Best Blenders Review (Vitamix, KitchenAid, Blendtec)

My sister & I tested a Vitamix against a Ninja blender & our smoothies came out far more smooth & the way we like them with the Ninja blender. The Vitamix did not blend all of the fruits & left big chunks in it. High price doesn’t always equate with better product.

I’m confused as to why you would give the blender that overheats blending a simple ice cream the highest rating? It sounds like you have to baby it to do what it’s suppose to do. The performance of the motor is the most important thing on a blender and if it’s burning out blending frozen bananas, what’s the point?

I have an older blendtec without the wildside jar, but a company called alterna jars sells tamper/lid combos that work with the blendtec and I use it to make very thick smoothies / nice cream daily.

I’d just like to add… we’ve used Blendtecs for 15 years now and make at least 2 smoothies a day plus regular cooking/blending. Something you may not know is the Designer 650 (msrp $450) DOES have an 8 year warranty. If you’re a previous Blendtec user, they will give you a $75 credit towards the purchase of it. Their customer service has always been stellar. Today I called because our Wildside jar is locking up and they are immediately sending us a new one. So consider $350-450 for having a great blender for 8 years – worth it!

Wow! I never read a better, clearer or better-looking review for anything. Just wondering: is there no smaller, narrow-bottom container the Kitchen Aid?

I have a 60-year-old Osterizer blender with a heavy glass container that has never given me a speck of trouble and is used constantly – the price was $25 in 1961. Yes, it has only two speeds, but the results are always what I want. I also use a 45-year-old Cuisinart food processor that is still a workhorse for me. Maybe I am lucky or did they just make things to last in the old days?
PS. My 60-year-old waffle iron still makes the best waffles.

Ten years ago I bought my Blendtec for its lighter weight as I knew I would be traveling out of the US, and it has never disappointed. This a.m. I used it for the 4300 time! Rarely overheats, is easy to clean and serves every function with its different size jars. I call it “my main man!”

For a good laugh, check out Will It Blend on Youtube to watch it powder all sorts of materials! I remember magnetic balls, jewelry, car fob, broomstick and much more.

Dana, thank you endlessly for the greatest recipes and kitchen tips. You and your hubby are loved by so many!!!

No surprise to see the Vitamix 5200 coming out top in your tests, it really is a fantastic blender! Although I do like the Blendtec Total blender also, there is just something about the quality of the Vitamix that I love.

Hi Dana,
Curious what you do with all those blenders after doing a review? Do you sell them or give them to friends?

I am a very picky blender owner, and I just ordered the much-hyped Pampered Chef blender, I’ll report back what I find compared to my tall 15 year old Vitamix, if there is interest.

I had to stop reading after seeing that your number one pick overheats and suggested if I didnt tax it that it would be ok. Think about it a bit.

Very helpful review, thank you. I’m really torn as there are so many options out there but a lack of comprehensive unbiased reviews. We currently have a ‘cheap’ blender and I’m overwhelmed with the various options that are now out there. This is a gift for a pivotal wedding anniversary and I just don’t know what to get.

To complicate matters, I’ve been suggested to take a look at Zwilling Enfingy from a friend who works at Zwilling and another friend who swears by their Pampered Chef Deluxe Cooking Blender. There seem to be far fewer videos or reviews comparing these options.

Cannot agree with this more! I feel bad for people who buy the shorter model Vitamix from Costco and don’t understand what all the hype is about. The shorter pitchers just DO NOT compare to the taller 5200 model. I’ve had both and there is no comparison. The tall pitcher blends everything smoother and you can make much smaller quantities than with the shorter pitcher. I was so disappointed and now I get why some people don’t like Vitamix if they’ve only ever had that one. I’ve also had Blendtec and was so annoying to have to stop it to scrape down the sides when making banana ice cream or anything really thick. I don’t want to have to buy a second jar, why would I when Vitamix does it all? Can’t wait for more reviews!

