamix is expensive, but you can buy replacement parts and they are easy to repair. I've used there products in kitchens for years, and they are worth it.
I really value that non-disposable aspect. Their warranty is fantastic, too.
Thank you for recommending great products and are we all suitable for mixing hot ingredients?
When I got money back from the oil company, first thing I did was get a Vitamix blender. I've always wanted one, and got the latest one that is computerized, with touch key pads, the A3500 High - Performance Blenders Ascent Series. They were having a yearly sale on it at William Sonoma. I thought about getting the 750 but, the A3500 looked so sleek and modern. So far I've made a smoothie using organic baby spinach, pineapple, half an orange, ginger and orange juice. The best thing about a Vitamix is, it really pulverizes the ingredients so it's supper smooth. No bits of spinach stuck in your teeth. Got a recipe for Avocado hummus I want to try.
Have that nutribullet for 2 years now. Love it and it come with 2 cup blender too. Well built. Tamper sucks. Have suction cup on feet so I can shake it when I blend dense frap.
I purchased the Nutribullet about a year and a half ago. I cook for a living and it does everything I ask if it. I would definitely recommend.
Good comparison. Would have liked to see a comparison of warranties which can also factor into your decision.
We have had the Vitamix 5200 for years, with both the tall jar and the short fat one for dry goods (we make flour out of mesquite pods). Flawless flawless flawless.
Yes, I have a 5200 and a Cuisinart stick. Have had both for years and they work great. I like the stick because of all of the attachments.
Hi thank you for the video, not sure your other videos follow this same format, but I was actually hoping you'd mention each of the blenders you did, as the testing methods you use seem quite in-depth and would really help when choosing a machine based on personal preference as usually at each price range they are quite similar minus a few specifics.
They have a website and magazine. You have to pay for that access. This is the free version
I’ve had multiple mid-range and better than mid-range blenders over the years, replacing one every few years and being only modestly satisfied - until I bought a Vitamix 5200 serval years ago. I never looked back and I’ve never had to buy another blender. There is simply no comparison to its performance, durability, and efficiency. It’s so good that, if it were possible, no one should ever buy any other blender.
I don't have a stand blender and have never found that to be an issue. And I don't have a proper stick blender. What I do have is a stick blender accessory for a Braun electric hand mixer. For this marginally adequate cook it is a life saver. I first started using it when making gravy. No lumps for sure! (We do the stuffing in the turkey, and some bits always end up in the gravy makings. They disappear.) Then when making mac and cheese using blocks of sharp aged cheddar. I don't grate the cheddar, just cut it into slices maybe an eighth inch thick, then the slices in half again. As the sauce heats they do start to melt, but this sure stirs things up and saves a lot of time. My third use is similar, making Alfredo sauce. The recipe I use calls for block cream cheese as well as Parmesan. (My parm comes coursely grated.) While it will eventually melt properly it all goes so much faster with the stick blender. Note that all of these uses are in a pot on the stove, cooking.
Another comparison test you did recently put the BREVILLE (top-of-the-line ~ $500 U.S.) in the winner's circle, beating out even Vitamix. You emphasized its NARROW, TAPERED pot as a great feature.
Just used your link to order the Vitamix 5200 in black. I wanted to save a little money and buy it in white, but don’t want to deal with visible stains. Thanks for providing great research.😊
Just made my first nut milk with the nutribullet blender, and i can tell you one thing, it comes out super rich and full of flavour!! I used to always make my nut milk with the small nutribullet smoothie blender but i can really tell the difference.
I bought a Vitamix 5200 in 2012 and never looked back. Then I heard about vacuum blending in 2019. Turned my Vitamix into a vacuum blender and again, have not looked back. A whole different level of creaminess, color and nutrition in the smoothies. Just for fun, I did the same with a Nutribullet Rx. Same results. I wrote to both Vitamix and Nutribullet asking when they are going to sell a vacuum version. Neither had plans. Too bad. Bewildering.
So helpful. I bought a nutribullet at Costco on a whim and I now feel great about the decision!
Love my Vitamix! I bought it almost 20 years ago, and it's going strong.
This was very helpful for the many of us who can’t afford a Vitamix.
2 questions:
1. How do the budget and mid-priced options compare to the Vitamix in terms of results? That is, how much better is the Vitamix than each of the other 2?
2. And can a good immersion blender do as well as one of the mid price and budget blenders (especially if you use the right vessel, e.g., a tall narrow container)?
Love my Vitamix 5200. Only not gripe is that the bottom part of the cup has permanent foggy stain and it’s really hard to clean out tiny bits like flax meal. My 80 year led mom cut her hand trying to scrub it because she figured her adult kid was just as lazy about cleaning as I was when I was a teenager 😜
I went out and bought the nutribulet blender after watching your video. I can’t get the base off for washing. Can you advise? Does it not come off ?
I wonder if you tested the Instanpot "Ace" cooking blender. I don't think they're sold any more. I'll probably get a Vitamix if ours ever dies, but I'm curious how it stacked up.
