I was so excited to see the response from yesterday’s post…
Some of the questions I can answer right away, some of them will have to wait.
Regardless, we’ll do our best to get as many of them as we can in 2010!
Today, I cover my thoughts on the Blendtec and Vitamix blenders, how to get plastics out of your life (and if it’s possible to eliminate all of them), how to get started on a health program and more.
Take a look, today was fun!
Your question of the day: Which blender do you like better – Blendtec or Vitamix?
Click here, scroll down to the bottom the page and leave your comments now!
Live Awesome!
Kev
11:09 pm on January 12th, 2010
Can you guys do a show on becoming more flexible for those of us who are not? Maybe a show on quinoa and millet also? I prefer the blendtec. You Guys Rock!!!
11:11 pm on January 12th, 2010
I own the blendtec hp3a
I chose it over the vitamix for several reasons. PRICE was lower, The SQUARE CONTAINER and the HEIGHT of the unit with the container on the base will fit under my cupboards and the vitamix would not.
Thanks for the show, its great
11:18 pm on January 12th, 2010
I really miss seeing Johnny 5.What ever happened to that very special cat ? Just tell
us please ,so we feel relieved .
11:27 pm on January 12th, 2010
I like my Vita-Mix. Just yesterday at Costco the had a trunk show for the blendtech. As you said…I’m a kind of manual type of driver, and all those digital settings did not appeal to me. I understand that the blendtech fits beneath a counter better, but hey…why fix something that is not broken.
My Exclaibur just arrived and I am looking forward to experimenting recipes for flax seed crackers, and other things as well.
Could you do a show on how to open up a young coconut? I need to keep my digits here
Thanks for being an inspiration on transitioning from vegan to Raw Vegan!
Peace & Blessings….
11:27 pm on January 12th, 2010
I use the old-fashion 3600 Vitamix and love it. Since it is made of stainless steel, I don’t ever worry about leeching plastic (^_^).
Love your shows. Keep up the great work.
Jenny
11:28 pm on January 12th, 2010
VitaMix. Never knew about blendtec when I bought my unit 15-20 years ago. I’ve got the 3200 that you showed recently and a few years ago bought a second one, 5000. Love it. Use it easily 4-5 times a day making smoothies, salad dressing, etc. I appreciated your explanation of the differences between manual and automatic.
11:31 pm on January 12th, 2010
I love my Vitamix. I like having the control, feeling empowered, taking charge. Once I eliminated meat from my life and incorporated other good health producing practices, the money saved from not buying meat, processed foods and other junk, went into my vitamix fund. Three months later, I had the blender of my dreams.
11:39 pm on January 12th, 2010
I use the Vitamix. I like the tamper too (you called it a plunger).
How about telling the viewers to try doing the carbon footprint tests on-line. That way you’ll really see how much you weigh to mama earth! Good news is that us raw foodists tend to be much lighter =)
Will you be speaking in SF. You’re in my hood now!
cheers,
esther
11:39 pm on January 12th, 2010
Yes.. where is Johnny 5 these days?
I love my Vitamix ….
thank you
11:41 pm on January 12th, 2010
Both. I like both blenders. Vita Mix is great because of the manual control of speed and plunger.
But I bought a Blendtec ’cause it was cheaper – have had it for 3+ years – use it for smoothies every morning. (And other blending tasks too). It’s great! Am going to upgrade to the larger jug with the 4″ blade.
11:43 pm on January 12th, 2010
vitamix
11:51 pm on January 12th, 2010
(singing) I loove my Vitamix!! Sing to her as she helps me make healthy yumminess every day! Her name is Anastasia!
Got to try a Blendtec for the first time while traveling and staying at a friend’s house over the holidays… Nomi’s analogy is right on!! It’s so accurate it really made me lol — I drive a manual turbo beetle and have always preferred and have driven stick shift cars since I was 15 years old! 
11:56 pm on January 12th, 2010
We have a Vitamix that’s more than 30 years old. It was my mom’s and she gave it to me when I married. I’ve been using it at least once per day (and often up to 6 times per day) for the last 10 years, and although it is time to replace it, I have never had another machine that I’ve used so often (and loved so much) as this. It’s hard to imagine that Blendtec would be as reliable and durable, especially since it’s all electronic.