I have a vitamin super 5000 & it can handle anything. I just wish it fit under the counter. It’s probably 20years old-a worthwhile investment!

Your dedication and passion for healthy recipes and information is what caught my eye when my wife and I started a plant-based challenge for a month and ended up adopting it as a part of our lives a year ago. Mainly because of your recipes and information. If it wasn’t for you, I honestly don’t think I could have done it because I simply didn’t know eating healthy could taste so dang good!

This review is exactly the reason you are the best! We’ve owned a Blendtec for over 10 years (also a compelling Costco demonstration). They were in a lawsuit a few years ago with Vitamix over the square container shape, which they claim Vitamix copied. The concept is that unlike a traditional round-shaped blender container, the square shape helps create vortexes that keep mixing the contents. They ended up winning the lawsuit and even gave away new containers to customers to celebrate their victory over Vitamix.

Having said that, I would completely agree with your review about Blendtec. Great for soups, hot sauces, things that have a lot of liquid. It’s powerful, and can easily work its way through thicker sauces and spreads, but it suffers from cavitation and that is the bane of the Blendtec, in my opinion. It’s frustrating to use and very, very noisy. Seriously loud to the point that you wonder if you’re contributing to hearing loss. But, as others have pointed out, their customer service is unparalleled. I’ve had issues with two of my containers and after a quick phone call where they listened to it running (empty) diagnosed that it was the bearings and sent out two new containers. I hate jumping ship, but when this one gives up the ghost, I’ll definitely be looking at the Vitamix.

Thanks for the info. I just ordered the Vitamix 750 Pro as I found it on sale for slightly less than the 5200. I’m hopeful the upgraded model won’t have an overheating issues. It does also come with the low-profile pitcher.

Your review was very interesting. We all have our personal favorites, that is for sure!

I have owned Blendtec (2 different models), and currently VitaMix after reading people’s raves about them. I just cannot like the VitaMix. Maybe it is the newer model, but I have tried to love it, and just don’t. It is loud, the container is difficult to clean, they don’t have any smaller containers that do the job (I purchased the cup-type smaller containers and they are worthless), the tamper is not always sufficient to push the food down, and so it sits as a very expensive counter ornament. I have had it about a year, and it is going back to Costco. I used my Blendtec almost daily. They have accessory jars that are smaller, usually come with a long-handled spatula-type scrapper, and make the best nut butter consistencies, and have the twister capability so a tamper is not necessary. I have never cut myself on the blades cleaning it, and it is so much easier to get food from under the blades than the VitaMix. I think if you compare the blenders with the accessory jars, you might find the Blendtec equal to the tasks.

I have owned the Blendtec Total Blender and model 725. I currently have the VitaMix Venturist. It also has the wide bottom like the Blendtec, but seems much heavier and clunky. I guess personal preferences will always determine which blender we prefer, and recommend. Thank you again for your unbiased review. It really was an interesting read.

I was intrigued with your perspective on all three blenders. Having owned all three over the years: I first owned a Vitamix until it literally stopped working. Knowing that it was slowly dying and long exceeded its warranty, I purchased a Blendtec due to the great price point and a convincing demonstration at Costco at the time. My issue with the Blendtec was the jars would start to leak an oily-like substance on the bottom; despite that, their customer service was one of the BEST and would quickly replace my jar. I’m talking 7 years ago and I’m sure they have improved to keep up with its competitors. I did a lot of plant-base recipe testing for a friend and was introduced to Kitchen Aid blender; got mine at a discounted rate at the time. I wondered why you didn’t mention the cleaning setting on the Kitchen Aid Pro Blender. I use my Kitchen Aid Pro blender EVERY DAY. Their customer service is decent. I experienced an issue with my blender and they replaced it quickly with a new blender. BOTTOM LINE: In terms of cleaning. Why would anyone stick their hand inside of any blender to clean without protecting one’s hands? All of these blender jars are best kept clean by using a little white vinegar in water and/or baking soda and letting them soak for a bit. Everything comes out just fine. No scrubbing needed. *Watch out for the volcano effect when mixing baking soda with vinegar and water. BTW, the jars are better preserved and protected by small scratches by using a soft sponge, not a brush. Use the aforementioned products and you won’t ever need a brush. Lastly, I have enjoyed making a few of your dessert recipes.

