Vitamix Blender questions

[maytagbear]

I know that a few of you have these weapons of destruction, and I am intrigued by them.

Does anyone have the new one, the one with the "bulletproof" plastic jar? Do the blades detach?

I'm generally satisfied with my Oster for what blending I do, but a guy can dream, right?

Is this new one any better than the 3600?

Where did you get yours, if pre-owned?

Thanks

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[tolivac]

Yes-I have a few models of the lexan jar Vita-Mix machines.No-the blades don't detach in the manner as a standard blender.I do have a special wrench you can order from Vita-Mix to change the blades in these machines.I like the "fixed blade" design better than the "removable blade" design in home type blenders.Vita-mixes are a commercial type blender.for commercial operators--they don't have time or desire to disassemble blender jars for cleaning after uses.Its faster to to put cup of hot water in the machine and a little dish detergent in the jar and run it for about 30 sec and then rinse the suds out.Jar ready for next use-bartenders do this.Also the "fixed blade design is more rugged and less prone to leaks.The new Vita Mix machines do have better performance-higher speed and a more powerful motor.Don't let the "plastic " fool you on these machines.I have one that is over 10 years old and going strong.I have only had to replace the blades in it-Thats where the Vita-Mix wrench came in handy.You can also use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the blade nut on the bottom of the jar-the wrench is easier.Just make sure you have a new rubber seal washer when you remove or install blades in these machines.Other wise it may leak.You can get the seals from Vita-Mix or a restuarant supplier.The seal came with the new blade assembly.The blades are fixed in the older machines too.the only disadvantage of the new ones is no reverse action.Was fun to do.I didn't buy min e used-ordered mine new from Vita Mix -the others I got from Evergreen Trade.you can look them up on the internet.They supply restuarants.They have the 5000 models.I ordered the "Vita-Mix" Blending Stations" from them-a regular and a Max Performance-Yes they were expensive-but LOVE using them.also they will last me a long time-they were built for commercial use-and have a sound dome over the container-you can talk to someone on the phone while these run.They make shakes and smoothies that are unequalled.The Osters are good machines-I would suggest you look for an older one-the new ones are made in Mexico and their quality is very downhill compared to their older units.Also the Oster Commerical blenders are excellent-- you may want to look for those. I have seen Oster machines(vintage) on the internet and Ebay.I get mine from yard sales-those folks don't know what they are selling-that old Oster is better than any new one anyday!!

 

[scott55405]

The 5000 is a wonderful unit. I use mine several times a week and it can do many things I haven't even delved into yet (I use it most often for my fruit/veggie smoothies which I love).

I had a 3600 that I'd purchased off Ebay and think I got a high-mileage one, as it started fussing after about a month of use (smell, motor slowing down, etc). I believe you can have them rebuilt by Vitamix, but they were running a program where you could trade in an older one for $75 toward a new one, and so I did that, said new one I've had now for about a year. Actually I saved additional money by ordering one of their demonstrator ones.

It was about $100 less, and it's just one they used at one of their demonstrations at fairs and home shows, etc. You still get brand new container and parts and full warranty, so I thought what the heck. I've never regretted my purchase.

The reversing was fun to do, but performance wise I don't miss it, this makes quick work of whatever you throw at it.

 

[petek]

I'd like to get one of the older models with that stainless steel jar and spigot. None have come across my path in years at flea markets, the last time there was one I hesitated, came back a bit later and it was gone. One will turn up eventually. Why did they ditch the reversing action? Wasn't that a claim to fame?

 

[tolivac]

Scott55405:You can try to lube the bearings in your 3600 unit:-If you get another-I have two--you can try to lube the upper and lower motor bearings-they dry out from use.to do the lower bearing-turn the base upside down and remove the bottom cover(unit unplugged from line of course)Use an oil can filled with 3 and one lube oil for motors-put a drop on the shaft in the bearing-allow it to soak in for about an hour.Now put the base cover back on.Turn the base back right side up-remove the rubber jar pad.Again with the oil can-use the long flexible spout-dribble a drop or two of the oil into the top-again allow it to soak in for about an hour.Wipe up any extra oil from the top and put the rubber jar pad back in place.turn the motor coupling by hand several times to work in the oil.the machine should run OK at this point.In the future if the machine is run alot-you may have to oil the bearings again.I have had to do this for the two I got at yard sales.
Petek: I beleive Vita-Mix dropped the reverse action because of shortened brush life in the motor.It was especially apparent when the motor was reversed at high speed.You would see a bright flash from the bottom of the motor base.Yes-it was their claim to fame--the reverse action gave a powerful mixing and blending action unmatched by other blenders.Now at present--the Oster "Intelleblend"when you put one of these into the "Salsa" cycle-the machine goes forward-reverse--just like the older Vita-Mixes.The Oster machine isn't in the same class as one of those classic Vita-Mix machines.The older Vita-Mixes used Black and Decker Router motors to give their legendary high speeds and power.And yes-BD made use of the same reverse action in their routers.Was used for some of their router bits.
I too-love the way ANY of the VM machines prepares 'shakes or smoothies-I too put whole or frozen fruits in them and the machine blends them to smooth satin like perfection-No pulpyness or stringyness.(My own made up words--Marriem would shoot me)also the VM machines make good pancake-waffle batter.Just a few pulses on the machine and its done.
Oh--another thing about 5000 series blenders-Vita-Mix has a coupling on the motor shaft that is designed to shear or break if the machine is overloaded-takes a GROSS overload to do it-like leaving a spoon in the container and starting the machine.They provide a coupling kit that you can use to replace the coupler when the time comes-you will know--the motor runs but the blades don't spin.-and makes an awful noise.It only takes about 10 min to replace the coupler.I would recommend ordering one from Vita-Mix or Evergreen trade.They are cheap-about 12-15 dollars.In my oldest machine-come to think of it I also had to replace its coupler.Otherwise its fine.Still used.

