When you’re shopping for a high-performance blender, you’ll likely find yourself comparing two well-known brands, Vitamix vs Blendtec. These are the top 2 brands in America and both have a long history of having the highest quality, best customer service, and most powerful blenders. This is a comparison that many others have had to make before purchasing their new blender, and it can be a little confusing.
To see if either manufacturer has any good blenders on sale right now, checkout our Blender Sale page.
Both manufacturer’s offer the best blender money can buy, and they are all priced moderate to very expensive. This article will highlight the differences between each company and help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.
New Blenders in 2018
Table of Contents
![Vitamix vs Blendtec - line up](/wp-content/uploads/vitamix-vs-blendtec.jpg)
Blendtec Classic Series – Blendtec Fit
Blendtec released a new entry-level model blender for 2018. It belongs to their Classic series and is called the Fit. A full write-up is coming shortly and I’ll post a link here.
Blendtec Designer Series – Blendtec 650
Blendtec released another blender to compete with Vitamix’s Ascent Series. It’s a beautiful blender with the typical high horsepower motor. A full write-up is coming shortly.
New Blenders in 2017
Vitamix Explorian Series – E310
In October 2017, Vitamix released a new line of blenders called the Explorian Series. The first blender in that line is the model E310. The Vitamix E310 is very similar to the other full-size blenders Vitamix sells, and is very comparable specs wise to the Classic Series (C-Series) such as the ever popular 5200 (with the low-profile container).
What is significant about this model is the price point. It is now the new low-price leader for Vitamix and rivals the pricing of many of their Certified Reconditioned models.
Vitamix Ascent Series
Vitamix released their new line of blenders called the Ascent in early 2017. You can get all the details on this exciting new Vitamix Ascent in our new article. The quick answer, there are 3 big changes that have impacted the Blendtec vs Vitamix battle. They can be boiled down to two new features and one warranty enhancement:
- Multi-Size containers: The Ascents come with a standard full-size 64 oz container. But it can also be fitted with single serve sized containers, much like you get with a Ninja blender. So one blender base can be used like a traditional blender with a full-size container (like the 7500) and can also be used with a single-serve sized container (like the S30).
- Self-Detect Sensing Technology: The motor base has the ability to automatically detect the size of the container you are using and will then adjust the program settings and maximum blending times accordingly.
- Warranty: All Ascent blenders come with a 10 year warranty!
Warranty Changes in 2017
As mentioned above, Vitamix changed to a 10 year warranty as standard on their Vitamix Ascent Series of blenders when buying brand new. We’re not aware of any other changes to warranties offered by Vitamix.
On the other hand, Blendtec made a change on their Certified Refurbished blenders. They shortened their standard warranty on Certified Refurbished and they now only come with 3 years of warranty. Their brand new blenders still come with 8 year warranties and 10 years on the Professional 800 and Tom Dickson Extreme.
Best Blender On A Budget in 2018
The winner in 2018 for the Best Blender On A Budget is a tough one as both Vitamix and Blendtec make excellent blenders that will blend any ingredient thrown in them. Vitamix has really stepped up their game to compete at this entry level price range with their new Explorian E310 introduced in October 2017. And Blendtec has introduced their new Blendtec Fit as a direct competitor at a fantastic price.
There is no dominant blender in this decision. They each have strong features in different categories.
Winner On Price
If price is the #1 deciding factor, both the Blendtec Fit and Vitamix E310 blenders constantly battle each other for the lowest price. And depending on what month or day you check, one may be lower than the other at blendtec.com or from Vitamix.com directly. Check prices at both to be certain of the best price.
If you plan to blend thick ingredients most of the time, the Blentec has more HP, but the patented Vitamix tamper will be a huge timesaver and probably the best reason to buy the Vitamix Certified Reconditioned Standard Programs blender.
If there’s no sales at the time of purchase, the Blendtec Fit will be the cheaper buy.
