The Vitamix vs. The Blendtec vs. The NutriBullet vs. The Ninja vs. the HealthMaster

4/10/2014

I reviewed the Vitamix, Blendtec, Ninja and the Healthmaster in a previous blog post here, however that was over two years ago and needs to be updated! My experiences with each machine have evolved and I've used a new appliance, the NutriBullet, which I need to add to the mix!

Vitamix

This is the cream of the crop - the ultimate blender that everyone should own. My use of my Vitamix (I've had both the 5000 and the 5200) over the past six years has cemented my unwavering loyalty to this brilliant machine. I bought my high powered blender the instant I decided the raw lifestyle was worth investing into. I've taken it on trips, on airplanes (checked & carry-on!), even on my honeymoon! Not only does it help me create all my raw vegan dishes, but it saves me tons of time. It grinds nuts and seeds, completely bursts the cell walls of plants to release that incredible chlorophyll, breaks down frozen fruit to make ice cream, in fact I haven’t found anything my Vitamix cannot do. When people ask if I miss hot foods (as I don't cook anything), I demonstrated how my Vitamix warms up my food. There is no heating element, but it runs at 240 mph and the friction heats up my soups, sauces, dips, etc.

The only problem with the Vitamix? It’s expensive!!!!! If you buy a brand new Deluxe Vitamix 5200, with all the bells and whistles, it comes out to $650. HOWEVER! You can also buy a Vitamix that has been “factory reconditioned” for $329.00 (Click here!) ! I always recommend reconditioned machines. You get a brand new container with a motor that has been refurbished to be like new for half the price of the new ones. If you put in this code when you check out, you get free shipping ($25 savings!): 06-005351.

People are always asking if there are other blenders out there that are cheaper, yet have the same performance. I have personally used four other blenders that are good in their own right, but I will stress that NO BLENDER have the same performance as the Vitamix, in my experiences. Now mind you, I use my Vitamix 3-8 times a day, and have used each of the following blenders at least a dozen times each while teaching classes and coaching people in their own homes.

Blendtec

The first is a Blendtec, the rival to the Vitamix. It’s slightly more affordable than the Vitamix, coming in at $400 for the “Wild Side” (basic version), and only $279 at the moment for their Factory Reconditioned Basic. It’s slightly more powerful than the Vitamix, coming in at 1560 Watts vs. the Vitamix’s 1380 Watts. The Basic comes with a 32 oz. pitcher, the Wild Side has a 44 oz. pitcher, and the Vitamix has a 64 oz. pitcher. The Blendtec has a broader based pitcher – easier to get your food out and nothing gets trapped under the blades. The Blendtec can also warm up your liquids and dips, which is awesome for a raw foodist. All in all, the Blendtec is a GREAT BUY. If you find one, go for it.

BUT…there are some major drawbacks. First, it does not come with a tamper – an instrument to push food into the blades. Therefore, you need to cut and dice your food smaller so it will move AND you CANNOT make Raw Vegan Banana Ice Cream in this blender. :/ That’s a big part of my diet, so I cannot imagine having the Blendtec permanently. Second, even though the base of the pitcher is larger (my Vitamix pitcher is tapered) and it makes getting your creations out easier, it has serious problems with both small amounts and large amounts of food. The blades will spin if there isn't enough food to move around - and while it's difficult to do small amounts in the Vitamix, the tamper makes it possible. Also you cannot fill it to the top with food and expect it to blend. I can make a full 64 ounces of Green Smoothie in my Vitamix, but you can only fill the 44 oz container half way! Third, the larger motor doesn’t do any more than I need, but it is a LOT louder – which is not so good when you have kids with sensitive hearing, babies, or need to do any food prep when people are sleeping. And fourth, with all its preprogrammed settings (ice cream, dips, smoothies, etc.), it's much harder to work manually. When trying to make a dip out of cashews, for example, you need to run the dip setting two to four times to get the same consistency with the Vitamix. In my opinion the next blender is more efficient than the Blendtec, for a fraction of the price.

NutriBullet

The NutriBullet is new on the market in the past year, which makes me both excited and nervous. Excited because it holds such promise and is such a great deal. Nervous because it is part of the Bullet family of machines and they all had mechanical issues...so I'm hoping those have been improved upon or fixed. The Magic Bullet had issues with leaking, with breaking down quickly (buy a new one every year or two), and so I'm been playing with as many as I can do see how they fare.

