Vitamix - Anyone into them?

[T.G]

The $150 KitchenAid Diamond I had bought also had great reviews.

While I didn't initially buy it to use it like a Vitamix, I ended up using it like one. Once I did, I found myself underwhelmed with it, so I returned it a week later and bought a 5200 instead ($379+tax at Costco).

I know, $350-700 for a blender seems nuts, but I couldn't be happier with the 5200. It's breezing through everything I've thrown at, or more correctly, in, it. The first time I ran it, my comment was "Holy shitballs! This thing is fast." It was done in 60 seconds with what would normally take 3-4 minutes in the KitchenAid.

After a few weeks of use, I can say that I have no remorse about the $400 I spent on this.

[Blak Smyth]

Originally Posted by T.G

The $150 KitchenAid Diamond I had bought also had great reviews.

General reviews would have not meant much to me but the review I linked tested it against the Vitamix. For very very light use with an occasional smoothie the Vitamix is clearly overkill for somebody such as myself. Do I wish I had one? Yes. Do I need one? I hope not... Maybe I will be back in here in six months raving about my new Vitamix.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by Blak Smyth

General reviews would have not meant much to me but the review I linked tested it against the Vitamix. For very very light use with an occasional smoothie the Vitamix is clearly overkill for somebody such as myself. Do I wish I had one? Yes. Do I need one? I hope not... Maybe I will be back in here in six months raving about my new Vitamix.

I wasn't talking about general reviews, IIRC, it was consumer reports, which is at the very least equal to Cnet, who rated the KA higher than the vitamix.

"or very very light use with an occasional smoothie the Vitamix is clearly overkill for somebody such as myself." Funny, that's almost exactly what I thought too when I bought the KA. Then I decided to test it out and see how well it did. I found that one - it didn't, two - that I actually could (did) use the appliance more than I had imagined I would.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Blak Smyth

General reviews would have not meant much to me but the review I linked tested it against the Vitamix. For very very light use with an occasional smoothie the Vitamix is clearly overkill for somebody such as myself. Do I wish I had one? Yes. Do I need one? I hope not... Maybe I will be back in here in six months raving about my new Vitamix.

The problem is you do need that kind of power to make a smoothie. Tried many a-blender and they just don't cut it. I can carve a turkey with a butter knife, but it does not come out nearly as nice or as efficient as a chef's knife.

Similar to espresso machines; they just cost money and there's no way getting around it. Vitamix is a lifelong purchase, so think of it in the big picture.

[Blak Smyth]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

The problem is you do need that kind of power to make a smoothie. Tried many a-blender and they just don't cut it. I can carve a turkey with a butter knife, but it does not come out nearly as nice or as efficient as a chef's knife.

Similar to espresso machines; they just cost money and there's no way getting around it. Vitamix is a lifelong purchase, so think of it in the big picture.

Are you guys underestimating the Ultima? It has "that kind of power"

[Blueface]

Again, not knocking the Ninja as I was quite close to ordering it.
BUT, I think the Vitamix is similar to the it's just like like iPad, it's like a Ferrari, etc.
Unfortunately, they are not.
I really didn't understand it and wouldn't have understood it had my wife not busted my darn chops so much for a Vitamix. After owning it, whatever regrets I had over the cost have long subsided.
I think the ultimate example of just how good they are is as result how observant I have since become of blenders at bars. It is only now that I realize that no matter where I go that sells smoothies or frozen drinks, they use a Vitamix.

I really hope my posts are not taken as mine is bigger, better, etc. as that is not my intent as we all buy what out wallets will permit and what we see best for our needs.
Just my honest thoughts based on being very familiar with both units.

BTW, my son spent quite a bit of time explaining to me how his Ninja was no different than my Vitamix. I didn't say a word and brushed it off to his mom's lunacy. That was until the day he saw it in action. He learned the same lesson with the espresso coffee maker he bought compared to my Rancilio, for which I am very grateful to all on this board that steered me in that direction.

[Blak Smyth]

Originally Posted by Blueface

Again, not knocking the Ninja as I was quite close to ordering it.
BUT, I think the Vitamix is similar to the it's just like like iPad, it's like a Ferrari, etc.
Unfortunately, they are not.
I really didn't understand it and wouldn't have understood it had my wife not busted my darn chops so much for a Vitamix. After owning it, whatever regrets I had over the cost have long subsided.
I think the ultimate example of just how good they are is as result how observant I have since become of blenders at bars. It is only now that I realize that no matter where I go that sells smoothies or frozen drinks, they use a Vitamix.

I really hope my posts are not taken as mine is bigger, better, etc. as that is not my intent as we all buy what out wallets will permit and what we see best for our needs.
Just my honest thoughts based on being very familiar with both units.

BTW, my son spent quite a bit of time explaining to me how his Ninja was no different than my Vitamix. I didn't say a word and brushed it off to his mom's lunacy. That was until the day he saw it in action. He learned the same lesson with the espresso coffee maker he bought compared to my Rancilio, for which I am very grateful to all on this board that steered me in that direction.

That was a good post! I think all Vitamix owners are "mine is bigger", but for good reason.
Does your son have the Ultima or another model Ninja? What does he use it for? Just curious.
I know there is a big difference between the two I just hope that the Ultima will do good enough smoothies and fraps, I will have huge buyers remorse if not. Every other blender I have tried sucked at making fraps.

I KNOW the Vitamix would do anything without question, but I took a chance on this less expensive one. I already feel like I should have just waited and bought a Vitamix, now I just have to see if it will sufice.

I hope to contribute some frap recipes if the blender will work.

[shade]

Originally Posted by T.G

I know, $350-700 for a blender seems nuts, but I couldn't be happier with the 5200.

After a few weeks of use, I can say that I have no remorse about the $400 I spent on this.

Just think about what you spend on cigars. Now that's nuts.