Alternative Blenders To Consider
We could just say it’s a draw and both are equal. But we feel there should be a winner picked. If you’re comfortable with refurbished blenders, the Blendtec Total Blender Certified Refurbished (TB621) is often a great price, and if they’re in stock, buy it! That is a terrific price for a blender of this caliber and quality.
The Winner For Best Blender On A Budget
Many of our readers are more comfortable with only a brand new blender. In our opinion, it boils down to the following:
- The Vitamix Explorian E310:
- has a longer warranty
- designed to use a tamper
- The Blendtec Fit has more peak horsepower
So … Our overall opinion, by a small margin, we recommend the Vitamix Explorian E310 Blender as the best blender on a budget.
Get Vitamix E310 Get Blendtec Fit
Best Value Blender for 2018
Winner On Price
Based on price alone, the Blendtec Designer 650 looks to be the winner with a savings of $20 over the Vitamix A2300. But for a blender in the $400+ range, $20 is less significant than in the Budget Blender range. But if $20 makes a difference to you, yes, the Blendtec Fit is the winner.
Alternative Blenders To Consider
Looking at the blender landscape, there are two other blenders we’d seriously consider in this value category:
Both of these blenders are reconditioned by their factory’s, and are also great values. Both of these come with a plethora of Auto Programs and great warranties. They’re solid contendors in this category.
The Winner For Best Value Blender
The winner for the Best Value Blender is the Vitamix A2300. Both of these blenders are highly rated, loved by consumers and have similar prices. The Blendtec has more HP and Programs. The Vitamix is lacking Programs, and we really value Programs. So yet again, this is another challenging decision. No one blender stands out dominantly over the other. For day-to-day functionality, the Vitamix tamper rises the Vitamix Ascent A2300, along with an unbelievable warranty of 10 years, self-detect technology built into the containers, and the ability to add-on the single-serve to-go containers make it ultra versatilve. The A2300, in our opinion is the best value blender.
Get Vitamix A2300 Get Designer 650
Best Blender Overall in 2020
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This category is when we start to care less about the price and more about buying a top-of-the-line or near top-of-the-line model. But not buying the most expensive blender available.
Winner On Price
We are huge fans of the Blendtec Designer 725, and even own one of those in our kitchen. But judging purely on price between these two titans of blenders, the Vitamix A2500 offers a lower price. So the winner just on price is the Vitamix A2500.
Alternative Blenders To Consider
Before buying one of these blenders, we’d seriously consider refurbished models. They offer tremendous value for a ton of features. Specifically, we like:
- Vitamix Certified Reconditioned Next Generation Programs, $499
- Blendtec Certified Refurbished Designer 725, $549
Yes, the Designer 725 shows up again as a refurbished model. It’s cheaper but has been fully reconditioned.
The Winner for Best Overall Blender
This is the sweet spot of blenders and where many of our readers shop for a blender. And again, it’s a tough one, but this time there are greater differentiators. It pits several new technologies against each of these blenders. But it is our overall opinion, with the Multi-Size capabilities and longer warranty that the Vitamix Ascent 2500 be awarded Best Blender Overall.
The A2500 balances value with Multi-Size flexibility. It’s like having a Next-Gen 7500 and a S30 all in one blender.
![Designer-capacitive-touch-interface](https://www.blenderreviews.us/wp-content/uploads/Designer-capacitive-touch-interface-1.png)
The Blendtec Designer 725 is a beautiful blender with a delicious illuminated capacitive touch screen interface. And it has a very powerful motor. If you find yourself blending extremely tough foods like nut butters, this would be a better choice.
Get Vitamix A2500 Get Designer 725
Best Blender – I Don’t Care About Budget! (2020)
Winner On Price
This is probably the easiest one to make a judgement on. Both of these blenders are the best residential blenders offered by Vitamix and Blendtec.
The Vitamix A3500 tops out at $619, while the Blendtec Pro 800 eclipses $1099.
In this category, it’s less about price and more about buying the best-of-the-best. But if you were in the market to buy the best blender offered by Vitamix or Blendtec, the Vitamix A3500 wins hands down on price.