I love my Vitamix. The newer Ascent series versions have a lot of presets and fancier controls, but for me, two simple toggles and a dial (such as the Legacy 5200 and Exploring series) are better because they are simple, less prone to fail over time and give you ultimate control in what you're doing. The only downside is that because it's powerful and durable, it's a heavy unit. Not so much of a problem if you have enough counter space and can keep the base there at all times, but just be aware that it's not as easy to lug around as some of the lower-cost units, if portability is a concern.
Don’t have a Vitamix and likely never will because I don’t need a blender often enough to justify it. But I agree with your overall premise. Our fridge down stairs with its mechanical temp dial and interior light being the only bells and whistles has outlasted 2 higher tech fridges with door ice/water (now on our 3rd) which, in every case, had something go wrong with the electronics. Our electronically connected (to wall-mounted remote) Casablanca fan was zapped too many times by the thunderstorms in our area and can’t be controlled while the Casablanca fans (same age) with pull chains are doing just fine.
We’re moving and our new fridge will have an ice maker and that’s it. I’ve learned my lesson. (We can’t do away with electronic temp unfortunately).
Mine broke.
Wonderful reviews to watch before I buy one. Thank you so much!
I've wondered... when should I use a blender and when should I use a food processor, for a given task? For example, I'd use a blender when making a smoothie 🥤. I'd use a food processor for making hummus or grinding nuts into nut butter, but I noticed you used a blender. If I owned a blender that can do these tasks, do I need a food processor? A related question... when should I use a food processor vs. a stand mixer (e.g. making dough or doing other tasks)? Bottom line, this video reminded me that I'm unsure of which of my appliances to use for what task! Can you help my befuddled mind by helping me learn which appliance to use when? 🆘 By the way, I use my 4 cup(?) little Cuisinart chopper to make mayonnaise. 😊
I would love to see a video on this too. I have a vita mix but not a food processor
From my understanding, use a stand mixer when you need to knead dough into an elastic dough with a lot of gluten development, and a food processor for things like pastry dough where you are trying to cut ingredients into the flour but don't necessarily want to knead the dough for long periods of time.
@@9sunstar9 Thanks!
I use blender for stuff that can be poured out without scraping, food processor for everything else.
You can generally use a blender and food processor for a lot of the same things. The consistency /texture is where you’ll see the difference. Also high end blenders can do quite a bit more than lower end blenders. They may also have extra blades that you can purchase that can do additional things. Blenders in general are for blending. Something with a smooth finish. Processors are more flexible. If you want a smooth hummus and a chunky salsa, both can be done with processor. You can also slice onions or potatoes, grate cheese, and make mayonnaise.Processors are multi use. Processors are great for prep work. If you aren’t doing a lot of baking and you don’t need a mixer. I personally have a vitamix and a cuisenart (I probably spelled that wrong lol). I also have mini processors for small jobs. I would suggest figuring out what you do the most and figure it out from there. I would also suggest getting the best of whatever you can afford. The smoothies in a high end blender vs low end is a big difference for me (you also loose nutritional value with the cheaper ones. Something about the energy used to power blades heating up or something). Oh! And you don’t need liquid in a food processor.
Thanks so much for the information about the differences in the pitchers. I have a E320 Vitamix & my son's smoothies are frothy...
I have had my vitamix 5200 for over 10 years and it still works like day 1. You can find a great deal on a new one at Costco from time to time.
Thanks for all your expertise and testing!
Been using my old Oster 24 EVERY DAY for 30 years. No problems. Does what I need to do. Worn out a coupla jars and had to resharpen the blades twice.
Could you please comment on which blenders are easiest to clean? Thank you for the informative video.
I had a nutribullet 900 and upgraded it to the Nutribullet winner shown in your video. I absolutely love it!! Its a work horse and makes the best smoothies and margaritas. I got mine at Costco for $80! Also have a fantastic Pamered Chef Deluxe Cooking Blender that is more upscale and is even better than the Vitamix shown as the expensive upscale winner. Wish Pampered Chef was allowed in your test kitchen. Most all their line would blow the competition out of the water. Pricey line BUT definite workhorse catalog full of amazing products!! Love ATK, thanks much for your wonderful videos and information!!
Why is Pampered Chef not allowed in their test kitchen?
@@mikeebrady idk but they have the best stuff
I think I'd have to say good knives are the single best tool I've invested in, but the Vitamix is second place overall but first place as far as appliances and machines. Not a moment's regret with the investment. I do have the shorter model to fit under my cabinets and she's right, smoothies are more frothy, but those aren't a regular part of my diet so no big deal. Makes great peanut butter, though. And last weekend I crushed ice for Mint Juleps, so if I can get a good cocktail out of it I have nothing else to say.
I make a smoothie for breakfast every morning, and I love my Vitamix! It’s worth every penny.
I haven't seen you since the first mandolin video yall did! I bought the breville fresh and furious blender and it works great!
