Day 92: Vitamix vs. Blendtec: How I Picked the Best Juicer

For weeks my husband and I have been wrestling with an important question:  Which one's better, Blendtec or Vitamix???  We've searched everywhere for answers...on websites, in message boards, through Facebook posts, with friends and family.

"Blendtec offers a special milkshake-blade jug that makes shakes lighter & airier…Vitamix does not," raved one opinionated junkie.

"Watch Iron Chef America and guess which blender they put there reputation on. That’s right, Vitamix," reasoned another.

Arguably, both products trump traditional blenders. They chop fruits whole (seeds, skins, and all), make ice cream, and, within minutes, create hot soup--right on the countertop.

Both also have their pro's and cons.

Vitamix

Pros:
-Large, 64 oz. BPA-free carafe
-Tamper--to move things around
-Opening in lid to add things as you go along
-Preffered by professionals
-Seven-year warranty
-Comes with a cookbook

Cons:
-Too big to put on the counter under the kitchen cabinets
-More expensive than Blendtec
-Attached blade base--not removable for cleaning
-Needs a separate pitcher for grinding flour

Blendtec

Pros:
-Fits under counter
-Less Expensive than a Vitamix
-Claims to be sooo good it doesn't need a tamper
-Removeable base for cleaning

Cons:
-Smaller pitcher size
-No hole in lid
-No tamper
-Three-year standard warranty

Of course, there's always this to consider...

Luckily, I'm not interested in iPad smoothies.

The final verdict?  After weeks of discussing, hours of research, tons of crazy conversations, it all came down to this.

Husband (calling me on the phone): Baby, do you believe in signs?
Me: Sure (thinking he's found the cure to my sickness)
Husband: Well, I'm at Whole Foods and guess what they're doing?
Me: What?
Husband: A VITAMIX demo.  Do you believe it????  You should come over here.
Me:  That's ok. You can handle it.
Husband:  REALLY?!?!?  It's pretty cool. You don't want to come talk to this guy and check it out?
Me:  No. Not Really. I trust you.
Husband: OK

30 minutes later

Husband (calling again, obviously excited): I watched the whole thing and talked to the guy. This thing's amazing.  I really think  it's the way to go.
Me: OK.
Husband: So, I should buy it?
Me:  If you think so.

$399 later, I have a very fancy, schmancy smoothie maker.

Altered Today: How I use vegetables and make decisions.

Comments

[ec]

Your my second friend with a Vitamix. Yea!! Had I known of the debate, I would have led you in this direction. So happy--- can we make ice cream this weekend for our sunshine date :) ? I've been craving figs lately. How about fig ice cream... hmmm

[Lucy Medford]

I love my Vitamix; had it 3 years and just learning to use it...for same reason as you = health. Makes great juice concoctions. I learned kale tastes really good in juice with some apple and cucumber and celery. I love your blog!

[Kathy Tagudin]

Thanks, Lucy. I'm glad you found it!!! Love you.

[best juicers]

Great product, its a good way to get raw veggies into your children. They love pineapple, and celery juice the best.