Worth the price?
One of the most frequently asked questions I get is whether or not a Vitamix is worth the price or if a blender or Ninja is just as good. The short answer is yes, it’s worth the price. But I get that it’s a steep price and it may not be feasible, so I’ll offer up a few alternatives. I have had my Vitamix for more than 10 years and, outside of my chef’s knife, it’s probably my most used and favorite kitchen item. Hands down. I’ve used regular blenders and various versions of the Ninja, often when I’m cooking in someone’s home or giving a lesson, and they really can’t compare. Here’s a good article I found online that compares the specs:
Why?
For two reasons:
- First, there is no comparison between the two of silky-smooth texture I can achieve when making sauces and soups with the strong motor of the Vitamix versus the Ninja or other blender. It saves me a ton of time because I don’t have to strain and do several passes through the blender to get what I’m looking for in the consistency. And I make a lot of sauces. That’s what makes my dinner parties extra special.
- Second, the warranty on the Vitamix is ten years. I’ve had my Vitamix (the same one) for more than 10 years and it gets a lot of use. Recently I had an issue with the cord and the plug part came out. I couldn’t plug it in. I was dead in the water and debating which new one to purchase and dreading the big investment. I called Vitamix and they honored the warranty, even though it was past the ten-year mark. I shipped it to them and a few days later they sent me back my blender with a new cord. Their commitment to their product really speaks volumes to me.
Where to look:
Vitamix is sold by the company itself and often times they will have a good sale or free shipping. So, it’s a good place to start. But frequently Costco carries them as well and, during the holiday season, will have a promotion price that is really hard to beat. So put that baby on your Christmas or Hanakah list.
What are some good alternatives?
If you aren’t ready to go for the big purchase quite yet, I’d recommend something like this KitchenAid. It’s still a big purchase but not quite as much as the Vitamix, and I’ve had good luck with the quality of the KitchenAid brand overall. If you’d like something more budget friendly, I’d go with the Nutribullet until you are ready to take the plung. Both have large, square-based containers and a solid motor. I would suggest staying away from the Oster brand or any blender that tapers at the bottom. Those are better for crushing ice but not making sauces and soups or pureeing solids. The food gets caught around the blades and you end up with a really inconsistent consistency.
How do I use my blender?
Sauces, sauces and more sauces. And soups. I’ve made homemade hollandaise sauce in just the Vitamix without even having to use the stove top because the motor is that strong that it gently heats and emulsifies the egg yolk. But mostly I make velvety smooth soups like this tomato soup shot that I love to serve alongside a homemade marinated mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich as a fun appetizer or part of a tapas menu.
Or this fresh corn soup with brown butter crab that is an amazing starter for a sit-down dinner or date night
