topic Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers! in Recipes

Calling all Vitamix lovers!

Community_Team — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 15:13:38 GMT

What do you love most about your Vitamix? What’s your favorite recipe to make in your Vitamix? Is it a smoothie for breakfast, hot soup for lunch or dinner or yummy Ice cream for dessert? We would love to know.

Ready-set-post!

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

bebe777 — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 21:20:04 GMT

My Vitamix Pro 750 is my favorite kitchen appliance and I use it every day to make my Vitamix green smoothie so it's an integral part of my healthy living plan. -- This is my Vitamix Green Smoothie recipe

@Community_Team, I wish QVC would carry the top of the line Pro 750 because I would have purchased it through QVC. While all Vitamixes completely emulsify leafy green vegetables, the Pro 750 does it more quickly and efficiently... and it's also quieter.

One of the things that sets Vitamixes apart from cheaper brands is that the cheaper brands don't completely emulsify the green leafies -- they leave undrinkable bits of green leafy confetti in the smoothies.

Vitamixes are also made to last and use quality parts instead of plastic internal components which can break. You'll pay more up front for your Vitamix but you may not ever need to replace it. So in the long run, it's an excellent value.

I've shared the information below in a previous post but, since this thread is all things Vitamix, I've posted it again.

I love my Vitamix!!!

-- bebe

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I'm the very proud owner of the Vitamix Pro 750, which is the top of the line Vitamix and retails for around $690 these days. I've had mine for close to two years and I use it every day. I went with the top model because I make green smoothies with lots of leafy green veggies every day, and green leafies are the single most difficult veggie for a Vitamix (or any other blender) to emulsify. -- The other Vitamixes do a fantastic job of emulsifying green leafies, but it takes them about 33% more time to get it done. (maybe 1 min. 20 sec., versus 45 seconds). -- What I mean by "emulsifying" is that there is no itty bitty green confetti leafy veggie bits in the smoothie that would make it undrinkable.

If you like veggie juices and can swing a Vitamix purchase, then I would really encourage you to just go for it.

The thing about a Vitamix is that it's pretty much a one and done purchase. It could last you 10-38 years. I've heard several folks call into the QVC Vitamix shows saying that they're finally getting an new one and giving their 33, 35, or 38 year old Vitamix to a family member.

I watched dozens of the QVC Vitamix shows before I finally purchased one. I wanted to really understand all the ins and outs of the various Vitamix before I made my purchase. I wanted to get it right the first time because I expected to have this machine for a very long time.

This past month, I did a bit more info groundwork to help get a friend of mine a new Vitamix. Her 10 year old model just quit on her and it was out of warrantee. That's a short life span for a Vitamix, but she uses it 3-6 times a day and fills it with heavy duty veggies. The poor thing just got tuckered out.

Even though the there is going to be a Vitamix TSV on saturday, that particular model may not be the best one for you to choose. QVC seemed to have a number of Vitamix TSVs through the the year. So you may just want to watch the upcoming Vitamix shows so that you can get a better handle on what a Vitamix can do (and it's pretty awesome!).

Below I've put together all the information I gathered to help my friend choose the Vitamix that best filled her needs. -- bebe

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This Vitamix link will shows all the Vitamix models currently available to purchase at QVC. I edited my post later to add some great information links from the QVC Kitchen & Food shopping category:

Guide to Blenders & Juicers
Vitamix Comparison Guide

The Guide to Blenders & Juicers article helps you to understand whether a Blender or a Juicer will better fit your particular needs, while the Vitamix Comparison Guide article provides a great breakdown of different features on the various Vitamixes. There is also a Vitamix Frequently Asked Questions article. Since there are several basic types of Vitamixes, the information in comparing Vitamix product lines, as well as the VItamix product lines, helps to to clarify what these basic differences are. Take a look through https://www.vitamix.com/Engineered-To-Change-Your-Life to better understand what makes a Vitamix unique. Additionally, you can check out these recipes for your Vitamix.

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Below is my quick VItamix primer. I put together before I found the Vitamix information which is available on the QVC website...