So far, none of those issues have arisen (please comment at the bottom if you'd had any issues with yours!). It's not a bad price of $130 on their website (you can also pay in installments!), but I've found it as little as $87 on Amazon. The Nutribullet has only 600 watts, which is half the power of the Blendtec and Vitamix. And the pitcher to blend in is only 24 ounces large. However, it is GREAT for small quantities of smoothies, dips, and dressings. I would not use the NutriBullet for soups, ice cream, or large quantities of anything. It does grind grains and nuts, though, and for that reason alone I prefer the NutriBullet to the Blendtec. I find I get a better consistency from grinding nuts and then adding the rest of the ingredients in the NutriBullet than the Blendtec. There has been a handful of times that I've switched from the Blendtec to the NutriBullet when my clients had both machines.

That being said, you get what you pay for. It's a good price, but still cannot create the amazing dishes that the Vitamix can. However, if I have the option to use the Blendtec or the NutriBullet....I'll be choosing the NutriBullet.

FYI, the whole extracting vs. blending vs. juicing thing? The NutriBullet is a blender, no matter how they spin in.

HealthMaster

I have had the opportunity to try out Montel William’s HealthMaster on several occasions. You can find it on Amazon for only $120 (it keeps getting cheaper every year!). It comes in at 1100 watts of power, which isn’t much less than Vitamix’s 1380 watts. It has a monster 70 oz. pitcher that has a nice broad base where no food gets stuck. It comes with a tamper! Yaaay! Raw Vegan Ice cream, here we come! AND…the base is programmable just like the Blendtec.

Here come the con’s. First, like the Blendtec, even though the base of the pitcher is larger (my Vitamix pitcher is tapered), I have problems doing small amounts of food. One cup of dip in the HealthMaster just spins…doesn’t mix, even with the tamper. Second, the lower wattage means that it just isn’t as powerful and doesn’t blend as smooth or creamy as the Vitamix or the Blendtec. I tried to make a pie crust (crushed nuts and fruit) in the HealthMaster and it got stuck in the pitcher, and I had to take it all out and use another appliance. The pitcher has pockets where food gets caught and I can’t just spatula it down to the bottom…I’m not sure if you can see from the picture. The motor is ridiculously loud and slightly smelly (which the manufacturer says will wear off within six months). Lastly, it has two locking mechanisms that sound like a wonderful safeguard but are actually quite annoying. The thing won’t run unless the pitcher is locked to the base and the lid is locked to the pitcher. Both locks are quite difficult to engage and after working with it for a half an hour, my fingers were starting to blister. I got used to it quickly, but my friend said she was less likely to work with it because of this feature. It also doesn't run at the speeds of the Vitamix or Blendtec, which means it won't warm up your food. I have had too many people tell me that their Health Master broke down within the first year to recommend this machine any longer. Use your money more wisely!

Ninja

Lastly, I've had more experience with the Ninja than with the previous two machines because it's far more affordable, available, and everyone seems to be getting one! This machine is wonderfully unique in that it has multiple blades. Because of this, a tamper is less necessary to push food into the blades - there are blades in the middle and on top! It has a programmable base with 1000 watts of power (only 100 less than the HealthMaster!), has a wonderfully easy to use 72 ounce container. All in all, they have taken a little bit of everything and made a great machine for only $100.

However, you get what you pay for. With the Ninja, you pay a fraction of the price for a fraction of the ability. I cannot make the same quality of dips, sauces, desserts, smoothies, and ice cream is out of the picture. It does many amazing things and is far better for making Green Smoothies than a traditional blender (Oster or Hamilton Beach). So if you are using your blender for mostly just smoothies - than this is a great machine for the price!

The Ninja and the NutriBullet are close in my mind, but this would be great for large amounts of liquids and the NutriBullet would be great for small amount. If you live by yourself, go with the NutriBullet. If you live with a large family, this is the machine for you. If you have the budget and would like to make the investment - the Vitamix is the best there is and you'll have it for a decade or more without needing anything else!