Great review! I’ve used the Vitamix quite a bit in the vegan restaurant I used to manage (35+ years ago!). I liked the easy way it handled heavy loads, and we worked them (we had more than one) heavily. We would have to replace the gear mechanism at the bottom of the blender cup! Excellent machine.

We also used a Bosch Kitchen Machine. It is really designed for home use, not restaurant. In my opinion it blends more smoothly than the Vitamix but will not handle the heavy loads that a Vitamix can. I have had one for 30 years in my home and I love it. I’ve sent it for repair 3 times. The last time I was told not to send it in again, that it was just too old to repair. That was 4 years ago and it’s still going strong. Are you familiar with that machine?

Thank you for making a non-sponsored review, especially when it comes from a very popular blogger.
Like others, I have to include the Ninja blender + food processor system (I’m not sure what’s the model number in America, but it’s the one that comes with 3 different cups).
In Israel where I live, the price difference between this and Vitamix is a few thousand Shekels (hundreds of dollars), so after reading raving reviews about it I purchased it about a year ago and so far it’s great. It makes things much easier because you can use the right tool for the right job. I’m making smoothies and smoothie bowls in the blender, flours in one of the cups and pastes/dips in the food processor. I have to say this the blender crushes the ice like crazy, so you can make frozen drinks easily.

On an unrelated note – I wanted to sign up for the food photography school for a while, but it seems like you’re not open for new members at the moment. Will it change in the future? it’s something that I planned on for quite a while :(

I would suggest comparing a vita mix with a tribest blender which comes with a glass pitcher

Thanks for the comprehensive review and time you put into it. It reinforced my decision to buy my Vitamix 750 few years ago. I use it almost every day, it’s still going strong, and remains the best purchase I ever made for my kitchen. I noticed the model you used is an older one. The 750 has four food programmed settings (for smoothies, frozen desserts, soups and purées) and one for self-cleaning, which is quite a time-saver. After it runs its cleaning cycle, I almost never need to reach into the container to clean anything remaining. The 750 also has a lower, more-compact profile that easily fits under counters, unlike the older, tall models that usually don’t. In addition, my Vitamix has never overheated, so perhaps it’s just the model you tested. (I set the 750 on a program setting and walk away from it all the time and never had any problems.) Finally, for anyone who’s on the fence, Vitamix offers excellent customer service and they are NOT made in China, which is important to me.

Anyway, I cannot say enough good things about my Vitamix. If you ever want to update your review, perhaps you can use one of the newer models (e.g., 750 or A3500).

Since this is the first time I have left a comment here, I want to say thank you for all your wonder recipes! I have added many of them to my ever-growing (1,700+) vegan recipe database. I really enjoy your blog.

Thanks for your reviews, Dana! Would like to also bring the Optimum 9400 to your attention. I bought it a few years ago, and never regret it. I use it every day. At first I was saving for a Vitamix, but after I compared these two, I choose to buy this one instead. It is just as the Vitamix, not the most prettiest device on your counter I think, but for me definately the best thing I spend my money on.
Love your recepies! Love to get inspired! Greetings from the Netherlands!

In my country Bledntec is 2 times cheaper than Vitamix. So I made tactical choice when I bought one = Buy tamper separately. Now it can do anything that vitamix. Only downsides are the loudness and that if you have too much liquid it doesn’t blend hardher pieces that are in, like dry fruits or seeds.

This is a very timely post. My £30 Russell Hobbs blender is on its last legs after 10 years. It was not perfect but it served well. However any of the above in the UK trade at £500+ which is very expensive, for me anyway. I am choosing between Phillips Mini Processor and Blender set or I might shell out and go for a Ninja set. At £150 that will be an investment!

