Quiver0f10 Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I am really hoping to buy one very soon, but the price has me hesitating. Convince me why I need one of these machines. I have a bosch mixer and blender. The blender works very well and we use it for smoothies. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Because it is difficult to juice leafy greens and stringy vegetables without either a VitaMix or a masticating juicer. The VitaMix has the advantage of retaining the fiber, but I got a juicer as a gift, so beggars can't be choosers. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan C. Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I think it depends on what you want to use it for. I've just started soaking legumes and incorporating more of them into our diet. My "food processor" is a 20+ old year old Oscar, it is very small. I researched Cuisnart food processors, but in the end, with my needs, a $40ish food processor is just what I need. It works great for making hummus, shredding cheese, softening butter (that is all I have done so far). I don't think it would work for grinding coffee, grains, or stiff doughs, but I don't need it for that anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I like the vitamix better than blendtec, just my opinion. Do you know about Vitamix and the reconditioned models? They are machines that are returned during the money back window except with a new container. I love, love, love my Vitamix. We do have a special diet so it is even more special to me. https://secure.vitamix.com/Certified-Reconditioned-Standard.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morningxmorning Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I don't have any experience with Vitamix but I love my Blendtec. I use it for soups and juicing mostly but it gets used almost everyday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 becasue you want a blender that performs as much above other blenders as the original kitchen aids did above an average stand mixer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted March 1, 2013 Author Share Posted March 1, 2013 I like the vitamix better than blendtec, just my opinion. Do you know about Vitamix and the reconditioned models? They are machines that are returned during the money back window except with a new container. I love, love, love my Vitamix. We do have a special diet so it is even more special to me. https://secure.vitam...d-Standard.aspx That is a great price! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I got free shipping on mine too. I don't know if that was a special? If they charge shipping then maybe you can call and ask for a shipping code? Hey, it doesn't hurt :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xixstar Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 If you're considering it then just jump. I thought about it for more than a year before buying one and when I finally did, i kicked myself for waiting so long. Yes, the price tag is big, but I don't have another appliance in my kitchen that gets as much use. Since buying my vitamix 2 (or was it 3) years ago, it has pretty much been used at least 1x a day and often (very often) used 2x a day. My stove gets less use than the vitamix because there are plenty of days I don't cook at all (cold meals and such - mostly summer). I use it for lots of different things but smoothies, mostly green, is by far the most common. But I also love finding other uses for it and some uses that you'd never use a blender for but it's just so easy to clean that I like the option, like blending for scrambled eggs (with cheese and extras too). Sure a bowl works fine, but since the blender is there anyways and then a little hot water and a drop of soap and it's clean (versus a bowl and fork tossed in the dishwasher otherwise). I really love it for making salad dressings too. DH likes it for odd things like grinding up egg shells for adding into the garden. We made our own garlic powder from our own grown and dried garlic too. I made lots of soups when I first bought it, but not since. I am apt to blend up some extra veg to pour into dishes that no one realizes has veg in it. I also discovered it is much neater for making cauli-rice (cauliflower rice) and wish I'd tried it sooner. But really, if you're already considering it then just jump. Much easier push than for someone that would really love one but just can't possibly get one. Oh and out family's fruit and veg consumption more than doubled when we bought one - that there was a pretty awesome result too. And I thought we already ate well to start with. *oh and to clarify, I don't cook the eggs in the blender though I did see a video of someone doing that once, no thanks, the stove works fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I want one so badly. Can I really, truly, really, really put raw collard in there, stems and all, and get a smoothie? I mean along with an apple or something. I buy these bags of washed raw chopped collards and kale at the store and it would be so perfect if I could just toss a couple handfuls into a smoothie. It won't work in my nice blender because the stems, even chopped, just won't blend smoothly. It turns into a mess. What about a wedge of cabbage all chopped up? Would it actually blend into a