 

[petek]

I have lots of classic Oster blenders all good machines but the jar design with that narrow bottom isn't the greatest for doing thick things which tend to just stick there while the blade spins. The Warings are somewhat better in that regard. The best though hands down are the old Ronsons with the wide bottom carafe and 4 inch blades. Can't speak for the Vita Mixes seeing as I've never used one.
I also want to get an older GE, there happens to be a few on Ebay right now, right after I emptied my PayPal account, curses.

 

[tolivac]

Petekossibly a good Vita-Mix machine for thick foods would be the "Max Performance" models.these have a large non-tapered jar and a BIG two wing blade-its over 4 In across.These things are tough enough to turn ice into snow:They are sold thru their commercial division.Probably the least expensive "Max Performance" would be their "BarBoss models.Besides preparing liquids-they would work for thicker mixtures.The large jar base would make it easier to scoop the mixture out when finished.
Another blender to consider is the Blendtec machines-these are another supurb machine-competitor to Vita-Mix.these also have big 2 wing blades and large jar bottoms.Its easy to scoop thick mixtures from these with a spoon or spatula.The "EZ-Blend" is the least expensive one.I have their "Titan"its blade is over 5in across and a roomy jar bottom.worth its high price.-But the machine has a 20A motor and a 20A NEMA plug.Requires a 20A 120V circuit to run.Its the most powerful countertop blender made.The motor can be mounted in the base or-a cutout in your countertop.Love its polished SS motor base.I wish I could run into one of those Ronsons-they sound like nice machines-and can heat whatever you are mixing.They should bring these back-Yes-I have seen Thermomix website-would think the Ronson could be less expensive.also the Blendtec machines can turn ice cubes into "snow" the only blenders besides the Vita-mix that can do that.Either of thehose machines can pulverize other hard foods too.

 

[petek]

Re the Ronson cook'n stirs. If you ever happen to be bidding on one, they do come up occasionally on Ebay, be sure to ask the seller the condition of the large rubber gasket that surroungs the jar base to the metal jar bottom, and ask if it leaks when water is left sitting in it for a few minutes. I've had mine for quite a number of years and the last new gasket I could ever find was back around 1989. Thankfully it doesn't leak but when it does eventually I suppose, I don't know where I'll get another.

 

[gansky1]

I have a 3600 that I bought on ebay a couple of years ago after seeing the live demo presentation at Jon (jetcone)'s house. They are terrific machines. He has both the 3600 and new machine and also prefers the older, SS container/spigot models. We have made bread dough, soup, powdered sugar (yes - powdered sugar) and many, many smoothies among other things. It really is a very versatile appliance to have on the counter, if you make a real effort to read the book, watch the video and learn to use it, you'll use it all the time.

I recommend buying a copy of the video on ebay before you buy a machine, this will give a good idea of what the machine can do. Watching them chop 2x4 chunks in to sawdust is amazing!

Good luck - Greg

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[michaelman2]

Greg, the video is great advice. I have the large cookbook and not until the I purchased the video did I understand the correct use of the VM.

 

[tlee618]

I got my vita mix 3600 on ebay after seeing what it could whip up when I was at Greg's house two years ago. I really agree with him in that you should get the video. It is an amazing machine and I use mine often for smoothies. I have also made bread and had pretty good luck with that considering I started with natural wheat that had to be ground. It is a great machine. Terry

 

[tolivac]

Yes-I have that Vita-mix video.got it when I bought a 4000 machine new many years ago.I wouldn't try the wood block test with the new machines-that would break the coupler.In those old machines-they didn't use the shear couplers.Those old Black and Decker motors were tough!When I called Vita Mix a few years ago to order new blades for my 5000 and a 3600-they mentioned about a customer who was a mortician-he used his 3600 machine as an "ash processer"--to grind body ash after cremation.thats another tough test.The burnt bone would also be hard on blades-perhaps worse than the wood blocks!the Vita-Mix tech mentioned the blades were badly bent and container was heavily dented that came from the mortician.