Approximately four years ago, prior to finding out I was pregnant, and prior to Costco starting to carry Vitamix blenders I had burnt out the motor on four different blenders at $200 a piece.  I love smoothies and the motor on the blenders that I had been purchasing couldn't handle the rigors of blending ice on a near daily basis.  Thus began my search for a well made, durable, long lasting blender.  I thought the best place to start would be at the smoothie bars to see what they used as their blenders take a pounding as well.  After researching the various local smoothie establishments two names kept cropping up, BlendTec and Vitamix.  I decided on the Vitamix, primarily because there was a restaraunt supply store near my house that carried Vitamix, but the price tag was a small inhibitor at $800.  I reasoned that I'd wind up paying more in the long run should I keep going through $200 blenders and burning out the motor.  I saved my pennies and went smoothie less for nearly a year, the restaraunt supply store has an annual sale (or so I learned from the owner) when speaking to him of my intentions to purchase the Vitamix.

When I went back to purchase the Vitamix, knowing that's what I wanted they were having a demonstrations of its capabilities.  The gentleman was dropping apples in to the blender whole!  Seeds, stem, no slicing, I'd never seen such a thing.  The Vitamix whirred and churned and blended it to a very smooth consistency without difficulty.  I was amazed!

I purchased the Vitamix for $600 when it went on sale at that restaraunt supply store three years ago.  I was so excited when I got my purchase home I started making smoothie after smoothie.  It is so easy to use, set the variable speed to 1, the dial to one, turn on the on switch, increase the dial to 10 set the variable speed to 2 (if you like stuff extra smooth and creamy as I do) and 30 seconds later you have an incredible smoothie!  (If you like stuff less smooth or creamy, don't set it to variable 2 or just increase the dial to 5). 


Then after reviewing Vitamix website (as mine did not come with a recipe book as the ones that they currently sell at Costco do) I was thrilled to discover my beloved smoothies weren't the only thing this beast of a blender could handle.  I've made taco soup in the blender (the friction from the blending of the motor actually heats the soup), I've pulverized grains in to fine flour in my blender with a special grain container/blade, I've made pesto, and butter, spaghetti sauce, baby food, and even sorbets.  (You can find many of the recipes and how to on the Vitamix site www.Vitamix.com)  Occassionally I even use my blender as a food processor.  This would be an incredible blender for anyone wanting more fruits and veggies in their diet or for someone on a raw food diet. 

At any rate, three years later I'm still finding new ways to use my blender, the motor is still as strong as ever, though even using it constantly Vitamix has a lifetime gurantee on all of the parts of the blender so I feel pretty comfortable that this will be the last blender I ever puchase.

Finally, let me say cleaning this blender is such a breeze.  A few drops of soap, add some water, put on the lid, set to variable 2, increase dial to 10, turn on and walk away for 3-5 mins, rinse the soapy water out under the sink and voila you're done!  Occassionally, just because I feel like the outside of the blender container needs cleaning I put it in the dishwasher.  No warped parts, nothing broken, just nice and squeaky clean. 

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 600