Alternative Blenders To Consider
The Winner For Best Blender
This is about as close to a restaurant grade blender you can get for the home
Get Vitamix A3500 Get Blendtec Pro 800
Horsepower: Who Has the Most?
![vitamix vs blendtec - Blendtec motor size comparison](https://www.blenderreviews.us/wp-content/uploads/blendtec-motor-size-300x212.jpg)
When your blender is capable of blending an iPhone, you know you’ve got plenty of horsepower.
Both manufacturer’s offer blenders with incredible horsepower! Any of the models sold by either company has more than enough power to handle the ingredients you put in—and, yes, that includes smartphones.
The truth is, most people would have a tough time telling the difference between a smoothie made in a Vita-mix and one made in a Blendtec. They both produce a smoothie with a creamy consistency, and they both can heat up a soup using just the friction created by the spinning of the blades. Bottom line: you won’t miss out on much power no matter which model you choose.
When comparing pure horsepower numbers, Blendtec has the slight advantage here. Every Blendtec model that discloses their horsepower number is rated at or above 3-peak horsepower. Most Vitamix blenders are only rated at 2-peak horsepower, with the exception of Next Generation models like the Professional Series 750, Professional Series 300, 7500, and Creations Elite, rated at 2.2-peak horsepower.
In the horsepower battle, Blendtec is the winner. But good enough is sometimes all that is needed to provide similar if not the same results for smoothies, juice, nut butters, and the like. And they each produce food that has very similar results.
Warranties: Making Sure You’ll Get Your Money’s Worth
Once again, the Vitamix vs. Blendtec match here is a pretty even draw. Both companies offer seven year warranties with their new blenders that cover both the blender bases and the containers for normal wear and tear. A point to note is that the new Vitamix Ascent blenders come standard with a 10 year warranty.
For the other Vitamix models, the 7-year warranty with the Vita Mix, there is an option to add three years of warranty coverage at the time of purchase for an additional $75, bringing the total coverage to 10 years. You can also upgrade the Certified Reconditioned models from 5 years and add an additional 3 years, getting a full 8 years of warranty.
Blendtec also offers an additional three years of warranty coverage for $75 if you decide to upgrade when purchasing a new blender.
We think both of these warranties are excellent, so we’re calling this round a tie.
Design and Practicality: The Art of Blending
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then it stands to reason that this matchup largely comes down to user preference. Without question, the blenders produced by either company are quite large and bulky. They average between 15″-20″ in height, 5.75″-7.7″ wide, 7.5″-9.5″ deep, and can weigh up to 12.5 lbs.
![vitamix vs blendtec counter height comparison](https://www.blenderreviews.us/wp-content/uploads/vitamix-blendtec-counter-height.jpg)
It’s important to note that the older model Vitamix blenders are quite tall due to the larger 64 oz container and the taller bases. These models are often too tall to fit under the standard kitchen cabinet if you plan on storing the container on the base.
However, newer models, like the Next-Gen G-Series Professional Series 750, Professional Series 300, Vitamix 7500, and Creations Elite feature a newly redesigned base and wider, shorter containers. These newer models should have no problem fitting under standard kitchen cabinets.
Looking at the latest Vitamix Ascent blenders, they’re even a little bit shorter than the G-Series. So kitchen cabinet height becomes less of a concern.
Let’s not forget that Blendtec has 3 jars for their blenders. The original Blendtec Four Side Jar, the Blendtec Wild Side Jar, and the latest Blendtec Twister Jar. The Twister Jar is only 16 ounces but it is also considerably shorter than the other 2 jars and is great for someone who usually makes a thick frozen smoothie for one person. Allowing this to be your main jar freeing up lots of cabinet height room.
Who wins the design battle? We have to give it to Blendtec only because they have always been designed to fit under standard kitchen cabinets.
Price: The Bottom Line
We’re not going to mince words: both blenders have some of the highest-priced models on the market. The question is: who offers the better-quality affordable options?
