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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Reader Recommendations => Topic started by: Captain Cactus on July 08, 2017, 05:10:03 AM

Title: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Captain Cactus on July 08, 2017, 05:10:03 AM
Another product info request...

Anybody here have experience with the Vitamix blender?  Is it worth the money?  Do they truly last? 

Thanks!
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: kayvent on July 08, 2017, 05:16:36 AM
They are pretty good and fine quality. I think the question of how worth it is determined by how often you use it to make soup, smoothies, and other things. I have a work colleague who's wife uses it nearly every day for various tasks.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Fomerly known as something on July 08, 2017, 05:19:50 AM
It is defiantly heads and tails better than my old cheap blender but I don't know if it would have been better than a mid-range one.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: ElleFiji on July 08, 2017, 05:54:17 AM
Product quality, especially the base, is great. But my plastic jug fell on the floor and broke.

Customer service to get a replacement was a nightmare, and they claimed it wasn't covered by the guarantee.

After my $250 jug wasn't delivered on time, I cancelled the whole process, let them know I'd return it to Costco for a full refund and buy a different blender. Then they shipped me a new jug, free, to a nearby business in under 24 hours.

But if I have another issue in the warranty period I'm returning it to Costco. And I'd never buy a vitamin product again.

My brother is happy with his blendtec, and my mother, who doesn't blend hard stuff as frequently has always loved her oster
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: lizzzi on July 08, 2017, 06:50:28 AM
I love mine, and use it frequently for making smoothies, sometimes milk shakes, gazpacho in warm weather, and for pureeing hot soups in cold weather. I don't think I would have spent the money except that we were bringing an elderly relative out of the hospital who was going  to be on a pureed diet. Now that the relative is deceased, the Vitamix is still going strong--no problems. It is a high quality item--I've not needed customer service, so can't comment about that. I do think there are good options out there for cheaper blenders. It depends on how often you will use it and what you want to do with it.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Forever Wednesday on July 08, 2017, 07:12:34 AM
I think a blender is a good investment of your money. They can make it very easy to get leafy greens into your diet (I blend Kale into my morning smoothie).

I have no experience with the Vitamix, but I'm extremely happy with my Nutribullet. It has a simple design (only one speed - "fast as %$£&"), but it's very easy to use and clean. I drink my breakfast smoothie straight out of the blending cup, fill it with washing up liquid and blend again to clean it. Bam, done.

Seems like the Vitamix is much more expensive than the Nutribullet, so if you're looking for something functional on a budget then it's the product I'd recommend.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: RobFIRE on July 08, 2017, 07:40:23 AM
Very happy with the Vitamix S30 blender I got at the end of last year. Though it's their smallest model it is still big enough to do smoothie servings for two people. Have used for smoothies, soup, humus and plan to use for sorbet, ice cream, almond/hemp milk, cocktails, and other possibilities in future.

In terms of comparison to a cheaper one, a family member has a nutribullet and says that it will not blend ice cubes or frozen fruit, have to at least part defrost any fruit first. The smoothies I make all have frozen fruit, plus ice if I want it colder, Vitamix blender has no issue with that, so that would be a reason not to get a cheaper one if you have the same requirement.

When I was researching blenders there also seemed to be plenty of complaints that the motors in cheaper blenders regularly failed within the 1 to 2 year mark, so while they might be 4x or 5x cheaper (Vitamix S30 is £300 in UK and nutribullet is more like £60 I think) they are not going to last as long.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: benjenn on July 08, 2017, 08:07:29 AM
I LOVE my Vitamix blender and actually had two of the when we had two houses in different states.  Gave the second to my son when we retired and left one of the homes. (He was thrilled).  I've had mind for about 4 years now and use it every single day (to make smoothies).  I've made soup with it and ice cream (using frozen bananas). It's as good today as it was the first day.  While I got mine at Bed, Bath & Beyond using a 20% coupon (which saved $100), we bought a refurbished one for our daughter for Christmas. It was like new!  The only difference was it has a 5 year warranty instead of a 7 year warranty.  It was $150 cheaper than my discount at BB&B and it came straight from Vitamix.  That's definitely how you should buy one...just google refurbished Vitamix and you'll find the link.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: FIRE Artist on July 08, 2017, 08:30:30 AM
I love mine and use it regularly for breakfast smoothies. I make my own frozen smoothie kits, and the vitamin has no issues turning a frozen block of fruit and spinach into a smoothie, a generic blender can't do that.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Halfsees on July 08, 2017, 09:41:03 AM
I got one of the refurbished ones with the stronger engine a few years ago (can't remember the number) and have found it worth it. My husband likes to make flour out of acorns thus the more powerful motor. As of right now it is still going strong, but the container is getting a bit cloudy from using it for nuts and seeds. In fact, what I like best about it is that it grinds nuts and seeds into powder if you add them first.  This comes in handy for making smoothies because I like to grind sesame, flax and coconut before adding wet ingredients. It also means I can grind sesame seeds instead of buying tahini paste when making hummus.

I really want to eventually get a grains container but my timing hasn't been right yet to get the best price.

I have not used their customer service, but a friend of mine who did had a good experience. I would buy it again despite the price tag if I did not have one.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Sarah Saverdink on July 08, 2017, 09:51:52 AM
Are you set on a vitamix? We have a Ninja Blender (http://amzn.to/2u3FMNh), that is a fraction of the cost ($100 more or less - depends on which version/accessories you get) and it works great. We've been using one for years to making smoothies and mixed drinks. It blends ice cubes really well.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: MandalayVA on July 08, 2017, 09:54:28 AM
Are you set on a vitamix? We have a Ninja Blender (http://amzn.to/2u3FMNh), that is a fraction of the cost ($100 more or less - depends on which version/accessories you get) and it works great. We've been using one for years to making smoothies and mixed drinks. It blends ice cubes really well.

Second the Ninja.  A quarter of the price of a Vitamix, crushes ice cubes like Conan crushes his enemies.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: crosscountrychris on July 08, 2017, 10:09:09 AM
I've been using the Ninja system for 2 years now (present from my mom's kitchen!) and it is indispensible. It has blender, food processor, and bullet components. Works perfectly for soups, dips, smoothies, chopping, whathaveyou.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: spokey doke on July 08, 2017, 11:52:16 AM
The vitamix rocks...only you can decide if it is worth the hefty price.  I love mine.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Altons Bobs on July 08, 2017, 12:48:07 PM
I have no experience with Vitamix, but I love my Blendtec, have had it for more than 10 years now, still works like new.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Guide2003 on July 08, 2017, 01:26:50 PM
After years of being impressed with the Vitamix display at the state fair my mom gave in and bought one. We would use it once a month in the summertime to make a smoothie--clearly not worth it. Had we switched to a diet that had more sauces, soups, and smoothies and used it daily I think it would have been worth it. Before we bought it we didn't use the blender that much, and when we did purchase it, we didn't make the conscious decision to learn recipes and techniques that utilized our fancy new machine. My mom gave me the blender that her Vitamix replaced, and when that finally bit the dust, my wife and I chose to get a mid-grade blender rather than the Vitamix or the Ninja, which i thought was closer to $200 at the time. We have not increased the frequency or variety of blender functions, and I'm glad we went for a cheaper model that works just fine.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: LateToTheParty on July 08, 2017, 05:11:09 PM
Love my Vitamix. I use it every day. Purchased it prior to MMM 6-7 years ago.  Healthy/tasty green smoothies every am.   Plus lots of other uses.

I would purchase another one, or would consider something of comparable quality but less $ (or refurbished is a great idea as someone else mentioned) if mine went tits up tomorrow.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: tag on July 08, 2017, 07:16:41 PM
We've had ours for about 5 years, I got a refurbished one from their website.

Twice I had to call and have something replaced - once the stir stick thingy and then once the actual pitcher. Both times I received a replacement within a week, no questions asked. Fantastic warranty.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: inline five on July 08, 2017, 07:34:17 PM
About three years ago I started off on a weight loss and exercise program. I had at the time a lower end blender that 'worked' but about a year into it got a Vitamix. Wow what a difference, when blending my smoothies things come out SMOOTH. It's on a whole other level.

My daily smoothie:

1/2 apple
1/2 orange plus zested peel
1/2 banana
1.5 oz spinach
3 oz carrot
1.5 oz frozen strawberries
13g chia seeds
2 oz ice
5.5 oz water

I used to put protein powder in with it, now I just drink it on the side. Ruins the taste of the smoothie :).
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: 205guy on July 08, 2017, 07:41:28 PM
My wife wanted one, but not the modern plastic kind, so I found one of the stainless steel ones on eBay for $200. This thing dates from 1989 and came with a VHS tape we couldn't watch. But it has been rock solid for 5 years so far. I removed the plastic spigot and wedged a cork in the hole and it's never leaked. The funky plastic lid was hard to clean, so I dremeled off the "chimney" shape and just cover it with a small saucer.

We use is not quite daily for smoothies (extra fruit from fm and neighbors goes to the freezer in chunks then straight to the vitamix), kale/spinach/chard/greens, soup (pumpkin, yum), peanut butter, coconut butter, coffee grinding, and many many other recipes.

The motor does overheat sometimes and pop its built-in breaker, but it keeps running. Sometimes it smells of burnt oil, so I think we run it too hard. I once saw the same base locally on Craigslist for $100, so I bought it for backup, but it's still in the cupboard--knock on wood.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: felizcortez on July 08, 2017, 09:08:07 PM
The Vitamix is great.  I bought the 5200 used off of Craigslist for $175.  I've made a tons of things in it, smoothies, hummus, bean burners, grinding coffee, soup, dressings.  I've also found that after you get one you notice when something isn't blended well when you are served a blended concoction somewhere (chunky, not smooth when it is supposed to be etc.)  I also have the dry container which we use to grind coffee very regularly.

The only downside is that the blender sounds like a lawnmower in your kitchen.  They are seriously LOUD. 

I would definitely buy again and recommend to everyone to get one. 
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: hypertrichosis on July 09, 2017, 06:50:03 AM
I have no experience with Vitamix, but I love my Blendtec, have had it for more than 10 years now, still works like new.

This. We were ready for a good blender to make morning protein smoothies after 10 years with a $30 Oster which finally broke. We saw the Vitamix presentation at Costco and my wife and kids were all about it. I figured, anything that gets marketed that heavily, carries a price premium, while no doubt a good product. Ex Apple products. After extensive research, I concluded that the Blendtec makes just as good bases (motors/gears/internals), and tried the certified refurbished sold on Amazon as reviews were great. I paid $200 but see that now the price is $230 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TKRQWS8/

Came looking brand new. I think it was. No issues, great smoothies. Good luck.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: spokey doke on July 09, 2017, 09:24:20 AM
Are you set on a vitamix? We have a Ninja Blender (http://amzn.to/2u3FMNh), that is a fraction of the cost ($100 more or less - depends on which version/accessories you get) and it works great. We've been using one for years to making smoothies and mixed drinks. It blends ice cubes really well.

Second the Ninja.  A quarter of the price of a Vitamix, crushes ice cubes like Conan crushes his enemies.

The Vitamix crushes Conan and the Ninja like, um... a Vitamix
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: inline five on July 09, 2017, 11:57:58 AM
One tip is to look at the constant amp draw of the motor (not peak). The more higher powered the blender is, the better it will blend most likely.

We have the Vitamix 7500
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: LiveLean on July 09, 2017, 01:32:56 PM
BlendTec fan here, to the point where when I hear the Vitamix guy trashing BlendTec during his Costco demonstrations, I'm tempted to go grab a BlendTec, some produce, and a Block Rocker, bust them out of the box, and go mano-to-mano with him right there.

Back in 2006, I got four BlendTecs as part of a sponsor deal I had at the time and gave three away for Xmas gifts. The one I kept has more than 3,000 uses on the odometer and still works like new. It's locked in a closet at our second home/rental property 800 miles away and I break it out when I'm there. (Tenants get to use the Oster.)

When I moved that BlendTec there in 2014, I bought a second one on Craigslist for $50 from a young woman who got it for a wedding gift and didn't appreciate it. We met at a Starbucks and I fired it up just to make sure it worked. I think the Starbucks people thought we were making some sort of video.

Then in May my in-laws gave back the one I gave them for Xmas 2006. They're downsizing. "We use it all the time but just don't have the room," my mother in law said."

I turned it on. The counter read 312. Not even once a month over the last decade. Oh well. Some people don't appreciate an awesome blender.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: honeybbq on July 10, 2017, 10:33:01 AM
Another yay vote for the vitamix.

I didn't realize the damn thing spins food so fast you can actually COOK your meals in it. Like carrot soup. Amazing. It's done when the steam comes out the top.

We had a medical crisis in our home and needed something to puree/liquify/smoothify everything. This thing was amazing. It's loud and it's expensive but it's worth it.

Top quality smoothies, soups, purees, etc.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 10, 2017, 07:13:48 PM
I save $7 every time I make almond butter in my vitamix.  I eat a lot of almond butter.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: inline five on July 10, 2017, 09:26:56 PM
Another yay vote for the vitamix.

I didn't realize the damn thing spins food so fast you can actually COOK your meals in it. Like carrot soup. Amazing. It's done when the steam comes out the top.

We had a medical crisis in our home and needed something to puree/liquify/smoothify everything. This thing was amazing. It's loud and it's expensive but it's worth it.

Top quality smoothies, soups, purees, etc.

The motor heats up the base which heats up the blades which heats up the food.

Pretty inefficient way of doing it but makes for a nice ad.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: itsallgood on July 11, 2017, 07:06:13 AM
Sitting on my deck right now enjoying my morning smoothie made in my Vitamix.  I love my Vitamix, even take it to our family beach week vacation.  I do tend to use it more in the summer (for smoothies) and I tend to use my other favorite kitchen gadget, the Instant Pot, in the winter for soups, stews, chili. 
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: schmerna on July 11, 2017, 09:03:29 AM
Not to hijack the thread- but I am interested in the Vitamix too.  I need it to blend raspberry seeds.  Does any model do that?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: YoungGranny on July 11, 2017, 10:20:56 AM
We were looking at 'high-end' blenders a few years ago and after researching different options we went with the Breville Boss. For us, we use it almost everyday so I have no regrets - soups, smoothies, nut milks, nut butters etc - depending on what you'll use it for you may or may not need a high-end blender. My in-laws have a Vitamix and honestly we're much happier with the Breville (same price so just comes down to preference).
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: FireHiker on July 11, 2017, 12:11:58 PM
After our Breville (wedding gift in 2008) died earlier this year, my husband insisted on a Vitamix. I still give him a hard time about the expense, but he loves it, and it is used daily. He makes pretty good peanut butter in it, smoothies almost daily (my oldest son recently went vegetarian and he makes daily smoothies for himself now with protein powder), and other things. I don't know yet if it was worth the expense, but it sure is nice.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: honeybbq on July 11, 2017, 12:27:20 PM
Another yay vote for the vitamix.