Having said that, I’ve tried both the new Blendtec and Vitamix now and although eventually I’d like to have them both, I am pretty sure that the next one we buy will be a Vitamix again.
11:58 pm on January 12th, 2010
I just got a VitaMix for my birthday and I absolutely love it! I worked in a coffee shop that used a Blendtec for blended drinks. I prefer having the plunger and the control over the speeds.
I was also just thinking about Johnny 5 today. Miss the kitty.
Annmarie~I gave my mother-in-law your honey mask and Face & Body oil for Christmas(I liked it so much I had to share) and she just called to tell how much she likes it and can tell a difference already. Thank you so much for making such wonderful products and sharing them with us!
12:06 am on January 13th, 2010
Vitamix!
Thanks so much for the encouraging words and to keep at it. I’ve been trying to eat as much raw food, but find it challenging at times. I hope to be “incorporating” the lifestyle the rest of my life and become an expect!
Question: My nails are real brittle and crack easily. Any supplement suggestions.
12:08 am on January 13th, 2010
I love the vitamix! A friend gave me her Vitamix because she was not using it. She’ll never get it back !!!:-)
12:12 am on January 13th, 2010
Hi Kevin,
Sad that you didn’t get to my question about chronic fatigue but many you will sometime this year I hope.
Anyhow, I have only used the Blendtec, we don’t have enough room in the kitchen for the vitamix because it’s too tall! plus the extra $100 saved was good.
How do you feel about using a blender to make juice in? As good as a juicer?
12:16 am on January 13th, 2010
love my vitamix. in australia, the blendtec is half the price of vitamix, but chose to go for the vitamix anyway because of the manual switch. circuit boards on electronic switches can stuff up and be expensive to replace.
12:39 am on January 13th, 2010
Blendtec….!!!!!
The power of blendtec is beyond belief.
My morning smoothie is about 4 pounds and only the Blendtec with the 4” blade large jar can really handle that..
I love the back and forth motion of blendtec and all the automated settings…u only have to press one button and you are done…
and the jar is also BPA-free….
12:44 am on January 13th, 2010
I have a BlendTec. I’m assuming both are great and you can’t go wrong!
When I ordered my blender, I could have gotten either. But for me – the BT won out because I liked the smooth touch pad vs. the knobs and switches that I felt would be more difficult to keep clean.
I liked the height of the BT, I wanted it to fit under my cupboard and store as 1 piece.
I liked that I didn’t need to use the plunger. Folks on YouTube always seem to be struggling with the VM lid – both getting it on and off.
I’ve got the large 96oz carafe with the 4″ blade and it’s loverly!
Debbie *Ü*
12:55 am on January 13th, 2010
I’ve only ever used a Vitamix so can’t really compare. I see the Blendtec at Starbucks where my daughter works. Looks a lot more powerful.
There’s a big difference in plastics. It’s the soft ones–like plastic wrap that are the worst. Heating plastic is bad since it breaks down the plastic and releases BPA. If you have a water bottle don’t wash it in hot water if you reuse them.
Get a filter bottle for when you travel!!!! I love mine. I can bring it through security in it’s empty state and then fill it again right away in the washroom or at any of the restaurants if the washroom only has warm water. When I get in the plane the first thing I do is fill it again. It’s a life saver! When I got my first one about 8 years ago they looked at it kind of oddly at security and asked me about it but they seem to recognize them now.
12:56 am on January 13th, 2010
I don’t have either of those blenders so can’t answer the question, but there’s something else I wanna mention that’s a bit of a negative. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy the show and love your well-balanced approach to pretty much every topic, and really appreciate the amount of research you do etc. You mentioned that you talk a lot, but somehow it doesn’t detract from what you do with so much enthusiasm, which I love! But I am often a bit irked by your long intros, and today’s took the cake because it was one third of the total time! I often feel like I wanna give you a bit of a nudge to get started with the topic of the day ;>) Hope you won’t mind me mentioning this. Anyhow, it’s not gonna stop me watching the show!
1:14 am on January 13th, 2010
Johnny 5 Raw Food Super Cat-
We Love You! Come back soon to the show.
I’ve never used a Blendtec, but I agree that the Vitamix lid can be difficult to put on. It scares my cats when I run it ’cause it’s so loud.
I would love to go back in time for a visit when there was no plastic at all. I wish we weren’t so dependent on it.
1:26 am on January 13th, 2010
What have you done with Jonny 5???