Each of the machines listed come with recipe books that are definitely a part of the price - wonderful recipes that get you to use the machine and eat healthier. Sure, they aren't raw vegan, but they are homemade from scratch and encourage you to move away from processed foods. That's the first step - less processed, more whole foods!

So there we are. Five different blenders. Each of the blenders tackled Green Smoothies with ease and are amazing blenders. The Ninja and the NutriBullet are close in my mind, but this would be great for large amounts of liquids and the NutriBullet would be great for small amount. If you live by yourself, go with the NutriBullet. If you live with a large family, this is the machine for you. I still recommend the Vitamix. It is worth the investment and even if you aren’t raw in any capacity it is wonderful for your kitchen. Not to mention, the Vitamix has been around since 1937 and is made in the US. If a machine has a warranty, I would trust a company that has been around more then ten years and has perfected the craft that they are in. Just my two cents...

If I have moved you toward the Vitamix and are interested in purchasing one, use this code for free shipping (06-005351) and go here! I hope this helped!!!!

72 Comments

About the Blogger

Haley is passionate about Raw Food and how God has used it to heal her. She loves to share what she knows with anyone who is curious, and finds herself talking to everyone around her about her lifestyle.

God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. (2 Corinthians 3-7)

This Scripture applies to every area of life that Haley is passionate about. In order to be grateful, confidant, and assured of anything in your life...it must be tested and proved. That testing is never easy and rarely pleasant...but it IS purposeful. She now can take the comfort that God has given her and share it with you. Amen!

Lenny link

4/11/2014 03:03:19 am

Nice comparison article. I've owned and tested all of these, too.

The only one I haven't gotten my hands on is the Vitamix S30. I did a <a href="http://lifeisnoyoke.com/vitamix-s30-first-take/">first take review of the S30</a> and would be curious if you have heard anything.

Keep up the good work, Haley.

LRBG link

4/11/2014 04:07:28 am

Thanks Lenny,

I noticed the Vitamix S30 and thought it was perfect, except the price. The price should be half of that, so I'll wait until they have a Factory Reconditioned option before I send people that way.

Deb

4/17/2014 08:51:48 am

I have used the Nutrabullet for over a year and love it. I know it will wear out soon but it is my favorite appliance.

I use it primarily for smoothies made with mostly vegetables, some powders such as maca and chorella, and some fruit just to sweeten to taste. I sometimes add hemp seed, soaked cashews, or other soaked nuts. I often make a large smoothie and share it with one of my teenagers. To fool them about the content of greens, I add a small piece of raw beet or red/blue berries. They have no idea how much nutrition they are getting!

I have purchased another one and still have it in the box (saw it on sale at Walmart for $89 last month). It is usually $99 there or if not there it is that price if you use 'ship to store'. It has all of the attachments (10 or so pieces). If you go on youtube and type in nutrabullet or david wolfe, there are a lot of recipes and great videos. I also use it for blending ingredients together when cooking certain things.

My current quest is to use the nutribullet to blend raw high nutrient foods into sauces and use them more in my family's food.

Stew Gorry

7/17/2014 01:31:15 pm

You'd take the Nutribullet over the Blendtec -- really? I have both machines and I definitely wouldn't. In fact I chose the Blendtec over the Vitamix without batting an eye. To me the Vitamix is a dinosaur; like something out of the industrial revolution...........Stew

George

7/20/2014 07:08:34 am

Are you kidding Stew? My friend has. A blendtec and kid him all the time. The vitamix is to a blendtec, what a Mercedes is to a Chevy.

Darcey

7/20/2014 07:33:00 am

I have a Blendtec and I am trying to decide if I should get a Nutribullet. It seems to blend into smoothies just a little better. But I love my Blendtec. I just can't decide. This helped some, but I am not a vitamix fan.

cheryl henderson

8/31/2014 01:42:55 am

Good article. It has helped me make the comparison. Already have Vitamix which works so well for us. But when we travel, want to take something more compact and less expensive if damaged.
Thanks.

Marie-Claude Séguin

9/14/2014 07:46:49 am

I would like to know if you have tried the new nutribullet 900? If so would you think it is a good alternative to the vitamix since this one is so expensive and that i just want to make smoothies for now...

