Vitamix vs. Blendtec? Which is the better blender? For those of you out there looking into buying a high-powered blender and wondering which brand to buy, I thought it would be helpful to write a review, comparing the Vitamix with the Blendtec since I now have used both blenders extensively.
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At the beginning of the year I wrote a post entitled, Do You Really Need a High-Powered Blender?. I summed up the post by saying that your personal needs really dictate if you actually “need” a high-powered blender or not. If you don’t use a $30 blender now, you probably won’t use a more expensive one. But if you have food allergies in your family, or are trying to limit dairy or gluten in your diet, I would say a high-powered blender is a must since you can create so many dairy-free and gluten-free foods with the power of a super blender. If you drink smoothies multiple times a week, you’ll love a high-powered blender.
So if you have decided that you are going to invest in a high-powered blender, this may be a helpful post to help you make the right decision for you and your family as to which brand to buy. Here I am only comparing the Vitamix 5200 (the newer Vitamix may be more powerful) and the Designer Series Blendtec. Granted, it’s a limited Vitamix vs. Blendtec comparison, but from our personal experience. This is by no means exhaustive of all Vitamix and Blendtec models, though we hope it’s helpful.
So here are our pros and cons of using the Vitamix compared to the Blendtec.
Pros of the Vitamix Compared to the Blendtec:
- It has a 64 ounce container which is double the size of the Blendtec.
- It doesn’t automatically switch off every 50 seconds, so it’s easier to make a hotter soup.
- It makes a smoother smoothie.
- There is a flip switch to turn on the blender, so accidental explosions haven’t happened for us.
- It has a tamper, so we can shove the food into the blade safely to get the food blended if needed.
- It makes a soup hot in six minutes or less.
- You turn off the blender when you want (with most settings, the Blendtec turns off at 50 seconds).
Cons of the Vitamix Compared to the Blendtec:
- The base by the blade is smaller and harder to clean.
- Nut butters aren’t as smooth.
- The Vitamix doesn’t like sizable quantities of dates. I gave away my food processor when I first got a Vitamix because I thought it could do it all and promptly needed to get another food processor just for processing dates.
Pros of the Blendtec Compared to the Vitamix:
- The base by the blade is bigger and easier to clean.
- It makes awesome nut butters! They are smoother and quicker to make in the Blendtec with the Twister Jar.
- The Blendtec feels more powerful than the Vitamix.
- You see how many times you use the Blendtec every time you turn on the blender (which is a silly pro, but kinda fun).
- Overall it is faster than the Vitamix.
- Processing 1/2 cup + of dates is much easier in the Blendtec than the Vitamix. The Vitamix will automatically shuts off (a safety feature) because the dates are just too hard on the motor.
- I love how the Twister Jar scrapes down the sides of the little blender as you twist it while it blends. It’s kinda comparable to the Vitamix tamper, but the big Wildside Blendtec jar doesn’t have this feature.
Cons of the Blendtec Compared to the Vitamix:
- The biggest container is only a 32-ounce container (but does contain a lot of headroom, that is, empty space at the top of the carafe).
- There is no tamper, so every time we make a smoothie, there is a chunk of something left like a sizeable piece of carrot.
- Our Blendtec is so high tech with a digital control panel that it’s too easy to turn the blender on, and we’ve had a couple of explosions. Seriously it only takes 1/2 a second to make a HUGE mess. Accidentally touch the controls at the wrong time and you’ll be cleaning smoothie from the ceiling.
- It is harder to make a hot soup since the soup button only goes 90 seconds. You can have hot soup in six minutes with the Vitamix.
So to get the best blender for you, it really depends on what features are most important to you.
Will you buy a brand new blender or get a refurbished one? If you want a new blender, it’s worth getting a Costco membership (non-affiliate link) to buy a brand new blender there, but do your research. I think Costco may have the best new prices. When we first bought our Vitamix, we got it brand new through Costco. If I were to do it again, I would buy refurbished/reconditioned, though. If you are comfortable buying a reconditioned blender with their full warranties, you can buy a Vitamix or Blendtec through their websites, and you’ll get free shipping. FYI, as of now Vitamix refurbished blenders run from about $279-$299. And Blendtec refurbished models are $279.95, which is normally $384.95 (over $100 savings)!:
- For free shipping with Vitamix use coupon code: 06-007202
- For free shipping with Blendtec select $0.00 ground shipping
Here are a few recipes I make in the high-powered blender.
Powdered Sugar. I don’t buy powdered sugar anymore. Just blend away. I never add anti-caking agents, so this recipe is just one ingredient. I have always found it to be a bit gritty, though, and I only have experience blending evaporated cane juice. I don’t know about regular granulated sugar. Let me know if you’ve blended regular granulated sugar with excellent success. Since we hardly use powered sugar, this is the way I make it. You could re-blend the sugar and sift it for a finer sugar.
I make Almond Milk now at least weekly (and usually more).
I love making my cashew-based non-dairy dressings in both blenders.
Dairy-Free Caesar Dressing
Cashew-based cream pies also do very well in both blenders.
I have also made the following no bake dairy-free “cheesecake” recipes: key lime, pumpkin, raspberry, grasshopper, and chocolate.
Hummus like Roasted Red Pepper Hummus works great in both blenders.
And we’ve made lots of Smoothies, of course. Vitamix wins the smoothie battle.
So, Vitamix vs. Blendtec: What do you think? Do you have experience using either or both? Which blender do you prefer? If you are going to buy one, which blender would you buy?
I just bought a Vitamix yesterday, after I broke my KitchenAid blender by leaving a spoon inside… Whoops! So far, I’ve only made smoothies, but I’m so happy to be able to put ALL the ingredients in the container at one time! And the tamper!
BTW, above, you mention that in your Lemon Cherry Energy Bars recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of dates, but I had just printed out the recipe, and it only lists 1/4 cup dates. Which is correct? Thank you!
HI Terri. Thanks for the heads up! I made the change. It’s 1 1/4 cups of dates. I am so sorry!! I wouldn’t try it in the Vitamix though. You’ll love your Vitamix!! I am so happy for you!
HI Terri. Thanks for the heads up! I made the change. It’s 1 1/4 cups of dates. I am so sorry!! I wouldn’t try it in the Vitamix though. I brought my Vitamix on my trip last week, and made the lemon cherry energy bars since it’s all I had, and it did exactly what I thought. You’ll love your Vitamix!! I am so happy for you!!!
Could you give me a comparison on grinding grains and nuts for flour? Thank you.
Hi Linda. Both blenders seem pretty equal in my experience with making flours. I make oat flour most, at least once a week (but usually way more to make blender waffles), and the textures are similar from each blender. So if you are buying it to grind flours, either one will do the job. I don’t know how the Vitamix or Blendtec compares to a grain mill. I would imagine because the grain mill does one specific job, it would be superior, but I don’t know. Hope this helps you make a more informed decision! Thanks for asking.
I have a Blendtec. I absolutely love it! I would say you could be happy with either brand…they are both high performance machines with lots of power. They each have smAll quirks that you quickly learn to work with I imagine. I think a newer specific model might, but the Vitamix is also a lot taller, so it does not fit under the cupboards, standard ones.
Hi Tessa. You are right-you work with their quirks! Both brands are totally powerful. Glad you mentioned the height of the Vitamix, as I forgot to mention it. Yes, the newest model fits underneath standard kitchen cabinets. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the great review! I’ve been wondering if the high-tech blenders are worth the hype, thank you for describing what they can do and comparing their features!
You are welcome! We love, love, love them! But they might not be for all people.