Vitamix

isaboo · ‎03-13-2010

I am interested in purchasing a Vitamix . Could someone tell me which is the best model to purchase?

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

I have a 2 speed Vitamix and I don't like it. The 2 speeds are way too fast.

I would suggest a Vitamix with a variable speed control so it can be used for more than turning everything into a liquid.

geegerbee · ‎03-09-2010

They are supposed to be super fast so they can liquify, not just blend food. If you watch the presentations on the Q, and you want the soup to be chunky, you just add some of the ingredients at the end.

I would just go with the cheapest one. You don't really need a programmable one unless you have unlimited funds. Sometimes you can get a good deal on their websites with a refurbished one. A refurbished one means it was returned---maybe someone tried it once or twice and didn't lie it. They replace the gasket and test them and repack them, and they still have a great warranty. The QVC prices are actually very good and they always have free shipping.

Vitamix customer service is outstanding. I accidentally turned it on with the plastic plug in it. They sent me a whole new top---rubber and plastic---free. Didn't even have to pay shipping.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

@geegerbee wrote:
They are supposed to be super fast so they can liquify, not just blend food. If you watch the presentations on the Q, and you want the soup to be chunky, you just add some of the ingredients at the end.
I would just go with the cheapest one. You don't really need a programmable one unless you have unlimited funds. Sometimes you can get a good deal on their websites with a refurbished one. A refurbished one means it was returned---maybe someone tried it once or twice and didn't lie it. They replace the gasket and test them and repack them, and they still have a great warranty. The QVC prices are actually very good and they always have free shipping.
Vitamix customer service is outstanding. I accidentally turned it on with the plastic plug in it. They sent me a whole new top---rubber and plastic---free. Didn't even have to pay shipping.

If you want to make salsa or something similar you don't want liquid... You want some chunks.

EVERYTHING in my 2 speed is liquid no matter what....even if I use pulse. I would NEVER purchase this model again. There are many things that I can't make in mine. I am very disappointed.

If you only wanted it for smoothies , it would work very well.

milkbone · ‎10-22-2015

Consider a refurbished from Vitamix. I just bought a model 6000 for 215 dollars shipped.

Also QVC has the dry contanor for sale for 50 dollars from time to time

Price was most important for me

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." MLK

Fourchette · ‎04-02-2017

I've been an owner since 1988. I currently own a Vita-Prep 3 (don't buy this one; it's a 5200 for commercial use), a 7500, an S55, and an A3300 (I have more than one residence). Please believe me when I tell you--and this is the model I buy as gifts--that the Classic Series 5200 (it has many iterations, all of them identical under the hood) with the tall 64oz. container, which has a variable speed dial and no pre-sets (which are a waste of money IMHO), is the best machine Vitamix has ever produced, IOW they hit it out of the park. For one thing, the container is not only capacious but can process as little as 4 oz; this can't be said of the newer, low-profile 64 oz. containers (which, incidentally, should never be used on any of the Classic series bases and which does a lousy job on anything under than 3 cups). I personally use this container on my 7500 base because I can process small or large amounts. Second, the low end of the variable speed dial is REALLY low, allowing you a lot of control when chopping (the low end of the newer models is appreciably faster). Granted this model doesn't have dedicated pulse or power switches but they're not necessary because you pulse with this model by flicking the power on and off, requiring the use of two fingers rather than one (big deal). (FWIW I like that dedicated power button but can live without it.) Be aware also that even though the newer bases claim more HP, the extra power is needed to move the longer blades in the squat 64 oz. container; the machines process identically. About the only actual advantage of the G Series and Ascent Series machines is that the fan runs at all speeds; it only kicks in on High on the Classic series machines. This means you can process thick ingredients at a lower speed without having to worry as much about tripping the Automatic Overload Protection feature (e.g. hummus has a much more authentic texture if processed at a lower speed; it's much too fluffy if processed at highest speed). A "personal preference" advantage is it's easier to get into the newer 64 oz. container, plus it fits under more cabinets than the tall container; another is that some people want pre-sets. I think they're a waste of money; they add ~$100 to the cost of the unit. I'm told many new users eventually treat them like training wheels: once they're comfortable with the machine, they stop using them. Trust me, a 5200 is all you need. Grab one while you can; it's my understanding they're (unfortunately) being phased out. I even bought one as a reserve in case my Prep 3 ever burns out.

Hope this helped!

Fourchette · ‎04-02-2017

@ CARMIE This is why I never recommend that anyone by a 2-speed (I think they're called "Turbo-Blends"). My first Vita-Mix (they hyphenated back then) was a 4000; it had three speeds and even it liquefied everything; I had to keep a conventional blender on hand for small amounts and stuff I didn't want to liquefy. Once the 5000 (subsequently upgraded to the 5200) was released and I traded in the 4000 towards it, I was in blending heaven. The infinitely variable speed dial is fantastic.

Frankly, I wish Vitamix would discontinue this model. It premiered as the 4500; it was the upgrade to the 4000. I didn't buy it because it had even less speed control than my 4000.

Kkins · ‎02-15-2014

Thank you for your extremely helpful posting!

skittles2 · ‎03-22-2010

@Fourchette

"About the only actual advantage of the G Series and Ascent Series machines is that the fan runs at all speeds; it only kicks in on High on the Classic series machines."

Which is the G series? Does the fan running at all speeds help the motor last longer, is it better for the machine, but worse for certain foods you want to have more texture?

You also mentioned the newer shorter, wider 64 oz container as your personal fav, is that right? I thought earlier in the text you preferred the taller narrower 64 oz due to being able to do smaller batches?

does the 5200 also make soups and is it really noisy?

one more thing, plz, does the 5200 non commercial have the ability to grind chia seeds, etc., and nuts? and also have smaller smoothie cups?

I just want to say I found your postings full of useful info, and a joy to read. I've bookmarked them. Thank you very much for taking the time to post them

FURBABIES ARE THE BREATH OF LIFE

tsavorite · ‎03-09-2010

I also have questoins....thanks for posting this information. Does this mean the design of Q's TSV is bad?? It appears to have the variable speed with the shorter cup size....?? I thought this looked like a good deal with getting both wet and dry cups but I never owned one of these before. I ordered early before it sold out but I hope it's not a mistake.

I have a nutribullet....awful....liquifies almost nothing but water! LOL what a waste really wanted something that actually does all those things they demo'd today on Q.