I didn't realize the damn thing spins food so fast you can actually COOK your meals in it. Like carrot soup. Amazing. It's done when the steam comes out the top.

We had a medical crisis in our home and needed something to puree/liquify/smoothify everything. This thing was amazing. It's loud and it's expensive but it's worth it.

Top quality smoothies, soups, purees, etc.

The motor heats up the base which heats up the blades which heats up the food.

Pretty inefficient way of doing it but makes for a nice ad.

It's convenient if you want to only dirty one dish. Or, in my case, you were making pureed soup for one person and using the stove for the rest of the family.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: robartsd on July 11, 2017, 01:57:32 PM
We love our Vitamix (~3 years old). Used daily for smoothies (loud). We also grind wheat into flour in the dry grinding canister (very loud) which keeps us from needing a flour mill too.

If you're looking for a high-end blender to buy for life, BlendTec and Breville look like they are also worth considering.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 11, 2017, 02:08:40 PM
Vitamix and similar are a scam.  A marketing illusion, like new ipods and dyson vacuums and any other overpriced branded consumer good that can be had for ten percent of the price if you're not an idiot.

Search the forum for vitamix and read the previous discussions of how "BIFL" had been subverted by advertisers to con you out of your hard earned money.

A home blender is never worth $800, I don't care what you make with it.  Snap out of it.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 11, 2017, 07:25:16 PM
Vitamix and similar are a scam.  A marketing illusion, like new ipods and dyson vacuums and any other overpriced branded consumer good that can be had for ten percent of the price if you're not an idiot.

Search the forum for vitamix and read the previous discussions of how "BIFL" had been subverted by advertisers to con you out of your hard earned money.

A home blender is never worth $800, I don't care what you make with it.  Snap out of it.

What about $250?  That's what I paid for mine.  Had a coupon and bought a refurbished unit. 
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: ElleFiji on July 11, 2017, 07:54:11 PM
I think that if you have burned out multiple cheap and midrange blenders, it makes perfect sense to start looking at other options.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: EricL on July 11, 2017, 08:10:29 PM
$800 for a blender?  Nope.  I got my Vitamix in 2013 for $260 and it has worked like a champ since. So far it works excellently.  If it goes another four years like this I'll definitively say it's worth the money.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 11, 2017, 10:02:45 PM
I think that if you have burned out multiple cheap and midrange blenders, it makes perfect sense to start looking at other options.

Why? 

My blender cost me $8 at goodwill, and I've had it for four years.  My previous blender cost me $11 at goodwill, and it only lasted three years before I broke the pitcher, which is something I could do to a vitamix as well.  Before that, my previous goodwill blender cost me $4 and lasted all through grad school, at which point I gifted it to another grad student.

So I'm all in for $23 over approximately 13 years of life, so let's be generous and call my blender budget roughly $2 per year.  Please explain to me in what alternate reality a Vitamix could possibly make sense for me.

Look at the raw materials and engineering that go into a blender, compared to other items in your home of a similar size and complexity, and please explain to me in what alternate reality a Vitamix could possibly make sense for anyone.

Just admit you've been duped.  You skipped the Rav4 and really wanted the Toureg so you bought the Cayenne.  You overpaid for fancy marketing and a brand name, and now you feel the need to justify and defend your dumb consumer spending so you don't have to admit to your previously wasteful ways, but accepting and owning your mistakes is the only path to redemption.  So just say it.  Say "I bought a Vitamix because I didn't know any better, but I will learn from this experience and try to do better in the future."  All is forgiven.  Go, and be one with your better future self. 

You can even continue to use and enjoy your Vitamix.  But please don't encourage anyone else to repeat your mistakes.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: ElleFiji on July 12, 2017, 06:29:02 AM
I think that if you have burned out multiple cheap and midrange blenders, it makes perfect sense to start looking at other options.

Why? 

My blender cost me $8 at goodwill, and I've had it for four years.  My previous blender cost me $11 at goodwill, and it only lasted three years before I broke the pitcher, which is something I could do to a vitamix as well.  Before that, my previous goodwill blender cost me $4 and lasted all through grad school, at which point I gifted it to another grad student.

So I'm all in for $23 over approximately 13 years of life, so let's be generous and call my blender budget roughly $2 per year.  Please explain to me in what alternate reality a Vitamix could possibly make sense for me.

Look at the raw materials and engineering that go into a blender, compared to other items in your home of a similar size and complexity, and please explain to me in what alternate reality a Vitamix could possibly make sense for anyone.

Just admit you've been duped.  You skipped the Rav4 and really wanted the Toureg so you bought the Cayenne.  You overpaid for fancy marketing and a brand name, and now you feel the need to justify and defend your dumb consumer spending so you don't have to admit to your previously wasteful ways, but accepting and owning your mistakes is the only path to redemption.  So just say it.  Say "I bought a Vitamix because I didn't know any better, but I will learn from this experience and try to do better in the future."  All is forgiven.  Go, and be one with your better future self. 

You can even continue to use and enjoy your Vitamix.  But please don't encourage anyone else to repeat your mistakes.
That's great that you are at an amazing price point for your blenders! I am very happy for you. And since you've found a system that works, I don't know that you personally are the general you to which my comment was addressed.

My personal cost per year for blenders in the 5 years leading to my vitamix was closer to $50/year, burning out 1-3 blenders per year. I don't drive, and at that point was not finding them in thrift stores, but in addition to the ones that cost money, I was getting blenders from people who were handing them down to me. And being grumpy through blenderless patches.  I used a few high powered blenders at other people's houses and quizzed them about it. I longed for and dreamed of a fancy blender, but no, I didn't spend the money.

I was gifted my vitamix, and even if I'd paid for it, the cost per year would be lower than I was paying for blenders. It was bought at Costco, and for nothing near $800.

No, I don't have a dyson or an ipod, an aeropress, french press or instant pot. But I do think there are people where those choices make sense. And I've never found that the MMM mantra was that no one can have x because x doesn't make sense for anyone. More that everyone needs to optimize their purchases. Even if you're an ERE type, buying a limited number of quality kitchen tools is well advised.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: inline five on July 12, 2017, 08:27:06 AM

Why? 

My blender cost me $8 at goodwill, and I've had it for four years.  My previous blender cost me $11 at goodwill, and it only lasted three years before I broke the pitcher, which is something I could do to a vitamix as well.  Before that, my previous goodwill blender cost me $4 and lasted all through grad school, at which point I gifted it to another grad student.

So I'm all in for $23 over approximately 13 years of life, so let's be generous and call my blender budget roughly $2 per year.  Please explain to me in what alternate reality a Vitamix could possibly make sense for me.

Look at the raw materials and engineering that go into a blender, compared to other items in your home of a similar size and complexity, and please explain to me in what alternate reality a Vitamix could possibly make sense for anyone.

Just admit you've been duped.  You skipped the Rav4 and really wanted the Toureg so you bought the Cayenne.  You overpaid for fancy marketing and a brand name, and now you feel the need to justify and defend your dumb consumer spending so you don't have to admit to your previously wasteful ways, but accepting and owning your mistakes is the only path to redemption.  So just say it.  Say "I bought a Vitamix because I didn't know any better, but I will learn from this experience and try to do better in the future."  All is forgiven.  Go, and be one with your better future self. 

You can even continue to use and enjoy your Vitamix.  But please don't encourage anyone else to repeat your mistakes.

Just because you don't appreciate the quality of a high powered blender-blended drink doesn't mean others don't.

I don't drink alcohol and therefore don't appreciate higher quality beverages, yet I would never tell others they've been duped if they do and enjoy them vs. drinking Natty Light beer.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Gondolin on July 12, 2017, 08:53:11 AM
>$100 for a blender!? Jesu! I'm with sol. There's no mechanical reason to get anything more than a sturdy ninja or nutrimax. Any more and you're paying for the packaging ala Apple.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 12, 2017, 08:57:21 AM
Just because you don't appreciate the quality of a high powered blender-blended drink doesn't mean others don't.

It's a kitchen appliance, not a work of art.  If it mechanically performs the job it was designed to do, then it passes as functional.  I assure you my blender blends just as well as yours does.

Of all the weird things people can decide to turn into consumer status symbols, why blenders?  I just don't get it.  It's a simple little device, just an electric motor and a pitcher with a lid.  There is absolutely no reason it should cost more than an air conditioner, or an alternator, or an air compressor, or a table saw.  It's patently ridiculous right on the face of it, and I'm amazed that anyone would defend it as a "good value" for what it is.  And yet here we are, in a thread FULL of people who apparently also drive luxury cars and only fly first class.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: inline five on July 12, 2017, 09:20:18 AM
Just because you don't appreciate the quality of a high powered blender-blended drink doesn't mean others don't.

It's a kitchen appliance, not a work of art.  If it mechanically performs the job it was designed to do, then it passes as functional.  I assure you my blender blends just as well as yours does.

Of all of the weird things people can decide to turn into consumer status symbols, why blenders?  I just don't get it.  It's a simple little device, just an electric motor and a pitcher with a lid.  There is absolutely no reason it should cost more than an air conditioner, or an alternator, or an air compressor, or a table saw.  It's patently ridiculous right on the fact of it, and I'm amazed that anyone would defend it as a "good value" for what it is.  And yet here we are, in a thread FULL of people who apparently also drive luxury cars and only fly first class.

Well you are showing your ignorance now. No, your $30 blender does not blend like a $500 high powered blender.

You can walk from LA to NY, ride a horse, drive a car, or take a plane. All methods get you there, so they must be the same.

Just because you don't understand or appreciate it doesn't mean it isn't a better product. Don't worry, no one here is looking down their nose at you, like you are doing with us.

Value? Really in the eye of the beholder. I value extremely well blended smoothies after using cheapies for years. I value the time savings. I value the user experience of handling a high quality piece of equipment 300 days a year. I value the Made in USA aspect.

You've said your peace. You don't get it. This thread isn't for or about you. Move on.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 12, 2017, 09:28:50 AM
You don't get it. This thread isn't for or about you. Move on.

There's no need to make this personal.

The thread title is a question.  The OP asked for opinions.  I gave mine, you gave yours, we're both allowed to do so.  The difference is that I'm not asking you to leave.

So please, make the case for me.  Why is a blender that costs hundreds of dollars better at blending than a goodwill blender that used to cost $35, and can now be had for $10? 

In my experience, the quality of a blended drink is all about the quality of the ingredients and the recipe, not about the quality of the blending.  Blending is easy.  All blenders work the same way, regardless of price or the marketing lingo on the packaging.

Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: cats on July 12, 2017, 09:35:39 AM
I lusted after a Vitamix for years, but when I actually got to try one (visiting friends who were into raw food) I was underwhelmed.

I've actually never owned a blender, instead I have a Cuisinart food processor, which works great for making smoothies (and nut butters) and it much easier to clean than any blender I have encountered (the blade comes out, so no digging around under the blade to get things out).  I have had mine for 12 years now and it is still going strong.  My parents had basically the same one when I was growing up, they got it as a wedding present and didn't replace it until I was in college (so at least 20 years later). I use it multiple times per week (I have a smoothie 2-3 days/week, use it for slicing and grating big batches of vegetables as part of our weekend meal prep, and I also use it for something like making nut butter, seitan dough, hummus, or oat flour almost every week).  In terms of saving time, money, and facilitating healthy eating, I think a food processor is a MUCH better investment than a blender, as it can do everything a blender can do...and then a whole bunch of other stuff too. 

It does not deal well with ice cubes/frozen fruit (it will grind them but the racket is terrible and I suspect it would eventually kill the motor), BUT...I dislike my smoothies ice cold.  So my solution to this problem is usually to add a little boiling water to anything that has been frozen, which generally breaks the frozen stuff down enough not to be a problem.  Alternatively, if you are making smoothie kits, you could move your smoothie kit from freezer to fridge the night before, so everything would soften up a bit overnight.

It does not get things quite as smooth as a vitamix, but it gets stuff pretty darn smooth.  It's not good to break down your kale smoothie too much anyway...you lose some of the fiber benefits :)

If you make a lot of blended soups, I find a really nice extra blending tool to have is an immersion blender, so you can just blend everything in the pot it cooks in.  This allows you to easily make a much larger batch of soup than you can with the Vitamix (or any blender, really).  The immersion blender is also much easier to clean up.

So in conclusion, no, I don't think a Vitamix is worth it.  Cuisinart food processor and immersion blender for me :)
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: honeybbq on July 12, 2017, 09:44:43 AM
You don't get it. This thread isn't for or about you. Move on.

There's no need to make this personal.

The thread title is a question.  The OP asked for opinions.  I gave mine, you gave yours, we're both allowed to do so.  The difference is that I'm not asking you to leave.

So please, make the case for me.  Why is a blender that costs hundreds of dollars better at blending than a goodwill blender that used to cost $35, and can now be had for $10? 

In my experience, the quality of a blended drink is all about the quality of the ingredients and the recipe, not about the quality of the blending.  Blending is easy.  All blenders work the same way, regardless of price or the marketing lingo on the packaging.

The quality is definitely not the same. My old blender did not blend to the same consistency as my Vitamix. I bought it specifically to use for someone with a medical problem that needed very finely pureed food. My old blender did not do the job. The vitamix did. My Vitamix did not cost $800, and could not be found at goodwill.  As someone who has personally used a regular (and fine) blender and the Vitamix, there's just no comparison. Maybe there is something in between, but there is a definite quality difference between what I have used. I am happy with my purchase and it was worth every cent.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Lews Therin on July 12, 2017, 09:57:16 AM
You don't get it. This thread isn't for or about you. Move on.

There's no need to make this personal.

The thread title is a question.  The OP asked for opinions.  I gave mine, you gave yours, we're both allowed to do so.  The difference is that I'm not asking you to leave.

So please, make the case for me.  Why is a blender that costs hundreds of dollars better at blending than a goodwill blender that used to cost $35, and can now be had for $10? 

In my experience, the quality of a blended drink is all about the quality of the ingredients and the recipe, not about the quality of the blending.  Blending is easy.  All blenders work the same way, regardless of price or the marketing lingo on the packaging.

Sol, you should keep a word document on your computer in order to copy and paste your opinion every time this comes up. His point is for almost every single person, is it worth paying 1000% more for a model that has very little difference. Let's say that vitamix does blend better, does it really blend that much better? The difference in price points between normal blenders, and VITAMIX is about the same as an apple Ipod, and a sony music player. One costs 20$, the other 450+. Really, they aren't that much different.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 12, 2017, 10:24:39 AM
Kinda in complete agreement with Sol.  A blender is a blender.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 12, 2017, 10:30:05 AM
Sol, you should keep a word document on your computer in order to copy and paste your opinion every time this comes up.

