I was so excited about this highly recommended model, but the blade is already acting funny after only a month. I follow the instructions carefully about turning up the speed, then going to high, etc. so I’m confident it isn’t user error. Doesn’t feel worth hundreds of dollars. :-(.
Easy clean-up. If you are worried that this will be a pain to clean and store ( like a cuisinart with all the sharp parts and pieces) worry no more. So easy to clea- just running a little soapy water in high leaves it spotless. Makes delicious almond milk!
I use a blender pretty frequently but found that most of them just burned out after 2 or 3 years. I was constantly having to buy a new one, mostly because there were no replacement parts available. I CAN repair things as long as I have instructions!
So, after watching all the demos and reading all the reviews (from different sources), I pulled the trigger and bought my Vitamix 5200. Oh, my goodness. This is one of the best purchases I've ever made. Yes, it's an investment. But, if you figure in NOT having to repeatedly replace your blender every few years, the price point is moot. I have had to buy a tool that's specifically made to tighten the base after I had some leakage but, I'll have it when I need it. Otherwise, this thing is a workhorse!
As far as what I love to make...hollandaise. I used to stand over the stove, just as my grandma taught me, trying to get it to come together. It was pretty labor intensive and then, praying it wouldn't "break" before dinner! Once I discovered that it could be made/cooked (!!!) in the Vitamix and in only about a minute or so, I never looked back! It tastes exactly like grandma's but it holds better. I've never had it break on me...ever! Amazing!
Smoothies and juices (oooh, fresh watermelon, 1/2 peeled lime, a dash of coconut water...talk about refreshing & hydrating!) are a breeze. Frozen fruit, whirled into a sorbet. Frozen yogurt. Fresh, warm, no-added-sugar peanut butter. What you can do in this thing is endless. The only thing I haven't done is soup...but, it's on my list!
Pros: Texture Quality, Durability, Easy to use, Versatility, Power