At the top end of the blender market, Blendtec and Vitamix are the two brands that lead the way. Both companies have long and successful legacies; Blendtec was founded in 1975, while Vitamix has been in the blender business for nearly 100 years.
Due diligence is a crucial step for those in the market for a high-end appliance. Every blender has advantages and disadvantages while meeting a variety of culinary needs.
DealSpotr has analyzed comparisons and reviews of these two blender brands and created a comparative buyer’s guide. In lieu of picking an outright “winner,” instead we lay out the most important information needed in making an informed purchasing decision.
Blendtec offers the Professional Series ($479.95-$999.95), the Designer Series ($479.95-$649.95), and the Classic Series ($319.95-$399.95). In addition to being sold on the manufacturer’s site, these blenders and their accessories can be purchased on Amazon, Kohls.com and a few other stores. Consumers can save around $100 by purchasing a certified refurbished model.
Vitamix offers the S-Series Personal Blenders ($399.00-$469.00), C-Series Classic Blenders ($399.00-$649.00), and G-Series Next Generation Blenders ($529.00-$689.00). Vitamix brand blenders and accessories can be purchased through Amazon, Williams-Sonoma and a few other stores.
Vitamix also offers a certified reconditioned model, a great value for those looking to save money.
Advantage: Blendtec. BlenderReview finds that while the two brands generally have very similar prices, Blendtec offers slightly better value.
Blendtec proudly touts its state-of-the-art controls. Featuring Smart-Touch Tec-nology, the blender can be given specific preset instructions, allowing the user to simply push a button and walk away. Blendtec is better for those looking to “get fancy” in the kitchen, mixing and blending several items.
The biggest downside to this high-tech approach is that, as Simple Green Smoothie comments, the Blendtec controls can be initially quite overwhelming.
Vitamix keeps its blender controls simple by featuring an old-school dial and switch design. The dial and switch are easy to learn and give the user excellent control, especially at low speeds.
The Vitamix blenders are best for simple recipes that do not require several different ingredients.
Advantage: Tie. It really comes down to the consumer’s preference for a complicated and high-tech system or a simple and easy-to-use system.
Despite the two brand’s nearly-equal blending performance, Blendtec does have a slight advantage in the power department. All Blendtec blenders are rated at an impressive 3-peak horsepower and have an RPM range of 4,080-28,000.
With that much power, it is no surprise that Blendtec blenders are able to churn an iPad into dust.
Vitamix blenders range between 2.0-2.2-peak horsepower but have a superior RPM range of 500-37,000. This very low end RPM gives their blenders better control at slow speeds, perfect for chopping.
The bloggers at Blender Babes explain that the Vitamix’s slight lack of horsepower will not make a huge difference in power and handling abilities.
Advantage: Blendtec. However, this is no knock on the Vitamix. Both brands the most powerful blenders in the world – in fact, they are five times more powerful than their competitors.
At its highest setting, Blendtec blenders are a little bit louder than the Vitamix blenders. With that single exception, there is no noticeable difference.
As noted above, Vitamix blenders make around the same level of noise as their Blendtec competitors. However, at top-speed they are slightly less loud.
Advantage: Vitamix. Considering both brands are the most powerful blenders on the market, it is no surprise to learn they are both quite loud. The Vitamix blenders’ quieter top-end performance puts the brand slightly ahead.
Blendtec’s standard package includes a BPA-free co-polyester 64-ounce container with additional containers like the 37-ounce Twister and 90-ounce Wildside sold separately. The containers do not absorb odors, but should be washed immediately after use.
The Blendtec lid lies flat on top and the blender’s container should only be filled to 2/3 full. If filled to the top, the lid can come loose and make a mess.
Blendtec’s patented dull-blade design allows their blenders to blend hot, cold, wet, and dry ingredients – however, the blades are not removable.
Vitamix’s standard package also comes with a BPA-free co-polyester 64-ounce container. And like its competitor’s container, it does not absorb odor.
Vitamix also offers a 32-ounce wet jar, a 48-ounce wet container, and a 32-ounce dry grains container. These smaller containers counter one of the most common complaints about the Vitamix blenders – they are simply too tall to sit on a counter at all times.
The Vitamix blenders have more secure lids than their Blendtec counterparts. The Vitamix lid adds a small amount of extra space when suctioned on.
The sharp blades of Vitamix blenders can be removed, and when they become dull, they will be replaced by the manufacturer.
Advantage: Blendtec. Despite the proclivity for the blenders’ lids coming loose, its smaller standard size is a huge benefit over the Vitamix’s hulking stature.
7-year warranty on normal wear-and-tear on the base and containers, and a 3-year add-on option for $75.00.
Vitamix offers the exact same warranty terms as Blendtec – 7 years on normal wear-and-tear for the blender base and any containers. It also has the same 3-year add-on offer for $75.00.
Advantage: Tie. They literally provide the same warranty.
There is a reason that Vitamix and Blendtec are considered the best in the blender business. For decades these two companies have pushed their appliances to greater levels, and continually offer the highest-performing machines on the market.
Blendtec makes high-tech blender models that have the ability to simplify complicated recipes. Between a patented design and a history of innovation, these blenders are great for those with strong culinary experience.
Vitamix takes a more conservative and measured approach to its technology. These blenders have a simple layout that is easier for basic recipes and casual cooking.