smoothie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I do not have any experience with the Blendtec, but I do have a Vitamix. I use mine every day to make smoothies. I like that I can put anything into it (kale, spinach, nuts, cored apples, etc.) and it blends it into an incredibly smooth mixture. I also have a Bosch blender, but I do not keep my Bosch on the counter, making it a bit of work to get it out and set it up. The Vitamix is much easier for me to pull out and make a smoothie, clean up, then return it to its proper place. The capacity of my Vitamix container is also larger than my Bosch container. I have made soups in my Vitamix before that I really enjoyed, though I do not do this often. It is very simple, but I am just not in the habit of using it that way. Also, I have a large family, so there aren't many instances when I am making a small portion of soup for just a few servings. This post probably is not very convincing, since I mainly use if for smoothies, but for me, just the fact that I do not mind getting it out once or twice a day to make smoothies that add wonderful nutrients to my family's diet is enough for me. I have had mine for 20+ years and it is still going strong. The link that Charleigh provided looks like a great deal. I suspect that quite a few people purchase one and have buyer's remorse simply because they paid so much money for it and are not convinced that they need it. My guess is that the reconditioned units are like new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JadeOrchidSong Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I like Blendtec. It is smaller than Vitamix and one container is needed only for both dry grinding (making flour with wheat berries, for example) and wet processing (smoothie, for example). I make veggie and fruit smoothies now for my main food to deal with hemorrhoid flare up now. It takes 20 seconds only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I got free shipping on mine too. I don't know if that was a special? If they charge shipping then maybe you can call and ask for a shipping code? Hey, it doesn't hurt :) There is a free shipping code here: http://eagleloftkitchen.blogspot.ca/ (it's on the left side) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JadeOrchidSong Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I want one so badly. Can I really, truly, really, really put raw collard in there, stems and all, and get a smoothie? I mean along with an apple or something. I buy these bags of washed raw chopped collards and kale at the store and it would be so perfect if I could just toss a couple handfuls into a smoothie. It won't work in my nice blender because the stems, even chopped, just won't blend smoothly. It turns into a mess. What about a wedge of cabbage all chopped up? Would it actually blend into a smoothie? I just bought kale today. I put kale leaves, one carrot sliced, two garlic cloves, one fresh thick slice of ginger, some walnuts, sesame seeds, and a quartered peeled orange in and blended for 20 seconds. Everything turned out smooth and fine as smoothie is supposed to be. I can't imagine eating kale any other way since it is so dry and tough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 I want one so badly. Can I really, truly, really, really put raw collard in there, stems and all, and get a smoothie? I mean along with an apple or something. I buy these bags of washed raw chopped collards and kale at the store and it would be so perfect if I could just toss a couple handfuls into a smoothie. It won't work in my nice blender because the stems, even chopped, just won't blend smoothly. It turns into a mess. What about a wedge of cabbage all chopped up? Would it actually blend into a smoothie? I have a Blendtec, and Yes, yes you can. We bought it for green smoothies. Spinach, kale, collards, - it smooths them all. Everything. Worth every dollar you spend on the machine, IMO. ETA: I haven't tried cabbage yet, but I'm 100% convinced that cabbage would work just as well in it, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 The "Will It Blend?" Blendtec videos are rather convincing, but I've never seen one IRL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 Can I really, truly, really, really put raw collard in there, stems and all, and get a smoothie? I mean along with an apple or something. I buy these bags of washed raw chopped collards and kale at the store and it would be so perfect if I could just toss a couple handfuls into a smoothie. It won't work in my nice blender because the stems, even chopped, just won't blend smoothly. It turns into a mess. What about a wedge of cabbage all chopped up? Would it actually blend into a smoothie? Yes, in a VitaMix or masticating juicer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkacademy Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 You need one so it will look very pretty on your counter top!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted March 5, 2013 Author Share Posted March 5, 2013 I wanted to update that I bought a BlendTec today! I can not wait for it to arrive! Thank you all or convincing me :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoggirl Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 Ha ha! Was just about to post that they are demo-ing Vitamixes at Sam's Club! Hope you got a good deal on your BlendTec and that you love it when it arrives!