We purchased a Vitamix for Christmas. It was my gift to my husband, and his to me. In addition to it being a gift (and replacing the things we would normally buy one another) we felt it was somewhat practical. We needed a new blender to replace our $20 cheap model.
We looked at options, I polled Facebook friends, and I set my sites on the Vitamix. I have seen it demo’ed at our local grocery store more than once and always been impressed with the results. My informal poll also told me that those who own them have no complaints-and many had happily been using their Vitamix for years.
I entertained a few other options that are supposed to be comparable. (The Ninja and Blend-Tec both came up in my search) but we were able to secure an amazing discount that made it worth it. Our Vitamix was just about 40% off the regular price of $483 (plus tax and shipping). In addition we were able to get free shipping. At $300 it’s still not cheap, but the return policy and warranty made it less of a risky purchase.
But is it worth it? Has our purchase paid off? I share our experience below as well as some tips for using it and purchasing.
A note on price: Living centsibly isn’t always about being ‘cheap’ or buying the most inexpensive model-more often it’s about buying something that is high in quality that you won’t need to replace in a month or a year. If I do the math on the number of appliances we’re replacing with the Vitamix as well as the number of years it is under warranty (7) that $300 pricetag is easier to swallow.
Vitamix Review
Our Vitamix Experience
Simply put-we love the Vitamix. Well, as much as you can love an appliance. I think it’s worth every penny and then some.
We have made smoothies, juice, ice cream, soups, and I’ve even used it to chop foods for other recipes. We find smoothies are simple to make and a great way to add extra fruit and veggies to our everyday diets. The kids have loved just about everything we’ve made!
It takes some adjusting to get used to how the Vitamix works at first. It’s a pretty powerful machine so you have to use some care when using it. It’s definitely NOT something the kids have been approved to use, yet. I’m still babying it. 
I love the lid. It sounds weird, but it’s so nice that you can add ingredients while it’s on through the top-the lid is secure and even with the center removed nothing will splash out.
I’m glad we got the large size-while there are some that are smaller/shorter this one allows us to make smoothies or drinks for the whole family with no problems. It does not fit under our cabinets, but our kitchen is weird-so I don’t even think the ‘under cabinet’ model would do so in our current kitchen.
The tamper is an extremely handy tool. Instead of stopping to move the food around or add liquid I can do it while the Vitamix is running-making it simple and quick to make adjustments to our recipes.
Making ice cream and soups is SO simple it’s ridiculous! There are plenty of recipes in the cookbook that comes with the Vitamix, and I have plans to try all kinds of other options. The best part is how simple it was for the kids to enjoy ‘froyo’ or ‘ice cream’ when it was really just frozen fruit and an ice, banana, or yogurt base.
We have used the Vitamix nearly every day since it arrived over a month ago, and I don’t see us slowing down anytime soon.
I’d highly recommend the Vitamix over any other blender (we’ve had models that range from $15-$150 and none compare), and if you’re looking for an all-in-one appliance for the kitchen this is it. Instead of buying a new blender, ice cream maker, and juicer we just bought this one handy appliance.
Getting Started
We purchased the Vitamix Creations GC 64oz. 12-in-1 Variable Speed Blender via QVC.com. It comes with the base, a 64 ounce container for blending, a cookbook-Vitamix Creations that includes everything from drinks and juices to gourmet recipes, a drink cookbook (mainly alcoholic drinks), and a tamper.
The unboxing is pretty straightforward. You will want to wash the container, tamper, and lid and then you’re set to blend. I recommend reading the instructions so you understand how to use it, though it is pretty simple we found some helpful tips in the manual.
This particular model has variable speed which means you can do more with it. This allows it to chop, grind, blend, juice and more.
From Vitamix: “Performs functions of a juicer, smoothie maker, blender, food processor, hand mixer, ice crusher, ice cream maker, meat grinder, chopper, and coffee grinder.”
Tips for using the Vitamix
For most recipes you’re going to add liquid first and then wet ingredients and fresh ingredients finishing off with any ice or frozen food you need to add.
