Any VitaMix owners out there?

[kentauros]

I know a few of you have them, so pipe in! :D

I ordered one from the company and received it last Friday, so I've been using it almost every day now. So far, I've only been using it for smoothies (my main reason for buying to begin with) and sorbet. The first time I used it was on the orange sorbet recipe, though I didn't have oranges; just twenty zested limes from my biscotti-making over Christmas. Only, I didn't put enough sugar in the mix and ended up converting it into a vodka mixed-drink instead :9

The power of this thing is, well, it'll make you respect it! The way it pulverized ice cubes is phenomenal and a bit scary. I was certainly not expecting the results from the sorbet-making, but impressed nonetheless. It's going to take some time to get used to its power...

One thing that seems a little disconcerting is that the main wet-blade container doesn't seem to sit all that "securely" on the base. Oh it fits fine, but I guess it's because I'm used to containers locking into place instead of just sitting on top of the drive shaft. Is this normal, or am I missing a part and need to contact the company? It hasn't caused any problems so far, but I'm afraid of letting go of the top of the container if I need to get something else to put inside or want to multitask while it's blending. It just doesn't 'seem' stable, whether it truly is or not.

[The empressof all]

1. I love my Vitamix

It did take some getting use to in the beginning with the loose fitting bottom --that's the way it's suppose to be. Honestly I can't imagine living without one now. I use it daily for green smoothies. Spinach, an apple, some almonds, ginger and water. We also make banana ice cream most every night now. Frozen bananas, Almond milk (or your choice of "creamy beverage") and a hit of cinnamon, agave and vanilla.

I also love to make veggie soups and just throw whatever is in the crisper and let it rip.

[Warpy]

2. I've been toying with the idea of getting one

since I figured out my rash and wheezing were because I'm allergic to wheat. Pre ground flours are expensive and often not terribly fresh. I'm thinking the Vita Mix might do an acceptable job and it's more versatile than similarly priced grain mills.

I'd like to hear real world experiences grinding grain in one first, though.

[kentauros]

6. I'd like to hear about the grain-grinding, too.

I have the dry blade container, but haven't used it yet. I will need to find a source of fresh grains, though...

[housewolf]

3. Love, love, LOVE my VitaMix!

I'm making all sorts of soups and blended foods in my VitaMix, as well as juices, smoothies and milk shakes (almond milk, some regular milk, ice cream, peanut butter, a banana and a little chocolate syrup - tastes like a liquid Reese's Cup :9 ) . I can't imagine living without one now, I'm so happy with it.

When I first got it, I was astounded by all the different kinds of things it would do. It's SO powerful! I haven't done ice cubes, but the other evening I picked up a roasted chicken at the supermarket and cut all the meat off, then boiled down the carcass for broth. I was looking at all those cooked-to-death skin, bones and veggies, and wondered what would happen if I put them in the VitaMix. No, not for ME but as maybe a special treat for my dogs :rofl:

I dumped about 1/3 of the stuff into the VitaMix and added some water, turned the machine on and crossed my fingers hoping that all would be okay. Within just a few seconds, I had a chicken-remnants blend about the consistency of a medium-thick soup. I looked through it pretty throroughly and didn't find any trace of bones - an amazing treat for my 2 dogs (and boy, do they love it! even though I only give them a tiny bit at a time).

I figure if a machine can grind up chicken bones into a smooth puree without a trace of bone, it's worth every penny that I spent for it and it gets a place of honor in my kitchen. Someone in my house is on a feeding tube and transitioning from formula to a blended diet after 3 years on "canned chemicals" , and the VitaMix has made a HUGE difference in her life. In a number of ways, its brought her back to life. We'll be forever grateful for the VitaMix.

Sadly, I only have the large wet blade container. Wish I had the smaller wet blade and the dry blade containers, but they'll come in time.

I've only had my VitaMix since October, but I've used it almost every day, sometimes multiple times a day. Like you, I was a little worried about how loose the container was on the base, but it seems to be designed that way. With very heavy, thick items - such as my chicken bones and probably your ice cubes - the container turns a little, but it's fine and it's stabile. The base of the machine has even "walked" a little bit (like with the chicken bones), but it only takes a couple seconds till it stabilizes. I don't think you have to worry about it. I usually watch it (and sometimes hold on to it) for the first few seconds, then I'll leave it and go do something else.

In case you can't tell, I'm a big fan of the VitaMix! Thanks for your post about these great machines, I'm happy to rave about them. :applause:

[The empressof all]

5. What a great idea about the bones for the dogs

I eat mostly Vegan but SO will occasionally buy a Costco Roasted Chicken for himself. I'll be trying that for our "ladies"

[kentauros]

7. I'm still wary about the looseness, but will just watch it when I do

anything heavier than smoothies. Haven't tried soups yet, but do want to give that a go sometime soon :)

Seems like I had read one of your earlier posts about having to blend foods for someone on a feeding tube. If you haven't already, maybe write to VitaMix and tell of your success with that aspect.