Check out the Vitamix website and look at their blender listings. You'll notice that there are Classic blenders that are taller and another line that uses wider, shorter blenders which fit under counter tops (there's also the new small Vitamix for One line, but I'm still not sure how strong/effective that line is). -- Basically all of the variations on the Vitamix that you'll find at QVC, Costco, JL Hufford, etc. are just variations on these two simple lines of blenders.

With a few exceptions, most of them are using the exact same motor that is featured on the Vitamix website for either the Classic or wider style of blender (per a Vitamix CS rep). -- The one exception I can think of is a low end QVC model ($400-450) which I think is usually a TSV in the summer (generally in August, when I believe there is a Vitamix TSV). I think it's called galaxy creations but I'm not positive.

At QVC, below are some of the variations in the various Vitamix options they have available:

* 2-speed (low/high) model versus variable speed model -- the variable speed model will let you customize your Vitamix settings.

* pulse option -- Turning the pulse option on and off allows you to chop up ingredients for say cole slaw in about 10-15 seconds. If a Vitamix doesn't have this option, in theory, you can turn the machine on and off to get the same effect but that isn't good for the motors on those machines... they weren't designed with that sort of wear and tear in mind.

* preset speed options (for soup, smoothies, etc.) -- I think they're mainly just window dressing because you don't really need them. That said, if you're a busy cook, you can use one of the preset options and then go about other chores. The Vitamix will automatically turn itself off when it is finished.

* Some QVC Vitamix packages include both a Wet Blender and Dry Blender. The dry blender is for grinding grains. The technology for each of these two blenders is qualitatively different. Your standard Vitamix comes with the Wet Blender. It costs around $100-144 to purchase a Dry Blender if you decide you want one at a later time.

* QVC offers both 48oz blender options and 64oz blender options. A good friend of mine bought her Vitamix at QVC and, only much later, did she realize that she had purchased a 48oz blender (she had wanted the 64oz size).

* The standard QVC Vitamix warrantee is for 5 years. If you purchase the machine at Vitamix they will give you a 7 year warrantee. -- I'm not positive about this (so be sure to check) but I think that other retailers generally also give a 7 year warrantee. You can purchase a warrantee extension at Vitamix.

* Don't let the pretty shiny extras (that you may not really want or need) fool you.-- When they add the 16oz stainless steel thermos to the TSV package it pushes up the TSV MSRP (manufacturer suggested retain price). But it's really only a bargain if you wanted the thermos.

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After checking out various vendors, my conclusion was that JL Hufford, QVC and Vitamix itself gave you the best prices (depending on what you were looking for):

* Vitamix company -- For the lowest price on a Vitamix you can trust, check out their prices for their reconditioned units. I think there are some models in the $300-350 range. Shipping is occasionally free but you will pay sales tax.

* QVC -- They have a lot of different models and a number of different TSV options throughout the year. So you have to take the time to understand the different options that they offer. There are are always features trade offs with the QVC models, but that can be a good thing. This way you are not paying for features you don't want or need. QVC has a number of great Vitamix TSVs.

* JL Hufford -- They are a brick and mortar store that has an online presence. They don't have all the bells and whistles of QVC but they offer some of the best prices. Almost two years ago, I was able to search out one of their discount options online (it takes a little searching) and purchased my Vitamix Pro 750 with both blenders for a total of $629 (no tax, and free shipping).

Well that's about all I can think of. I hope this information helps.

-- bebe

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

bebe777 — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 21:17:44 GMT

___________________________________

VITAMIX -- three basic design product lines

___________________________________

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Classic Series (C-Series) -- This was the original Vitamix series. It's taller, so it frequently doesn't fit under the kitchen counter.

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New Generation Series (G-series) -- This line was created maybe three years ago. It was specifically designed so that it would fit under a standard kitchen cabinet. -- My top of the line Vitamix Pro 750 is in this series.

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Personal Series (S-Series) -- I think of this as the Solo series (Vitamix of one person). I think this series was created so that Vitamix could better compete with the Ninja and NutraBullet personal blenders. -- The S-Series is not as powerful as the full size Vitamixes and I don't know how this affects it's ability to emulsify veggies. At the very least, I'm guessing that the blend time is longer.