Kayla

3/22/2018 06:10:20 pm

Yes, definitely use the Nutri Bullet. It does smoothies great and you do not need to spend all that money for a great smoothie. I have owned both.

Michelle

9/22/2014 02:58:08 pm

Does the Ninja grind nuts like the Nutribullet?

12/26/2014 02:37:26 am

In large quantities, yes. Because of its large container, you need to fill it rather full to get the blades to hit all the nuts, or they just sit at the bottom below the blades without being crushed. I would say the Bullet is great for grinding nuts in small quantities.

Veronica

10/2/2014 03:41:40 pm

Thanks for comparison. I've been using the nutribullet for about 6 months but haven't gone all raw...I'm not a big meat ester but I so enjoy flavor of cooked foods. Regardless this will help me with a grant I'm writing to combine healthy eating, physical activity my youth organizations FCCLA and our pe dept with my culinary program.

Terri

10/5/2014 05:44:26 am

Hi,
Thanks for your review! I'm looking into getting a new blender (My small 4-cup Kitchen-Aid processor died last night :( Just wondering if you have know anything about the Oster Versa?

http://www.amazon.com/Oster-1400-watt-Professional-Performance-BLSTVB-000-000/dp/B00851TPAM

Kristina Reeder

10/8/2014 12:38:12 am

I use my NutriBullet everyday. I even used it to make baby food when my daughters were starting solid foods. If mine wears out, I will buy another one for sure. It's cheap, it's easy, and I have never had any mechanical issues with mine. I will admit, I have wanted to try a Vitamix for a long time, but the price alone is keeping me from buying one.

JEFF FINE

10/12/2014 02:22:20 pm

I used your promo code and bought the blender! Woo hoo! I can't wait until it is delivered!!!! Vitamix of course!

Samantha Lewis

10/25/2014 07:17:37 pm

My nutribullet broke quickly, but I loved the system more than the conventional blend. I will try a vitamix next. Thanks for the review

Kristin Bell link

10/26/2014 03:40:15 am

Thanks for the great comparison. Seems like vitamix is still the best of all the blenders despite its hefty price tag.

Mom

11/15/2014 05:20:26 am

I need help...I want to buy my 18 year old son a bullet-type blender for Christmas. He is university student and athlete. Any recommendations??

11/16/2014 01:09:36 pm

Hi, I highly recommend the Nutrabullet. Just the basic one they sell at Walmart. They came out with some more higher power/different style ones since but I don't see the need for anything but the basic one for smoothies. It will grind up ginger root, beets, etc. as long as you have enough liquid in the cup along with the other smoothie ingredients. I have two teenage boys and the only thing I'd be concerned about is whether your son will use the nutrabullet or other smoothie type machine. Hopefully he has some friends at college who also use one and will use it. If you look up David Wolfe on you tube you can see a lot of different smoothies being made.

debbie

1/26/2016 11:30:05 am

bought a nutri bullet took it out of the box .. and boom first drink lid did not fit properly spent 10 minutes cleaning up.. i have had a vitamix for three years nothing companres..

Jakobi Jaiye

11/25/2014 02:11:08 pm

I really enjoyed reading this comparison piece. I would have really appreciated it if I had read this before ordering my Nutri Ninja. I can tell you that I am very excited and can't wait to receive. I have been hearing so much about it and I can't wait to make some nice smoothies, dips, alcoholic beverages, and whatever else with this machine. I know that this machine will make me a very happy person indeed.

June Shaffer

11/26/2014 02:51:46 am

Great job! Always enjoy reading your updates - scored a VitaMix 5200 through Craig's list for $325 - the guy's sister sent him the blender for Christmas and he had no idea what to do with it. I sure did - it has been great! You never know - my husband actually found it. But I would have paid more than that! We do have the Ninja but have had no reason to use it (not even sure where it came from, I think a gift last year...)

Haley link

12/13/2014 06:22:08 am

June,

Yay for craigslist, but a refurbished Vitamix through the website with the warranty is only $299 right now!!!

