Why Buy a Vitamix Blender

Vitamix Vs Blendtec

Posted September 15th, 2011 by noelle | View Comments

The Vitamix blender, like the Blendtec, makes amazing smoothies and blended soups. So leaving performance aside for a minute, these are the reasons why some health beauties prefer the Vitamix over the Blendtec. (Learn more: Why do I need a high powered blender? and Why drink smoothies?)

Why buy a Vitamix blender

The tamper.

The tamper, is a long black plastic wand that is included with all Vitamix blenders to help facilitate the blending of thick smoothies. Instead of you turning off the blender and moving big chunks of cucumber or frozen strawberries around with a spoon (like you might have to do with the Blendtec), Vitamix lets you use their tamper. This tamper can be used while the blades in the blender are actually spinning. The tamper includes a special “collar” designed to prevent it from hitting the blades.

My thought: While certainly nice, I have not found the lack of the tamper with my Blendtec to be such a huge drawback. However, some people swear by it.
The warranty.

Years ago, the Vitamix had an edge on the Blendtec when it came to the warranty they offered. The Vitamix company has always offered a 7 year warranty on their blenders. The Blendtec company previously only offered a 1-3 year warranty. Now both companies offer a 7 year warranty. These blenders are expensive (~$400+) so it’s nice to have some added insurance.
The colors.

The base of the Vitamix blenders are available in a black lacquer, white lacquer and red lacquer finish that looks wonderful. You can also get the base in a stainless steel finish.

My thought: The Blendtec family also sells their blenders in a few colors, including red and white, with a matte finish. While interesting, I do think the colorful Vitamix bases are a bit cooler.

Vitamix Blenders: Which one should you buy?

Here is a quick overview of the latest Vitamix Blenders. I think the Vitamix 5200 Standard is all you need to get started. All of these blender models contain 1380 watts (or 2 horsepower) of power.

Vitamix 5200 Compact ($449) Shorter than most Vitamix blenders (17.4″ tall Vs 20.5″ standard height. Comes with smaller 48 oz. container. Includes includes tamper, one 48 oz. blending container good for wet and dry ingredients. Fits under most kitchen cabinets.
Vitamix 5200 Standard ($449) Standard Vitamix blender height (20.5″ tall (with 64 oz. container in place) includes tamper, one 64 oz. blending container good for wet and dry ingredients.
Vitamix 5200 Super ($549) Standard Vitamix blender height (20.5″) includes tamper, one 64 oz. blending container and an additional 32 oz. container for blending dry grains and can knead dough too.
Vitamix 5200 Deluxe ($649) Standard Vitamix blender height (20.5″) includes tamper, one 64 oz. blending container and another 32 oz. blending container along with an additional 32 oz. container for blending dry grains and can knead dough too.