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Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

HappyDaze — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 02:36:02 GMT

My vitamix is one of the best purchases I've ever made. I love to make smoothies and soups. During summer, I LIVED off the smoothies I made-everything from pina colada type smoothies to power green smoothies to decadent smoothies that were almost dessert-like but so much better than sweets. Yum!I loved mine so much I bought my parents one and they love it too.

One of the best parts about Vitamix is the cleanup- super super easy. One thing that prevented me from using blenders more often in the past was just the trouble with cleaning them but that is not an issue anymore!

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

Lady Marine — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 18:45:13 GMT

I purchased a Vitimix back in September, I am so glad I did. It is fantastic. I can a lot and I really wanted to make my life easier and WOW! did it ever. I did all my tomatoe sauce, Salsa, Soups from my garden veggies, and applesauce to just name a few things. Anyone on the fence to buy this, jump off and buy it now! It pays for itself and it is the best appliance in my kitchen. Thanks QVC!!! Best price around!!

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

bebe777 — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 16:33:51 GMT

I just received an advance email from QVC about the upcoming November 15th Vitamix TSV.

The Vitamix TSV price is $379.98, while the regular QVC price would be $479. So it's a $100 savings off of the regular QVC price.

I put this Vitamix - comparing the three different model lines thread together a while back to provide a breakdown of the various Vitamix features as well as to help identify the two primary Vitamix full size blender lines. -- The key information is in the first two posts on this thread.

While the QVC Vitamix TSVs are always great values, QVC seems to have 4-5 Vitamix TSVs each year. Since a Vitamix will last for many years, I'd recommend taking your time to identify the very best Vitamix for your needs.

The Vitamix rep, Jan, does an amazing job of taking you through all of the features in each Vitamix that he presents. He does an amazing job, but it takes a while to sift through all that info. I watched QVC Vitamix demos for 5-6 months before I finally settled on the model that best suited my needs. It was in investment of time but I picked the best Vitamix for my needs.

-- bebe

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___

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

lifeincolors — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 17:04:59 GMT

Excellent information, thank you so much for sharing - I'm in the market for one!

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

GingerPeach — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 00:50:42 GMT

Here's a mundane question: What's the best way to clean the plastic container that contains the blade?

I have washed it by hand (since it is not dishwasher safe) and also swirled hot sudsy water in it using the Vitamix's own power. The container is still not as clear as it was when new. And it's only a couple of years old.

Short of purchasing a new container, does anyone have cleaning methods that have worked well to retain the clarity of the container?

ETA to ask @bebe777, who is expert in all things Vitamix!

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

angie611 — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 12:30:16 GMT

i love my vitamix! it has replaced every single appliance in my kitchen. I really love the idea of makinng homemade hot soups just using whatever veggies i have in my ref. my family loves to make their workout shakes in there,so many things i use it for not a day goes by i dont use it,would recommend it to everyone.

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

bebe777 — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 18:59:07 GMT

@GingerPeach wrote:
Here's a mundane question: What's the best way to clean the plastic container that contains the blade?

I have washed it by hand (since it is not dishwasher safe) and also swirled hot sudsy water in it using the Vitamix's own power. The container is still not as clear as it was when new. And it's only a couple of years old.

Short of purchasing a new container, does anyone have cleaning methods that have worked well to retain the clarity of the container?

ETA to ask @bebe777, who is expert in all things Vitamix!

Hi @GingerPeach, and thank you for your kind words.

I think the key to keeping you Vitamix blender clean is to just make sure you clean it immediately after you make something with it. At the very least, put it in hot sudsy water and soak it. That always works for me.

I have a one of those smiley face yellow scrubbies that QVC sells. It doesn't scratch so if I do need to get something out of the blender that's what I use.

A good friend of mine bought a long handled scrubber that supposedly won't scratch the blender. It seems to work but I'm going to first see how her Vitamix blender looks after 6 months.