We deserve to know!!
1:26 am on January 13th, 2010
Vita Mix is one great invention for me. By the way, I’m a member of a happy and health conscious group that will surely interest you too. Indeed our main goal should always be to stay fit and healthy. Thanks and good luck.
2:20 am on January 13th, 2010
I use Vitamix, and haven’t tried the Blendtec. I definitely like the tamper and being in control.
2:39 am on January 13th, 2010
I have a vitamix and I love it…compared to my other OLD options. I have not been totally ecstatic with it though as it labours at times even with watery substances etc. I was interested when Matt Monarch showed a comparison with the Vitamix, blendtec standard and blendtec with the 4″ blade and 3hp. The bigger model hands down won the time, heat and smoothness contest. And it didn’t need tamping like the vitamix does! I am totally with the manual driving thing but compared to battling at times with the vitamix I would buy a 4″ blade blendtec AND it is easier to clean as only has one blade (straight across) not like a cross shape that the vitamix has…
2:44 am on January 13th, 2010
Thanks so much for all the graet shows!
I am actually using a Thermomix. It’s also a great, great high speed blender and I know many people, who are satisfied with it for over 25 years. I chose it over the Vitamix because the container is not made out of plastic and you can warm/heat things up, too (don’t know whether the vitamix can do that). So you can warm your raw soup (37°C). It’s a bit pricy though. I am not sure whether it’s availabel in the States, but I know it is in Mexico. Here a link
http://www.ukthermomix.com/index.shtml
and if you’re not on a 100% raw diet you can also use it for steaming, cooking. My mum loves to steam her vegetables in it.
Greetings from the UK!
3:02 am on January 13th, 2010
i bought a blendtec in august after having an OLD OLD vitamix. i LOVE my blendtec way more than my old vitamix and i never need a plunger. my kids make smoothies all the time because it’s so easy with the blendtec (no plunger needed, so they’re not intimidated by it). i make nut butters in a flash and also grind spelt berries into fresh flour for making homemade bread for the kids. i make great raw soups and ice creams, too … can’t say enough good things about my blendtec! : )
3:34 am on January 13th, 2010
I love my VitaMix. I always buy the less electronic product, less to go haywire. I also like the plunger, the different sizes of containers (I have 64 and 32 oz containers), the different capabilities. Mine gets used 4 or 5 times a day and the warranty I have with it helps me not worry about wearing it out. I know of people using the same VitaMix for 20 years, so I shouldn’t worry. I am just so used to things breaking, but there there is this knowledge out there that things are made to break to create future business. Well, VitaMix company did not do that, they made a super product that lasts and lasts and lasts. I love my VitaMix!
4:10 am on January 13th, 2010
Johnny 5!!!
4:13 am on January 13th, 2010
Dear Annmarie and Kevin,
I was considering buying a Vitamix but the plastic container bothered me. I found an extraordinary alternative: Hemilton Steel 2010, it has a ninja like knife and it is amazing at work, plus it’s 3-4 times less expensive!
4:56 am on January 13th, 2010
I have used both and I like the blendtec the best. It does a much nicer job at making creamy mixtures. I missed the tamper but it was pretty easy to make my own.
I would like to know your opinion on blending and what it does to the lifeforce or vibrationial frequency of live food. Seems to me all the spinning and cutting at high speed must create pretty chaotic vibrations. Not to mention the loud noise.
5:09 am on January 13th, 2010
Bonjour Kevin,
I am using Vitamix super 5200. I bought actually two in Oregon and bring them with me in France: one was for my mother who became a green smoothie fan. My German friends were amazed for its power… but scare for the very high demand in energy. The europaen kitchen tools have to be 50% demanding in energy for the same power… well that’s the problem with a lot of stuff from the State: not very energy efficient. I need special transformator to convert 220 Volts to 110 Volts. I bought it from a US army member in Germany, who move back to the State.
About the drinking water in airport: I bought a hiking swiss water filter system and full up my empty bottle with filtrated tap water… this water has still some chlorine after filtration (ca. 10%) because the tap water is oversaturated with chlorine. The TSE are surprise to see me with the little filtration pump, but it help me to get a lot of water in airport and in airplane. good idea ???
thank for your show. You should invite biologists in nutrition, immunology, virology… they will love to explain what they are doing in their lab… and we could learn about effect on our health.