Whether you are blending, juicing, or even making soup you’ll want to start your machine on the lowest possible setting and ramp up to the highest setting you need.
When making something that is cold or frozen you want to limit the time you have it on high-generally 30 seconds at most. That’s because the blades move SO fast that they can heat up liquid.
Making hot drinks or soups is simple in the Vitamix. You just blend the ingredients and then leave it on high for about 3-4 minutes, and it’s piping hot! Pretty neat.
You’ll also find that cleanup is simple. All you need to do is add a drop or so of soap to your Vitamix and fill it halfway with warm/hot water. Ramp up the speed to your highest setting and it will clean everything well after about 30 seconds. Dump the soapy water, rinse and dry and you’re set for your next creation.
Where to Buy:
You can buy the Vitamix at Amazon
, QVC, and other retailers nationwide.
Tips for Buying:
QVC offers EasyPay which allows you to pay in installments (still equal to the same amount).
You may be able to find discounts or refurbished models with a little digging.
In addition you’ll note that there are LOTS of options when it comes to models. The main differences we found were container size and type, variable speed or not, and add-ons-meaning the extra that come with the purchase. I opted not to buy the dry blending container which is designed for grinding flours and the like. The Vitamix can grind flours, nuts, and coffee without the special container and I didn’t feel we’d be doing so often enough to justify the expense.
One add-on that I would recommend buying if you plan to juice or make nut milks is this filtration bag from Vitamix (note that it’s over-priced on Amazon). It makes straining juices or milks SO much easier. Less mess, less hassle, and the contents could be composted if you’re inclined.
I will be sharing more blender-ific recipes in the coming weeks since I’m so enamored with the Vitamix. I’ll also be sure to update this post in the coming months (and years) to share how it’s holding up to our abuse.
Kelly
Disclosure: We paid for the Vitamix ourselves. The discount we received is an employee discount, and is not available at this time. This post contains affiliate links.
I love my Vitamix! I usually use it for breakfast foods but it’s awesome for making pumpkin puree if you’re so inclined to make a pumpkin pie from scratch!
Oh how I want a Vitamix! It’s good to hear your experience with it so far. I have so many issues with our cheapie blender and from what you say, the Vitamix should solve them all. LOVE the idea of making soup in it too!
It definitely will. I’m amazed at how it pulverizes ice, fruit, and veggies.
I want a Vitamix so bad. I need to put it on hold for the time being, but I dream of making nut butters and milks in one for my child with allergies!
It would be great for that! I haven’t tried that yet, but I plan too. I have heard it’s SO much tastier to have it fresh.
We love ours too. And if you want a healthy base for those creamy smoothies or ice cream, avocado works great!
LOVE avocado, and could be a good way to sneak healthy fat into the kids’ diet.
At what point would you say that the vitamix has paid for itself? That seems to be the crux of their advertising and I’m wondering when you think that might happen for your family. We don’t currently have a blender but we have considered getting one, and we might be convinced to get a vitamix if it has real value.
Good question. I think it would depend on your current spending on products you could make in the Vitamix. If you’re spending a ton on juice, smoothies, soups, and even ice cream/sorbet you may end up saving money in the long run while also creating something healthier.
In terms of the cost vs value I think it delivers tenfold. The real value for me is not having to purchase multiple small appliances and being able to make fresh juice, soups, and ice cream so easily. Most blenders simply can’t do that.
I love any time I read “easy clean up”! Sounds like a great investment.
I’m ALL about easy clean up.
I have a blender that I far from love…and have always wanted a Vitamix!
Every blender we’ve ever had has been frustrating to use especially if you’re trying to make smoothies. This just demolishes everything! It’s pretty amazing.
Roo Ciambriello says
Thank you for writing this! My blender is starting to smoke when it runs, but I’ve been hemming and hawing over spending that much on a blender. Solid review, Kelly.
Oh no! A smoking blender is NOT good. Thanks, @roo_ciambriello:disqus! I bet with your kiddo’s food allergies it would come in super handy. I’ve yet to try it but you can even make nut milks in it!