I have had both vitamix and blendtec the issue I found with Vitamix is you have to continuously push the food into the blades with the stick and the design of the blendtec it pulls the food in automatically you say produces more air but I found different results.
We used to have an oster for about 20 years when I was a kid. It was used so it was probably even older. It finally kicked the can when we couldn't find another jar that fit. so we bought a new one. Not top of line but it lasted about 3 years and wasnt the kind where you can replace the bottom gear part. The gears no longer caught the jars bottom. They don't make them like they used to except maybe the expensive ones which defeat the purpose.I hate adding more garbage to the landfill so was looking for something more durable and something that made the smoothy not be half salad chunks.
I probably shouldn’t be sharing this until I’ve secured AT LEAST 4 or 5 for myself (😈 lmao), but one thing some of the cost-conscious folks should know about the Vitamix 5200 is that you have SEVERAL models which are literally IDENTICAL to the 5200 under the hood & nearly identical on the exterior (including the same container being used), with the ONLY difference being the absence of the “5200” marking on the front & the labeling on the rear. And on one of the models, the cooling fan actually comes on at ALL speeds (which, in MY opinion, means you’re extending the life of your motor even further as the cooling fan on the 5200 only comes on at high speed and it can eventually cause it to overheat during use if you’re not remaining mindful of your speed setting & duration of the blend when you’re using it [an issue for ppl like me with ADHD lol]). Not an issue for some, but the thought of my blender overheating & then having to sit & wait 45 minutes before I can use it again TERRIFIES me, & this definitely played a role in my decision-making.
You even have some folks online who will take one of these identical “sleeper” models (OR a 5200, should you own one), let you ship it to em for about $200, they will UPGRADE it with additional functions (pulse, etc), AND they’ll replace the motor with another motor that is quieter AND more powerful than the ones found in the original 5200 (ultimately leaving you with a machine that puts many newer/MUCH more expensive “commercial” models to shame)…
The point is, people will spend nearly $500 for a brand new 5200, not knowing that you can literally get that same blender (used &/or reconditioned online) for HALF that price. You literally just buy the used/reconditioned “base” & a container separately, & I got TWO used bases of one of these other “sleeper” models (one as my “main” blender & one as a “backup”) for less than $100 each just over the past week. Add in a brand-new container at approx $130, & I’m at just under $350 for basically TWO blenders (when TWO brand-new 5200s would have cost me near/over $1000). Factor in the second “additional” container (which I’ll purchase in the coming weeks), & I’m spending roughly HALF of what I would have spent buying TWO brand-new 5200s. Yea, some rich folks watching this won’t care, & yea, I could’ve just bought the ONE base with a new container & spent just under $250 total, but I wanted a spare “backup” base just in case, & I wanted the second container as I may decide to use both for different purposes (one strictly for smoothies/milkshakes, & the other strictly for nut butters/etc).
BOTTOM LINE; Just like the 5200, the identical “sleeper” 5200 models last forever, they still service these, & should you ever need them, genuine/OEM 5200 parts are widely available (including but not limited to the containers which, as stated, you can buy NEW for about $130 [a VERY good idea, as the container/blade is where all the ACTION takes place, & as long as that motor in the base is functioning correctly, it’s like having a brand-new blender if your CONTAINER/BLADE is new 🤪]).
The only real “downside” to going this route is if you ever decide to sell your “sleeper” 5200 model, it will be much harder to make as good of a profit on the sale as folks just aren’t aware of what I mentioned above & won’t spend what they’ll spend on a clearly-marked/hyped-up 5200 (but if you’re like me, you’re already convinced that the 5200 remains the BEST out there [arguably], selling yours is OUT OF THE QUESTION, & if anything, you’ll just UPGRADE it before running out & spending $500+ on a brand new blender). Just a lil tip for my fellow smart shoppers/part-time wannabe cooks out there who like living the champagne lifestyle on a beer budget ❤️
How (fast/finely chopped) do they perform with ordinary ice cubes to make slushies? BTW, as with the other segments, this show ALWAYS shines!
We have a Vita-Mix 5300, but we mostly use the Ninja (10 years old). Both are great, but the Ninja seems a little easier to operate
I bought a Vitamix blender for $400 and used it every day to make a green smoothie. It lasted only a little over 8 years before the bearings in the blade assembly started to seize up and I had to stop using it. I expected a $400 appliance to last much longer than that. Vitamix no longer sells the kit to replace just the blade so I would have to replace the entire container which costs over $100. I looked for a cheaper alternative and ended up buying a 600 watt Oster beehive blender motor base off of ebay for $20. I already had a glass Oster blending jar that fits so I didn't need to buy anything else. I've been using the Oster beehive blender for making my green smoothies every day for the last two years now. It pulverizes everything as good as the Vitamix and I don't miss the Vitamix at all. I would say, save your money, you don't need to buy an expensive blender.
I have the Vitamix 5200 and love it. 7 years old and going strong!
This is exactly the answer I needed. Thank you so much for adding the answer in the beginning of the chapter. God bless you.