Last comments about WHY BUY BLENDTEC rather than VitaMix
By the way, a nice thing about having two machines (or three, like I have) is that as a GSG evangelist, you want to lend someone a machine. I *always* have my second VM lent out. For a while my cleaning lady had it while she saved for her own, and currently my teaching assistant, Parker, has it, because he’s a Brigham Young University wide receiver and needs more energy. It’s usually one of my starving university students who identifies himself as having health problems or an interest in nutrition I lend it to. You cannot believe how many of my students (average age: 21) have Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, chronic constipation or diarrhea, energy problems, Epstein Barr, brain tumor, energy problems, and much more. Every semester I have one or two bring me the university form to show me they have a disability related to chronic, diet-related health problems. It’s the university’s way of saying, “Sometimes this student can’t even get out of bed, so please be understanding and work with her.”
I’ve never had one of them start making GS who didn’t have a very exciting improvement in health problems.
So, to summarize:
BlendTec vs. VitaMix (which are the same price):
BlendTec’s square container design has a wide base allowing you to scrape the food out easily, avoiding wasted food like the VM causes, which drives me nuts when I make something thick. The BlendTec fits under your kitchen counter, unlike the very tall VM. It travels so much more easily than the VM because the base is more compact and fits neatly in a suitcase. It doesn’t require you to muscle the food in physically with the tamper–centrifugal force does the work. It blends grain into flour without requiring you to purchase a separate $80 “dry” container. If you have a big family, you can get an extra-large container if you want, only with BlendTec. The blade on the BlendTec has a lifetime warranty, which is huge since if you use it a lot, blades eventually dull. Last but not least, it’s just more powerful–3 hp compared to VM’s 2.5.
I want EVERYONE to have this very important tool, which I consider not just the coolest and most important thing I own in my kitchen, but the coolest and most important thing I own, PERIOD.
Robyn
www.GreenSmoothieGirl.com
Posted in: Tools & Products
Robyn – Which VM machine are you having problems with? Is it VM 5200? When I bought the 5200, the demo person said that it is designed to shut off before it burns up, so hopefully the newer machines with the “improved” motor should have less problems.
I just talked to VM customer service regarding replacing my cracked container. They were extremely helpful and professional which I would expect on a product that I paid some dough for. They did not think that starting the machine on high should cause the container to crack. So time will tell if this is going to be a chronic problem if I keep the VM. The internet and blogs like this are invaluable in disseminating information, so I suspect that I’ll be able to decide what to do (keep BT or VM) pretty quickly. Looking forward to seeing the youtube vids, and I’ll be sure to subscribe.
I have a 5000 that just went up in smoke and a little burned metal ring came off. I don’t know if a shutoff is built in, but if it is, it doesn’t work. I have to turn it off when I smell it burning up. My “loaner” VM is a 4500. You are right that their customer service is excellent and that they honor their warranty well!
Robyn,
I am now making the green smoothies and loving it. I am SLOWLY but surely trying to make other changes. I have Celiac Disease though. It’s genetic as I’m sure you know, I was born with it and there is nothing I can do to change that fact. All I can do is eat a gluten-free diet for life. What are your tips/strategies you have for eating certain things where I can not eat the whole grain bread or whole grain pasta. What do I do in my circumstance while still trying to be healthy???????? Thanks for any input you have.
Kim
Bread’s tough, since you need gluten for it to turn out well. But I’m sure you’ve looked into spelt, amaranth, and quinoa, gluten-free “grains” to use in other ways, right? You can certainly eliminate grains with gluten and still have plenty to eat, and eat healthy. Focus on legumes, as well as vegs, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
My BT blew up after only 116 uses/3months – and I had returned my VM because I had seen the BT demo and liked the sleeker more powerful machine – now not sure if I should try another BT or VM?
Hi! Are you an authorized BlendTec retailer? Is the 7-year warranty available if purchased through your store? Thank you for this review, it’s been helpful. I’d love to have the 12-step program but have yet to purchase my BlendTec.