Vita Mix blenders range in price from $299 to $689 with an average price around $484. The factory reconditioned models are the cheapest of the bunch, starting at $299, but only come with a 5 year warranty.
If that seems steep, consider that Blendtec models range between $279 to $1035 with an average price of about $555, which is about MSRP for their very popular blendtec tb-621-20 with street prices in the $400 range. Their factory refurbished models are their most affordable offerings, starting at $279, for the Total Blender Classic Certified Refurbished.
I wish I could offer up a category of Best Blender Under $200, but there really isn’t one in a professional grade blender meant to last years and years, and blend almost anything a home cook can throw in it. In the price battle of Vitamix vs Blendtec, both Vitamix and Blendtec offer affordable units, with the lowest priced options coming from their fantastic Certified Reconditioned models for around $300. Blendtec has the edge here by offering the cheapest high-performance option, with full 7-year warranty, their Total Blender Classic Certified Refurbished.
Controls: The Difference that Makes the Difference
Finally, some major contrast!
![Vitamix vs blendtec - 5200 base](/wp-content/uploads/5200-base-300x300.jpg)
Vitamix “legacy” blenders all use a fairly low-tech dial and toggle switch setup. The controls are intuitive and provide you with precise control over the speed with the twist of a dial.
The one exception would be the Next-Gen Series 780. That model was the introduction of the first capacitive touch screen by Vitamix.
In 2017, the Vitamix Ascent introduced digital screens, but still rely on knobs, either manual or digital. They do offer Auto Programs on some of their models just like the Blendtec’s.
![Vitamix vs Blendtec - Professional Series controls](/wp-content/uploads/professional-series-300x300.jpg)
Blendtec has taken a more high-tech approach to the controls by implementing either an illuminated touchpad or built-in buttons with presets and speed controls.
Many prefer the Vita-mix for its simplicity. But others are always looking for the latest in technology and are big fans of the more technical Blendtec controls. Vitamix is good for simple household recipes while Blendtec’s pre-sets can be good for when you need to handle multiple loads of ingredients—or when you just plain feel like getting fancy.
Differentiators
“Vitamix, it’s an awesome machine to have”, Andrew Volk
“Why Blendtec? Top to bottom, it’s the most advanced blender in the world.”
Vitamix Black Specks
In doing your research, you will find articles and reviews about the Vitamix black specks problem. This was a condition in which tiny black dots would be found in your blended drink, soup, or meal inside the pitcher. It was commonly discussed as the Vitamix black specks 5200 problem or the Vitamix 7500 black specks issue, but it had nothing to do with those particular models. Those are 2 of the most popular models, so it got a lot of attention naturally.
There were even “container tests” done on new purchases to see if the one you bought suffered from the problem. Basically you poured water into your new blender container, ran it on the highest setting for a few minutes, then poured it into a white bowl. If you had the black specks problem, it was very easy to see them in a white bowl.
We reached out to Vitamix to get a definitive word on this subject. Basically, this issue started in 2014 and was popularized online in 2015. Although it was deemed to be due to teflon coming from the bearing seal, and no known health risks are associated with the ingestion of Teflon, or PTFE, Vitamix made modifications to the containers that were affected by this problem and completely resolved the issue. The solution was a new seal on all full-size containers.
Rest assured, Vitamix stands behind their products. As of August 11, 2015, all full-size containers coming off their production lines contain a new seal that addresses the issue. If there are any further questions or concerns about the one you bought, contact Vitamix at 800-848-2649.
We stand behind Vitamix and their products 100% with zero concerns about this problem. In fact we bought a new 780 back in May without even knowing the problem was fixed in August 2015. The one recommendation we do have, since inventories could still have blenders built before August 11, 2015, is to buy directly from Vitamix.com. There will be zero chance of you getting a blender without the fix if you buy direct from the manufacturer.
Blendtec vs Vitamix: Our Choices
If you’re looking for a high-performance blender, you really can’t go wrong with either Vitamix or Blendtec. Both make great blenders with excellent quality, full 7-year warranties and outstanding performance.
