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Blenders
Blenders
Ah, the great blender discussion/debate continues. I've owned a Blendtec HP-3 Champ for nearly 10 years. I love it. Have traveled with it. The base of the Blendtec tends to be a smaller footprint than the Vitamix. Also, the original Vitamix is too tall to fit/slide underneath the upper cabinets in most kitchens which makes it something of an issue to leave on the counter in most situations. At 3 peak horse power the Blendtec does an amazing job on anything you need it to. I've also used a seriously well-loved/if not in fact abused Vitamix that for all intents and purposes, should have been retired. You could hear the beginnings of a bearing grinding away. It still made quality smoothies and dressings, though not without some coaxing sometimes (its primary purpose in the restaurant I worked.)
For me however, Blendtec gets the prize. Blendtec customer service is simply first rate. I've had a couple of jar gaskets (around the blade) fail after many, many cycles of use. As the jars were within warranty, they were replaced no questions asked and no issues. Also, Blendtec has added a rather cool smoothie jar system, the Go Jar, of which I was able to be among the first 100 to score. Very cool new tool. Blend smoothie, take off blade, put on lid, rinse blade, and walk out the door. Looking forward to scoring a second. I respect the debate. Both VM and BT are good tools. But, for me, Blendtec wins hands down.
A last word. Whether you end with a VM or BT remember they are tools. These are investments given their cost. They may look familiar; however they don't necessarily play the same way small format blenders do, to which they look similar. Each has its quirks and requires time in learning how to use them to their fullest benefit. Once you get beyond the getting to know phase, and if well cared for, either should last a lifetime, if not nearly so, of productive use.
@LifeGrains.com
@LifeGrains.com
I got the Versa Pro last Black Friday for $139, and a friend owns the 5200. The Vitamix is definitely more robustly built and it's a little quieter than the Oster too. But I've used the Versa Pro *every* day for just under a year (smoothies, mostly) and I've never had a problem (besides loudness). Definitely got my money's worth. I *love* the programmed buttons for smoothies and for soups and being able to walk away while it does its thing, so when it eventually comes time to upgrade it will probably be to a Vitamix that also has pre-programmed options. In the mean time, I really do recommend the Versa Pro if you can get it on sale.
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5200 refurb is a fantastic deal - https://www.amazon.com/Vitamix-Standard-Blender-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B00KM03KKA
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The 5200 is great. My caveman, a physician, has used and recommended them for years. There is no reason to have a removable blade. Cleanup is simple and does not require it.
Honestly, I've never heard of someone using the mason jar method? I wouldn't base your vote on that system. :/
Seriously? None of these options have a glass pitcher with removable blades. I like to measure out smoothies and keep them in mason jars in the freezer, and mason jars have the same threads as a blender's glass pitcher. Am I the only person that still attaches mason jars to the blender?
Quarnozian
Are there any high performance blenders with glass jars? Or removable blades for that matter? I haven't seen any that are rated decently. We have the Vitamix 750, there is no way I would put a mason jar attached to the blade base on there. Not sure if you have used one of these blenders but they are very powerful.
packfan73
I've never had an issue with a blender being too powerful for a good mason jar, but I've also never spent more than $150 on a blender. Been using an Oster, but if I fill the pitcher to the top with ice, it jams. I always leave room in the mason jars though... it probably would break the jars if it didn't have room to push the ingredients up when they are still solid.
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