Am I seriously the only person who thinks this is dumb? 

Look, I'll even concede the point that a fancy blender somehow produces more perfectly blended foodstuffs than an ordinary blender.  Is the result 50% better?  100% better?  Is it 5x as good? 

I drive a Nissan Leaf.  The Tesla Model S is a nicer car, but it's not ten times nicer.  I could literally buy ten Nissan Leafs for the price of one Model S.  They contain very nearly the same amount of materials, they both cost about three cents per mile to drive, and they will both comfortably carry my family at 80 mph on the freeway.  Functionally, they are very similar vehicles, but one of them is a little bit fancier and costs 10x as much.  And it's the exact same deal with the the Vitamix.  It's a luxury product, and you're overpaying for very little increased benefit.

I don't understand why these threads are always chock full of people endorsing overpriced luxury products.  What forum is this again?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: honeybbq on July 12, 2017, 10:43:58 AM
I'm always amazed when people seem to know a cost/benefit ratio for something they've never tried. It's an interesting social experiment.

I don't care about cars and as long as it gets me from A to B it doesn't matter. However, I don't deny car enthusiasts that *to them* the experience of a nicer car is definitely worth it for them. I don't call them idiots or suckers because they are experiencing something different than I experience. Especially since I've probably never been in their vehicle or test driven it or could even pick it out of a line up. There are obviously some benefits to a nicer vehicle, be in handling, seat warmers, etc. Stuff that doesn't matter to me. As long as the person purchasing the vehicle has done their research and believes the purchase to be of value (and not just a name, or a color, whatever) then how could I possible deny them that? That is definitely in line with MMM to make a smart, researched purchase that is of value to the purchaser.

The same thing goes here. All the people saying it's an overpriced item that does the same job as a 5 dollar blender has never used the Vitamix. It's amusing.

Doesn't MMM also have a post about quality over quantity? I'd rather have one excellent item that has a 7 year warranty and does the job infinitely better than 20 crappier ones that I have to keep rebuying, spending time going to goodwill, driving there, etc. I have one high quality item that does the trick. It doesn't make me "non-MMM" or a sucker.

Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 12, 2017, 10:49:02 AM
Have you ever pooped in a diamond toilet?  Do you suppose that you have sufficient experience with toilets to extrapolate the value of diamond vs porcelain?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Papa bear on July 12, 2017, 10:52:06 AM
Sol, you should keep a word document on your computer in order to copy and paste your opinion every time this comes up.

Am I seriously the only person who thinks this is dumb? 

Look, I'll even concede the point that a fancy blender somehow produces more perfectly blended foodstuffs than an ordinary blender.  Is the result 50% better?  100% better?  Is it 5x as good? 

I drive a Nissan Leaf.  The Tesla Model S is a nicer car, but it's not ten times nicer.  I could literally buy ten Nissan Leafs for the price of one Model S.  They contain very nearly the same amount of materials, they both cost about three cents per mile to drive, and they will both comfortably carry my family at 80 mph on the freeway.  Functionally, they are very similar vehicles, but one of them is a little bit fancier and costs 10x as much.  And it's the exact same deal with the the Vitamix.  It's a luxury product, and you're overpaying for very little increased benefit.

I don't understand why these threads are always chock full of people endorsing overpriced luxury products.  What forum is this again?

I have noted my recommendation in other threads for the Vitamix blender and I have not yet been part of this thread.  But as soon as I saw this thread post, I knew I'd be waiting to see Sol's arguments on why a Vitamix is soooo anti-mustachian.   It's the same rhetoric each time. 

A blender is a tool.  And with all tools, there are varying degrees of usefulness.  A vitamix is a commercial/industrial blender, will blend as a commercial blender, and is superior to an $8 Oster.  There is no questioning that.   You can decide if you want to spend $300-400 on your tool.   It's really not that different than someone buying a $500 espresso machine (OMG MMM has a fancy one!) rather than just having some drip coffee out of your 2.99 Mr coffee from the goodwill.  Or it's not different than the DIY home hero with his harbor freight drill vs someone using a Lithium ion 20v dewault impact driver.   They are tools.   I have NEVER been disappointed by purchasing a higher quality tool.  But have been disappointed numerous times when trying to save a buck on a cheap item.   

So with your argument, I find you chastising those people who want quality items, and I don't believe that you make that same argument elsewhere.   Why the beef with the blender?


Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 12, 2017, 10:57:51 AM
Sol, you should keep a word document on your computer in order to copy and paste your opinion every time this comes up.

Am I seriously the only person who thinks this is dumb? 

Look, I'll even concede the point that a fancy blender somehow produces more perfectly blended foodstuffs than an ordinary blender.  Is the result 50% better?  100% better?  Is it 5x as good? 

I drive a Nissan Leaf.  The Tesla Model S is a nicer car, but it's not ten times nicer.  I could literally buy ten Nissan Leafs for the price of one Model S.  They contain very nearly the same amount of materials, they both cost about three cents per mile to drive, and they will both comfortably carry my family at 80 mph on the freeway.  Functionally, they are very similar vehicles, but one of them is a little bit fancier and costs 10x as much.  And it's the exact same deal with the the Vitamix.  It's a luxury product, and you're overpaying for very little increased benefit.

I don't understand why these threads are always chock full of people endorsing overpriced luxury products.  What forum is this again?

I have noted my recommendation in other threads for the Vitamix blender and I have not yet been part of this thread.  But as soon as I saw this thread post, I knew I'd be waiting to see Sol's arguments on why a Vitamix is soooo anti-mustachian.   It's the same rhetoric each time. 

A blender is a tool.  And with all tools, there are varying degrees of usefulness.  A vitamix is a commercial/industrial blender, will blend as a commercial blender, and is superior to an $8 Oster.  There is no questioning that.   You can decide if you want to spend $300-400 on your tool.   It's really not that different than someone buying a $500 espresso machine (OMG MMM has a fancy one!) rather than just having some drip coffee out of your 2.99 Mr coffee from the goodwill.  Or it's not different than the DIY home hero with his harbor freight drill vs someone using a Lithium ion 20v dewault impact driver.   They are tools.   I have NEVER been disappointed by purchasing a higher quality tool.  But have been disappointed numerous times when trying to save a buck on a cheap item.   

So with your argument, I find you chastising those people who want quality items, and I don't believe that you make that same argument elsewhere.   Why the beef with the blender?

So . . . the question that I ask myself every time that I ponder purchasing a 'commercial quality' something or other needs to be asked.  Is your blender a source of income for your home where it's life/death essential that you be able to blend on time every time, or can you get away with the much cheaper consumer level appliance?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: shawndoggy on July 12, 2017, 11:02:55 AM
A blender is a tool.  And with all tools, there are varying degrees of usefulness.  A vitamix is a commercial/industrial blender, will blend as a commercial blender, and is superior to an $8 Oster.  There is no questioning that.   You can decide if you want to spend $300-400 on your tool.   It's really not that different than someone buying a $500 espresso machine (OMG MMM has a fancy one!) rather than just having some drip coffee out of your 2.99 Mr coffee from the goodwill.  Or it's not different than the DIY home hero with his harbor freight drill vs someone using a Lithium ion 20v dewault impact driver.   They are tools.   I have NEVER been disappointed by purchasing a higher quality tool.  But have been disappointed numerous times when trying to save a buck on a cheap item.   

So with your argument, I find you chastising those people who want quality items, and I don't believe that you make that same argument elsewhere.   Why the beef with the blender?

This is totally true.  Really it depends on your use.  I have a vitamix myself.  Was gifted it.  Thought it was the most ridiculous extravagance ever, but hey, lets give this thing a shot.  Turns out it's friggin awesome for blending up smoothies, and way way way better than a $20 oster.  I've used it 5x a week for 12+ years on very difficult blending jobs and it's still going strong.  So for me, it turns out having the really nice tool has been super valuable.

By the same token, if I were a casual "make margs a couple times a summer" kind of blender user, it's totally overkill.

Same thing with a shitty tablesaw or a good one. Sure the shitty one will cut wood, but it's hard to get precise repeatable cuts vs a good one.  For some peeps that's fine.  For others, the better tool is worth the money.  Cheap junk has its place, as does quality.  Vitamix is definitely quality.  Whether your use justifies paying for that quality is a personal choice.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Grande on July 12, 2017, 11:29:28 AM
Love mine. Tip: Buy a reconditioned one and look out for coupons and free shipping. I paid $225 shipped for mine. I bought the 5300

https://www.vitamix.com/shop/certified-reconditioned-5300
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: honeybbq on July 12, 2017, 11:44:34 AM
Sol, you should keep a word document on your computer in order to copy and paste your opinion every time this comes up.

Am I seriously the only person who thinks this is dumb? 

Look, I'll even concede the point that a fancy blender somehow produces more perfectly blended foodstuffs than an ordinary blender.  Is the result 50% better?  100% better?  Is it 5x as good? 

I drive a Nissan Leaf.  The Tesla Model S is a nicer car, but it's not ten times nicer.  I could literally buy ten Nissan Leafs for the price of one Model S.  They contain very nearly the same amount of materials, they both cost about three cents per mile to drive, and they will both comfortably carry my family at 80 mph on the freeway.  Functionally, they are very similar vehicles, but one of them is a little bit fancier and costs 10x as much.  And it's the exact same deal with the the Vitamix.  It's a luxury product, and you're overpaying for very little increased benefit.

I don't understand why these threads are always chock full of people endorsing overpriced luxury products.  What forum is this again?

I have noted my recommendation in other threads for the Vitamix blender and I have not yet been part of this thread.  But as soon as I saw this thread post, I knew I'd be waiting to see Sol's arguments on why a Vitamix is soooo anti-mustachian.   It's the same rhetoric each time. 

A blender is a tool.  And with all tools, there are varying degrees of usefulness.  A vitamix is a commercial/industrial blender, will blend as a commercial blender, and is superior to an $8 Oster.  There is no questioning that.   You can decide if you want to spend $300-400 on your tool.   It's really not that different than someone buying a $500 espresso machine (OMG MMM has a fancy one!) rather than just having some drip coffee out of your 2.99 Mr coffee from the goodwill.  Or it's not different than the DIY home hero with his harbor freight drill vs someone using a Lithium ion 20v dewault impact driver.   They are tools.   I have NEVER been disappointed by purchasing a higher quality tool.  But have been disappointed numerous times when trying to save a buck on a cheap item.   

So with your argument, I find you chastising those people who want quality items, and I don't believe that you make that same argument elsewhere.   Why the beef with the blender?

So . . . the question that I ask myself every time that I ponder purchasing a 'commercial quality' something or other needs to be asked.  Is your blender a source of income for your home where it's life/death essential that you be able to blend on time every time, or can you get away with the much cheaper consumer level appliance?

In my direct experience, I had a blender already. It ended up being insufficient for my needs. I bought a Vitamix. It was sufficient. I gave away my old one to a neighbor. So, there ya go.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: honeybbq on July 12, 2017, 11:45:39 AM
Have you ever pooped in a diamond toilet?  Do you suppose that you have sufficient experience with toilets to extrapolate the value of diamond vs porcelain?

Well, I don't eat the contents of a toilet, so maybe I don't have enough experience in that regard.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 12, 2017, 11:53:49 AM
In my direct experience, I had a blender already. It ended up being insufficient for my needs. I bought a Vitamix. It was sufficient. I gave away my old one to a neighbor. So, there ya go.

I needed to get to work so bought a car for 10$ at a yard sale.  The car wouldn't drive, so gave it away to a neighbour and bought a Lamborghini.  It's sufficient for me to get to work.  So, I'd recommend that people buy an exotic sports car . . . it's great value.

 . . . aaaaannnnnd that's where your logic falls apart.  :P
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: inline five on July 12, 2017, 12:07:49 PM
There are overwhelmingly two types of posters in this thread:

1) Ones who have never used a Vitamix and say it's a POS huge waste of money,
2) Ones who have used a low end blender and then got a Vitamix and highly recommend it despite the high cost

If you are someone who makes smoothies daily or even several times a week, you can draw your own conclusions from the above.

In my experience the mid-range blenders aren't enough of a step up over the cheapies to justify their mid-tier price points. But I use my blender around 300 days a year.


Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 12, 2017, 12:12:42 PM
There are overwhelmingly two types of posters in this thread:

1.  People who overpay for consumer goods and then brag about it on a frugality forum.
2.  People who spend their money wisely.

Why is it so hard to admit that something as small and simple as a blender should never cost hundreds of dollars?  They're not rare.  They're not made of expensive parts.  They perform a mundane task that can be performed by a much less costly appliance. 

If you want to brag about your luxury purchases, there are better corners of the internet to go do that.  This thread was not created for that purpose.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: shawndoggy on July 12, 2017, 12:20:49 PM
There are overwhelmingly two types of posters in this thread:

1) People who have never tried green eggs and ham and say they don't like it, and
2) People who have tried green eggs and ham and love it.

Quote
Why is it so hard to admit that something as small and simple as a blender should never cost hundreds of dollars?  They're not rare.  They're not made of expensive parts.  They perform a mundane task that can be performed by a much less costly appliance. 

Curious... how many days a year do you use your blender and how old is it?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Papa bear on July 12, 2017, 12:21:38 PM
There are overwhelmingly two types of posters in this thread:

1.  People who overpay for consumer goods and then brag about it on a frugality forum.
2.  People who spend their money wisely.

Why is it so hard to admit that something as small and simple as a blender should never cost hundreds of dollars?  They're not rare.  They're not made of expensive parts.  They perform a mundane task that can be performed by a much less costly appliance. 

If you want to brag about your luxury purchases, there are better corners of the internet to go do that.  This thread was not created for that purpose.

Ok. to hit closer to you classic MMM people, here's a better analogy. 

Vitamix is to Oster as aluminum frame road bike is to huffy mountain bike. And we still get plenty of bike recommendation threads.

I have a road bike.  It's far superior to my huffy I had when I was 9. And the cost difference was probably the same.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: inline five on July 12, 2017, 12:21:55 PM
If you want to brag about your luxury purchases, there are better corners of the internet to go do that. This thread was not created for that purpose.

You're finally absolutely correct about something!

Here is why this thread was created, from the OP:

Quote
"Another product info request...

Anybody here have experience with the Vitamix blender?  Is it worth the money?  Do they truly last? 

Thanks!"

Your answer is NO, you do not have experience with it, so therefore are not qualified to answer the OP's question. Why haven't you moved on yet?

