Kudzuslipper
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31915
posted
Hi Everyone. My husband has been doing smoothies in our old waring blender. I would like to surprise him with something better for his spinach, blueberry, banana, cucumber, etc smoothies. (These kill me by the way)
All I hear about is Vitamix, but was hoping to find a good one for about half the price...
Any suggestions?
Posts: 1728 | From USA | Registered: May 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- BlendTec is another very good one. Sleeker looking and just as powerful as a VitaMix. However, about the same price. They do offer monthly payments and they do offer some refurbished models for reduced cost with the same warranty.
Always try to buy any such appliance directly from the manufacturer so that the warranty will be honored.
I have a BlendTec.
Now, about the cost, even if paying over time. It may or may not be worth it. Think carefully for what you want this to do for you.
Even the very best blender just can't puree raw veggies or make nut milk.
I would never "cook" in either a VitaMix or BlendTec as neither has a glass canister. I don't care how hard the plastic is, we should never heat any foods in any kinds of plastics.
An IMMERSION BLENDER, stainless steel shaft that would be immersed in a hot pot for soups, is best for that.
If you just want to make regular smoothies that don't involve pulverizing carrots and the like a good blender may be just fine.
GLASS CANISTER is best, if possible. Even if you buy from the manufacturer, you can read reviews at Amazon for most items.
Buying from an independent local store is also a good idea, one that will honor a warranty. Costco is also very good in that dept.
If you tell us what you want your blender to do, we may be able to offer more specific suggestions. Would this be just to make your husband smoothies - - or would you also like to be able to make raw veggie purees and nut milks?
YouTube is a good place to see "study" videos of different appliances. Oster has always been a trusted blender name. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- DECIBEL LEVEL should be considered. Some are so much worse than others - and literally can cost you thousands in misery and hearing aids later on.
HEARING PROTECTION, still, for any kind of blender (and most especially for VitaMix or BlendTec) is absolutely vital. There is no blender that can go without you wearing muffs, even if a quieter one.
Decibel rated muffs to keep in the kitchen are a good idea. Extras for anyone else standing around.
When on certain kinds of antibiotics, certain other "ototoxic" meds are on board, when infection is present, our ears can be damaged at lower decibel levels than the usual 85 decibels for 90 seconds.
Ear plugs are essential for the hair dryer and vacuum, too. Or a quiet hairdryer (of which only two are really made and they each cost over $100.) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Both of those are very good.(Blend Tec and Vitamix) I bought a Cuisinart blender and food processor combined for $100 last year. I really like it.
Someone told me that if you buy a blender, make sure the wattage is at least 600. Mine is.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96238 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
I have a vitamix and LOVE it (despite the price tag!).
My friend has one of those Ninja blenders and she mostly does green smoothies with it and is very happy with it! :-)
Posts: 173 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Oct 2013
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surprise
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34987
posted
What about the $99 Bullet?
Wondering if anyone has that- just looking to make a green drink, maybe a banana thrown in, not adding any dry ingredients.
-------------------- Lyme positive PCR blood, and positive Bartonella henselae Igenex, 2011. low positive Fry biofilm test, 2012. Update 7/16- After extensive treatments, doing okay! Posts: 2518 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2011
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
I was thinking of trying to get the money for a NutriBullet. I have a Magic Bullet and it's not very powerful...okay for milkshakes and basic smoothies but nothing too big. I would love a Vitamix but can't afford it.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
I have the Magic Bullet. I liked it at first, but now I've gone back to my Cuisinart.
The Bullet has a low capacity and struggles with fibrous stuff. And it has too many pieces, IMO.
Better for milkshakes (like we can have those) and fruit/yogurt smoothies.
posted
I didn't like the magic bullet. It didn't handle fibrous items well for me.
I used a 100.00 visa gift card I'd gotten with a coupon and sale for my vitamix. It still cost me A LOT out of pocket but I swore to use it for more than just smoothies.
I use it a lot and get my money's worth. We make soups, sauces, dressings, smoothies, etc in it. I've used it almost daily, sometimes 2 or 3 times for over 2 years now.
Posts: 173 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Oct 2013
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
I like my cuisinart
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Kudzuslipper
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31915
posted
Thanks everyone Posts: 1728 | From USA | Registered: May 2011
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