Super Blender?

We're on our third Vita-Mix since 1983. The reason they offer a 7 year warranty is they don't die. We get a new one about every ten years because we want the newer model. Vita-Mix will take the old one in trade. Our choice is giving old ones to relatives. They still use them regularly.

Vita-Milx is a lot more than a smoothie machine. Preparing healthy food isn't a chore when all the ingredients go in one container and take less than a minute to prepare. The machine cleans itself in less than a minute. Here's the Vita-Mix recipe site. Enter the food classification and meal type you want. Recipes include nutritional information.

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If you think you will continue using the blender frequently then I would go for a good quality one. If budget is a concern second hand is an option. I got a magic bullet second hand for peanuts, and it works just fine.

I have the Ninja blender, and it works great. Consumer Reports rated it #2 out of a lot of different blenders (Vita Mix being #1, of course), which actually made me interested in seeking it out. They sell them at Bed, Bath and Beyond, and cost about $100. I used a 20% off coupon from them so I got it for about $80, which was a pretty good deal.

I think it depends on your financial situation and the price of the "super blender." Just calculate how many Osters you could blow up before you hit the price of a Vitamix, and what else you might want to do with that money in the meantime. If buying the more expensive one won't put a crimp in your budget, go for it, but if times are tight, you might want to just read a lot of reviews and get the best of the more economical options.

I have a Krups that I bought over 10 years ago at Costco for $50 (for a blender/food processor combo) that's still going strong and does everything mentioned above except heating. I keep hoping it will give up the ghost because I really want a food processor with more blade options but can't justify replacing something that still works, but the d*mn thing just won't die!!!!

it is absolutely worth the investment!

After coveting one for years I finally bit the bullet and got a vitamix this past Feb. Don't know why I waited so long. It's changed my world!

Yes, the Vita Mix is wonderful too. Based on input from another smoothie junkie who owned the Vita Mix AND a Blend Tec, I purchased the Blend Tec because it had a lower "profile" and would fit in the space between my upper and lower cabinets, and the Vita Mix, alas, did not. Other than that, I don't think you can go wrong with either one.... well, unless you have something against SMOOTH smoothies!

Thanks so much for the blender tips! I am going to look at both the Vitamix and Blend Tec (I love Costco!!) as it sounds like they are much better than this cheapie I just destroyed. I think it will be worth the investment as I have my whole family drinking fruit smoothies....much much better than our former snacks!

Any other super blenders out there?

I'm a Vitamix fan--it can do anything!

Make smoothies (pulverizes EVERYTHING--including little seeds), sorbets (using only fruit), soups (even HEATS them), salsas, dips, nut butters, nut milks--EVEN COMPOST FOR YOUR GARDEN!

It has a powerful 2 horsepower motor and comes with a warranty. You can buy a refurbished one from their site and save $$$.

And yes, it can crush ice in seconds, but certainly not quietly.

I am not familiar with the blenders at Williams Sonoma, but I am the very satisfied owner of a "super" blender.... I have the Blend Tec blender (avail at many costco and sam's clubs, with a free extended warranty and at the best avail price - check online to see when they are featuring it at your nearest club and find a friend who has a membership if you don't??).

I have been using it for almost two years on a (minimum) daily basis for green smoothies, some "sauces" or nut/seed butters, and I often use ice in my smoothies, so I can vouch that it does a great job, BUT - it is not quiet, and neither is the Vita Mix blender, that is it's "equal" in the market (though you can, apparently, purchase a clear (lexan?) cover that highly muffles the sound). It makes short work of anything I have used it for, very smooth end product. If it is smoothies you are wanting, that is my primary use, so I can confidently say this blender is worth it - and I am on a pretty tight budget these days. Happy hunting!

I've been making LOTS of smoothies lately and have blown out my $20 Oster blender. I'm in the market for a new one and not sure if I should just get another Oster ($20-$40) or invest (splurge) on one of the professional type blenders I've seen at Williams Sonoma. Are the more expensive blenders worth it? Anyone have a good blender that can crush the ice quickly and quietly?