Go start another thread of people unwisely spending money on stupid consumer goods that you don't understand why they do so. I promise I won't post in it.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: inline five on July 12, 2017, 12:23:35 PM


Ok. to hit closer to you classic MMM people, here's a better analogy. 

Vitamix is to Oster as aluminum frame road bike is to huffy mountain bike. And we still get plenty of bike recommendation threads.

I have a road bike.  It's far superior to my huffy I had when I was 9. And the cost difference was probably the same.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

But I bought my wife a bike from Target for $70. You WAAAAAAAAAAY overpaid, and are a stupid consumer who spends money unwisely and brags about it on a frugality forum.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GreenSheep on July 12, 2017, 01:35:33 PM
I use my Vitamix at least once a day, and often several times a day. I think I've already used it about 5 times this morning, and that's just for me -- I don't have a big family and didn't have a bunch of friends over for a brunch party or anything today.

I agree that it's not very useful if you only make an occasional margarita or something, but it's great for so much more than drinks/smoothies. If you've only ever used a "regular" blender, you probably would never think to do with it many of the things a Vitamix can do.

In my case, it makes cooking at home more pleasant and healthy because I use it for sauces, salad dressings, soups, nut butters, home-ground flour, non-dairy milk, date paste (substitute for refined sugar in many recipes), banana soft serve "nice cream," etc. I probably use it for about 80% of the recipes I make. It allows me to DIY a lot more of my basic ingredients (thereby making them cheaper and usually healthier than the store-bought option), and it provides a better (usually much, much better) final product than a regular blender would. Whether the savings on homemade staples and on eating in since the food is so good at home actually balances the cost of the Vitamix over time... I haven't done the math, but I suspect that over the life of the Vitamix, I'll come out ahead.

Putting aside the above, I spent $300 on my refurbished Vitamix a few years back, with a 5-year warranty, but I suspect it will last as long as a new one, which comes with a 15-year warranty. That's $375 worth of $25 cheapo blenders replaced yearly, which is about how often my old blenders tended to die, with obviously much less use than I'm currently putting on my Vitamix.

If the financial argument is not convincing (I admit there are a lot of "ifs")... I like it. I can afford it. I don't spring for the most expensive option all the time, but in this case, it enhances my life enough that it's worth it to me. Isn't that what Mustachianism is about -- making your dollars work for you to give you the best life possible? A Vitamix would probably be meaningless in terms of "life enhancement" to many others, and that's fine -- they can spend that $300 however they see fit.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Gondolin on July 12, 2017, 02:45:55 PM
Quote
urious... how many days a year do you use your blender and how old is it?

Are you really trying to get into a pissing match over who uses their blender more? And thus, over who has more "blender cred"?


I don't care much about blenders but, I do think some on this forum have taken the idea that " all spending is good as long as I subjectively "value" the item!" a bit far.

Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: inline five on July 12, 2017, 03:10:56 PM
Are you really trying to get into a pissing match over who uses their blender more? And thus, over who has more "blender cred"?


I don't care much about blenders but, I do think some on this forum have taken the idea that " all spending is good as long as I subjectively "value" the item!" a bit far.

It's a logical question. *I* don't value higher end clothing, or cars, or headphones, bikes, etc. So me responding to a question asking if (for example) Bose headphones (or similar variety) are worth it I would respond a resounding NO, as they aren't to me, but I don't listen to a ton of music and my $15 ones work "just as well" as the Bose at getting sounds to my ears.

But I'm not arrogant enough to think that there aren't audiophiles out there who DO value the higher end options much more highly, who use them every day, who would drop the money on a new pair in a heartbeat.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 12, 2017, 03:18:57 PM
But I'm not arrogant enough to think that there aren't audiophiles out there who DO value the higher end options much more highly, who use them every day, who would drop the money on a new pair in a heartbeat.

Audiophiles don't belong on a frugality forum.  This is the wrong place to brag about how much you enjoy overpaying for things.  Here, we value efficiently using resources to get maximum value at minimum cost.

The example quoted above about how people who haven't used a vitamix shouldn't be allowed to comment on them is analogous to saying only Lamborghini drivers should be allowed to comment on whether or not Lambos are worth their price point.  That's silly, the rest of us still drive cars.  We can all spot a ridiculously overpriced luxury item when we see one.

We are each free to make our own value judgments.  We are each free to spend as we see fit.  But people who eagerly pay hundreds of dollars for a blender are not the people who are prepared to embrace the MMM message.

Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: honeybbq on July 12, 2017, 03:21:49 PM
In my direct experience, I had a blender already. It ended up being insufficient for my needs. I bought a Vitamix. It was sufficient. I gave away my old one to a neighbor. So, there ya go.

I needed to get to work so bought a car for 10$ at a yard sale.  The car wouldn't drive, so gave it away to a neighbour and bought a Lamborghini.  It's sufficient for me to get to work.  So, I'd recommend that people buy an exotic sports car . . . it's great value.

 . . . aaaaannnnnd that's where your logic falls apart.  :P

Not even close.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: honeybbq on July 12, 2017, 03:22:36 PM
There are overwhelmingly two types of posters in this thread:

  This thread was not created for that purpose.

That's funny, I didn't think this was your thread.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: honeybbq on July 12, 2017, 03:25:03 PM
But I'm not arrogant enough to think that there aren't audiophiles out there who DO value the higher end options much more highly, who use them every day, who would drop the money on a new pair in a heartbeat.

  But people who eagerly pay hundreds of dollars for a blender are not the people who are prepared to embrace the MMM message.

Believe me. I wasn't eager. I cringed and I tried to make do with the one I had. It didn't cut it. I reluctantly got one on sale. And then I appreciated it, and I do so more and more each time I use it. Now I am happy with the purchase.

Why do you think you know the motivations and reasoning behind every post?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 12, 2017, 03:28:45 PM
Now I am happy with the purchase.

I'm glad you like your expensive blender.

Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: shawndoggy on July 12, 2017, 03:33:55 PM
But people who eagerly pay hundreds of dollars for a blender are not the people who are prepared to embrace the MMM message.

Haha the vitamix litmus test!

If you have a vitamix, there's no way on earth you'll ever be able to be financially independent or retire early.  It's impossible with a vitamix.  Cannot be done.

What about a nice mattress?  Who really needs more than a swap meet futon or garage sale bed?

Good cutlery?  What's wrong with ginsu knives?

pots and pans... they sell those at the dollar store, right?

Tools... anybody who buys anywhere but harbor freight is clearly not mustachian?

pens?  One should never have anything more than a free bic, right?

Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 12, 2017, 04:02:16 PM
Haha the vitamix litmus test!

It's not so much the vitamix itself, it's the mentality that results in buying one.

That's okay, not everyone is interested in learning the ways of the mustache.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Meowmalade on July 12, 2017, 04:36:55 PM
Haha the vitamix litmus test!

It's not so much the vitamix itself, it's the mentality that results in buying one.

That's okay, not everyone is interested in learning the ways of the mustache.

I don't know, my dad was probably the ultimate MMM'er and had a Vitamix that he used daily for 20-some years.  I think it's prudent to buy quality things that will last if you put them to lots of use.  In fact, I would say that it's unmustachian to burn through a series of cheap blenders over your lifetime and toss them in the landfill. 
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 12, 2017, 04:56:53 PM
I think a vitamix doesn't make sense if you are drowning in debt or aren't saving a large percentage of your income. 

If you are already have your finances in a row, I see nothing wrong with buying something of good quality.  But then again, I grew up with a lot of cheap junk that broke and was unreliable because it was all we could afford.  Or put another way - I'd rather have fewer things, of higher quality, than a bunch of cheap junk.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 12, 2017, 06:12:49 PM
I think a vitamix doesn't make sense if you are drowning in debt or aren't saving a large percentage of your income. 

If you are already have your finances in a row, I see nothing wrong with buying something of good quality.  But then again, I grew up with a lot of cheap junk that broke and was unreliable because it was all we could afford.  Or put another way - I'd rather have fewer things, of higher quality, than a bunch of cheap junk.

While there's certainly value to owning fewer good quality things than tons of junk . . . I think that there's often a happy middle ground between terrible crap and extremely expensive stuff.

You might not be well served with the 40 year old Soviet made rust bucket, but you might not need the lambo.  Maybe a Corolla will work just fine?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 12, 2017, 06:28:23 PM
I think a vitamix doesn't make sense if you are drowning in debt or aren't saving a large percentage of your income. 

If you are already have your finances in a row, I see nothing wrong with buying something of good quality.  But then again, I grew up with a lot of cheap junk that broke and was unreliable because it was all we could afford.  Or put another way - I'd rather have fewer things, of higher quality, than a bunch of cheap junk.

While there's certainly value to owning fewer good quality things than tons of junk . . . I think that there's often a happy middle ground between terrible crap and extremely expensive stuff.

You might not be well served with the 40 year old Soviet made rust bucket, but you might not need the lambo.  Maybe a Corolla will work just fine?

How expensive is your bike?  Do you have more than 1?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: AlanStache on July 12, 2017, 07:26:43 PM
So I dont even want or need a blender but ....

I read a few comparisons of the vitamax vs the ninja and they said basically the same thing, vitamax is slightly better by WAAAAAAY the fuck more money. 

To the OP are you blending stuff now?  Before jumping in with both credit cards maybe it would be smart to drop a Jackson at Goodwill to see if you really like it and continue with it.  If el-chepo does not work well enough and you are using the blender regularly then come back to the vitamax question.

Personally I am not sure there is anything in my kitchen I could spend 600$.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 12, 2017, 07:49:18 PM
Vitamix refurbed, $279:

https://www.vitamix.com/Shop/Certified-Reconditioned-Standard-Programs
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 12, 2017, 09:10:09 PM
Vitamix refurbed, $279:

https://www.vitamix.com/Shop/Certified-Reconditioned-Standard-Programs

If we're going to compare used items, I should point out that goodwill blenders rarely go for more than $7.  You're still overpaying by more than 1,000%.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: EricL on July 12, 2017, 10:01:31 PM
I like my Vitamix.  Was it a bad purchase?  Maybe.  It's not like I've never made any bad purchases before.  And recently I've proven I can make staggeringly silly purchases that I knew beforehand were staggeringly silly.  And for a lot more money.  But I make up for it in other ways like not owning a car. 

If people want to get bent out of shape by dumb shit I buy that's their heartache.  I'm still FIRE'd.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Meowmalade on July 12, 2017, 10:13:05 PM
So I dont even want or need a blender but ....

I read a few comparisons of the vitamax vs the ninja and they said basically the same thing, vitamax is slightly better by WAAAAAAY the fuck more money. 

I don't know about the Ninja, but the Vitamix will last a long, long time.  It's seriously a BIFL purchase.  I'm not really into Vitamix smoothies (my mom's creative smoothies killed any desire for me) but my parents' blenders were workhorses that easily lasted 15-20 years with daily use.

If there were dishwashers or washing machines that I knew would last that long, I'd definitely pay a premium for the longevity and knowing that I'm not buying into the disposable economy.  Unfortunately, most appliances seem to be pretty crappy these days, so I based my decisions on price.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: englishteacheralex on July 13, 2017, 01:16:17 AM
Ha ha ha the Vitamix debate in all its glory. I knew SOL would get involved.

I still want one. Still want a Kitchenaid stand mixer, too. Husband still won't let me get either, even off craigslist, so I make do with my hand mixer from our wedding registry and our $30 ninja from craigslist. It's fine. They both get me by. We both have full time jobs so we don't have time to get too fancy in the kitchen.

However, I think a vitamix is a badass awesome kitchen appliance and if we weren't trying to put two kids through daycare while holding down dayjobs I'd be all over a refurb, husband be damned.

And my feeling on whether it's mustachian or not runs thus: if you have the money and you'll actually use the thing all the time[/i], like at least once/day and preferably even more, like one poster upthread who uses the hell out of theirs and even grinds their own flour, c'mon SOL you have to concede that's pretty badass, then the vitamix becomes a pretty mustachian buy. One appliance that does a frickton of useful stuff. What's not to love? I've seen 'em on craigslist for $150. Seems worth it to me.

If it's gathering dust in the pantry, then you are an anti mustachian and you might live in a McMansion. We shall face-punch you.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 13, 2017, 01:12:22 PM
I think a vitamix doesn't make sense if you are drowning in debt or aren't saving a large percentage of your income. 

If you are already have your finances in a row, I see nothing wrong with buying something of good quality.  But then again, I grew up with a lot of cheap junk that broke and was unreliable because it was all we could afford.  Or put another way - I'd rather have fewer things, of higher quality, than a bunch of cheap junk.

While there's certainly value to owning fewer good quality things than tons of junk . . . I think that there's often a happy middle ground between terrible crap and extremely expensive stuff.

You might not be well served with the 40 year old Soviet made rust bucket, but you might not need the lambo.  Maybe a Corolla will work just fine?

How expensive is your bike?  Do you have more than 1?

Yep, I've got two.  My fancy steel touring bike was new for 800$, and my aluminum winter bike was 400$.  I was able to avoid buying a car for five years by using this setup, so by my calculations it ended up paying for itself.  I wouldn't recommend that you get two bikes unless you're cycling through salty winters (very hard on components), and wouldn't recommend that you spend as much as I did for my touring bike though.



I've put over 20,000 km on a vitamix and a half of bikes.  :P
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 13, 2017, 01:55:37 PM
I think a vitamix doesn't make sense if you are drowning in debt or aren't saving a large percentage of your income. 

If you are already have your finances in a row, I see nothing wrong with buying something of good quality.  But then again, I grew up with a lot of cheap junk that broke and was unreliable because it was all we could afford.  Or put another way - I'd rather have fewer things, of higher quality, than a bunch of cheap junk.

While there's certainly value to owning fewer good quality things than tons of junk . . . I think that there's often a happy middle ground between terrible crap and extremely expensive stuff.

You might not be well served with the 40 year old Soviet made rust bucket, but you might not need the lambo.  Maybe a Corolla will work just fine?

How expensive is your bike?  Do you have more than 1?

Yep, I've got two.  My fancy steel touring bike was new for 800$, and my aluminum winter bike was 400$.  I was able to avoid buying a car for five years by using this setup, so by my calculations it ended up paying for itself.  I wouldn't recommend that you get two bikes unless you're cycling through salty winters (very hard on components), and wouldn't recommend that you spend as much as I did for my touring bike though.



I've put over 20,000 km on a vitamix and a half of bikes.  :P

I feel like, as long as one has no debt (other than mortgage) and is saving close to 50% of income (like I am), then $270 for a high quality tool that gets used is not an issue. 
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 13, 2017, 02:07:26 PM
I feel like, as long as one has no debt (other than mortgage) and is saving close to 50% of income (like I am), then $270 for a high quality tool that gets used is not an issue.