6:29 am on January 13th, 2010
I have the Blendtech and love it but I’d like to give the Vitamix a try due to the plunger and I also I think I’m more of a stick shift kind of person!
7:07 am on January 13th, 2010
I like my Vita Mix but wished it had smooth sides like the Blentec so it would be 1. easier to wash and 2. easier to try to get as must food out as one can.
7:12 am on January 13th, 2010
I use a Samson, which I got as a gift, and not happy with it. Too much of the veggie gets lost to pulp. I am longing for a Vitamix or Blendtech…
7:26 am on January 13th, 2010
I use a HealthMaster. It has a tamper, the lid locks on, it is digital, and so far, I have had no problems blending my greens-laden smoothies. It takes me longer to put my ingredients in than it does to blend them.
The local raw foods restaurant uses Blendtecs. I have seen a couple of burned out ones sitting next to the recycling dumpsters in back of the restaurant, but I guess theirs get a lot of use.
7:57 am on January 13th, 2010
Thanks I really neede to hear your “pep talk” today
I have a vitamix, but I have never used a blendtec so I cant say.
Completely eliminating plastic is one of our main objectives, which is weird because 60-70 yrs ago no one used it for anything. Thanks Kevin!
8:15 am on January 13th, 2010
Kevin and Ann,
I love you! I would give you a great big hug if I could. I would take either one, I don’t have a highspeed blender
God Bless you,
Marie
8:16 am on January 13th, 2010
I laughed when you compared the blenders to cars!–I have a blend-tec, but I have always driven a manual car! I bought a blend-tec because it wasn’t as tall as the vita-mix, pure and simple. I thus far haven’t had any problems without the plunger-I think the variable speed eliminates the need for it. I have never used a vita-mix, so I can’t compare.
8:26 am on January 13th, 2010
I own a Vita Mix. However, I am unhappy with the opaque staining of the container with continued use. I wish the company would bring back stainless container.
Smile
8:29 am on January 13th, 2010
I use a Mixer from Braun.
I live in Germany. The Braun Mixer has a Glas container and 5 levels of speed. Looks similar to a Vitamix. I use it for everything, pates etc. as I do not have a food processor. Works fine and did cost only 76,- € (around 60 dollars).
For pushing food around while blending, especially with sticky stuff, I use Celerysticks for salty things and long small carrots for sweet things.
Just yesterday I also thought I have to ask about Johnny 5, wondering where he is??
Love
Sanjula
8:47 am on January 13th, 2010
We’re pretty frugal, so it was a leap for me to buy the Blendtec at $400.
It’s been well worth the purchase. Easy to clean it up too.
If you’re on the fence about it all, think of it as an investment in your health.
We’re eating a lot more raw foods than we normally would’ve now in juices and smoothies. Not only that but we’re eating foods that we wouldn’t normally eat, such as kelp, parsley, ginger, superfood and protein powders, etc.
We’ve also used it to make fresh soups and breads. A silicone spatula helps with those.
Like Kevin said though.. keep your hand on the lid.
One note…it does have a manual high & low setting along with a pulse feature.
9:00 am on January 13th, 2010
The initial expense for either of these blenders is way out of my budget. They seem to have a long life so they would end up paying for themselves, but how can anyone afford to pay $400 for a blender? I’ve had to make due with a glass carafe blender that was fairly inexpensive and has actually lasted quite a long time.
9:13 am on January 13th, 2010
I haven’t tried either the Blendtec or the Vitamix, but since my second blender this year died on me, I’ve been thinking about buying a more heavy duty one. Haha, blame the green smoothies. Thanks for posting this. It’s nice to see others’ opinions, I’m thinking now that I might prefer the Vitamix.
9:32 am on January 13th, 2010
Is there any blender out there with power made of glass, not plastic? I would not use plastic.
9:42 am on January 13th, 2010
Short answer is Vitamix, but I bought a Vitamix 20+ years ago and love it, and have never tried a Blendtec. My Vitamix is still going strong and is great for making my green soup and smoothies.
Most of all, I LOVE your shows and look forward to catching up on all of the early ones.
9:58 am on January 13th, 2010
I love my vitamix. We have had it for about 14 years. We use it every day. I would be willing to give the Blendtec a try, but in the end I would still probably keep my vitamix.
