Looking for a blender...

[Atty]

Is a blendtec really worth it? Are there blenders that are less expensive that do the same job? Or similar?

I just want it to make smoothies and the occasional extra things. I have a magic bullet blender and I honestly have hated it.

 

[sdifox]

just get an oster beehive and the milkshake blade

 

[BoomerD]

Blendtec or Vitamix.

 

[Atty]

Blendtec or Vitamix.

$300+ for both. Money money money. Worth it? Really?

 

[Kelvrick]

$300+ for both. Money money money. Worth it? Really?

I've used my blendtec more in the last month then I did with my regular blender for the year I had it before.

But then I'm a man of buying things that I don't really need. The blender was worth it though, unlike the juicer.

 

[DCal430]

$300+ for both. Money money money. Worth it? Really?

I know people that own a Blentect and Vitamix, I myself plan to get a Vitamix as soon as they start showing them at my Costco again. They are very worth it, you don't have a real blender until you have one of these.

 

[Muse]

I've had a lot of experience with blenders. Wore out several Warings, the motors burned out. I bought replacement motors, etc. I bought an Oster and it lasted years and years, way tougher than the Warings. It finally burned out (I used to make nut butters), and I went shopping again. Picked up an Oster Counterforms at Costco that's basically the same as the ones that sell for almost $100 at Walmart, etc. I haven't seen them at Costco since but if I had to buy a blender today it would be an Oster of this type. They have 6 blades instead of 4 and they have a mode with blade reversal in the cycle, a 600 watt motor. From the days of my first Oster I still have a food processor attachment and I use it frequently to grind meat. Love that thing, and I picked up an extra on ebay for when my other one breaks (it's finally cracking). I wouldn't buy a $200-300 blender or food processor. My Oster handles smoothies blindfolded with one arm behind its back. I think I paid about $60 for mine around 3 years ago.

Here's a review of the same or similar model I saved:

http://products.howstuffworks.com/oster-counterforms-bvlb07-l-review.htm

Oster Counterforms BVLB07-L

Compare Prices
Date Published: 7/16/07

The Counterforms 2-In-1 Appliance with Oster Fusion Technology BVLB07-L handles the functions of two machines. It mixes liquids like a blender while also performing many common food-processor tasks, such as chopping and pureeing fruits and vegetables.

The BVLB07-L consists of a sturdy base containing a 600-watt motor, a stainless-steel 6-point Star Blade, a large 48-ounce (6-cup) glass blending jar, and a lid with food chute. When fully assembled, it stands 15-1/2-inches tall and has a 7x9-inch oval footprint. The front control panel contains nine push-button switches that provide a full range of blending and processing options. Two preprogrammed settings (Frozen Drink and Food Chop) run specially timed cycles. The remaining buttons (On/Off, Low, Medium, High, Low Pulse and High Pulse) offer more traditional blending options, and a Stop button performs as you might expect.

As a blender, the BVLB07-L is superb, and the broad selection of regular and pulse speeds gives you excellent control over the jar's contents. We especially liked the reversing action of the blade when the preprogrammed settings were used, and the relatively quiet motor was a welcome bonus.

We were impressed with the BVLB07-L's ability to make frozen drinks and smoothies quickly and effortlessly. We simply added the ingredients to the blender jar, affixed the lid and pressed the On/Off button, followed by the Frozen Drinks button. The motor started slowly and reversed several times before settling into a pretimed pulsing routine that left the mixture smooth and free of large ice particles. The Food Chop option functioned in a similar manner and proved ideal for making chunky salsas or pureeing vegetables for soups and sauces. With both preprogrammed functions, the motor stops automatically when the program has finished. Frozen Drinks takes about 30 seconds, while Food Chop takes about 1 minute.

The large food-chute opening in the lid lets you add ingredients while the motor is running. Other innovative features include backlit control buttons, Oster's sleek Luminart finish that hides fingerprints and smudges, an all-metal drive system for durability and automatic shutoff if the blender is not used for several minutes.

The many exceptional features of the Oster Counterforms BVLBO7-L make it a worthwhile investment.


Pros: Effective 600-watt motor, preprogrammed function buttons, Luminart finish resists smudges, food chute
Cons: Glass jar is heavy when full

Warranty
1 year, limited

 

[Tencntraze]

I have an Oster too, though not sure what model. It's awesome and handles everything I've put in it perfectly.

 

[lozina]

Had the Vitamix for several years now - absolutely love it. Use it so often and it never disappoints.

MY favorite recipe:

Slice up 2 bananas and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 24 hours
Place 1/4 cup milk (I use almond milk) into blender, and about 8 walnut halves
Drop the banana slices on top
blend until smooth

best tasting ice cream, and if you dont use dairy milk its quite healthy too. So sweet and smooth without sugar and cream. 🙂

 

[waggy]

what do you guys use the blender so much? i have one from when i got married err..14-15? years ago.

 

[jihe]

Is a blendtec really worth it? Are there blenders that are less expensive that do the same job? Or similar?

I just want it to make smoothies and the occasional extra things. I have a magic bullet blender and I honestly have hated it.

But one day you will want to blend your iphone. So get blendtec.

 

[Saint Nick]

I use an Oster. But I don't do crazy blends. Mostly just make protein shakes and what not.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

I wish I had a vitamix. Its the same one jamba juice uses. I could make some bomb protein shakes.

 

[lightpants]

Get a Blendtec. All the people saying $100 blenders are the same, have never used one. It is twice or three times more powerful then the less expensive blenders. It uses1560 watts, most use only 300-500 watts! There is a reason why bars and resturants use Blendtec or Vitamix, because they work better.

 

[Muse]

Get a Blendtec. All the people saying $100 blenders are the same, have never used one. It is twice or three times more powerful then the less expensive blenders. It uses1560 watts, most use only 300-500 watts! There is a reason why bars and resturants use Blendtec or Vitamix, because they work better.

I find it hard to imagine that it would be significantly better than my 600 watt Oster Counterforms. If I had a 1560 watt blender I might be blowing circuit breakers, and for what? 😕 And I paid around $60 for mine at Costco.

I wish I had a vitamix. Its the same one jamba juice uses. I could make some bomb protein shakes.

If all you're doing is shakes, a 600 watt Oster covers you nicely.

 

[SillyOReilly]

Juicers are for idiots.

Slightly less vitamins, no pulp for the same caloric intake.

Dumbasses.