A blender is not a tool.  You do not use a blender to create anything of value.  A blender is an appliance that makes your life easier by reducing the amount of work you have to do in order to satiate your desire for comfort and luxury.  It's more like a remote control or a riding lawnmower than a nail gun or a circular saw.  It's an appliance that serves a function, and that can function can be met at a very reasonable cost or a ridiculously overpriced luxury good cost.

Stop comparing a vitamix to a tool and then trying to use that comparison to justify your luxury purchases.  Tools are used to make money, or create something of value.  Unless you run a Jamba Juice or a nut butter blog, a blender is not a tool for you.

I can't believe we're still talking about this.  This forum was strayed so far from its foundational roots that I don't even recognize you people anymore.  Next stop:  "flying first class, it's totally worth it!"
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 13, 2017, 02:27:38 PM
I feel like, as long as one has no debt (other than mortgage) and is saving close to 50% of income (like I am), then $270 for a high quality tool that gets used is not an issue.

A blender is not a tool.  You do not use a blender to create anything of value.  A blender is an appliance that makes your life easier by reducing the amount of work you have to do in order to satiate your desire for comfort and luxury.  It's more like a remote control or a riding lawnmower than a nail gun or a circular saw.  It's an appliance that serves a function, and that can function can be met at a very reasonable cost or a ridiculously overpriced luxury good cost.

Stop comparing a vitamix to a tool and then trying to use that comparison to justify your luxury purchases.  Tools are used to make money, or create something of value.  Unless you run a Jamba Juice or a nut butter blog, a blender is not a tool for you.

I can't believe we're still talking about this.  This forum was strayed so far from its foundational roots that I don't even recognize you people anymore.  Next stop:  "flying first class, it's totally worth it!"

MMM, to me is not about doing everything as cheaply as humanly possible.  It's about balance.  Others spend $$ on bikes.  Or travel.  I don't.  I spend $$ on things that help me cook and eat better.  You might not value what a vitamix can do.  I do.  Maybe we can just leave it at that.  Probably not though, sol seems to like getting in the last word.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Meowmalade on July 13, 2017, 02:46:31 PM
A blender is not a tool.  You do not use a blender to create anything of value.

I certainly value delicious food, prepared well.  The Vitamix is capable of doing a lot of things that a cheap blender simply can't (or can't without burning out its motor).

MMM, to me is not about doing everything as cheaply as humanly possible.  It's about balance.  Others spend $$ on bikes.  Or travel.  I don't.  I spend $$ on things that help me cook and eat better.  You might not value what a vitamix can do.  I do.  Maybe we can just leave it at that.  Probably not though, sol seems to like getting in the last word.

Exactly.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: honeybbq on July 13, 2017, 04:48:41 PM


A blender is not a tool.  You do not use a blender to create anything of value. 

Dammit I told myself no more quoting sol.

A blender is definitely a tool.
noun
1.
an implement, especially one held in the hand, as a hammer, saw, or file, for performing or facilitating mechanical operations.
2.
any instrument of manual operation.
3.
the cutting or machining part of a lathe, planer, drill, or similar machine.
4.
the machine itself; a machine tool.
5.
anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose

And it does create something of value. Particularly in my situation which I've preferred not to get into. You make smoothies, flours, butters, soup, etc. We've already described it creates delicious nourishment for eating. It is definitely an expensive tool, but it IS a tool nonetheless. A tool does not have to "make" something you can sell to be a tool. If you require that it makes money, that's a business expense.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tow Pro on July 13, 2017, 05:05:31 PM
This might sound funny coming from the tow pro, but I use a vitamix just about every day once I started watching Dan the Man on youtube. I will say I started with a Ninja, and the vitamix blows it away. But the ninja is way cheaper. My 2 cents.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: marshdesign on July 13, 2017, 06:02:20 PM
We got ours for 100 dollars off using the bed bath and beyond 20 percent off coupon. I do wish we got it cheaper though. We use it very rarely because it is a beast to clean. It is a great blender through.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Meowmalade on July 13, 2017, 06:33:08 PM
We use it very rarely because it is a beast to clean.

Try putting in a drop of dish soap with hot water and blending it.  Should clean up in a snap!  :)
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 13, 2017, 06:49:06 PM
We got ours for 100 dollars off using the bed bath and beyond 20 percent off coupon. I do wish we got it cheaper though. We use it very rarely because it is a beast to clean. It is a great blender through.

For things like smoothies you can just add hot water & soap & run it on high for a minute or so.  For sticky stuff like nut butters, I use a baby bottle cleaner to get the main chunks, then do the soap/water/blend on high to finish up.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Lmoot on July 13, 2017, 11:43:34 PM
This thread is hilarious. You have one group of people saying they're happy with the blender they have, which they purchased at a fraction of the cost of a Vitamix. And then you have another group, the Vitamix group, telling them that the Vitamix is much better and worth it.  Hey, I guess even the personal finance circle has its own version of peer pressure and consumer peddling. I've noticed there are certain brands and items which are popular in the PF circle, but I do question the true lifestyle value an insanely expensive bllender could add, particularly if what you've been using already works. Don't drink the Kool-Aid smoothie, if you already enjoy the flavor you have.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Lmoot on July 14, 2017, 12:01:44 AM
There are overwhelmingly two types of posters in this thread:

1) Ones who have never used a Vitamix and say it's a POS huge waste of money,
2) Ones who have used a low end blender and then got a Vitamix and highly recommend it despite the high cost

If you are someone who makes smoothies daily or even several times a week, you can draw your own conclusions from the above.

In my experience the mid-range blenders aren't enough of a step up over the cheapies to justify their mid-tier price points. But I use my blender around 300 days a year.

3) People who are happy with their much less expensive blenders, but are quickly told by others that what they have is basically a POS compared to the oh holy Vitamix, and they don't know what they are missing (which, in my opinion, is actually one of the main benefits of frugality).

 I really wish I knew what this phenomenon was where groups of people in the PF world adopt certain trendy, expensive consumerist items, and try to encourage others to buy into it as well. I see it around here a lot with bikes that cost several thousand dollars. Yeah everyone can choose how to spend their money, but just because a certain type of person condones certain consumer product, doesn't make it any less susceptible to face punches.  And to try to defend it so vehemently, means you are still in that consumerist zombie state. Own up to it instead of trying to pass it off as if it is a financially shrewd, and lifestyle-changing product. It is not. If you think so, then your expectations of a certain lifestyle are both too high and too low.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Meowmalade on July 14, 2017, 12:06:44 AM
3) People who are happy with their much less expensive blenders, but are quickly told by others that what they have is basically a POS compared to the oh holy Vitamix, and they don't know what they are missing (which, in my opinion, is actually one of the main benefits of frugality).

I don't see anyone trying to convince everyone else that they must own a Vitamix.  I just see people who own one explaining why they find it valuable and possibly worth the expense.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Lmoot on July 14, 2017, 12:17:10 AM
3) People who are happy with their much less expensive blenders, but are quickly told by others that what they have is basically a POS compared to the oh holy Vitamix, and they don't know what they are missing (which, in my opinion, is actually one of the main benefits of frugality).

I don't see anyone trying to convince everyone else that they must own a Vitamix.  I just see people who own one explaining why they find it valuable and possibly worth the expense.

 There were a couple comments that stood out to me and this particular thread, but I don't like calling specific people out. I was speaking more to other vita mix debates  i've read around here.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: NorthernBlitz on July 14, 2017, 03:38:40 AM
Audiophiles don't belong on a frugality forum.

It's interesting because I don't think of this as a frugality forum (MMM seems to be quite different than something like ERE to me).

I think of it as a forum where people can discuss how people can discuss (1) how use money is a tool (2) that there is such a thing as enough money and (3) how to mindfully use money to try to optimize quality of life / happiness. You can only optimize for one thing at a time (i.e. you have to pick between consumerism vs. frugality vs. happiness).

That's kind of what I get from reading MMM and listening to interviews like the one he did with Tim Ferriss.

For example: I pay $3 / month for my cell phone bill. Someone who follows MMM's advice and gets Google FI will spend at least $200 / year more than I do (even if they're like me and don't use cell data). That's in perpetuity. If they use their phone more than I do (or if someone uses a data plan), I think that's OK if they are doing it while thinking about how that fits into their financial plans. I think it's not OK if they are spending that kind of money without thinking about it because everyone else is doing it.

Aside: I also think that equating "wasting" $200 - $300 dollars on a blender (if someone uses it a lot) to "wasting" thousands to tens of thousands of dollars on extravagant cars is a false equivalency (provide someone already has achieved a certain amount of net worth).
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: AlanStache on July 14, 2017, 05:53:13 AM
Audiophiles don't belong on a frugality forum.

It's interesting because I don't think of this as a frugality forum (MMM seems to be quite different than something like ERE to me).

I think of it as a forum where people can discuss how people can discuss (1) how use money is a tool (2) that there is such a thing as enough money and (3) how to mindfully use money to try to optimize quality of life / happiness. You can only optimize for one thing at a time (i.e. you have to pick between consumerism vs. frugality vs. happiness).

That's kind of what I get from reading MMM and listening to interviews like the one he did with Tim Ferriss.

For example: I pay $3 / month for my cell phone bill. Someone who follows MMM's advice and gets Google FI will spend at least $200 / year more than I do (even if they're like me and don't use cell data). That's in perpetuity. If they use their phone more than I do (or if someone uses a data plan), I think that's OK if they are doing it while thinking about how that fits into their financial plans. I think it's not OK if they are spending that kind of money without thinking about it because everyone else is doing it.

Aside: I also think that equating "wasting" $200 - $300 dollars on a blender (if someone uses it a lot) to "wasting" thousands to tens of thousands of dollars on extravagant cars is a false equivalency (provide someone already has achieved a certain amount of net worth).

You might want to go reread a few of his posts. 
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: shawndoggy on July 14, 2017, 08:02:34 AM
so far it looks like we have one vitamix user who doesn't use theirs a lot, one guy who is trying to justify owning two expensive bikes because you know, salt, and he rides them a lot and you probably don't, and you know he got them used, and also a bunch of "I've never used one but they suck" vitamix haters.

And then the people who own them and use them (some of us almost daily for over a decade).

Do those who consider the vitamix an ungodly extravagance have bedframes, when a floor will hold a mattress up perfectly well?  Dressers, when you can just fold clothes nicely and pile them around your room?  A regular blender when you can smash stuff between two rocks perfectly well (and get a workout too!)?

Comparing the vitamix to a tempermental status symbol like a lambo is laughable.  It's a completely stripped down no frills appliance/tool.  Not tempermental at all... many of us use them daily for years on jobs your oster would "let the smoke out" doing once.  It's not diamond encrusted.  It's not painted with sparkly paint.

For the cyclists in the thread, is there no value in ultegra over sora?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 14, 2017, 08:29:49 AM
Do those who consider the vitamix an ungodly extravagance have bedframes, when a floor will hold a mattress up perfectly well?  Dressers, when you can just fold clothes nicely and pile them around your room? 

I actually do sleep on a mattress on the floor . . . bedframes are stupid.

There's some utility to having dressers, simply because floorspace is often at a premium and dressers allow you to stack things vertically . . . but I'm not against some sort of shelving (or even neat stacks of boxes) in place of dressers.



A regular blender when you can smash stuff between two rocks perfectly well (and get a workout too!)?

You make a valid point.  Are there any hand operated blenders for sale?


For the cyclists in the thread, is there no value in ultegra over sora?

High quality cycling stuff is cool . . . but for the vast majority of people though it's very much overkill to have.  (In many cases the high end stuff may even be worse.  For example, I'd take some bar end or stem shifters over STI stuff if long term durability and easy maintenance is your goal.)
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: NorthernBlitz on July 14, 2017, 08:36:11 AM
Audiophiles don't belong on a frugality forum.

It's interesting because I don't think of this as a frugality forum (MMM seems to be quite different than something like ERE to me).

I think of it as a forum where people can discuss how people can discuss (1) how use money is a tool (2) that there is such a thing as enough money and (3) how to mindfully use money to try to optimize quality of life / happiness. You can only optimize for one thing at a time (i.e. you have to pick between consumerism vs. frugality vs. happiness).

That's kind of what I get from reading MMM and listening to interviews like the one he did with Tim Ferriss.

For example: I pay $3 / month for my cell phone bill. Someone who follows MMM's advice and gets Google FI will spend at least $200 / year more than I do (even if they're like me and don't use cell data). That's in perpetuity. If they use their phone more than I do (or if someone uses a data plan), I think that's OK if they are doing it while thinking about how that fits into their financial plans. I think it's not OK if they are spending that kind of money without thinking about it because everyone else is doing it.

Aside: I also think that equating "wasting" $200 - $300 dollars on a blender (if someone uses it a lot) to "wasting" thousands to tens of thousands of dollars on extravagant cars is a false equivalency (provide someone already has achieved a certain amount of net worth).

You might want to go reread a few of his posts.

I think frugality is part of it because most people spend way more than they need to.

But there are several of his posts (like promotion of Google FI and Republic Wireless before that) that are clearly not about maximizing frugality. I haven't seen a post here "face punching" people that ask about FI or Republic Wireless despite the fact that doing so "wastes" hundreds of dollars per year per phone vs. a simple pay as you go, never use data solution. Hell, even my $3/month solution has me "wasting" almost $40/year. Both of these choices will ultimately cost more than one blender (even a very expensive one).

I would also point you to this article: Getting Started in Carpentry – Tools of the Trade
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/11/getting-started-in-carpentry-tools-of-the-trade/ (http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/11/getting-started-in-carpentry-tools-of-the-trade/)

A person who is “cheap” will focus only on price when making purchases, including tools . I’ve never been cheap (believe it or not), so I try to buy tools that give me a maximum level of usefulness (work quality and speed) and longevity, while still weighing these factors against the cost.

This equation also needs to take into account the frequency and value of the work you’ll be doing with the tools. I’m a casual professional, so my tools need to help me produce somewhere between $5k and $100k of value per year depending on what projects are going on. Even at the lower end of that range, dropping from a $100 saw down to a $50 one that is noticeably crappier is a bad idea, because every cut I make will be less straight, and I’ll waste time trying to make up for the bad cuts with other adjustments.  More importantly, my quality will go down, and a lot of the fun in carpentry for me comes from producing the best quality stuff I can possibly make in a given amount of time.

But it is also possible to go overboard in this department. Boutique toolmakers exist in every category, daring you to upgrade from the $500 table saw that I use, to the $3,600 one. What I’ve found from using both types of equipment is that the returns at the higher end are rapidly diminishing, at my level of work anyway...

In other words, my tools are a mixture of Dewalt, Ridgid, Hilti, Milwaukee, Makita, but not too much Black and Decker or Ryobi these days.