Hey, speaking of young coconuts. Where in the heck can you buy them? Where we live in Indiana they have never heard of them.
I am looking for a used vitamix for my daughter, does anyone have one they want to sell?
10:06 am on January 13th, 2010
Hi Kevin! I have a Vita-Mix 5200 and LOVE IT! I’ve never seen or used a Blendtec so can’t compare the two. I agree with a reviewer above about it fitting under the cabinet, though. I have to store it with the lid off. I also agree with another reviewer about wishing the sides were smooth so it was easier to clean. Just in case anyone doesn’t know this awesome tip to cleaning the Vita-Mix, just fill the Vita-Mix 1/2 to 3/4 full of hot water. Add a drop of dish soap, secure the lid on and whip that baby up on high for several minutes. It’ll heat the water to piping hot and clean the inside…lid and all. Just rinse and dry. Kevin, I’m still working on getting current with all of your episodes. I’m up to #68 and loving every one! Blessings to you and Annmarie!
10:12 am on January 13th, 2010
I have a vitamix and I love it. Got it last year after putting it off for years, and it has changed how I eat.
10:14 am on January 13th, 2010
I have the VitaMix, bought it for under $400 last year, new from the company. They have a new lid, I haven’t had any problems with mine. For those of you who question paying $400 for a blender, until you have a high powered blender, you don’t know what you are missing. There is a big difference in the Vitamix compared to a regular blender you can buy at WalMart. I love mine! I also looked at the Thermomix the person had the website and looking into how much it costs and about shipping to the US.
11:02 am on January 13th, 2010
Love my VitaMix 4000 with the stainless steel carafe. Bought it in 1993 and I have used it every day since watching “Rawkathon” and learning about green smoothies. I also make veggie juice by whipping the veggies in the Vitamix and then squeezing the liquid thru a nut-milk bag. Works great & is much easier to clean than a juicer.
I’ve learned a lot from you two and I thank you for that!
PS: I miss Johnny 5 too!
11:13 am on January 13th, 2010
I looked hard at both the Vitamix and Blendtec. I was familiar with the Vitamix and had used it several times at a friend’s house. However, I decided on the Blendtec because it had a bit more power at the time. I think Vitamix has one now that is equal or maybe even a bit more powerful.
I also like the automated buttons on the Blendtec. It’s a blender… not a car… so why do I want to deal with that stick coming out the top (more to clean)? I use my Blendtec for green smoothies… no problems.
I got a great deal on my Blendtec… it’s a refurb. So in all, I saved about $100… I think.
Either way you go… they are both great blenders and will do the job.
11:51 am on January 13th, 2010
we try to stay away from plastics as much as possible as well. we keep glass jars from things we buy to reuse, and carry glass bottles for water wherever go. on a recent (9 hr) flight (augh!!), i actually put an empty glass bottle in my carry on luggage, and the air hosts and hostesses were totally okay with filling up my bottle with water whenever they came around for drinks and food. i think i’m going to do that everytime i fly now!
12:11 pm on January 13th, 2010
I have a BlendTec and absolutely love it. Hardly use my food processor anymore. Using the BlendTec daily (sometimes 2 times a day) to make my Green Smoothies. Yum!
My husband will only watch your show if Johnny5 is on, so he has been missing out on a lot of your latest info. Will Johnny5 be reappearing soon? Or only when the weather warms up?
Great show!
12:39 pm on January 13th, 2010
I have never used a Blendtec but have seen several reports wherein people rave about the bigger (4″) blade. We have a Vitamix and are more than happy with its performance. It has never let us down and as a friend told me, you could even juice a sneaker.
Enjoy!
Chuck
Freeport, Maine
12:56 pm on January 13th, 2010
I always wanted a vita mix since it had the spout in the front, long long ago.
I finally got one 2 yearsago and it changed my life. If you can scrape up the money please do and buy one of these there is no comparison to a regular blender.
If you want an excellent everyday blender get a Hamilton beach I had one for over 20 years till I got my Vita Mix I would still have it but it got too close to the flame.