Jim Bretzke

11/30/2014 02:13:45 am

Haley, thanks for taking the time to do these comparisons. Nice and informative and helpful. I saw an infomercial on the new Nutribullet Rx yesterday, I was wondering if you've checked that out yet, and what you think of it.

john gunning link

12/10/2014 12:07:27 am

Nutra bullet. Is hard on hands to operate! Pushing down and twisting caused carpel tunnel in my hands. Twisting the lid and leaking are also a problem for seniors .I'm tempted to spring for viti-mix . Any body else experience this?

12/26/2014 02:35:40 am

Hi John,

I love that you were using it enough that your body showed signs of overuse. I do NOT love that it caused carpal tunnel or that it leaks. You are not the first to complain that it is more work than expected, especially over time, and definitely not the first to complain about leaking. It makes me not want to recommend it anymore...

The Vitamix is worth it, and there are great sales around the holidays! :)

Sozo International

11/18/2017 06:03:29 pm

The Vitamin does not require a lot to twist the lid and since the container is very tall, leaking has not been a problem for me so far. It does not mean that it is leak proof. If I rinse or soak it right after I use it, it is quite easy to clean. I just use a tiny drop of detergent, water and a bottle brush. I can also swirl the detergent in about 1/3 water in high speed for 10 minutes or so to clean or to sanitize.

renee

12/11/2014 05:05:54 am

I have the Nutribullet and if you don't screw the top on properly (too easy to misalign), it leaks all over the base, which you can't really wash. I also tend to fill mine too full, so I have to be extra careful about the leakage. Otherwise, I love it because it's easy to use and wash. But I think I will need to replace mine after about 1 year because of all the leaks I've had. Food dries in the clicking mechanism so it gets harder and harder to use.

12/13/2014 06:21:01 am

Man, that stinks, Renee! All of the Bullet models have had leaking issues, which is one of the reasons I"m leery about recommending them to people. I'd rather you spent money on something that last a looong time. :)

Renee

12/13/2014 03:04:10 am

Haley,
Thanks for this. Have been wanting a Vitamix for several years now. Ready to order a refurbished one for my Christmas gift from hubby (I told him this is what I wanted!). Question- I went to the link and I'm concerned because it says that you could get one of several types of Vitamix- 5200, Creations, TurboBlend, etc. Are all models created equal?

12/13/2014 06:19:48 am

Hi Renee,

I personally enjoy the 5200 the most. I've played with almost every Vitamix on the market and still like the standard. That being said, it depends on how many people are in your family and what you are expecting to make with your Vitamix primarily. I gave my father-in-law the S-30, because I know he'll only use it to make smoothies and nothing else...so that makes the most sense for him. For anyone looking to make soups, sauces, etc....the 5200 is the one I recommend. :)

Wade

1/22/2015 03:06:34 am

I bought a refurbished Vitamix around Christmas time for $285.00 plus free shipping. I bought the one from the 5200 category that you are looking at. All of those blenders in that category are the same 5200 model just different labels like CIA or Creations.

Jeff

12/22/2014 12:25:57 pm

What is the difference in smoothie quality between the Vitamix and a Ninja? We have a Ninja and make mostly smoothies but sometimes the texture is too "gritty".

jessica

12/26/2014 02:00:56 am

Haley, looks like this was already asked but I dont see a reply... have you tried the new Nutribullet RX? Thx!

12/26/2014 02:33:03 am

Hi Jessica!

Yes, I've tried it. I enjoy it - I like its convenience (great to take on the road), I like the price, and I enjoy how all of the sales are encouraging people to drink more green smoothies.

However, it simply isn't as powerful as the Vitamix or Blendtec and so the consistency is not as good. Some things don't get blended completely (berry seeds, tough greens, nuts and seeds, etc.), so while it's good for smoothies, it's not the best nor will it give you the best quality out there.

I've had at least a dozen people tell me that their Nutribullet (not the RX, that's a little too new) degraded and leaked after 6 months of use. The Bullet series of blenders continues to have this issue. I was hoping they had resolved it, but it seems to be a determent from buying one.

So those are my opinions. I hope they help!

Kris

12/27/2014 11:44:42 am

So want a Vitamix but settled for a Nutri Ninja 1500 Duo Auto IQ. (Didn't know about the refurbished option, but still more than dbl what I paid for this one) I have only used a few days but like so far. Far out performs my little Bella (bullet style) and my old Oster blender. Any experience with this model? Anything I should be aware of, beside that it will probably leak according to the above comments. I am definitely hoping to use it for much more than smoothies, as in grain free, paleo and vegan cooking...and multiple times a day usage. (See why I long for a vitamix?)

