Vitamix

[Phog Allen]

Thank you Chris. My somewhat foggy memory of the old Vitamix informercials also seemed to include them showing mixing hot soups and similar with it. Probably best to have both appliances in the long run. I was thinking of the juicer for making blackberry jelly this fall. You can make it with the seeds and pulp but those seeds are a real nuisance at eating time. Totally agree about using the pulp in smoothies and shakes.

Cheers, Todd

[Argonaut]

Mine arrived today. That thing is a beast, the base of it weighs like twenty pounds. I can't wait to pulverize something!

[feralhog]

I can't find the Vitamix with the compact container anywhere. I did find a place that has the CIA Professional series in stock for a decent price. Is there much of a difference between the models? I would prefer one with the 48 oz container so I can fit it under the cabinets, but I'll go with a 64 oz one if it's the best deal I can find.

[Kentos]

The smaller one is more convienient for single servings, but the larger works fine. Not sure about the CIA models.

[superbleu]

I can't find the Vitamix with the compact container anywhere. I did find a place that has the CIA Professional series in stock for a decent price. Is there much of a difference between the models? I would prefer one with the 48 oz container so I can fit it under the cabinets, but I'll go with a 64 oz one if it's the best deal I can find.

I just read a review on amazon saying the CIA model is just a renamed 5200.

you can buy on their website I believe.
https://secure.vitamix.com/Vitamix-Machines.aspx

[Shant]

Not to start a fight or anything, I have a Blendtec and I think it's a bit better than Vitamix. It uses more of a crushing method rather than chopping/slicing. Also, I really like the pre set timings of the Blendtec which adjust to what you are making. Is there any reasons you guys did not pick up a Blendtec over Vitamix?

[Yanks27]

Not to start a fight or anything, I have a Blendtec and I think it's a bit better than Vitamix. It uses more of a crushing method rather than chopping/slicing. Also, I really like the pre set timings of the Blendtec which adjust to what you are making. Is there any reasons you guys did not pick up a Blendtec over Vitamix?

I only recently heard of Blendtec, and in the restaurant business, Vitamix is the defecto blender.

[RazoRock]

Not to start a fight or anything, I have a Blendtec and I think it's a bit better than Vitamix. It uses more of a crushing method rather than chopping/slicing. Also, I really like the pre set timings of the Blendtec which adjust to what you are making. Is there any reasons you guys did not pick up a Blendtec over Vitamix?

I would say they are both excellent blenders.

I went with the Vitamix because of the 7 year warranty. The fact they stand behind their product for that long tells me how confident they are.

[Shant]

I would say they are both excellent blenders.

I went with the Vitamix because of the 7 year warranty. The fact they stand behind their product for that long tells me how confident they are.

Ah I see. Growing up, my dad's restaurants and all other ones I've seen used blend tech so that's why i was wondering. Also, from experience, it's a ton easier to clear the Blendtec. Just rinse and go.

But yea, I'm interested in new recipes and drinks too. I got bored of the few I make.

One Recipe though that I did not see here is Watermelon and Ginger Juice.

I can't really say any measurements off the top of my head because I free hand it but,

2 Cups watermelon

1 Cup Water

1/4 Inch Ginger peeled and chunked

Blend it up for about a minute and pour over some ice or include ice in the water in the inital making.

It's great, very low calorie, and delicious. Made some yesterday.

[feralhog]

I ended up going with the Blendtec b/c they now have 7 yr warranties and it was cheaper. It helped that Bed Bath & Beyond let me use a 20% off coupon on it, making it even cheaper. Vitamix was listed on the coupon as an excluded item.

My first use of it was slightly rocky. I put 2 leafs of kale, an apple, and a cup of blueberries into it along with some ice. It took me several tries to get it to blend. I'm going to have to experiment with the order I put the food into the blender. The tamper that comes with the Vitamix would have been handy to have in there. The cleanup was incredibly easy. After a few experiments, I think this will allow me to get a lot more vegetables in my diet.