But for smoothies and green shakes and soups you gotta get a Vita Mix
12:58 pm on January 13th, 2010
I had a Vitamix 5000 for about 8 years and loved it so much that I sold it and bought the 5200 model when it came out. It’s fantastic, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I purchased a BlendTec several years ago to see if I preferred it to my Vitamix (which I would have sold, if I liked the BlendTec better) and ended up returning the BlendTec. One thing I really disliked about it was the way I had to stand there the whole time while blending things to keep pressing down on the lid so the contents didn’t come splurting out. They say you can turn the BlendTec on and walk away while it goes through its cycles … that was NOT the case for me!
I love how you can clean the Vitamix by adding hot water and a drop of dish soap and run it on high for 30-45 seconds. I tried doing that with the BlendTec and had soapy water gushing out the top, no matter how hard I tried to hold the lid on.
So for me it’s definitely the Vitamix! And I might add, the new lid design on the 5200 makes it so easy to get on and off, and it locks on securely — no having to stand there holding it down like with the BlendTec!
1:08 pm on January 13th, 2010
We have a VitaMix. We love it and one of the wonderful things about it, we ordered the BPA-free blending jar for it, so no more worries about THAT part of the plastic use in our lives.
1:20 pm on January 13th, 2010
YAY!! We are so blessed we got a BlendTech for Christmas!! We love it. And you dont really need the plunger with the settings this puppy has… POWER BABY!
The Vita Mix has been the King, and still is an awesome blender.
We do like the ease of cleaning our BT with the large bottom. As well as the smaller base.
Either blender and you will be STOKED! Totally worth their price.
1:45 pm on January 13th, 2010
I forgot to ask before….Can you demonstrate how to do a headstand?
2:00 pm on January 13th, 2010
I have never used the Blendtec. However, I have a Vitamix 5200 and I love it. Now Montell has a blender on the market and “the world” thinks it is something new. LOL
They never heard of a Vitamix. LOL!
Wanda
2:01 pm on January 13th, 2010
Is ist safe to store Veggies in Ziplock bags? How should I store my veggies in the fridge?
2:18 pm on January 13th, 2010
Great timing on this show for me! I’m comparison shopping blenders right now. What I REALLY want is a product that combines the best features of both with a stainless steel carafe. Thanks for everyone’s imput.
2:53 pm on January 13th, 2010
Waring Commercial Smoothie Blender. It’s larger, does a great job — never needed a “plunger”
3:01 pm on January 13th, 2010
I use a health master, i love my blender, it is a littler noisy but does a wonderful job makes anything you want, my daughter has a vitamix and loves it, I would have gotten one but could not afford one, but my health master seems to work like a dream. Thanks for all the good info Kevin, Trudy
3:04 pm on January 13th, 2010
My blender is a Waring Xtreme. It’s a two-speed, 3.5HP blender that’s a bit less expensive than the Vitamix. I think it was about $370. I know the Waring blender goes against the general flow, but my experience with it over the last couple of years has been great. It’s supposed to be compatible with the Vitamix carafe, and I’ve considered buying one with the nice tamper, but I don’t really miss it enough.
I was also really impressed by Matt Monarch’s demo of the Blentec blender with the 4″ blades. If I were on the market now, that’s probably what I would pick. My Waring is still working great for me though, and I don’t want to spend that much for a marginal upgrade.
3:38 pm on January 13th, 2010
I love my vitamix, I have the old stainless steel one going strong. Too bad it takes power to do powerful things,huh?
Off topic, you wouldn’t happent to know how vegans would get large sources of L-Tryptophan would you?
4:50 pm on January 13th, 2010
I love the shiny stainless steel vintage Vitamixes. I have one and got two more on Ebay for my mom and boyfriend. I love that you can still order spare parts for them. It is really in line with my DIY sensibilities.
Q&A FOR YOU: I love your blood test experiments. I get them regularly to test my own theories about diet and nutrition. I just got my new blood test results and found that I am really low in calcium (3rd time in a row, 6 months apart.) I have been avoiding calcium in supplement form since I heard David Wolfe’s calcium/calcification theory. What are your thoughts on calcium supplementation. And what is your opinion on the theory that magnesium and silicon transmutates into calcium.
Ann Marie your iron results were very exciting! It must have been an awesome moment. Congratulations.
4:53 pm on January 13th, 2010
VITAMIX! THANKS KEV!
5:23 pm on January 13th, 2010
I would love a Blendtec or Vitamix!! However, I am thankful for my thrift store hamilton beach blender that has been going everyday for the past year. The only feature I like is that the pitcher is glass. I am thankful every time the smoky smell subsides and I can enjoy my super green smoothie! But really, a Vitamix blender is top on my list of needs(desires).
