I had been making smoothies every day for the last year with a much cheaper blender. Switching to the Vitamix has been amazing, it blends so much better. Now my smoothies taste like I bought them at a smoothie shop!
I love my Vita-mix, bought my first 6 years ago after coveting my mother-in-laws for years. I knew I would love it but didn't realize how much. I can sauce and soups, make nut milks, and fresh gravies, sups and sauces, and smoothies so my mixer see's a lot of action. I quickly realized that after my children moved out I needed the single serving cups with the small mixer attachment which was an added expense - but really made life simpler once I made the purchase. the Vita-mix doesn't do everything, but it does A LOT!
You will never need another type of blender, and you will only need one or two in your lifetime. It was a big expense for me at the time, however - I make everything from scratch, so the cost savings came quickly in time and quality of product - allowing me to make even more from scratch like nut milks, fruit leathers, vegan cheese and hummus, etc. If you don't cook from scratch, if you don't make your own foods - this blender might be overkill for you, (unless you just have money to spend and like the highest quality things), but for me - it was a MUST.
I still use my original Vita-mix, this purchase was a gift. I have given a Vita mix to each of my children once they had their first child and got serious about the food they eat - it has been well received every time.
Pros: Texture Quality, Durability, Easy to use, Recipe Enhancement, Power
I purchased our 5200 model because it was recommended by Cooks Illustrated Magazine and I like the way they review products. They said this model is STILL their favorite pick.
I usually get cheap blenders and end up sticking them in a closet never to be used again. After using my Vitamix for a week, it has a permanent home on my countertop and I use it everyday. Absolutely worth the investment.
Pros: Speed of Service, Texture Quality, Durability, Easy to use, Product features, Power
We have owned our vitamix for eight years.We purchased two more this Christmas for our daughters .They are loving theirs.Great investment for anyone.You will love all of the delicious meals you can make !
Pros: Speed of Service, Durability, Easy to use, Recipe Enhancement, Product features, Power
I bought my Vitamix 2010 and use it every single day, sometimes several times a day. It's still like brand new! I couldn't live without it. I make big smoothies, lots of vegan nut based sauces and soups in mine.
Pros: Speed of Service, Texture Quality, Durability, Easy to use, Recipe Enhancement, Power
The Vitamix 5200 standard is very powerful and extremely easy to use. I've used it for smoothies, Frozen and fresh fruit. I've also used it for grains and veggies to make vegan meals. My smoothie seem to be more flavorful then when I used a ninja.
Pros: Speed of Service, Texture Quality, Durability, Easy to use, Versatility, Recipe Enhancement, Product features, Power