12/27/2014 12:08:06 pm

There is another kind of blender that Kirsten at Nourish Restaurant in Gilbert, AZ uses in the restaurant and recommends. She says it is comparable to the Vitamix and is more reasonable. If you are interested in finding out the brand name/model info you would need to contact her. Her web site is www.nourish123.com.

Mary

1/4/2015 02:12:47 am

Costco sells nutribullet delux for $79.99

Tate

1/5/2015 06:31:52 am

I have had the nutribullet for about a year and used it almost every day so I guess I got my money's worth but if you want something to last a long time stay away. I've also had some issues with leaking and lately with the rubber spinner not locking into it after 10 seconds or so and just spinning beneath it. This could get potentially be dangerous in my opinion so will be tossing it .. I think i'll go with a vitamax product.

Vitaqueen

1/5/2015 04:18:04 pm

My dear friend has the original Nutribullet. To me it leaves drinks like applesauce. Too thick for me. I love my Vitamix. American made and with a 7 year warranty.

Daniela link

1/13/2015 04:06:08 am

The Nutri-bullet was good for the price, except that it broke down after less than two weeks of use. Also, I feel that it needs too much liquid to blend well, so that it's not suitable for making things like pesto. I am looking to replace it with another machine, bc I do hear that they break down easily. Too bad.

Gayle

1/13/2015 11:15:26 am

QVC sells many Vitamix models and they're usually available on their "easy pay" program. That means you get the Vitamix immediately with your first paymen and continue to enjoy while you take 4-6 months to pay. Varies depending on what specials they're running.

2/17/2015 02:44:36 am

Just make sure you get the 64 oz. Container with your QVC deal. Sometimes they send you the short dry container at a higher price...but the installments make it very enticing. :) Just research what you are buying!

joe

1/26/2015 06:37:21 am

Wow. Thanks for such a great review. A work friends of mine was telling me about the nutribullet and hot me thinking about getting one. I presently own a very old (stainless steel pitcher) vitamix that I bought for $100 on craigslist a few years ago. Your article has persuaded me to go back and give it a try again. The thing is, it didn't come with a recipe book and I haven't been able to really use it for what it's worth. I am vegan as well and am wondering if you could direct me to to vegan recipes for the vitamix. That would be do absolutely positively yay awesome and helpful (as you, I can tell, are). Thanks much. Health, light, and happiness to you

2/17/2015 02:48:22 am

Yay! I love that you are giving your old Vitamix a go! If you take a look at this website, you'll find quite a few free recipes, and I've also written 11 books FULL of vegan recipes. :)

Vanda link

2/1/2015 08:26:16 pm

Hi I was so pleased to find your blog when i typed in Vita mix comparison. I found it extremely helpful. I have wanted a Vita mix for a few years now. I quit smoking Dec 14 2014 this is a positive way to reward myself and get on track with a much healthier lifestyle. Although it was expensive, I believe you get what you pay for. I have problems eating (psychological) but I can eat soup and smoothies so this should work well for me. Thanks for all of your research, If I hadn't have just purchased a Vita mix, I certainly would be after reading your blog. Thanks. ;)

tom

2/13/2015 01:48:40 am

With all these machines I (especially low wattage) I pre steam dense vegetables and nuts which puts less stress on the motors and prevents burn-out.

2/17/2015 02:47:10 am

With low wattage machines, I can see how that would make a smoother consistency. However, as you cook your vegetables and nuts - you start to lose nutrition. Buying a blender with a powerful motor not only saves you time, but provides more nutrition in the raw form. :)

Joanne

2/17/2015 01:35:46 am

I have had my vitamix 3600 for over 30 years!! Only replaced the rubber gasket in the top. My favorite is home grown tomato soup for our dinner. Also have the nutri bullet now for quick breakfast Shaklee protein fruit smoothies.

2/17/2015 02:45:39 am

Yes! I've played with a few Vitamixes that are over 20 years old...it always boggles my mind. I'm so used to ALL technology falling apart within 5-10 years. I love my Vitamix.

