Alte Veste Academy Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I want to be good. I want to do the kale. But I absolutely cannot swallow the textured green flecks any longer. Smoothies should be smooth! Right?! :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Is a Vitamix in the budget? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 8, 2012 Author Share Posted August 8, 2012 If it has to be. I wouldn't hate something cheaper though. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I don't own a Vitamix because I can accomplish 90% of what I'd use it for with my current blender and food processor. But, if you want really smooth, I think a Vitamix will give you that. Hopefully the proud owners will chime in :D Blend Tec may be able to do that too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizzyBee Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Vitamix! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usetoschool Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Love my Vitamix. I have been working it to death for years and it still just keeps churning away. It was worth every penny (if you are going to use it regularly, that is). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Another vote for Vitamix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 8, 2012 Author Share Posted August 8, 2012 Y'all are breaking my heart. :lol: On the bright side, DH is (for the first time in his entire life!!!) interested in drinking smoothies too. He made a yummy pineapple banana concoction after his workout today and was hounding me for more variety in his frozen fruit. Maybe a Vitamix could pass for his birthday present next week? :D We're gettin' on in years and it's time to up our fruit and veggie intake and start turning back the clock. :tongue_smilie: But if I splurge on a Vitamix and there are still floaties, I'm gonna be :toetap05:. :lol: Is the cheapest one OK? :tongue_smilie: I'm looking at model #1782. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
razorbackmama Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 You might find this video interesting: Based on this I went with the KitchenAid, which runs around $100 (my dh got it on sale for $80 at Mother's Day). We've been VERY pleased with it. But I'll admit I haven't tried much green. Oh wait...yes I have. Apparently it got the spinach leaves so small that, combined with strawberries, it looked like a chocolate milkshake. It did not taste like it looked.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakblossoms Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I was gifted a vitamix from my Aunt and I am very, very happy with it. I have been married for 16 years and I have burnt out a kitchen aid, Oster, and a magic bullet. I love that we can do so much in it, too. We do Kale/Carrot smoothies daily now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I was gifted a vitamix from my Aunt and I am very, very happy with it. I have been married for 16 years and I have burnt out a kitchen aid, Oster, and a magic bullet. I love that we can do so much in it, too. We do Kale/Carrot smoothies daily now. Very similar story. I burnt out a Kitchen Aid and an Oster. I love my Vitamix. We got one for a bit less from Costco. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Element Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 You guys are killing me! It never occurred to me that it was possible to have a green smoothie without tiny green flakes. Now I've convinced myself I need a $500 blender. :svengo: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 8, 2012 Author Share Posted August 8, 2012 You might find this video interesting: Based on this I went with the KitchenAid, which runs around $100 (my dh got it on sale for $80 at Mother's Day). We've been VERY pleased with it. But I'll admit I haven't tried much green. Oh wait...yes I have. Apparently it got the spinach leaves so small that, combined with strawberries, it looked like a chocolate milkshake. It did not taste like it looked.;) That was interesting. The article too. The KitchenAid turned jawbreakers into sugar! :lol: I wonder about the kale specifically though. I know spinach is softer. I was gifted a vitamix from my Aunt and I am very, very happy with it. I have been married for 16 years and I have burnt out a kitchen aid, Oster, and a magic bullet. I love that we can do so much in it, too. We do Kale/Carrot smoothies daily now. Thanks! I have a really pretty Waring blender that can make a perfect margarita but, alas, the kale is out of its comfort zone. DH's mom has a Vitamix that she never uses. If I put one on DH's wish list, I wonder if she might just pack hers up and throw it in the mail. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 8, 2012 Author Share Posted August 8, 2012 You guys are killing me! It never occurred to me that it was possible to have a green smoothie without tiny green flakes. Now I've convinced myself I need a $500 blender. :svengo: Oh, I am so sorry! Look away!!! Look away!!!! This was all just a figment of your imagination... :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 You might find this video interesting: Based on this I went with the KitchenAid, which runs around $100 (my dh got it on sale for $80 at Mother's Day). We've been VERY pleased with it. But I'll admit I haven't tried much green. Oh wait...yes I have. Apparently it got the spinach leaves so small that, combined with strawberries, it looked like a chocolate milkshake. It did not taste like it looked.;) I've been very happy with my Kitchenaid. I pretty much use it for smoothies, hummus, and smooth soups. I do make green smoothies, but I haven't tried kale, only spinach. For my uses, I'm glad I saved the extra $300. Maybe a friend has one ou can borrow for a test run? I premake my smoothies so I end up throwing in a frozen chunk from the freezer and about a cup of water (or milk if you prefer). Here's my recipe: 1/2 cup spinach 1/2 banana Dollop* of yogurt Dollop of OJ concentrate 1/2 cup fruit I have about 15 of these kits stashed in my freezer right now. *A dollop is just a generous dinner spoon heaped up with the yogurt or OJ concentrate. My 12-year-old has no idea that his smoothies contain spinach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 8, 2012 Author Share Posted August 8, 2012 Oh, this is too hard. TOO HARD! Why am I so fixated on kale? :willy_nilly: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 8, 2012 Author Share Posted August 8, 2012 Very similar story. I burnt out a Kitchen Aid and an Oster. I love my Vitamix. We got one for a bit less from Costco. See, now, I need a similar story to happen to me too. Then I could just spend my money on the rest of Life of Fred, like I really want to. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
