Vitamix, pre-programmed options
 

For you folks that have a Vitamix, do any of you have one of the models that has any programs, ie, soup, smoothie, puree, etc....

If so, do you like them or use them much?

We are looking at Vitamix blenders. My thought is don't pay extra for something that ramps the speed up and down for you, but the missus is wondering if anyone has and uses and likes the options much.

I've had my Vitamix for about 3 years now, mainly using it for smoothies. Pretty simple process...it starts out slowly to chop stuff up and then increases in speed to make it all smooth. I've had no problems with it at all.

As for soups and ice cream, I've used those setting only a few times each. Again, both worked flawlessly.

Three years of virtually daily use, sometimes 3 or 4 times in a day, and I've had absolutely no problems with it. It even makes a helluva frozen Margarita!

Randy

Same here. I have the Pro mocel 750 and I make a fruit and veggie smoothie every single morning with it. I use the smoothie setting which ramps up to speed as Randy mentioned. Works fantastic.

I don't know if the variable speed function is all that beneficial, but it is kind of nice to make smoothies with a single button push that is auto-timed as well as ramped.

I figured since I was blowing that kind of dough on a blender, might as well go all-in and get the best one they have. I have had it for about a year and a half and love it.

JA

Thanks folks. The missus had pretty much decided she wanted one with programs over the weekend, so this will validate her decision, I'm sure.

Another vote for Vitamix, although we have the manual version so no input on the programs.

We had 4 different blenders before the Vitamix. Some no-name, then a couple of Osterizers, then two Ninjas. None worked all that well and the Ninjas were poorly made, only lasting a year or so. Finally bit the bullet and bought a refurb Vitamix. It has quickly become the most popular member of the family. Some days, the wife and kids would save it from a burning house rather than me.

It makes awesome fresh fruit margaritas. The only programmed recipe I use is for cleaning. Typically, I find that I use so much ice it freezes up and I have to intervene. The program settings don't really deal with that well.

Yeah, I've thought that we should get a vitamix for a while. Several years ago we got a Magic Bullet. Then we eventually upgraded to a NutriBullet which is the same but bigger and more powerful. We've been using it for at least 5 years, a big part of that time at least once per day and often several times per day. We have never had a problem with it. I've actually been surprised by the longevity and reliability.

I'd have a real problem buying something called a ninja unless I was trying to have someone killed.

I'm gonna flip a coin. Blendtec vs vitamix

My breville isn't cutting it.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

Another vote for the Vitamix... we had one for about 5 years, and the pitcher bearing seized (only problem to date). Apparently this is a typical wear item, but Costco still took it back and refunded cash (no box, no receipt... just the record on our account). We promptly bought the latest one that you are asking about as soon as they were in stock.

I wouldn't spend extra money on the programmable features over a "bare-bones" Vitamix, but I wouldn't compromise on another brand of blender.

Tomato Basel Soup! Yum.

Vitamix, Blendtec, and Breville: Which High-Powered, High-Investment Blender Is Right for You?

Vitamix vs. BlendTec vs. Breville: Who Makes the Best High End Blender? | Serious Eats

I've always leaned towards the Vitamix. The missus was leaning towards the Blendtec for a bit, and I think these two seem to be like Canon vs Nikon, you won't go wrong whichever you choose. But in the end, the Vitamix is the one that the missus chose. The newer Vitamix's are a bit shorter than the originals so they'll fit under standard height counters. They can be had with the programs, and for her, the top of the line has the smooth touchscreen which means the knobs/switches won't be a cleaning problem (since there aren't any). Apparently, the touchscreen Vitamix is a little quieter than the other models unless you're blending ice. And the one thing that one of the articles above said that the Blendtec does better is ice, but since we don't make snow cones that often....

Another thing is that the Blendtec is lighter by a couple of pounds and seems to vibrate more when it's in use (I assume at least partially because it's lighter).

Most of the Vitamix devices have a 7 year warranty, but I don't know if that extends to the pitcher bearing.