Mmmm, home grown tomato soup. Now I want to go make some!

2/17/2015 09:58:25 am

Joanne, I am looking for a gasket for my old vitamix just now. Could you tell me how you got yours? Thanks

hema

2/26/2015 01:37:42 am

Vitamix is the way to go. It does a wonderful job of indian spice paste as well that no blender comes close too. I have had one since 1981 with no problem I just broke down last year to get the 5200 series (reconditioned) with bell and whistle and gave my son the old one. He and his wife make smoothies every single day!

3/17/2015 11:12:40 pm

Haley -- I over the years I have owned both machines (currently I have a Blendtec). I agree that the Vitamix blends small amounts better. On all your other points I strongly disagree -- the Blendtec is considerably better (yes -- including the vegan ice cream). The Vitamix is a clumsy and ponderous dinosaur that looks like something designed during the Industrial Revolution.

As far as choosing the NutriBullet over the Blendtec; that is so preposterous I won't elaborate.............Stew Gorry

Greg

3/19/2015 08:40:52 am

Nutribullet worked fine for me until I broke it after 5 months. My fault because I used it at least once every day and the closed jar requires strict adherence to the marked limit. With the quick paced breakfast routine it was inevitable I'd overstuff it with great-looking produce and sure enough break the seal around the blades. The oozing black sealant clearly identifies the end. I think the closed jar is a clever seller but limits Nutribullet's flexibility. As another mentioned the Nutribullet base has openings so spills can result in sticking contacts around the jar risking operating problems. I'm trying to talk myself into a reconditioned Vitamix but a Nutribullet's only about $80 at CostCo, the Vitamix about $330 and I have to wait 8-15 days for delivery. $300+ for a blender is hard to do.

Barbara

5/16/2015 01:38:31 am

Was going to buy a Nutri Ninja but after all these reviews I have the Vita Mixer older style. About 24 years old and will start using that one. I'll get a coffee mill for the seeds and nuts and mix those in while making my plant based drinks.
Haley thanks for doing this for all of us who can't decide which is better for us.

kate chambers

5/23/2015 08:41:00 am

i have noticed that there is a new Nutribullet out. . . Nutribullet RX. how does that compare? i have a Nutribullet but may need to change to something else. checking out all the possibilities. any help?

EMILY

6/3/2015 03:55:44 am

This is lovely. I am slowly transitioning to a vegetarian (vegan ultimately) due to some health issues that do not allow me to eat any animal products whatsoever and I am looking into investing into one of these lovely devices.

With this article- i have definitely made up my mind with Vitamix as my number 1 and Nutribullet as number 2 but i was wondering what your opinions are about the newer version of Nutribullet (the RX). that would be greatly appreciated.

It has runs at 1700 Watts and can take in soups and make sauces like the Vitamix although I have not tried the machine.

What do you think?? :D

6/5/2015 04:38:22 pm

Hi Emily, I wrote a comment back in April 2014 about the Nutribullet (base model) and it is the best value for me. The base model package was $79 at Fry's the other day and I imagine a similar price at Walmart. It will make a smoothie so quick and easy for you. I put pieces of raw ginger (sliced) and red beets (sliced) in and it grinds them up well along with all other raw vegetables. If your primary use for the appliance is smoothies, I think the Nutrabullet is most cost effective and without sacrificing anything. If you want to blend things that have less liquid in them, then the Vitamix is definitely the appliance to get. Once in a while I think about getting a Vitamix to blend ingredients to make raw snack bars (but have not yet invested in one). It could be the next Christmas present I ask for. Last year it was a mandoline!

6/5/2015 04:44:36 pm

Hi Emily, I just realized I did not answer to your question about the RX model of Nutrabullet. I have not used it myself. I have seen demos using it and it looks like it is very powerful and can withstand some heated ingredients. If you follow David Wolfe on youtube or longevitywarehouse.com you can see some videos of the RX. If I were buying the next step up right now, I think I would go to the Vitamix!

Kathy

8/10/2015 02:06:27 pm

Have you heard about the bad reviews on the Vitamix having black specks in the food after blending? Seeing lots of reviews about this problem...