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 Borrowing your thread to ask: Convince me why I need a Louis V or Hermes bag? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 My Kitchenaid is doing a nice job right now, but I have vowed to replace it with a vitamix when I eventually kill it. I figure by then I'll be able to get my hands on a reconditioned one of the newer model that fits under your counters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 My Kitchenaid is doing a nice job right now, but I have vowed to replace it with a vitamix when I eventually kill it. I figure by then I'll be able to get my hands on a reconditioned one of the newer model that fits under your counters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xixstar Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 I am excited for you! I blended everything under the sun for a few weeks when we got ours. I might have spent as much on produce that first month as I did for the blender, at least it felt like it. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted March 6, 2013 Author Share Posted March 6, 2013 I am excited for you! I blended everything under the sun for a few weeks when we got ours. I might have spent as much on produce that first month as I did for the blender, at least it felt like it. :) LOLI am sure I will be doing the same thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 About the smoothies= don't they taste vegetatitive? I have only had fruit smoothies and I am wary of vegatative kinds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xixstar Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 About the smoothies= don't they taste vegetatitive? I have only had fruit smoothies and I am wary of vegatative kinds. For people wanting to add green smoothies to their diet, I suggest starting very very small. Add one small handful of spinach to your normal fruit smoothie - you won't taste it. Later, add 2 handfuls and you still probably won't taste it. And slowly work forward until you find yourself cramming your blender full of spinach and having to blend it down just to fit in some fruit or some ice. Now in this process, it does taste more green. But I read an interesting argument that both sounded both good enough and really seemed to match mine and dh's experience: as your body gets more green, it wants more green. So as you add a bit more and more, your body and your tastes really start to crave it and so while it stats to taste more veggie like, you find yourself enjoying the taste. I compare it to really fresh and bright taste - dh sometimes says more like grass, but in a good way (?), but you don't have to start there. My smoothies are very very green and they taste very green now and it's like wonderfulness in a glass, but it took a little time to get there. I tried to start dh much further ahead in the process and he didn't like it at all, so I backed up, and now he'll point out when it's been too long since he's had one (work means he misses a lot of my kitchen-awesomeness). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelly in IL Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 Can I have some starter smoothie recipe ideas. I don't do this at all and am curious. Do you use yoghurt? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runningmom80 Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 I'm in love with my vitamix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoamiracle Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 I didn't read all posts but I love my vitamix. I got a qvc special two years ago. It is worth every single penny I paid. I love to freeze raw cabbage ands then put it in a smoothie. It blends so beautifully and quickly without breaking a sweat. My favorite recipe is frozen banana, frozen pineapple, frozen mango, with plain yogurt. Add a little water and blend. Better than any ice cream! I like to buy fruit when it's a good price and freeze it. Pineapples freezes very well. Purple cabbage does too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoamiracle Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 I just bought kale today. I put kale leaves, one carrot sliced, two garlic cloves, one fresh thick slice of ginger, some walnuts, sesame seeds, and a quartered peeled orange in and blended for 20 seconds. Everything turned out smooth and fine as smoothie is supposed to be. I can't imagine eating kale any other way since it is so dry and tough! If you grow certain kinds of kale it is wonderfully tender. My dad grew some this winter that was very mild and tender. Steamed down with a little butter it was superb! I also have a bean soup recipe that you throw a handful of kale into. I've used even bitter kale that I grew and it tasted just fine in the soup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepoteetteam Posted July 15, 2013 Share Posted July 15, 2013 I have a question about the Blendtec. I know you can only fill it so high with your ingredients. Does it still make a LOT at one time tho? There is nine of us and I didn't know if I had to make batch after batch of smoothies because of it..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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