It’s easy to see why so many people side with Vitamix. their long, storied history of quality and the simplicity of the controls make the pick of many devoted followers and the choice of so many chefs. There is much debate on which is the better Vitamix blender, the 5200 vs 7500. In our opinion, the 7500 is our #1 pick. With its updated design, shorter container, and more powerful motor, the 7500 is THE BEST Vita-mix on the market right now for the money.
On the Blendtec side, the advanced, touchscreen controls and the ability to store any of their models on the countertop under standard kitchen cabinets make it a favorite of those looking for a more high-tech option. Our pick here is the Designer Series 625, with its 3 horsepower motor and flat touchscreen controls.
Still deciding for yourself who the winner is in the Vitamix vs Blendtec battle? Check out our Blender Comparison Tool. It has helped thousands of people look at the cold hard facts, color choices, and pricing to make their final decision.
Ninja vs Vitamix
It’s very common to also compare Ninja blenders. There are lots of infomercials on TV for the Ninja, and that is often many people’s first exposure to powerful blenders that are stronger than the common $25-50 ones you see in the big box department stores. So let’s do a quick comparison.
Power: One of the most powerful blenders Ninja has to offer is the Ninja Ultima which lists 2.5 HP. Vitamix C-Series, like the popular Vita mix 5200, lists 2.0 HP. Based purely on power, one would assume that the Ninja is more powerful and better performing. Both are good at basic blender tasks, but when it comes to thicker blends such as ice smoothies, frozen fruits, nut butters, and the like, the Ninja struggles a bit. Winner = Vitamix
Blending: Both blenders blend very well. The big difference comes when you are blending thick ingredients. Ingredients like frozen fruits, that cavitate and end up creating an air pocket so that the ingredients are stuck above the blade, require the use of a tamper to shove the ingredients back down into the blade. Ninja doesn’t have a tamper that can be used with the blender running, requiring you to turn off the blender, remove the lid, scrape the food off the the sides of the blender, then put the lid back on, and turn on the blender again. Not too inconvenient if you only had to do it one time, but if you’ve ever blended a frozen fruit smoothie, you know you’d end up doing this several times before it’s finished, becoming a huge hassle. Vita-mix has their patented tamper, which allows you to keep the blender running while pushing the ingredients down into the blades. Winner = Vitamix
Functionality: The Ninja uses dual blade technology, with a fixed blade in the bottom of the container and a second set of blades that is inserted into the blender container. It also has a twist-on snap functionality to mating the container to the motor base, which isn’t easy to accomplish when you’re first learning how to use the blender. The lid is also a bit cumbersome with a handle that folds to lock it down and a requirement to make sure the second blade aligns with the lid properly. On any of the Vitamix models, they’re super simple to use. There is only one blade and it is fixed to the container 100% of the time. The lid is a simple press down to secure it. No doubt here, their’s is much easier to learn and has better functionality. Winner = Vitamix
Cost: The Ninja is available everywhere and has great pricing, commonly seen for the Ninja Ultima around $259. On the other hand, the best price for a Vita Mix is a reconditioned model for $299. Winner = Ninja
Conclusion: In the battle of the Ninja blender vs Vitamix, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Ninja, like their high powered Ninja Ultima, is a great blender that has many happy customers. It is not as easy to use, nor as powerful as a Vita-Mix, but you can get a brand new one cheaper than a Factory Reconditioned Vita-Mix. Important point to note, both provide much better results than the typical household blender and you’ll be very happy with the blended results from both. Overall, for the 5 – 7 year warranties offered by Vita-mix, as well as the ease of use, power, longstanding history of reliability and being made in America, I think it’s worth the price of a nice dinner to spend more money on a Vita-mix that I believe will last longer and be more pleasurable to use on a regular basis.
Ninja vs Vitamix: Winner = Vitamix
We constantly compare blenders from different models to different manufacturers. Check back often, and if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for blender comparisons, please post them in the comments section below. ↓
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind Of Blender Do They Use At Starbucks?
