Vitamix - Best bang for buck?

Submitted by keyweez360 t3_ydb2qv in BuyItForLife

Hello all! Been scouring this sub for blender discussion and a very clear unanimous winner is Vitamix - that said, I need help narrowing down exactly which model I should go for.

Is there a largely agreed upon best value model? Or does it depend more on specific use scenarios?

Thinking I will primarily be blending fruit, veggies, protein, and ice as needed.

No budgetary constraints, but I also don’t want to pay for features I’ll never use.

Thanks!

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Comments

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Fluffy_Palpitation31 t1_itrpwg0 wrote

I grabbed a Vitamix off the shelf at Costco last year. Unsure of the model, but I think it ran about $400. It's a beefy unit that can take care of just about anything, at ¼ power.

I bought it after returning the $250 ninja from Costco, which burned out while trying to chop an ice cube.

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AbolishSchool t1_itrmkf5 wrote

I got a refurbished one, I think the cheapest model. Got it years ago and it still works great. Had an issue while still under warranty and they fixed it quickly. I think I’m out of warranty now, but it still works well and I think they do a trade in too

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keyweez360 OP t1_iu19s0g wrote

Heard nothing but good about the reconditioned units!

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graywoman7 t1_itrzkf9 wrote

I’ve had the base model for about 15 years with zero complaints. I think the fancy programs are only needed if you’re using the friction to heat soup or doing other more complicated tasks. I’ve never had anything come up that I couldn’t do with the base model (on off, 10 variable speeds all controlled with knobs and switches, no buttons) and were pretty adventurous when it comes to cooking. I even have the dry grinding container for spices and have used it to grind wheat. The thing is a tank.

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unrealun t1_its065b wrote

We like the 5200, which has been in production for years, is less expensive (I think) than the new fancy ones and works like a champ. We've had ours for about 10 years and I can't imagine wanting a different one.

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keyweez360 OP t1_iu19tt0 wrote

Kinda thinking about this one versus the 5300

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DudeFromMiami t1_itrlv78 wrote

I have one and it’s built like a tank but my brother has had both Vitamix and the Ninja and prefers the ninja. Says it’s just better at blending.

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alphabetsheep t1_itrx9wr wrote

For BIFL reasons don't go with the ninja. Great blender but parts availability is a nightmare. Have a friend who works at shark/ninja and apparently the company has really high employee turnover which has led to frequent full redesigns and no support for older models.

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DudeFromMiami t1_ittlwa3 wrote

Yea that blows. I bought my first Vitamix new from Costco when they have it once a year or so, was a beast. Second one I bought used and was super beat up but it still runs the same as the new one. I’ll say if you buy one try to get the one with the tall narrow pitcher and now the shirt wide one. The short wide one just doesn’t work as well as the tall narrow one.

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Iamakahige t1_itsrrbl wrote

I have a vitamix 3600 that was bought by my grandmother in 1986, passed to my parents then me. I use it every other day. I would love to get a new one for the new modes and better flow design of the canister but I’m stuck with this stainless steel beast until I die.

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qdtk t1_itubgs4 wrote

Was going to ask if it was the stainless model. I’ve got I think the same one and it’s invincible. Sounds like a car engine.

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vacuous_comment t1_itsvjii wrote

I got one free from a friend 15 years ago and it has been great.

Maybe just make more friends or look around for serendipitous vitamix encounters.

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Muncie4 t1_itrtv8n wrote

You are asking a YOU question. Go to their website and see which versions meet your use case. Refirb and used are a thing to save some pennies.

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chickfilaenthusiast t1_itryg63 wrote

Costco. My parents got one when I was little teen at Costco and still have it sitting on the counter top today. Use it pretty regularly too for protein shakes and whatnot

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Apprehensive-Dot-620 t1_itsipxw wrote

I’ve been researching for the best Vitamix blender as well. All models do a great job. I’m leaning on 750 professional or A2500. I’m waiting to see what the November/Black Friday sales will be. Hopefully they’ll be good.

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floralwhale t1_itsrral wrote

I love my Vitamix. Bought it refurbished 4 years ago. One of my best purchases.

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uTarzanmename t1_itsxi5i wrote

If it matters to you, the Ascent models have a 10 year warranty. The 750 only 7 years.

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LifeofSMILEY t1_itumj6k wrote

We got a steal price on Amazon day on the 5200 ($280). It's simple and powerful.

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bad-monkey t1_iu19hy2 wrote

i'm a hardcore believer in the old reliable 5200 series blender.

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keyweez360 OP t1_iu19yrg wrote

Any thoughts on how this one compares to the 5300?

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bad-monkey t1_iu1acrq wrote

not sure, as i've been beating up my 5200 for 11 years now. If the 5300 is the iterative improvement, I'm sure it's good--the key for me is Vitamix's motor protection circuit, so if the 5300 has one like the 5200, it's all good.

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