In this article he's talking about tools (in this case for construction instead of for cooking).

From reading the articles, it seems like MMM is happy spending more money for products that optimize his happiness (and not minimize his spending). It's worth noting that he also recognizes that super high end stuff probably isn't where he wants to buy. It sounds to me like people talking about purchasing a Vitamix here have gone through a similar decision making process.

I personally haven't used a real blender for over a decade. I prefer to eat my veggies as veggies and not in liquid form. For me, a Vitamix would be a waste of money. For others...who knows.

I do know that I went through a bunch of stick blenders that were cheap and broke in months (motor and blades were fine but the couplings between them were all terrible). Eventually, I just modified one so I can stick it on my drill. But if I buy another stick blender, I will probably be inclined to buy a high quality one that will last.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Lmoot on July 14, 2017, 08:39:17 AM
 I am not saying it's a huge extravagance that should be avoided. Not at all. I had to comment though because this is the second thread I saw about vita mix within 24 hours, on this site, and two days ago I never even heard of it.   It just seems like some people are making consumer decisions based on the popularity of an item in certain social circle. It's just a social observation I making.

 And I've noticed it before with talks of expensive bikes, as if no one else outside of this forum rides bikes, so they wouldn't understand the value and necessity of riding a bike that costs several thousand dollars. When I know for a fact, because I know some of them, there are people happily riding bikes daily with no problem, which don't  cost nearly that much. But for some reason in this particular setting (which not coincidently, IMO, has a strong reverence towards bikes...almost idolizing) it seems to be a popular outlier of spending more than necessary on a consumer good, while still being  a mustachian decision.  I am not saying don't buy the things you value. But don't pretend they are way more than what they are. A decision to overlook perfectly good options, because you want the best. Or what you perceive to be the best.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 14, 2017, 08:52:38 AM
I think the bike love around here comes from the fact that many people have learned to replace a car (very expensive) with a bike (significantly cheaper) in their lives.  People need to move around, cycling is a way to do this for less money.  The same kind of argument goes for the tools that MMM was talking about . . . he's making money with the tools, so paying more for them might make sense because it allows him to do more quicker.

There isn't really a direct comparison when you're talking about a blender.  Quality of blending won't save you money.  People don't need to blend things daily to make their way in the world.  A blender isn't replacing something that costs much more money that you would otherwise have to pay.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: robartsd on July 14, 2017, 09:17:31 AM
It's a kitchen appliance, not a work of art.  If it mechanically performs the job it was designed to do, then it passes as functional.  I assure you my blender blends justnearly as well as yours does.
I've used both and know that the Oysters and similar blenders that can be had at thrift stores do not blend "just as well" as a Vitamix. The difference is not tremendous, but it is there. Vitamix blends just a little soother in a bit less time - but I agree that if that was the only difference it wouldn't be worth spending so much more.

Of all the weird things people can decide to turn into consumer status symbols, why blenders?  I just don't get it.  It's a simple little device, just an electric motor and a pitcher with a lid.  There is absolutely no reason it should cost more than an air conditioner, or an alternator, or an air compressor, or a table saw.  It's patently ridiculous right on the face of it, and I'm amazed that anyone would defend it as a "good value" for what it is.  And yet here we are, in a thread FULL of people who apparently also drive luxury cars and only fly first class.
Very good points about the complexity and materials of a blender (though sol does straw man the complexity a little - the pitcher and blade are engineered so that materials ciculate effecively to efficiently blend all the contents). This is the only post by sol in this thread that I think adds any value to the conversation. I wonder how the cost comparison with this list of items would go if one restricts the search to only items made in 1st world contries.

I used the ninja, burnt it out in about 15 months, tried many (3-4 all exchanged on warranty) $200 blenders.  We had failures with all of them.

We bought a vitamix($600 here at Costco) 4 years agon, and it is going stron.  We use ours for soup, nut butters, smoothies, chopping stuff for salsa(yes it can process in larger chinks too). making apple sauce, making flour, and many other things.  It is the only blender that we have found that will stand up to all of this over a period of time.

I went from cheap blenders are not adequate to a high-end blender. Maybe I overspent on a Vitamix when a Ninja was the right level tool for my usage. I'd love to hear more from people who tried the mid-range blenders (both those who are 100% satisfied and those who determined that they were not good enough). Certainly sounds like a high-end blender is worth the cost for dycker1978.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: ElleFiji on July 14, 2017, 09:33:12 AM
I think the bike love around here comes from the fact that many people have learned to replace a car (very expensive) with a bike (significantly cheaper) in their lives.  People need to move around, cycling is a way to do this for less money.  The same kind of argument goes for the tools that MMM was talking about . . . he's making money with the tools, so paying more for them might make sense because it allows him to do more quicker.

There isn't really a direct comparison when you're talking about a blender.  Quality of blending won't save you money.  People don't need to blend things daily to make their way in the world.  A blender isn't replacing something that costs much more money that you would otherwise have to pay.

See, in my case, I started blowing out blenders shortly after finding MMM. I was working long hours, exhausted, and broke the fast food cycle by replacing fast food with smoothies. Saving lots of money, even with blowing out blenders. And, at the time, the thrift stores I could walk/bus to didn't have the super-awesome deals that Sol's thrift store had, so I was spending more per blender. Upthread, I calculated that I was spending $50/year on blenders in a mix of buying new and being gifted hand me downs. But before I started replacing fast food with smoothies, I probably spent $100-200 on takeout per week

If I hadn't been gifted a vitamix I would have bought one of the high end blenders available. I don't know which one, because I hadn't finished my research when I was given the vitamix.

Similarly, I've been researching appliances like microwaves and toaster ovens. I've been considering these things for the past year. I'm not rushing into a decision, but I do think they might save me money.

I don't think someone with no blender experience should buy a vitamix just because they are super fancy - I know lots of people who blend occaisionally or often and are happy with other brands. But I stand by my statement that if you have a history of blowing out blenders, you should research your options for high end blenders. And, that in my experience, the vitamix quality is good, but their customer service was awful. For any high end purchase consider something like buying at costco, where they have good customer service and will take your expensive appliance back if necessary.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 14, 2017, 09:37:48 AM
Have you considered . . . . trying food that needs to be chewed?  I mean, I don't know your personal situation (maybe you have no teeth?), but this is a valid option for many.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: ElleFiji on July 14, 2017, 09:45:20 AM
Have you considered . . . . trying food that needs to be chewed?  I mean, I don't know your personal situation (maybe you have no teeth?), but this is a valid option for many.
I am currently considering giving up and not posting anything else in this thread. I have no idea why this particular thread is the subject of such intense aversion to open mindedness...but I definitely remember why, when I was a new forum member, I was quickly scared off (fond memories of the time people assured me that they could in no way believe that I have ever worn through a pair of shoes).
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 14, 2017, 09:48:26 AM
Have you considered . . . . trying food that needs to be chewed?  I mean, I don't know your personal situation (maybe you have no teeth?), but this is a valid option for many.

I chew my food six days a week, but on the seventh day I rest.  And blend Costco frozen fruit with yogurt and honey.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Lmoot on July 14, 2017, 09:48:44 AM
Have you considered . . . . trying food that needs to be chewed?  I mean, I don't know your personal situation (maybe you have no teeth?), but this is a valid option for many.

LOL!!!  I thought about going there, but I didn't want it to sound like I was downing people's lifestyle decisions. I just find the whole blending juicing smoothie craze to be a little overboard these days. It's onboard with coffee status now. I remember when kale juicing was a thing and people were out getting expensive single-function juicers (before we found out concentrated kale exacerbates thyroid issues, oops). I actually know someone who has just been eating mostly liquid diets for a few months now and blends 3x per day minimum...so yeah I can see how that would low out a blender.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 14, 2017, 09:51:55 AM
I think the bike love around here comes from the fact that many people have learned to replace a car (very expensive) with a bike (significantly cheaper) in their lives.  People need to move around, cycling is a way to do this for less money.  The same kind of argument goes for the tools that MMM was talking about . . . he's making money with the tools, so paying more for them might make sense because it allows him to do more quicker.

There isn't really a direct comparison when you're talking about a blender.  Quality of blending won't save you money.  People don't need to blend things daily to make their way in the world.  A blender isn't replacing something that costs much more money that you would otherwise have to pay.

See, in my case, I started blowing out blenders shortly after finding MMM. I was working long hours, exhausted, and broke the fast food cycle by replacing fast food with smoothies. Saving lots of money, even with blowing out blenders. And, at the time, the thrift stores I could walk/bus to didn't have the super-awesome deals that Sol's thrift store had, so I was spending more per blender. Upthread, I calculated that I was spending $50/year on blenders in a mix of buying new and being gifted hand me downs. But before I started replacing fast food with smoothies, I probably spent $100-200 on takeout per week

If I hadn't been gifted a vitamix I would have bought one of the high end blenders available. I don't know which one, because I hadn't finished my research when I was given the vitamix.

Similarly, I've been researching appliances like microwaves and toaster ovens. I've been considering these things for the past year. I'm not rushing into a decision, but I do think they might save me money.

I don't think someone with no blender experience should buy a vitamix just because they are super fancy - I know lots of people who blend occaisionally or often and are happy with other brands. But I stand by my statement that if you have a history of blowing out blenders, you should research your options for high end blenders. And, that in my experience, the vitamix quality is good, but their customer service was awful. For any high end purchase consider something like buying at costco, where they have good customer service and will take your expensive appliance back if necessary.

It's just that you jumped from regularly eating junk food to regularly eating smoothies.  I'm sure that your diet has improved . . . and kudos for that!  It's a little weird to me that you appear to be blending all of your food now and I was wondering what the reasoning is.

FWIW - If you absolutely need to blend your food all the time for some reason, then I could totally see owning a top of the line commercial quality blender as a legitimate purchase.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Lmoot on July 14, 2017, 09:52:15 AM
Have you considered . . . . trying food that needs to be chewed?  I mean, I don't know your personal situation (maybe you have no teeth?), but this is a valid option for many.

I chew my food six days a week, but on the seventh day I rest.  And blend Costco frozen fruit with yogurt and honey.

 Now intermittent fasting is something I can get behind! Saves you money, and no expensive tools needed. I kid, I kid. I just think all face punches should be equal. It doesn't diminish your decision to do something, it's just being honest about about why you ultimately made that decision. No disrespect intended to anyone in this thread. I have had, and continue to have my ideas and actions challenged here. And even if I am too stubborn to publicly acknowledge when I take the criticism to heart, sometimes I do learn from it and apply it.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: NorthernBlitz on July 14, 2017, 10:14:07 AM
Have you considered . . . . trying food that needs to be chewed?  I mean, I don't know your personal situation (maybe you have no teeth?), but this is a valid option for many.

I think that this is a pretty bad way to get your point across.

It may be possible that a blender isn't the right solution for you or for me. But I don't understand what you gain by attacking someone because having this thing has helped make their life quantifiable better.

Especially because it was a gift.  Even if you feel like the enticement to frugality gives you the moral high ground in most cases, the cost to them was $0.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: honeybbq on July 14, 2017, 10:38:37 AM
Have you considered . . . . trying food that needs to be chewed?  I mean, I don't know your personal situation (maybe you have no teeth?), but this is a valid option for many.

Well, my spouse had cancer and couldn't tolerate chewing or processing food. Feel better now?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 14, 2017, 12:50:12 PM
I think the bike love around here comes from the fact that many people have learned to replace a car (very expensive) with a bike (significantly cheaper) in their lives.  People need to move around, cycling is a way to do this for less money.  The same kind of argument goes for the tools that MMM was talking about . . . he's making money with the tools, so paying more for them might make sense because it allows him to do more quicker.

There isn't really a direct comparison when you're talking about a blender.  Quality of blending won't save you money.  People don't need to blend things daily to make their way in the world.  A blender isn't replacing something that costs much more money that you would otherwise have to pay.

Yeah, but a $400 bike will get you around just as well as an $800 one.  Why you gotta get the consuma sucka bike?  And not just one!  You have to get a second bike at $400 to protect your 'good' bike from the winter!!  There's no reason to have an $800 bike in the first place, just get the $400 one and ride it year round.  You still get rid of the need for a  car and are way more frugal!

Or if you really want ultra frugal, don't buy a bike at all, just walk. 

In fact, if you want to be ultra frugal, don't have any hobbies, don't ever go any where, don't do anything and spend nothing.  There, savings can't get any better than that!
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 14, 2017, 01:47:51 PM
In fact, if you want to be ultra frugal, don't have any hobbies

Are you seriously suggesting that "blending" is a hobby?

I think the forum has gotten WAY of base when people start saying things like "well, if you already have the money, it's fine to buy stupidly overpriced consumer crap."  The whole point here is to learn to spend your resources efficiently, not justify extravagance for its own sake.  It doesn't matter how much money you have, MMM teaches frugality as a virtue in itself, not just as a means to getting rich.

Unfortunately, we're slowly drifting into the usual and ubiquitous blog role of endorsing consumer goods to each other to justify lifestyle inflation and keeping up with the Joneses, which is not what this place used to be about.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 14, 2017, 02:07:20 PM
I think the bike love around here comes from the fact that many people have learned to replace a car (very expensive) with a bike (significantly cheaper) in their lives.  People need to move around, cycling is a way to do this for less money.  The same kind of argument goes for the tools that MMM was talking about . . . he's making money with the tools, so paying more for them might make sense because it allows him to do more quicker.

There isn't really a direct comparison when you're talking about a blender.  Quality of blending won't save you money.  People don't need to blend things daily to make their way in the world.  A blender isn't replacing something that costs much more money that you would otherwise have to pay.

Yeah, but a $400 bike will get you around just as well as an $800 one.  Why you gotta get the consuma sucka bike?  And not just one!  You have to get a second bike at $400 to protect your 'good' bike from the winter!!  There's no reason to have an $800 bike in the first place, just get the $400 one and ride it year round.  You still get rid of the need for a  car and are way more frugal!

Yep.  It's possible to do everything with one single bike . . . and I'm fully aware that having two is a big indulgence on my part.

There's no issue with people doing the occasionally silly thing with money because it makes them happy.  I have an issue with people pretending that what they're doing isn't a tad silly to begin with.  While there are some with medical conditions that require it . . .  there are some people who seem to have the ability to chew food but have become dependent on blenders anyway, seeing them as the only way they can eat healthy foods.  You have to admit that's a little weird.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 14, 2017, 02:36:54 PM
No more weird than riding a bike instead of using your 2 good legs to walk or run where you need to go. 

So you agree you have a facepunch worthy indulgence with your bikes, but others aren't allowed the same thing with non-bikes?