[eyebright]

I bought a Blendtech recently after comparing it with the Vitamix. I like that it's American made and that you don't have to use a tamper to get the food down into the blades. The first green drink I made was inedible (raw beets, not so good!) but now we've got some standard "recipes" to elaborate on. We're using tons more veggies than before and my husband has dropped a pants size!

[superbleu]

both vitamix and blendtech are top of the class.
Choosing either is like choosing between a BMW and Mercedes, either way you can't go wrong!

[Kentos]

both vitamix and blendtech are top of the class.
Choosing either is like choosing between a BMW and Mercedes, either way you can't go wrong!

I dunno man, when I set my Vitamix to high it creates a rip in the space time continuum and I can see Kirk and Bones through the top of the cover. I am pretty sure only Spock shows up for the Blendtec owners.

[Venom8431]

My standard smoothie recipe is:

4 oz 2% Greek Yogurt (I prefer Fage)
4 oz 2% Milk
4 oz Strawberries
4 oz Blueberries
4 oz Banana
1 to 1-1/2 tsp Honey

One thing I highly recommend is not using 0% fat items. They have no flavor and many people forget that our bodies need fats to properly metabolize fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Granted, Greek yogurt does have higher amounts of saturated fats compared to most regular yogurts, but I feel that the 2% is a good balance of flavor and fat.

Of course you can easily substitute juice for the milk and mix and match the fruit to suit for tastes.

[feralhog]

One thing I've noticed is most of the recipes I see have some sort of liquid in them. I think that's why I'm having a tough time getting the whole mix to blend. Today i used 1 kale leaf, handful of carrots, 1 1/2 peaches, and a cup of frozen strawberries. Easier than yesterday, but still took 2 tries to blend.

Venom, how is the consistency with that mix? I've got it in my head that I need to use ice or some frozen ingredients for a good consistency, and I'm thinking I might be wrong. All of my ingredients will come from the fridge so I don't think I'll have a problem with keeping the smoothie cold.

[Venom8431]

One thing I've noticed is most of the recipes I see have some sort of liquid in them. I think that's why I'm having a tough time getting the whole mix to blend. Today i used 1 kale leaf, handful of carrots, 1 1/2 peaches, and a cup of frozen strawberries. Easier than yesterday, but still took 2 tries to blend.

Venom, how is the consistency with that mix? I've got it in my head that I need to use ice or some frozen ingredients for a good consistency, and I'm thinking I might be wrong. All of my ingredients will come from the fridge so I don't think I'll have a problem with keeping the smoothie cold.

The consistency is kind of like a milkshake. One thing I forgot to mention is that I use frozen fruit and fill the pitcher at night before bed. I then let it in the fridge and have breakfast ready in 40-60 seconds the next morning. If I forget to prep the night before I just end up with a slightly thicker and colder smoothie. The only downside is that I have a $60 Waring Pro and not a super awesome Vitamix

[Yanks27]

I always use some sort of frozen fruit. I've been using frozen pineapple, but have used blue berries and peaches also. You also need a liquid. I've been using coconut water or almond milk. Apple cider works and I've heard green tea (brewed and cooled) is good. Any fruit juice is good. Water will work as well.

You'll alo need more than 1 kale leaf, feralhog.

[eyebright]

I dunno man, when I set my Vitamix to high it creates a rip in the space time continuum and I can see Kirk and Bones through the top of the cover. I am pretty sure only Spock shows up for the Blendtec owners.

If you've got Spock, why would you need anyone else?

[Go West Young Man]

One thing I've noticed is most of the recipes I see have some sort of liquid in them. I think that's why I'm having a tough time getting the whole mix to blend. Today i used 1 kale leaf, handful of carrots, 1 1/2 peaches, and a cup of frozen strawberries. Easier than yesterday, but still took 2 tries to blend.
.

That'll just give you a mushy paste, adding a cup of water of juice will really help liquify everything.

[JeffM]

Blendtec does have a more powerful engine than the Vitamix but that may be overkill.