As amateur cooks, we’re always looking for shortcuts in the kitchen. Preparing meals by hand may be a great workout, but after a long day in the office, the last thing you want to worry about is slicing, dicing, and especially mixing. In the honest words of meme queen Sweet Brown: “Ain’t nobody got time for that.”
But there is one all-purpose appliance that has taken modern kitchens by storm, and that’s the mighty Vitamix blender, which makes food and drink preparation easier than ever.
What Is a Vitamix?
The commercial-grade device is so much more than a smoothie-maker. The Vitamix is a lifestyle, offering up to a 2.2 horsepower motor that can blend practically anything, from protein shakes and sauces to nut butters and cake batters. It’s also so powerful that you can heat up soup to pour out and serve immediately.
But not all consumers are crazy about Vitamix’s steep price tag. Despite more affordable options that don’t have all the bells and whistles, a standard Vitamix is going to set you back a minimum of $350. That’s a significant chunk of change, especially for someone who may not be using the product on a daily basis.
Why Is a Vitamix So Expensive?
It’s all about the warranty. Vitamix is so confident in the construction of its blenders that it offers a whopping seven year warranty. Not many inexpensive alternatives will last even five years before needing to be replaced.
Some other features that set it apart from mainstream models include versatility (it can juice, blend, chop, mix and process), a thermal-protected motor (so it doesn’t overheat), quality blades (aircraft-grade stainless steel), the ability to self-clean, low noise and speed control.
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Is it worth it? That depends entirely upon your personal cooking goals and budget, but many professionals recommend splurging on appliances like a Vitamix because it will ultimately save you money in the long run. It’s better to have a high-quality product that will last for years than multiple products in constant need of replacement.
What Is the Best Vitamix?
Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Blender
BEST OVERALL VITAMIX BLENDER
She’s beauty, she’s grace, and she’s the most expensive option on this list. (And rightfully so.) This $650 model is the gold standard when it comes to blenders. It boasts built-in wireless connectivity to determine the container size and offers five different program settings for common preparations like hot soups, frozen desserts and dips. Additionally, the A3500 has a high-tech, touch-screen surface that can control the speed and allow you manually fine-tune the texture. If there is any blender to add to an Amazon wish list, this is the one.
Vitamix 5200 Blender
BEST RUNNER-UP VITAMIX BLENDER
This may not possess the same fancy smart technology as its Ascent Series counterpart, but it does make everything your heart desires in a matter of minutes. The mid-tier model also offers most of Vitamix’s unique features like turning cold ingredients into hot soup or pulverizing fruit and vegetable seeds to a pulp so that you’re not picking them from your teeth after sipping a morning smoothie. If you’re on a budget, this is definitely your best bet.
Still not convinced that a Vitamix is right for you? Check out five other options that are worthy of a spot on any kitchen countertop.
1. Oster Reverse Crush Counterforms Blender
The Oster Reverse Crush Counterforms Blender is an inexpensive mixing solution that’s loaded with 1,000 watts of power. It also features pre-programmed Smart Settings Technology that takes the guesswork out of blending with easy, one-touch controls. Mechanically, it touts a stainless steel six-point blade that reverses to prevent any jam-ups. There are also seven speed settings and it comes with a 10-year Duralast All-Metal Drive Limited Warranty.
2. VAVA Blender
Fuel up your day with smoothies, juices, soups, snacks and more, all freshly made in under a minute with the VAVA Blender. It’s an all-in-one blending wonder that’s ideal for both single and family-sized servings. Like the Vitamix, It even has a one-button self-cleaning function so that you don’t have to spend time over the sink after each use.
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3. Cosori 1500-Watt Blender
Crank up the crush with the Cosori 1500-Watt Blender. This high-performance machine grinds all your favorite ingredients and includes a handy pulse-blending feature for ice and anything you don’t want mixed finely. The container also holds a whopping 70 ounces and is dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.
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4. Blendworks All-in-One Industrial Strength Blender
With 30,000 RPM, the Blendworks All-in-One Industrial Strength Blender has no problem chopping through foods and even hard ice. It makes it easy to prepare protein shakes, soups, dips, frozen cocktails, juices and practically anything your palate desires. It’s a no-frills option, but with hardware that will last well beyond its limited warranty.
5. Ninja Professional Blender
We really can’t get over this blender that literally does it all…and for less than $90! You want large capacity? Here’s 72 ounces. You need high watts with your motor? This has 1,000. You looking to crush ice into snow? It can do just that. Ninja has quickly emerged as a kitchen appliance favorite and their line of blenders proves why this is the case.