And this is also why I said earlier - "As long as one is debt free (except mortgage) and saving at a high rate (I'm at 49%), then you should just buy what you like."

I hate leafy greens and I have a heart condition.  Green smoothies are the only way I can get myself to eat leafy greens.  That's a fact.  So I do smoothies.  I've had several blenders, they were all sh!t (for various reasons).  The vitamix is the only one that works well.  Add to that the ability to do nut butters (saving me $7 per jar of almond butter), and that I only paid $250 not the $600 that's been bandied about around here, and no I don't feel like it was a bad purchase at all.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: AlanStache on July 14, 2017, 02:37:11 PM
In fact, if you want to be ultra frugal, don't have any hobbies

Are you seriously suggesting that "blending" is a hobby?


sol are you not into competitive blending?  is like competitive vaping but with more horsepower and the guys all wear socks with sandals.  A man has not lived until he has fired up a 1500hp, 8 gallon capacity, dual clutch-nitrous fueled bad boy.  The exhaust kind of ruins the juice but that is not the point!

(excluding medical stuff) Yeah like do whatever you want but just own it; if you want to spend an extra 200$ to get  3% more smooth juice and 'a better blending experience' <snicker> just own it and admit it is a silly extravagance.

tyort1: You are using your blender as a juicer?  There are dedicated (cheap) products for that - sunk costs and all that but why not use a juicer?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 14, 2017, 02:41:02 PM
To be clear, the vitamix is not a necessity, it's a 'nice to have'.  I don't think anyone ever said any different. 

I just get a little prickly when people call it out as ridiculous, when they own $800 bikes!  Or more than one bike!  Or whatever. 
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 14, 2017, 06:08:53 PM
So you agree you have a facepunch worthy indulgence with your bikes, but others aren't allowed the same thing with non-bikes?

Quite the contrary, punch away.  I've acknowledged and agreed that there's no real need to own two bikes, and agree that it's kinda silly.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: retiringearly on July 14, 2017, 06:19:51 PM
I have not read this thread so please do not flame me.

If you want to buy a Vitamix, go to their website and buy a refurbished base model.  It will last a lifetime.

https://www.vitamix.com/Shop/Certified-Reconditioned-Standard-Programs (https://www.vitamix.com/Shop/Certified-Reconditioned-Standard-Programs)

Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Gondolin on July 14, 2017, 10:20:25 PM
Quote
I think the forum has gotten WAY of base when people start saying things like "well, if you already have the money, it's fine to buy stupidly overpriced consumer crap."

I agree but, hasn't there always been a contingent of posters sprouting the "i'm not in debt and have the money so it's ok that I have 3 classic muscle cars because I value the hobby" line?

Is it really worse now than previously?
Title: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Papa bear on July 15, 2017, 08:29:18 AM
Edited for toddler stealing my phone and posting.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: SeaEhm on July 15, 2017, 10:23:11 AM
Why don't people on this site understand that not everything is a "rip off" when it is at a price point that is higher than what they are comfortable with?


Some of the comments here are one step away from "you should just find a shallow dip in the concrete, grab an adjacent rock, and start grinding! Don't be so lazy"

With any purchase, sit on the idea about whether or not this will be of use to you or will it be one of those gadgets that sits next to the bread maker and ice cream maker. 

If you get use out of it and it works well, then purchase it.

After using an average priced hair dryer recently at a nice hotel, I only want to commend my wife for purchasing her Dyson hair dryer.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 15, 2017, 12:44:15 PM
Why don't people on this site understand that not everything is a "rip off" when it is at a price point that is higher than what they are comfortable with?

My objection isn't that the price point is too high for my comfort zone.  I buy lots of things that cost too much for me to be comfortable with.

My objection is that the price point is objectively too high for what it is.  Look at the cost of the raw materials, the engineering, the manufacturing, the packaging, the warranty.  Compare it to other similar items.  It just doesn't make sense for a blender to cost $1,000 (https://goodpriceappliances.com/products/vitamix-creations-gc-48oz-13-in-1-variable-speed-blender).  Ever. 

It's plastic and metal and a motor and some buttons.  It doesn't levitate.  It doesn't open a time portal.  It should not cost more than a vacuum cleaner, or any other household appliance of similar size and complexity.  You're overpaying for the luxury name plate.  Other blenders are just as good, at a fraction of the cost.

Don't believe me?  That $1000 blender I linked above is 2.25 hp and 48 ounces.  This Cuisinart (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0197W3I0K/ref=asc_df_B0197W3I0K5076729/) is 2.25 hp and 60 ounces.  It's arguable a better blender, and it literally costs 14% as much as the Vitamix.  $140 is still a lot of money for a kitchen appliance, but at least it's in the realm of appropriate retail costs for small motorized household items.

But now my wife is making fun of me for the amount of time I have devoted to this thread.  She says I'm never going to convince stupid people not to buy stupid things, and I should just let it go.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: inline five on July 15, 2017, 01:00:39 PM
Why don't people on this site understand that not everything is a "rip off" when it is at a price point that is higher than what they are comfortable with?

My objection isn't that the price point is too high for my comfort zone.  I buy lots of things that cost too much for me to be comfortable with.

My objection is that the price point is objectively too high for what it is.  Look at the cost of the raw materials, the engineering, the manufacturing, the packaging, the warranty.  Compare it to other similar items.  It just doesn't make sense for a blender to cost $1,000 (https://goodpriceappliances.com/products/vitamix-creations-gc-48oz-13-in-1-variable-speed-blender).  Ever. 

It's plastic and metal and a motor and some buttons.  It doesn't levitate.  It doesn't open a time portal.  It should not cost more than a vacuum cleaner, or any other household appliance of similar size and complexity.  You're overpaying for the luxury name plate.  Other blenders are just as good, at a fraction of the cost.

Don't believe me?  That $1000 blender I linked above is 2.25 hp and 48 ounces.  This Cuisinart (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0197W3I0K/ref=asc_df_B0197W3I0K5076729/) is 2.25 hp and 60 ounces.  It's arguable a better blender, and it literally costs 14% as much as the Vitamix.  $140 is still a lot of money for a kitchen appliance, but at least it's in the realm of appropriate retail costs for small motorized household items.

But now my wife is making fun of me for the amount of time I have devoted to this thread.  She says I'm never going to convince stupid people not to buy stupid things, and I should just let it go.
Bro that's a $300 blender on Amazon...

You literally went to one of those weird "online stores" that overprices everything to pick your blender.

Now you've pretty much lost all credibility.

I'm happy to engage in discussion, but when the other party refuses to acknowledge reality it's pretty tough to go back and forth.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Tyson on July 15, 2017, 01:21:38 PM
Why don't people on this site understand that not everything is a "rip off" when it is at a price point that is higher than what they are comfortable with?

My objection isn't that the price point is too high for my comfort zone.  I buy lots of things that cost too much for me to be comfortable with.

My objection is that the price point is objectively too high for what it is.  Look at the cost of the raw materials, the engineering, the manufacturing, the packaging, the warranty.  Compare it to other similar items.  It just doesn't make sense for a blender to cost $1,000 (https://goodpriceappliances.com/products/vitamix-creations-gc-48oz-13-in-1-variable-speed-blender).  Ever. 

It's plastic and metal and a motor and some buttons.  It doesn't levitate.  It doesn't open a time portal.  It should not cost more than a vacuum cleaner, or any other household appliance of similar size and complexity.  You're overpaying for the luxury name plate.  Other blenders are just as good, at a fraction of the cost.

Don't believe me?  That $1000 blender I linked above is 2.25 hp and 48 ounces.  This Cuisinart (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0197W3I0K/ref=asc_df_B0197W3I0K5076729/) is 2.25 hp and 60 ounces.  It's arguable a better blender, and it literally costs 14% as much as the Vitamix.  $140 is still a lot of money for a kitchen appliance, but at least it's in the realm of appropriate retail costs for small motorized household items.

But now my wife is making fun of me for the amount of time I have devoted to this thread.  She says I'm never going to convince stupid people not to buy stupid things, and I should just let it go.

I like how you continually ignore my posts showing how to get a vitamix for $279.  That's worth it, IMO.  You disagree, that's fine.  I'm done with arguing, too.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: retiringearly on July 15, 2017, 02:25:53 PM
Why don't people on this site understand that not everything is a "rip off" when it is at a price point that is higher than what they are comfortable with?

My objection isn't that the price point is too high for my comfort zone.  I buy lots of things that cost too much for me to be comfortable with.

My objection is that the price point is objectively too high for what it is.  Look at the cost of the raw materials, the engineering, the manufacturing, the packaging, the warranty.  Compare it to other similar items.  It just doesn't make sense for a blender to cost $1,000 (https://goodpriceappliances.com/products/vitamix-creations-gc-48oz-13-in-1-variable-speed-blender).  Ever. 

It's plastic and metal and a motor and some buttons.  It doesn't levitate.  It doesn't open a time portal.  It should not cost more than a vacuum cleaner, or any other household appliance of similar size and complexity.  You're overpaying for the luxury name plate.  Other blenders are just as good, at a fraction of the cost.

Don't believe me?  That $1000 blender I linked above is 2.25 hp and 48 ounces.  This Cuisinart (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0197W3I0K/ref=asc_df_B0197W3I0K5076729/) is 2.25 hp and 60 ounces.  It's arguable a better blender, and it literally costs 14% as much as the Vitamix.  $140 is still a lot of money for a kitchen appliance, but at least it's in the realm of appropriate retail costs for small motorized household items.

But now my wife is making fun of me for the amount of time I have devoted to this thread.  She says I'm never going to convince stupid people not to buy stupid things, and I should just let it go.

I like how you continually ignore my posts showing how to get a vitamix for $279.  That's worth it, IMO.  You disagree, that's fine.  I'm done with arguing, too.

A blender will never be worth $1,000.  But it can definitely be worth $280.

https://www.vitamix.com/Shop/Certified-Reconditioned-Standard-Programs (https://www.vitamix.com/Shop/Certified-Reconditioned-Standard-Programs)
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: NorthernBlitz on July 15, 2017, 05:19:29 PM
I do know that I went through a bunch of stick blenders that were cheap and broke in months (motor and blades were fine but the couplings between them were all terrible). Eventually, I just modified one so I can stick it on my drill. But if I buy another stick blender, I will probably be inclined to buy a high quality one that will last.

So...reading this thread got me thinking about immersion blenders. Bamix blenders apparently have metal construction (including the coupling that we've had fail on multiple products). Unfortunately they usually cost between $100-$200, which is more than I'm willing to pay.

I recently found on Williams-Sonoma's website that they have the base model (no attachments, just a blender = all I want) for $80 (from $100). If you use the promo code "JULY", you then get an additional 20% off = $60. Tax brought it to just under $65 (about half what I'd pay on Amazon for the blender + attachments I'll never use).

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/bamix-classic-immersion-blender/?pkey=e%7Cbamix%7C5%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH (https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/bamix-classic-immersion-blender/?pkey=e%7Cbamix%7C5%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH)

If you go through Chase's shopping portal, you get an extra 2% back in UR points.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 15, 2017, 06:01:26 PM
Bro that's a $300 blender on Amazon...

No, it's a $140 blender if you get the 2.5 hp version that is equivalent to the vitamix.  The $300 one is better than the $600 vitamix.  That's a retail price ($140) that is half the cost of the "refurbished" vitamix ($280).

Quote
You literally went to one of those weird "online stores" that overprices everything to pick your blender.

I'm sure you're aware that most of the vitamix blenders retail for around $600, depending on options.  The difference between a $600 blender and an $800 blender and a $1000 blender is basically irrelevant to me, because they are all approximately 500% too expensive.  Are you saying that a $1,000 vitamix is stupidly overpriced, but a $600 one is not?

Quote
Now you've pretty much lost all credibility.

Wait, I had credibility to begin with?

Blenders are simple mechanical devices, and their price should be comparable to other simple mechanical devices.  Even if you're only overpaying by 100% (like the $280 refurb vitamix vs the $140 cuisinart), that's still the equivalent of buying a used $60k BMW instead of a new $30k Accord.  They are basically equivalent cars in terms of mechanical parts, but one of them commands a premium price because of the nameplate.  Some people like overpaying for nameplates.  It seems lots of those people are in this thread.

Quote
I'm happy to engage in discussion, but when the other party refuses to acknowledge reality it's pretty tough to go back and forth.

Funny, I was having the exact same thought.  First I was told the vitamix was worth the premium price because it blends better.  Then I was told it was fine for mustachians to waste money on luxury goods.  Then I was told the vitamix doesn't really cost $600, it only costs $280, and yet no one is willing to recognize that the cost for a used regular blender is typically under $10 so the price/value ratio on a used vitamix is even more ridiculous than the price on a new one.

Look, I get it.  Lots of you have fancy expensive blenders and you're very proud of them.  They are status symbols, little beacons of your moral superiority that shine from your kitchen countertops like a bat-signal.  That's fine, you are allowed to try convince other people that your decision was a good one and that other people should aspire to be like you.  I am free to make fun of $600 blenders, even if you overpaid for a used one, and try to convince other people that your decision was a bad one and that they should not waste their money on such things.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: ElleFiji on July 15, 2017, 06:14:56 PM
Sol... I'm not currently blender researching, but I bet it would be a huge help to people who ARE researching if you made a little list of high performance/low cost blenders.

Like how this forum has a couple of cars (I think...I don't really get cars) that are known to be awesome options for car people. You could be the one jumping in all the blender threads saying that
1) you personally have had great success and a low cost/year with thrift store blenders
And
2) you think vitamix/bkendtec/ninja are overpriced
And
3) for people with a history of burning out blenders, these are a couple of blenders with similar specs to the other ones

I would have loved that info when I was researching!
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: retiringearly on July 16, 2017, 04:33:20 PM
This is what is disturbing about this forum.

There are LOONS on here that criticize you if you buy anything.

Buy a mattress?  Why couldn't you sleep on the floor?
Buy a blanket?  Why couldn't you cover yourself with leaves and grass clippings?
Buy a blender?  Why couldn't you use a stone and the ground?
Buy shoes?  Why couldn't you walk bare footed?
Pay for food?  Why couldn't you go to the public park and eat grass?
Go to a dentist?  Why couldn't you perform the same service for yourself? (There is one loon on this thread that advocated for that.  Gee, I wonder who is that lunatic?).

The virtue signalling is disgusting.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 16, 2017, 10:13:22 PM
There are LOONS on here that criticize you if you buy anything.

I don't criticize people for buying things.  I criticize people's bad decisions when they overpay for things.  See the difference?

Problem:  I want lunch. 
Solution 1:  eat the lunch you made at home this morning.  Comment:  very mustachian.
Solution 2:  Spend $125 on caviar and champagne for lunch.  Comment:  you probably could have done that cheaper...