Not relating to today’s topics:
I was curious for suggestions on increasing body fat…try Googeling that! I know it is a common problem on the raw food diet, especially among men. I am a female who can not gain body fat! Sounds nice, except I have very irregular menses, which again, sounds nice, but I know my body is trying to tell me something. I am 8.5% body fat which is very low for a female.(I think) I have always had a very fast metabolism so this makes the raw diet difficult. I am currently incorporating cooked foods in order to gain weight… should I just stick to avocados!
This is long winded…. sorry
The question is how can I gain body fat, while still staying fit, on a primarily raw food diet? Would protein powders help?
Thank you!! You guy’s are remarkable!
6:07 pm on January 13th, 2010
I love my Vita Mix–I prefer the mechanical dial for speed, but if someone gave me a Blendtec, I certainly wouldn’t turn it down.
Hey Johny 5, here, kitty kitty!
6:27 pm on January 13th, 2010
Another great show!
I have a BlendTec. Just got it a couple of months ago after our very old VitaMix bit the dust! I like it’s sleek design and the ability to just hit “4″ for my whole food juice or “2″ for my smoothie. Also, it fits under my countertop so I don’t have to find draw or cabinet space for it, plus it’s handy to have it right there, ready to go to work. It’s doing a great job for me!
8:35 pm on January 13th, 2010
I don’t have either blender… just a cuisinart hand blender that works just fine!
In the future, when we have some more $$ available, my husband and I were thinking about getting a blendtec, since we know a few people who have had good success with theirs, but thanks for your info on the VitaMix too – we’ll look into it!
One thing we do to reduce plastic (and save $) in our life is we save and re-use jars as lunch/food containers instead of plastic tupperware. Still haven’t managed to totally eliminate ziplock bags yet though, although we are close!
9:10 pm on January 13th, 2010
Love the Blendtech. With the vitamix, it was more work for me to get everything blended.
I was wondering if you would have a show about what type of water is best for your body? I am so confused about it. Currently I am using reverse osmosis water bought from water stores. Is it really necessary to have those water machines? They are very expensive.
and is it best to take water in a stainless steel bottle or do you recommend other containers?
Thanks for the show! My four year old daughter and I have been raw for 3 years. I always tune in to learn more.
7:06 am on January 14th, 2010
4″ Blade 64QT Blendtec any day!!! It is hands down a better better choice!!! Thank you for all you do.
Please conduct a test with the 4″ blade 64 qt Blendtec against any Vita Mix, and you will convert yourself.
Best Wishes,
Mike.
10:18 am on January 14th, 2010
As always enjoyed your show today. I would like to encourage you to read a book called “Every word has power” by Yvonne Oswald. You will find it very useful in improving your communication in every day life and for your video clips too. It’s focus is on the use of positive power words and their impact on our health and relationships. One of the best books I have ever read for self improvement. Thanks again for the great recipes and I have shared them at my neighborhood school.
10:42 am on January 14th, 2010
I have the old stainless steel 3600 Vitamix and it is still going strong. Also have a Osterizer with a glass container – quicker and easier to use for some things – never used a Blendtec, but sounds good!
11:21 am on January 14th, 2010
LOVE my Vita-Mix. I’ve had it since 1970 – I’ve used it almost daily since then and it’s still working just fine. I love the fact that it has a stainless steel container and that it has a reverse switch. It’s an amazing workhorse. I wonder if any of the Blend Tec’s (or other blenders) will be around and still working as well 40 years from now!
12:31 pm on January 14th, 2010
Vitamix or blendtec?
I did some research on this.
And I found a lot of people complained about the gears in the blendtec.
That the gears were too small and made out of plastic and wore out fast.
I also read that David Wolfe wore out two or three of them and the gears where the problem and that he recommends the vitamix over the blendtec.
That’s why I decided to get a vitamix.
12:59 pm on January 14th, 2010
Airport hydration tip:
I take my empty stainless steel bottle and fill up with water fountain water (gross!) BUT then I dump some essential oils in the water to kill all the nasties!
1:12 pm on January 14th, 2010
Thanks, great show! I love your shows, very informative and you’re funny too!!!