We absolutely love our Vitamix! Have had it for over 10 years, and never an issue – altho I support Dana’s comments, such as 1. add liquid 2. don’t run on high too long 3. cut up frozen items.
I’ve never tried the others mentioned; just glad her study confirms why we love VM!
And we have the 5000 series with the tall slender container, also…

Been using Vitamix for years. Couple points:
1. Your criticism of “nice cream” capability is on spot. We make it work by blending all ingredients like nuts and water and seasonings and unfrozen items first. Then we add the frozen bananas and other frozen ingredients at the last minute, using the tamper to shove them in quickly, and then within 30-60 seconds shut it down. That way, we get smooth bases and smooth enough ice cream without overheating. If you have a crowd and want to make multiple batches, it gets tricky, but as long as you really minimize the exposure time at high torque, it can work. But I concur with your comments on this aspect, and a stronger motor would be nice.
2. I don’t understand your criticism of the cleaning aspect. Following the manufacturer’s instructions to add some water and turn it on briefly to clean it seems to work very well for us. I never clean the blades manually. I do sometimes wipe the insides of the container manually, at least in the upper area where water circulation is reduced.

Nice review!

Hello and thank you for the review! I’m curious about the Ace blender made by the Instant Pot brand. Would love to see a review of it if you’re drawn to one.

I would consider contacting Vitamix about a defective unit if it seems to overheat that easily. I worked at an extremely busy(literal bus loads of tourists) shop for six years with three Vitamixes, used for hard ice cream milkshakes, smoothies, blended coffee, etc. We weren’t kind to the machines, and regularly would pack them to their 64 ounce capacity. We’d wear out the gear mechanism and ball bearings on the base.
Your review is awesome, and solidified my Vitamix love. Hoping to finally get one this coming year!

I believe that Vitamix is the best but I’m surprised you didn’t include how hard it is to scrape everything out of the container while pouring. I bought a narrow spatula specifically for that purpose, but even still I feel like so much food gets left on the inside at the end. Why can’t Vitamix have smooth sides like Blendtec? *Sigh*

Such an interesting review. Thank you! The best trick I have found for making nice cream is to take the bananas out 10 minutes before you want them to let them thaw just a tiny bit. Then you can get a great nice cream even with whole bananas in the Vitamix.

I’m sorry but my Vitamix has never EVER overheated even with large chunks of frozen fruits or almonds or dates. Or blending for long time as with making soup.

I think you just have bad luck with Vitamix.

Thank you so much for the in-depth blender review. I love my Vitamix. I bought a refurbished model years ago directly from Vitamix and it has been a much loved workhorse in my kitchen. It is still going strong after at least 8 years of nearly daily use. I have had it overheat only a few times. I did exactly what you suggested — turned it off and let it cool down — but it makes your heart beat a little faster thinking you just killed such an expensive machine.
Your next assignment, should you choose to accept it, is a side-by-side comparison of immersion blenders. The reviews are all over the place. I would definitely trust yours.

So, I have had my Vitamix overheat when blending thick recipes like the above review described. I actually thought I broke my Vitamix until I called their help line (which is great btw!). Apparently, the fans do not kick on to cool the motor until you’re on the “10” speed setting. If you throw it in turbo it will actually do a better job of avoiding overheating quickly. Hope this helps others who have run into a similar issue!

Excellent review and kind of proud that the Vitamix won, lol! Cause that’s what we have.

The overheating is annoying for sure, we’ve pretty much used all your tips listed above to avoid it too. My husband also has this special technique when it’s close to overheating of holding the container near the blender (like close to being ‘on’ the blender so it thinks it’s there, but not ‘on’ enough that the blade starts touching the gear or turning) and then turning the machine on high – this way it’s cooling itself with it’s internal fan. This will help it cool down really fast.