Ben

8/15/2015 02:49:42 am

We have been using the Nutribullet for the past three years, mainly for green smoothies, and sometimes I will blend up veggies for pasta sauce(to hide the veggies my 3 year old doesn't like). We were sold on the "pulverize vs blend" selling feature but reading more I see that these machines all do the same thing probably.
The truth is the Nutribullet is mechanically flawed on multiple levels. We're on our 3rd machine. It leaks, and an oil type substance eventually leaks out of the bottom of the blade piece. My co-worker has the Vitamix and raves about it. We are going to buck up and get the Vitamix when this bullet bites it(which will be sooner than later). Thanks for the review!

Karen link

8/19/2015 09:14:06 am

Thank you for this review. I'm new to the NutriBullet and love it, but it leaks. Pretty random so far, but I can tell it will only get worse. I live in a small space, and the options you compared would not fit on my counter. I'm disappointed, but thank you so much for the comparisons with pictures!

Deb M

8/19/2015 01:47:28 pm

Hi Karen, I use a Nutrabullet every morning and for some other things that use a good amount of liquid such as some salad dressings. I have had it leak were when I filled the smoothie cup to above the 'max fill line' or if I didn't tighten the blade on quite enough. Also, if you blend it too long, it may get just a bit loose and be the cause. I blend lots of kind of hard things like raw red beet and raw ginger (I do chop both as I put them in) and it is all completely blended within 10-15 seconds. The fill line is the main thing that I have to watch and it is so tempting to put just one more thing in and go over that line!!

Jon

8/31/2015 05:21:32 am

I bought my first Vitamix a few decades ago. I think in the early 80s. it was the Stainless one. A few years back I traded it in on a refurbished Vitamix. It is a good machine. I also own a Magic Bullet which I've had since they came out. It has served me well but I don't use it for many things. When the Nutribullet came out I got one. It had a few issues in the beginning as many early products do. I have one at the office and one at home. Each gets used at least once a day as does the Vitamix. All serve me well and do a good job.

Dev lakhanpal

12/8/2015 09:56:27 pm

I have been using Vitamix 4 times a week, for 8 years.I think this the best blender, juicer,nutrition extractor etc in the market. I must have convinced atleast 5 other people to buy this machine.They kid me that I must have Vitamix stock shares.I wish Vitamix would make a small jar like Nutri bullet which will come so handy for a single serving of smoothies and making small amounts of chutnies, jams etc and it should fit the regular Vitamix base.

Doug

1/18/2016 09:28:40 pm

Any input regarding the Nutibullet RX? I have the Vitamix, but am looking for a traveling companion.

Rob

5/4/2016 05:43:48 pm

I have had x2 nutra bullets and they both broke within a year. Good when they work but don't hold up if you plan to use them.

Belinda

9/24/2016 11:38:33 am

I've purchased 2 Nutribullets and both times the plastic wheel broke. It works great! For the price of $99 its indeed a bargain until it breaks.

Alexandra link

9/26/2016 12:20:55 pm

My family bought the Nutri Bullet first, it was started cool, but didn't always blend as well as the infomercials said and it started leaking and became unusable in less than a year.
Then we invested in a Vitamix and that thing is EXCELLENT! I have also used a Vitamix at my bartending job so I know how powerful and reliable it is. It's amazing.
I recently moved out of my parents' house, and I cannot afford a Vitamix on my own, so I'm about to try the newest model of the compact Nutri Ninja. Hopefully it works well and lasts, thanks!

Drew Darling

12/7/2016 12:15:58 pm

Thank you for a wonderfully detailed review. But the main point I have been looking for wasn't mentioned. I believe the Nutribullet containers are plastic, correct? That would be enough right there to want to avoid it. The leaching of BPA and BPS from plastic food containers is a serious problem, Especially, if the food or drink is being heated even a little. Will you please confirm for me the other containers in this review are made of glass? Many thanks.

Richard link

3/24/2018 09:51:08 pm

The more powerful the blender the less you want the carafe to be glass. Glass doesn't bend much under stress. It just breaks. Not good.

Denise H Williams link

8/19/2017 10:28:17 am

I've had my refurbished vitamix for over 20 years and it's still going strong. On average I use it 1-2 times a week. It has been well worth the investment!