I think someone here once mentioned that you can get both whole machines and accessories "refurbished" from the manufacturer for a lot less than new. Plus, they usually haven't been used much, if at all, and I trust VitaMix to thoroughly test anything returned.

I am thinking that perhaps I need to buy a bag of ice (if I can find room for it in my freezer) and see if that makes the ice pulverizing easier on the machine with less tamping. You ought to try that, maybe have a cocktail tonight ;)

[housewolf]

8. I trust the VitaMix corp too

Yes, I have seen refurbished machines listed on their website for a bit less than new machines, and with reduced warranty duration.

No smoothie tonight - thatks for the suggestion though. I've been craving hot/warm things here in the dead of winter... not that it's all that cold here in Portland - daysin the 40's - 30's, nights in the 30's or so. We've had a LOT of rain this winter but so much better than a lot of snow!

A bag of ice is a great idea. And be patient, sometimes it takes the machine a few seconds longer to work it's way through more solid stuff than through the liquids. Drink one of those icy cocktails for me, okay? Last night I stirred some pear liquor into so hot spiced pear cider .... Ummmmm, was that ever good! And I'll have some soup for you :rofl:

[pengillian101]

10. Love, love, LOVE my VitaMix!

Great story!

I've often thought of grinding up people leftover food for our cats.

[housewolf]

4. For anyone interested in buying a VitaMix

QVC is having on a special on them this Sunday, 1/23

Presentations are scheduled at these times (all times are ET):
Sun 1/23/2011 12:00 AM - 01:00 AM
Sun 1/23/2011 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Sun 1/23/2011 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

They're not saying yet, but I have a hunch it will be the "Today's Special Value" of the day with little mini-presentations throughout the day). Or you'll be able to buy it online at Sunday's special price.

What this means is that they'll have a special price for the machine on Sunday, probably an EasyPay (monthly payment plan), and either reduced or free shipping. It's a GREAT opportunity to pick up a wonderful kitchen appliance in a more affordable way.

I can vouch for QVC - I've bought a number of items from them over the years and been happy with just about everything (I remember returning a belgian waffle maker that broke on it's 3rd use, as well as a computer, and they are GREAT about returns). I've been happy with both their products and their customer service for many years now.

If you can't get QVC on your tv, you can call them on Sunday for the VitaMix special: 1-888-345-5788

[housewolf]

9. Here's today's QVC Vitamix info

Vitamix Creations ii Countertop 10 in 1 blending machine w/ 38 oz jar
Retail value $455.95
QVC regular price $439
Today's Special Value Price $363.00
5 Easy Payments of $72.60 with free shiping
colors = blue, white, black
5 year warranty


Quality

* Quality 2+ peak HP motor
* Variable Speed Control dial
* 5-Year 'Full' warranty

Value

* 48 oz. BPA-free container with standard handle
* Tamper for processing thicker mixtures
* Creations cookbook - $50 value
* Getting started guide - $16 value

Convenience

* Easy-off lid with removable lid plug



You get the machine, blending jar, cookbook, getting started guide & dvd, 3 spatulas

This looks like a new machine specifically for QVC, the blending jar is a bit smaller that the one I bought in October (mine is 64 oz). I'd love that smaller blending jar. Looking at the blending jars on the Vitamix site, it appears that the 64 oz, 48 oz and 32 oz containers are interchangeable. It appears to be the same base and motor as their regular model (5200)

This is a "Today's Special Value" so the price, payments plan and free shipping are good for orders today only.

For more info, see qvc.com or https://secure.vitamix.com/acb/stores/4/Vitamix-Creations-II-P2337C0.aspx

[Catherina]

11. I LOVE my vitamix. Wouldn't ever dream of parting with it.

The money it's saved me just making coconut milk made up for its cost.

Not having the container lock is weird at first but soon you won't even notice.

Let go of the top of the container next time you pulverize ice cubes (for easier clean up JUST in case). That should reassure you. Mine has never ever come off.

[kentauros]

12. Okay, I've managed to "kill" my VitaMix in short order.

All I did blend a whole lemon (minus the rind), some honey and a little water on High for less than a minute. After I was done, I wanted to add a little more water and then it wouldn't turn on. Tried it on another outlet and still nothing. Let it cool off as I thought the overload protection had kicked in, and waited about an hour. Still nothing. And nothing more later last night, this morning or this afternoon.

So, I just finished talking to their very nice and helpful Customer Service, and they're sending a UPS label for me to drop it off (or have it picked up) so they can take a look at it. I usually keep the packaging for my larger appliances, and still had this one around, so the motor is packed up, and the container will go in when I've cleaned it by hand.

I hope it's something easy for them to fix and maybe they'll offer some advice for whatever I did wrong, if anything, and I'll then pass that along here :)

One day without it, and I'm missing it already! lol