Vitamix 5200 1-Speed Blender

After many years of using various juicers, blenders and food processors, I began my search for a better solution. Something that would retain the fiber, liquify anything I put in it and give me the readily available nutrients I desired. After months of careful consideration and research, I settled on the Vitamix 5200. I am now a bonafide Vitamix fanatic! It performs far and above my highest expectations. I have read reviews and watched videos comparing Vitamix vs. other rival machines, but this product can't be beat. One thing is for sure, Vitamix owners seem to be a very passionate bunch about their machines, and the community support is amazing! I immediately gave away several of my kitchen appliances to clear the counter for this one awesome machine and uses it several times a day. Clean up is a breeze, an added bonus for someone who doesn't like cleaning up kitchen messes. I don't know why they list this as a 1 speed model. In reality it has 11 speeds. 1-10 plus high! I recommend getting the dry grind container as well. It's uses are many, including grinding coffee beans, making flour out of just about anything and making powdered sugar in just the right amount. I find that I don't need to buy and store as many grocery items as I used to, since I can quickly and easily create them with what I have on hand. There is quite a large number of Youtube videos where users have posted their vitamix creations. I recommend regularly watching and learning. You'll get so excited about your Vitamix, you won't be able to stay out of the kitchen!

After reading reviews on both Vitamix(older model) and Blendtec, began to be persuaded to buy the Blendtec based on a few arguments. Blendtec owners made it sound as if the tamper that comes with the Vitamix is an absolute chore to use, the manual controls are difficult to understand and use--as opposed to presets--and lastly, the Vitamix is neither visually appealing nor fits underneath kitchen cabinets.

1. The tamper is necessary and also patented--if Blendtec was able to legally incorporate one into it's product, they would. For instance, even though there is an incredible amount of power going through that machine creating a strong sucking vortex, sometimes it just needs a helping hand to guide stray produce to the blade. That's just a fact for every blender on the market. As far as being a hassle to use, for all satisfied Vitamix owners, the tamper is a pleasure to use. It is designed to be used through the lid opening and there is no worry that the blade will touch it, only stubborn food particles.

2. Presets are for those who stick strictly to printed recipes, not for those out to create their own concoctions. It's for those who want the machine to dictate when their recipes are properly blended. There is no room for creativity. In contrast, the manual controls on the vitamix allows you to adjust according to your personal tastes and experiments.

3. The last argument, about the Vitamix not being as appealing to the eye as the Blendtec, was put to rest fairly quickly. It was put this way: Do you want something that just looks pretty or actually does the job well? How about the "it doesn't fit on my countertops" complaint? I've found that I can rest the container right next to the base and it looks just fine.

Some final observations:

Because of health reasons we decided to take the $$$ plunge, but I have never been more excited about preparing healthy foods and as other Vitamix owners have pointed out, it will pay itself off because with regular use there will be no food waste. No more rotting bananas, no more rotting greens, carrots, tomatoes, etc. I have also found I shop more purposely now for the healthful stuff and less for processed foods.

I hope you found this review helpful.

We learned about this machine from a neighbor who had used one for quite some time. This year we decided to pursue a predominantly vegan diet and the old blender just wasn't up to several tasks.
My wife has a smoothie every morning for breakfast and the blender produced a thick lumpy concoction you had to chew rather than sip.
The powerful Vitamix stands up to about everything. She uses every fruit, vegetable, green, grain or legume she can find and comes up with some very healthy and flavorful combinations.
We have total control of the viscosity of the blend which is especially nice when preparing soups and purees.
We bought the deluxe package and found that we use all three containers frequently.
If I were to try and come up with any improvements it would be 1) The container handle is a hollow tube and it can be difficult to clean without a long soft bristle brush. You have to allow it to drip dry because you can't get a towel down it. 2) The lid plug is sort of the same. You have to wrap a finger in your towel to get into it to dry it properly.
Of course, you could just put everything in the dishwasher, but we use it every day and want it cleaned up and back in the pantry for the next morning.
Overall this is a great piece of kitchen equipment especially if you want to eat only fresh, organic, non-processed ingredients.

I have had a Vitamix 5200 for 5 years. I have to say. For the money. Its an investment you will not be sorry to have made. I have several Dairy goats. I make fresh butter. I make nut butters. Soups, Smoothies. Ice cream from my Raw milk. No preservatives, no hormones or antibiotics. My applesauce is raw and wonderful. Blend it, heat it if you want to can it and your time is cut in half. Seeds and all. Of all my small appliances. THIS is my MOST utilized. It actually sits on my countertop. (cream separator, bread maker,juicer, sun oven all put away.) The quality is amazing. I grind cooked chicken bones for my dogs. Makes a puree out of them.! IF it had a 10 star rating.. it would get it from me.

Love, love, love the product! I purchased about one week ago and have had the time to determine that these are two of the most compact, time-saving, professional type small kitchen appliances I have ever had the pleasure of using. I have no complaints about the products whatsoever and I would highly recommend anyone who uses this type of equipment to purchase these band names immediately. You won't be sorry.