![vitamix-quiet-one](https://www.blenderreviews.us/wp-content/uploads/vitamix-quiet-one-300x300.jpg)
Several years ago I recall seeing Blendtec blenders at Starbucks.
But for the past several years, all the Starbucks I’ve been to have been using the Commercial grade Vitamix blender called “The Quiet One”.
It’s an industrial grade blender with a fully-enclosed enclosure to reduce noise.
If you’re like me, you’re ready to go look at pricing for this one! Before you do, let me just add the following:
- It’s a Vitamix commercial blender. Warranty might be an issue for non-business use
- Finding a place to buy one is also a bit tough as a consumer. And list price on this bad boy is $1,299.95!
- It uses 120v, 15 amps. You’d most likely need a dedicated circuit and breaker to make sure you can feed all the power this blender needs.
Our opinion, stick with Vitamix residential blenders.
How much power does a Vitamix use?
Most of the Vitamix blenders are 120v, 12 amps.
It’s a power-hungry piece of equipment, but luckily, they don’t run very long to make your recipes.
Most homes have 120v, 15 amp breakers and circuits. Unless you’re really lucky and have 120v, 20 amp breakers. I’ve only lived in one home that used 20 amp breakers to all its circuits.
Either way, any of the Vitamix non-business blenders will run perfectly fine for most homes with up-to-code wiring.
Worst case, you may have to turn-off other nearby appliances (ie Microwave, coffee machine, etc) when you decide to use the blender.
What kind of blender do they use at Jamba Juice?
![Jamba_Juice-logo](https://www.blenderreviews.us/wp-content/uploads/Jamba_Juice-logo-300x217.png)
Jamba Juice is a franchise type of business.
Most if not all of the Jamba Juice stores are owned by a franchisee instead of by Jamba Juice corporation.
So selection and choice is usually decided by many individuals and not one company.
With that business model, you will see either a Vitamix or a Blendtec blender in that store.
They will also be using one of the manufacturer’s commercial grade blenders.
List of Related Articles
Juicer vs Blender – Which Is The Best?
Vitamix vs Ninja Blenders
Which is better: juicing or blending?
*Disclaimer: warranty periods and terms may change over time. As a result, at the time of purchase, please verify from the seller or manufacturer the length of warranty and it’s terms.
Hello,
Both Vitamix and Blendtec make the best blenders on the market So, I recommended Vitamix.
We have owned a Blendtec for about 12 years and the base unit still works fine, the only problem with them is if you use it daily the jar bearing will go out after about 2-5 years so expect to pay $100+ for a new jar since the bearing is not replaceable. The jars have a 3 year warranty and our current one failed about 2 weeks after the 3 years was up. I contacted Blendtec several times and sent pictures to see if they would cover it under warranty or offer a good discount on a new one and got no response from them at all. If that is the way they treat their customers I have a hard buying another one in case something in the main unit broke which I have read that alot of others have experienced motor failures. I’ll have to do more research but I think we will go with a Vitamix next time. Blendtec uses all these cute videos blending cell phones and rake handles, etc. and claim they have the toughest blenders but believe me they will break even if you are just using it for smoothies with some protein powder and a few pieces of frozen fruit and a couple of ice cubes, lol.. thats a big marketing scam if you ask me.
Hi Mike,
I had the bearing go out in mine as well. The symptom is the blade would stick, and it was stuck enough that upon startup the blender motor can’t turn the blade. I had read elsewhere a cheap fix, is to pour liquid (usually just water) in the container and manually turn the blade with your hand. It free’s up the blade and then runs fine. This might not be the same problem you’re having with the container, but if it is, give this a try.
Hi Rick,
The first jar bearing pretty much failed and there was a lot of play in the shaft and it made and awful loud sound like it was going to blow up so it was not really useable. The second jar actually still works but it leaks out the bottom pretty bad. ***Update: We just heard back from Blendtec (took over a month) and they said they would give a nice discount on a replacement so if there is any way I can edit the original msg (or let this be the update). I hate to give negative reviews but wished Blendtec would have at least responded promptly and said “we are reviewing your warranty claim” which would at least keep you in the loop instead of wondering what is going on. But anyway they made good on it.. It would be nice if they made a replaceable bearing/blade assembly because the jars hold up really well, it is a shame to throw them out.