We’ve also used my blow dryer on the cool setting to cool it down faster if we need to keep making something!

Always enjoy your articles and wanted to add my 2 cents.

My kids got me the Ninja Mega Kitchen Blender System with Food Processor ($159.99) a couple of Christmases ago and it’s been great. We’ve put it through some tough workouts and it performs without flaw. It handles ice almost like it was butter. Not sure how it compares to the Vitamix or the others, but for the price I don’t know how you can beat it.

If you still have any money left, give one a try. I’d love your opinion on it!

-Ron in Texas

I wish you would have done a Ninja Chef review as well! I really think it’s on par with these others, yet it’s less than half the price! I’ve had mine for several years and it’s done fantastic, even for coconut butter and banana nice cream and such, and it will shut off if it gets overheated, before it is hot enough to start smelling.

So happy to hear that it’s not just me when my Vitamix doesn’t want to mix. Still love it but it does overheat at times. Thanks for the helpful advice.

i bought a blendtec a few years ago and i hate it. replacing it hasn’t been the highest on my list since then buy i fully intend to get a vitamix in the next few months. the lid literally flies off if something frozen bounces up hits it the right way, it’s impossible to make any small amount of sauce/butter/dough because of the sheer amount of liquid required to blend and requires a lot more attention than any other blender i have ever used. the easy clean up does not make up for any of this; i don’t recommend!!

Thank you Dana for this very interesting review. Having had a Vitamix for 12 years, I am very happy to see that it took first place. My first Vitamix broke down (can’t remember what it was) one month before the warranty ended, and the company sent me a new one right away, no question asked. Then I replaced the container some 4 years later. I use it everyday, and I find it’s a workhorse. I have it do very hard things for me, for instance blend 1 cup big frozen strawberries with 4 pretty-dry dates, no water, and purée it in a smooth, velvety topping for a cheesecake. I push with the tamper and even though I can hear that it works real hard, I get the job done each time. It’s 5 years old, and works like a new. I’m very very happy with my purchase. BTW, I clean it by having it run with hot soapy water 1 minute or so at full speed. No need to brush it!
I love all of your vegan recipes. You’re my go-to resource when I want to try something new. I always check first if you have turned it into a recipe before trying someone else. Go girl go!

This is Excellent!!!

I’ve had my Vitamix 5200 for about 7 years and I use it every day–sometimes 2 and 3 times. I have never had a problem with overheating. Sometimes I make soups and let it run until steam comes out of the lid and never has it overheated on me. Of course, now that I have said that it will most likely overheat the very next time I use it!
The only other high speed blender I have used is the Ninja and it was no comparison. And the single serve little ones work but never will things get as smooth.

I love your reviews and how honest and unbiased they are. I’m in the market for a new blender and will definitely be taking this new information into account. Thank you!

Thanks for this rating. Nice to get the comparison! Have been using a Blendtec for 7 years, and it’s my right hand in the kitchen. But I do nice cream in the food processor.

And thanks, as always, for your reliably good recipes and input. Grateful.

The Blendtec has a much less expensive version (~$300) that performs just as well as the high end. It also has multiple jar options including the Twister Jar that would’ve been best for nice cream. One feature that you didn’t mention was that the blades will not cut you when washing the inside and getting anything out from under them. This is one of the best features! The Blendtec can be cleaned by putting a bit of water and a drop of dish soap and turning it on – even cleans the lid. It is definitely loud, but I believe it is a superior professional quality blender for home use. If loaded in the correct order (liquid first) you really don’t need a tamper. I have experience using Vitamix as well and would highly recommend the Blendtec with more than 1200 uses logged on ours.

I have a Blendtec (for a couple years now) and use their Twister Jar for nut butters, sauces and salad dressings. It works much better for all but one of the food types you tested because of the narrowness of the jar and the lid “fins” that scrap the side of the jar. When I purchased the unit, I waited for seasonal specials and was able to get the specialized jar included in my purchase. FYI.