-- bebe

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

Reluctant — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 02:08:01 GMT

No love AT ALL for our Vita Mix. Espresso recent model purchased on Q.V.C. has done nothing but been a huge disappointment. Will not chop meat as demonstrated. Clogs, jumps and stops working. Who would like to purchase it? It is going to the garage sale.

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

ctinaw — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 05:36:06 GMT

I have been wanting a vitamix for SOOOOO LONG and finally took the plunge today! I look forward to trying out the various recipes. I'm also hoping this will be a great way to help my kids "eat" more veggies. The dry container deal was wonderful, so glad I saw that in time!

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

GingerPeach — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 19:13:12 GMT

@bebe777 wrote:
@GingerPeach wrote:
Here's a mundane question: What's the best way to clean the plastic container that contains the blade?

I have washed it by hand (since it is not dishwasher safe) and also swirled hot sudsy water in it using the Vitamix's own power. The container is still not as clear as it was when new. And it's only a couple of years old.

Short of purchasing a new container, does anyone have cleaning methods that have worked well to retain the clarity of the container?

ETA to ask @bebe777, who is expert in all things Vitamix!

Hi @GingerPeach, and thank you for your kind words.

I think the key to keeping you Vitamix blender clean is to just make sure you clean it immediately after you make something with it. At the very least, put it in hot sudsy water and soak it. That always works for me.

I have a one of those smiley face yellow scrubbies that QVC sells. It doesn't scratch so if I do need to get something out of the blender that's what I use.

A good friend of mine bought a long handled scrubber that supposedly won't scratch the blender. It seems to work but I'm going to first see how her Vitamix blender looks after 6 months.

-- bebe

Hi @bebe777

Thanks so much for your help. That's exactly what I've been doing -- cleaning it immediately after each use. I don't ever store anything I've made in it. The only things I've ever made are green smoothies (similar to yours but not identical) - celery, cucumbers, lettuce or other greens, apple, and occasionally other things like parsley, depending on what I have on hand. I bought it specifically since it's the only machine that can handle celery, as far as I was aware.

Yesterday I cleaned it with the Bio-Cleaner product QVC sells. (Rinsed extremely well, of course.) It helped a little. Maybe I have a defective container. (The only thing I miss about my old, old "regular" blender is the glass container.)

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

Kammie41 — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 21:09:46 GMT

I have a question about making soup in the Vitamix. On the demo, he turns around and puts it under a plastic "shield." Does that come with the Vitamix?

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

Snedly — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 23:53:11 GMT

No, it does not. That clear plastic shield/cover is to reduce the sound during the on air presentation. It is also used commercially in stores like Starbucks and Dairy Queen etc. etc.

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

wagirl — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:20:33 GMT

Hurray---getting my new TSV Vitamix from 2/14, today!! I've been using my mom's 36 year old, stainless steel 3600 from 1980 when she bought it brand new!! It still works but not quite as it did so decided to buy myself an early b-day gift. Have been making smoothies with the old one but never tried the hot things or the frozen things. Have ground up grains for flour too. Can't wait!!!!!

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

software — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 10:45:08 GMT

I have the wet blender with the variable speed K42973, the 13 in 1. One of those 13 is meat grinder. I can't find anything, anywhere on how to do this. Nothing in the directions included, nothing online.

I think Jan Muller may have demonstrated it once but I missed it.

I wanted to buy my own meat & grind it myself-chicken, pork, beef. I grind my own coffee, make smoothies & many other applications. I'm very happy with my Vitamix although it was a huge purchase for me. I use it often.

Any advice is appreciated.

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

jaxs mom — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 19:44:10 GMT

Check YouTube videos, I use a traditional meat grinder so I've never tried to do it in my vitamix

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

relaxer — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 16:41:11 GMT

I have the same issue and contacted Vitamix. They had no tips other than to wash and dry (as we are already doing) . The container looks cloudy and dirty no matter what I do. Think that is just the way it is. My OXO plastic measuring cups are the same way. oh, well.....

Re: Calling all Vitamix lovers!

shoppingchick — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 20:00:40 GMT

You might check YouTube under cleaning Vitamix. Good Luck!