I bought a Vitamix in 2005, replaced it with a blendtec in 2016. Used the Blendtec for a year pulled out the vitamix from storage. Vitamix has slower blending speed of needed, does not shut off automatically. Made homemade V-8 in blendtec and the celery got stuck under the blade for the entire blending time. Will stick to my 12 year old Vitamix.
Hi, I watched both make ice cream, using frozen fruit, with 4 cups of ice cubes on top. Both were turned on at the exact same time, the Blendec blended everything up almost instantly, while the Vitamix, needed the tamper to get get everything blended. I bought the Vitamix 2 years ago, and thought I got the best one out there. I didn’t realize that the Blendec doesn’t require a temper. I mean it just ate those ice cubes up! So now I’m wondering why was Vitamix made to need the tamper? Is it that it’s not as powerful as the Blendec? I have the professional series, with the tall top. I watched them test both on a YouTube video. I also bought my Vitamix at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, they let you return things anytime, plus they sell the Blendec, so I thinking about switching blenders, and also updating. the other day, I tried putting a whole apple in the Vitamix, I put quite a bit of water, turned it on, wouldn’t blend up the apple, it just took some pieces of the apple, but that was it, I didn’t try the turbo, maybe I should of, but it was late, didn’t wanna make so much noise. I was kinda mad, paying all that money. Maybe the amount of water wasn’t right, even with the tamper It wouldn’t blend up. I have a question. Why would Vitamix have a blender that needs a tamper, knowing that Blendec works great without one. Is there something good about a blender with a tamper? I don’t get it. Thank You.
My first blender was a K-Tec blender. It worked great, no tamper, super powerful, and a couple of years later the company was acquired by Blendtec.
I’ve had zero problems with that blender, except the blade bearing and slight cracks in the container. But nothing needing repair as of yet. And I should add it’s probably going on 10 years old now.
What I have found with this older model of blender was that with frozen fruits or recipes with a high frozen mix (makes thick mixtures), it would constantly require me to stop blending mid-cycle, lift the lid, and use a bowl scraper to push the ingredients back down into the blades. And I normally had to do this several times.
Granted, I am still using the original container without the benefit of Blendtec’s newer containers, like the Wildside and the Twister jar, which are wonderful with thick mixtures. I would wholeheartedly endorse a Blendtec blender with one of the newer jars.
About a year ago I added a Vitamix 780 to my kitchen. With both my K-Tec and Vitamix I always cut my fruits and vegetables, so can’t compare on trying to blend an uncut fruit, but with the way I blend, I’ve never had a problem with either blender.
I really like the Tamper. From what I understand, Vitamix still owns the patents on it, probably preventing other blender manufacturers from incorporating a tamper in their blender. The tamper works extremely well for me and it allows me to do uninterrupted blending.
Both Vitamix and Blendtec make the best blenders on the market and there are many happy customers that own one or the other. I think if you look at what you blend most frequently (ie soups, sauces, frozen smoothies), and how you blend them (ie uncut fruit, frozen fruit, etc), you may find that using one over the other will be better for you.
The key here is, which blender works best for how you use a blender.
I’d say go ahead and give the Blendtec a try. It may be the best blender for you.
I received a Vitamix 500 pro series for my birthday. It would shut off after a couple seconds when mixing anything thicker than water. Customer service seemed to be helpful at first but never came through with the return shipping or anything else. After days of trying to get this repaired or replaced, I’m taking it back to the retailer for a refund. I would avoid this highly priced piece of crap from this company with piss poor customer service.
Wow. So this is uncommon and your judgments are so personal and unwarranted. I bought a used blentec years ago, they replaced the canister once for me and it works and works and works. Like a charm. Customer service is excellent.