I use a blender with a glass jar, it works for me, I don’t have a Vita-Mix or Blendtec but have heard good things about them. I just chose the one with the glass container for the reasons you are discussing regarding plastics.
Have a great day!!!
1:29 pm on January 14th, 2010
First, to answer the question of the day, I don’t have either (which would explain why I don’t do many smoothies), because I have a tough time with the price, and the clean up, and the counter space or storage space issues. Are they excuses? Probably!
Nike got it right with the slogan: “Just Do It!” Absolute genious!
Second, I just want to say that I really appreciate you and the whole team, Kevin. I feel like I know you, because I get to see you every day, and laugh when I think about the fact that you wouldn’t recognize me if we ran into eachother at the Fruitful Yield or Whole Foods, but if I we did, I’d probably start jumping up and down!
Third, thank you for reminding me/us that we are human, and will never get anything 100% perfect, at least without a LOT of practice, practice, practice!
Take care, and have a great trip!
4:08 pm on January 14th, 2010
Waring Commercial XTreme 3.5 hp!!! Love this machine! Also cheaper than Vitamix
4:38 pm on January 14th, 2010
#77 The Bledtec is a 3qt with a 4″ blade, sorry about that.
9:29 pm on January 14th, 2010
I own and love my Blendtec blender for most of the same reasons people have mentioned above. You can definitely use a plunger on it though, I do, or actually I use a wooden spoon turned upside down and it fits nicely in the hole on top and is the perfect length. I’m sure an actual plunger of the right size could be purchased for it also. There is absolutely no reason a plunger can’t be used, it has a hole on top for one. I’ve never had to keep my hand on top of the blender either when it spins up really high, it always stays put and does not make any messes.
10:33 pm on January 14th, 2010
I have both a Vitamix and a BlendTec. I use the Vitamix every single day that I’m home and I love it. I travel with the Blendtec since it is a little smaller and a little lighter but I don’t like it as much; yes, it is more prone to exploding if you don’t actively push down on the lid.
I make green smoothies and chocolate, berry, superfood smoothies every day. I also use it for making raw salad dressings, “cheese”, and such.
We’ve owned a Vitamix for about 20 years. It has never worn out … but I did get a new one a few years back and now loan the old one out to my friends that have expressed interest in getting into green smoothies. We’ve had the Blendtec for a few years. We initially got it to replace the old Vitamix, but I wasn’t as happy with it. So, we ended up getting a new Vitamix which is even better than the old one.
and, yes, what about Johny 5?
11:37 pm on January 14th, 2010
I love my vita-mix!!!!! Yummy
11:16 am on January 15th, 2010
I have a Vitamix and LOVE it. I like having the plunger too. Never used a Blend-tec.
Laura G
10:47 pm on January 17th, 2010
I love my Vita Mix and though I’ve never used a blend tec, when I went to the website “will it blend?” I was pretty impressed with it.
I guess the best blender is the one we’ll use and can afford.
1:41 am on January 18th, 2010
I love my blendtec! I have the bronze and love the look of it and the way it fits under my cabinets. When I overload it with frozens, as in making banana cherry ice cream, it really does need a tamper…but I just ordered a wooden one online for $5.95 and that included shipping. So I think my problems are solved.
I do like just hitting one button, walking away to do something else and then having it finish my smoothies by itself.
5:06 pm on January 18th, 2010
Blendtec for me. 96oz with 4in blades, PBA-free, works like a charm. /Doug.
10:01 pm on January 18th, 2010
The Vitamix is my first Blender which I purchased just last year and I couldn’t fathom using anything else!!! I use it for smoothies, hummus dips, salad dressings, salsa, ice cream, pancake batter, etc. I use it at least twice a day!!!! My kids and husband use it daily as well!! Everyone should own a high speed blender!!
4:38 pm on January 24th, 2010
Vitamix is all I’ve ever had and I love it! As for washing the container, squirt a little dish detergent into it, along with some warm water and let it run on high for several minutes. Rinse it out and it’s good to go for the next time. This was a little idea I picked up from the Vitamix literature. Works great!
7:43 pm on January 29th, 2010
Vitamix is my choice. We own one that we use several times a day and love it. We also sell them and considered bringing in the Blendtecs, but heard from people that own them that the buttons can have problems after a while.
We have not really heard of anyone having problems with the Vitamix. I guess keeping the machines simple avoids problems over time as there is not as much that can go wrong.