razorbackmama Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I've never used kale, only spinach.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 8, 2012 Author Share Posted August 8, 2012 I've never used kale, only spinach.... Well, a cheaper blender might win because when I Googled kale and blenders, I hit upon info about uncooked kale having something in it that inhibits iodine absorption and should be restricted if you have low thyroid, which I do... Maybe I'll just stick with my pretty Waring and spinach. Good news, Element! Just stick with spinach and you'll be fine! :thumbup: :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I LOVE my Vitamix. Wouldn't trade it for anything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
razorbackmama Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Well, a cheaper blender might win because when I Googled kale and blenders, I hit upon info about uncooked kale having something in it that inhibits iodine absorption and should be restricted if you have low thyroid, which I do... Maybe I'll just stick with my pretty Waring and spinach. Good news, Element! Just stick with spinach and you'll be fine! :thumbup: :tongue_smilie: Oh this is good to know! I have hypothyroidism too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MollyAnn Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I love my Vitamix, even though I make more aioli in it than green smoothies:tongue_smilie: When I do make green smoothies I put half a cup of coconut or almond milk in, I think it makes a smoother texture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 (edited) That was interesting. The article too. The KitchenAid turned jawbreakers into sugar! :lol: I wonder about the kale specifically though. I know spinach is softer. I wonder if it is the size/shape that was causing issues? I roughly chop things before I blend them. Blendtec vs golf balls Edited August 8, 2012 by Sis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoLuRu Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I have a Blendtec and *looooove* it. It blends everything I throw at it. (I haven't tried a golf ball or iPhone, but there are videos of people blending those!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meena Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 After seeing a demo and tasting yummy super-smooth whole fruit juice, I'm seriously considering a Blendtec. Costco has it on sale on their website right now for a really good price ($369 including a bonus large pitcher). If I don't get that, I might get a refurbished Vitamix 5200. I'm having a hard time deciding between the two. I think either would be great for the smooth texture you are looking for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Element Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Maybe I'll just stick with my pretty Waring and spinach. Good news, Element! Just stick with spinach and you'll be fine! :thumbup: :hurray: I probably need a better blender anyway. I get green flakes with just spinach because I'm using a 10 year old $50 Oster. At least now I can lust after the $100 KitchenAids (and the Warings actually look pretty nice too) instead of the $500 Vitamixes. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakblossoms Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 2 bananas A huge handful of baby carrots or 4-5 smaller carrots Frozen fruit usually berries Stuff as much kale as possible in the container I add ice if it is really hot out. Water to blend. Usually around the 3 cup mark. Put the water in before the Kale. Kale is related to cabbage, cauliflower etc. All of those are hard on the thyroid. spinach just doesn't have the same nutritional profile. If you have a skinny kid, you must add an avocado. I sometimes add fresh oranges or mangos, as well. I just usually save my mangos to make lassis with. I am stingy with my mangos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacefully Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 If it has to be. I wouldn't hate something cheaper though. :tongue_smilie: I just read a review of blenders that were tested by "Cooks" mag. 1. Vitamix came in first - price $ 450 2. Breville - The Hemisphere Control - price $199.- 3. Hamilton Beach Rio Commercial Bar Blender - price $110.- Hope this helps. All blenders were tested on green smoothies, fruit smoothies, ice crushing, speed, noise and durability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoot Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 I have a BlendTec and use it for green smoothies all the time (including kale) and it works beautifully. I bought it over the Vitamix because it's a bit shorter and fit under my cabinets better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SarahAlex Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 Vitamix is a good brand but here is one good site is called Hook Price available more type of blinders for your requirement with saving and control your budget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mryann Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 Have you considered a refurbished Vitamix? They are $320ish. According to the person I spoke to when I purchased mine, they have mostly been used in photo shoots and have nothing wrong with them. I love mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 Do you have a food processor? I make my smoothies in a Cuisinart, which has a more powerful motor than my Toyota. :tongue_smilie: The only thing that I don't like about it is that it is clumsy to pour when you're done -- but that's something I can put up with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 Is a Vitamix in the budget? :iagree: I could make rocks smooth in my Vitamix! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 I was gifted a vitamix from my Aunt and I am very, very happy with it. I have been married for 16 years and I have burnt out a kitchen aid, Oster, and a magic bullet. I love that we can do so much in it, too. We do Kale/Carrot smoothies daily now. Very similar story. I burnt out a Kitchen Aid and an Oster. I love my Vitamix. We got one for a bit less from Costco. I burnt out my Vitamix and it was NOT due to over use. Mine was the extra heavy duty, ALL stainless one they sold years ago. I know people here swear by them but I just am not impressed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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