Quote
Go to a dentist?  Why couldn't you perform the same service for yourself? (There is one loon on this thread that advocated for that.  Gee, I wonder who is that lunatic?).

Was it me?  I don't think I've mentioned dentists yet, but that sounds like a good line.  What should I have said, hypothetically?

Quote
The virtue signalling is disgusting.

Is it more or less disgusting than the conspicuous consumption of a bunch of people patting each other on the back for their $600 blenders?
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: retiringearly on July 17, 2017, 04:33:24 AM
There are LOONS on here that criticize you if you buy anything.

I don't criticize people for buying things.  I criticize people's bad decisions when they overpay for things.  See the difference?

Problem:  I want lunch. 
Solution 1:  eat the lunch you made at home this morning.  Comment:  very mustachian.
Solution 2:  Spend $125 on caviar and champagne for lunch.  Comment:  you probably could have done that cheaper...

Quote
Go to a dentist?  Why couldn't you perform the same service for yourself? (There is one loon on this thread that advocated for that.  Gee, I wonder who is that lunatic?).

Was it me?  I don't think I've mentioned dentists yet, but that sounds like a good line.  What should I have said, hypothetically?

Bingo!  It was you.  You said people should not go to a dentist to have their teeth cleaned, you said you can buy the tools and do it yourself.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: shawndoggy on July 17, 2017, 07:05:02 AM
Blenders are simple mechanical devices, and their price should be comparable to other simple mechanical devices.  Even if you're only overpaying by 100% (like the $280 refurb vitamix vs the $140 cuisinart), that's still the equivalent of buying a used $60k BMW instead of a new $30k Accord.  They are basically equivalent cars in terms of mechanical parts, but one of them commands a premium price because of the nameplate.  Some people like overpaying for nameplates.  It seems lots of those people are in this thread.

At least we're making progress on your flawed analysis.  You aren't calling it a Lambo or suggesting it's "diamond encrusted" now.  The vitamix is in fact pretty simple/industrial/unblingy.

To know whether a cuisinart is cheaper than the vitamix over the long haul, the question really would be about the reliability of the cuisinart vs the vitamix.  Seeing as there are people in this thread who use theirs 5+ times a week for a decade or more, I guess we'll have to wait a while to know.  There's also the fact that vitamix has changed very little in its product run, which means that spare/replacement parts are ubiquitous (yes, it's possible to use a blender so much that you wear the blade out!).  Will you be able to easily buy a replacement blade for the cuisinart in 8 years?  who knows.

I think you are right in the sense that a very high power electric motor isn't really rocket science and someone else should be able to do it.  But to suggest that the parts themselves are cheap remains to be seen because it doesn't seem like there really are any "we're building the same product at half the price" companies out there. 

We all get by now that you really don't like the concept of blending stuff period, and because you see no value in the practice, you see no value in the tool beyond a cheap pos to gather dust in the cupboard (apologies in advance if you do not value cabinets.... these may be stacked on cinderblock shelves at your place).
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 17, 2017, 08:19:28 AM
Bingo!  It was you.  You said people should not go to a dentist to have their teeth cleaned, you said you can buy the tools and do it yourself.

Citation needed.  Or were you speaking metaphorically?

We all get by now that you really don't like the concept of blending stuff period,

Well that's just not true.  I blend regularly.  My family does smoothies for multiple people one night a week as part of our regular meal rotation. 
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: cats on July 17, 2017, 05:14:47 PM

To know whether a cuisinart is cheaper than the vitamix over the long haul, the question really would be about the reliability of the cuisinart vs the vitamix.  Seeing as there are people in this thread who use theirs 5+ times a week for a decade or more, I guess we'll have to wait a while to know.  There's also the fact that vitamix has changed very little in its product run, which means that spare/replacement parts are ubiquitous (yes, it's possible to use a blender so much that you wear the blade out!).  Will you be able to easily buy a replacement blade for the cuisinart in 8 years?  who knows.


I don't have a cuisinart blender, but I do have a cuisinart food processor that I use as a blender (as well as a food processor).  I  have owned it for just over 10 years and I use it multiple times per week (probably not 5+, but at least 3x and often more).  It is still going strong.  The model I have has been phased out, but had been in production for at least 25 years when it was phased out (my parents had the same model that they got as a wedding present).  My husband recently found the parts for a newer model in a free box on the street and the bowl, blades, etc. are all compatible with our base (so now we have a backup set of blades if ours do wear out or break, just as long as the motor keeps going).  If Cuisinart makes blenders like they do food processors, I would guess that blender sol linked to is pretty reliable and also reparable.  As I mentioned in my previous post on this thread though, I'm kind of over blenders and prefer using my food processor as a blender b/c I think it is easier to clean (and more versatile). 
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: SeaEhm on July 19, 2017, 10:26:51 AM
This is what is disturbing about this forum.

There are LOONS on here that criticize you if you buy anything.

Buy a mattress?  Why couldn't you sleep on the floor?
Buy a blanket?  Why couldn't you cover yourself with leaves and grass clippings?
Buy a blender?  Why couldn't you use a stone and the ground?
Buy shoes?  Why couldn't you walk bare footed?
Pay for food?  Why couldn't you go to the public park and eat grass?
Go to a dentist?  Why couldn't you perform the same service for yourself? (There is one loon on this thread that advocated for that.  Gee, I wonder who is that lunatic?).

The virtue signalling is disgusting.

And the problem is that these same people get one person to "like" their comment and then they feel that is strong enough to support their soapbox.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: retiringearly on July 19, 2017, 06:30:34 PM
Bingo!  It was you.  You said people should not go to a dentist to have their teeth cleaned, you said you can buy the tools and do it yourself.

Citation needed.  Or were you speaking metaphorically?

Sorry, pal, I am not going to research that for you.  You posted on a thread that you could buy the tools and clean your own teeth so you going to a dentist was wasting money.

I am speaking literally.

You enjoy arguing.  I bet you are a big hit at parties.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 19, 2017, 06:49:22 PM
Sorry, pal, I am not going to research that for you.  You posted on a thread that you could buy the tools and clean your own teeth so you going to a dentist was wasting money.

I have never said that, and you are lying.  Feel free to try to prove me wrong.

Incidentally, I do clean my own teeth in addition to visiting the dentist.  Please tell me you know how to brush?

Quote
You enjoy arguing.  I bet you are a big hit at parties.

I am!  I am charming and personable, also tall and well traveled and not very modest. 
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: retiringearly on July 19, 2017, 07:06:06 PM
No, I am not lying.  And I am not going to waste my time looking for the thread where you wrote that.

By the way, you sure pounced on that comment saying there was a lunatic on here that said going to a dentist was a waste of money, didn't you?  Yeah, you did.  I suspect you know full well that you made that comment.  Who is lying?

You are out of your mind.

I am done with you.

Adios.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: kayvent on July 19, 2017, 08:13:43 PM
I think there was a slight misunderstanding. Sol didn't say he does his own teeth, he said people could do it. Quote from another thread, click link to see it in context:

you must be one of the lucky ones to have been born with good teeth and lower incidence of plaque buildup

You don't need a dental degree to scrape plaque.  This is something you can do at home with tools you can buy at Walgreens.

This is like people who include a line item in their budget for haircuts.  Okay sure, you could pay someone to do that for you...
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: retiringearly on July 19, 2017, 08:30:50 PM
I think there was a slight misunderstanding. Sol didn't say he does his own teeth, he said people could do it. Quote from another thread, click link to see it in context:

you must be one of the lucky ones to have been born with good teeth and lower incidence of plaque buildup

You don't need a dental degree to scrape plaque.  This is something you can do at home with tools you can buy at Walgreens.

This is like people who include a line item in their budget for haircuts.  Okay sure, you could pay someone to do that for you...
No, there was no misunderstanding.

Sol, I would love to see your haircut.  I bet it is really beautiful.

LOFL.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 19, 2017, 10:11:37 PM
I think there was a slight misunderstanding. Sol didn't say he does his own teeth, he said people could do it. Quote from another thread, click link to see it in context:

you must be one of the lucky ones to have been born with good teeth and lower incidence of plaque buildup

You don't need a dental degree to scrape plaque.  This is something you can do at home with tools you can buy at Walgreens.

This is like people who include a line item in their budget for haircuts.  Okay sure, you could pay someone to do that for you...

Wait, scraping plaques counts as cleaning your teeth?  How about flossing?  Dentists will do that for you too, you know.

I do brush my teeth, and I floss, and yes I have scraped plaque off of my teeth before.  These are not the reasons I go to the dentist.  These are basic home dental care.  Dentists provide specialized services that I can not perform at home.  Basic cleaning is not one of them.

Sol, I would love to see your haircut.  I bet it is really beautiful.

I was bald for a while, and I never paid anyone to shave my head for me.  You can, if you like.

Now I have a job where hair is beneficial, so I'm not bald anymore.  But most men's haircuts are reasonably easy to learn to do, though not to yourself.  My wife does a wonderful job with it, and we've asked enough people to critique her work that I'm comfortable asserting that it is indistinguishable from what a barber would do.  The only down side is that she takes about twice as long to do it, but then again I'm not wasting time driving to the barber and back or waiting for a chair to open up, so I feel like the time trade off is about even.  On the bright side, I basically only get haircuts after about 9pm anymore, which is more convenient for everyone.

But this forum has strayed a loooong way from the days when people used to post about re-using paper towels and cutting their partner's hair.  Once upon a time, this place was about self reliance and frugality and environmental protection, not $600 blenders.   Which is, after all, the thread we're currently in and the very reason why you're attacking me for not wasting money.

But hey, if making fun my wife's haircutting ability, or my imagined appearance, is what you need to do to feel better about your Vitamix, you go right ahead.  It's no skin off my nose.  I think you're confused, though.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: NorthernBlitz on July 20, 2017, 08:38:57 AM
I was bald for a while, and I never paid anyone to shave my head for me.  You can, if you like.

Now I have a job where hair is beneficial, so I'm not bald anymore. ...

These two statements sound pretty similar to me:
"I got hair replacement because I feel like it increases my earning potential" <-- Says it's justified by increasing earning potential
"I bought a Vitamix because I feel like it saves me wasting money on other blenders that consistently failed" <-- Says it's justified by reducing spending

The difference here seem to be the stakes. I assume that hair replacement costs >> than the $150 bucks the Vitamix person wasted if they are wrong in the justification (assuming reconditioned vs $140 blender recommended earlier).
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: sol on July 20, 2017, 08:46:40 AM
I assume that hair replacement costs >> than the $150 bucks the Vitamix person wasted

Maybe I wasn't clear.  I was bald by choice, and my "hair replacement cost" was zero because I just stopped shaving it and let it grow back.  After I retire, I will start shaving it bald again.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: NorthernBlitz on July 20, 2017, 09:27:26 AM
I assume that hair replacement costs >> than the $150 bucks the Vitamix person wasted

Maybe I wasn't clear.  I was bald by choice, and my "hair replacement cost" was zero because I just stopped shaving it and let it grow back.  After I retire, I will start shaving it bald again.

That makes way more sense.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Captain Cactus on January 10, 2018, 07:04:25 PM
Vitamix update:  I purchased one with a cash card I got for a sales contest at work.  It was on sale through Amazon ($299) on black friday.  I love it!
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: ElleFiji on January 10, 2018, 07:07:07 PM
Vitamix update:  I purchased one with a cash card I got for a sales contest at work.  It was on sale through Amazon ($299) on black friday.  I love it!
I love that you love it. We can be smoothie twins. Or soup twins, or hummus twins.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: simonkkkkk on January 11, 2018, 01:54:52 PM
Sounds great! (http://goo.gl/gqqjFD)
Title: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Roadrunner53 on January 13, 2018, 06:50:31 AM
There is a class action lawsuit in regard to the blade I think. If you have a Vitamix, you should be getting a postcard to choose whether you want a cash amount of $70 or a replacement blade. They say the blade sheds some black stuff that isn't a hazard to your health so it is your choice to get money or a blade replacement.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: robartsd on January 16, 2018, 09:14:22 AM
There is a class action lawsuit in regard to the blade I think. If you have a Vitamix, you should be getting a postcard to choose whether you want a cash amount of $70 or a replacement blade. They say the blade sheds some black stuff that isn't a hazard to your health so it is your choice to get money or a blade replacement.
There may be different settlement offers for different products. I think our offer was $25 in Vitamix products (not cash) or replacement blade (I haven't read myself yet, just what I recall DW telling me).
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: thedigitalone on January 16, 2018, 10:34:46 AM
There is a class action lawsuit in regard to the blade I think. If you have a Vitamix, you should be getting a postcard to choose whether you want a cash amount of $70 or a replacement blade. They say the blade sheds some black stuff that isn't a hazard to your health so it is your choice to get money or a blade replacement.
There may be different settlement offers for different products. I think our offer was $25 in Vitamix products (not cash) or replacement blade (I haven't read myself yet, just what I recall DW telling me).

This happened to ours!  The bearing went out while in use and filled the container with black gunk and smoke, what a mess.

I found the page to join the class-action: http://www.blendersettlement.com/
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Roadrunner53 on January 16, 2018, 11:04:04 AM
Mine is $70 credit (or replacement blade) but just discovered it is for buying Vitamix products. Crap! I just looked at the website and there is nothing I want. Guess I will just go with the free replacement blades. Hahahaha, maybe I can sell them or the originals on ebay.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: HPstache on July 16, 2019, 11:26:21 AM
We just got our Refurbished Vitamix yesterday.  It was the Amazon Prime deal of the Day...  $179
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 16, 2019, 12:42:04 PM
We just got our Refurbished Vitamix yesterday.  It was the Amazon Prime deal of the Day...  $179

Nice score.  Only overpaid 150$!
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: HPstache on July 16, 2019, 12:44:35 PM
We just got our Refurbished Vitamix yesterday.  It was the Amazon Prime deal of the Day...  $179

Nice score.  Only overpaid 150$!

Figured I'd bump this thread in memory of Sol
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Roadrunner53 on August 30, 2019, 04:52:41 AM
I have a Vitamix and it is a really great machine. It is especially great if you are into grinding your own grains. Mine came with two blending jugs. One for normal stuff and one for grains. It came with a beautiful hard bound book with recipes. If you should overwork your machine (I did) and it needs 'a tune up' you can call Vitamix and they will help you with returning it for repair. Not sure if Ninja would fix their product or not. Something to consider. It is probably overpriced but so are many good quality things. You can sometimes catch a good sale at Costco or QVC.
Title: Re: Vitamix blender?
Post by: Nightwatchman9270 on September 11, 2019, 06:21:52 AM
Bought a Ninja off CL for only $30 yesterday!  Only used once!  Score!