what is the difference between the vitamix and the blendtec? which would you recommend?

also what is the difference between the vitamix 5200 and the 4800?

I basically want a blender that will make green smoothies with a nice texture. I would also use it to make occasional nut butters and nut mylk and stuff. I would like to make pate and other things every once in a while. Mostly will be using it to make smoothies, and am really interested in the nice texture I have seen in vitamix. smooth. =)

I am planning on investing in a nice high powered blender. Please give me any advice you can. thanks. =)

I love my vitamix and could not imagine a morning without it. I never knew about the blendtec until after I purchased my vitamix. I bought the 5200 with the dry container as well as the wet container. I make wonderful green smoothies every morning, nut butters, apple sauce, grind nuts, flax seeds. It is truly a wonderful blender although, I can't compare because I never checked into the blendtec. Here are some videos that I found, hope they help your decision.

Deb

[www.youtube.com]

[www.youtube.com]

[www.youtube.com]

You might find help on the Blender/Juicer forum on this board at this link: [www.rawfoodsupport.com]

I've been saving for a long time for my dream blender as well. Had my heart set on a VM for awhile. After alot of research and questions, I'm settled on the Vita-Prep 3 of the VitaMix models. Can't wait to buy it as soon as my jar is full enough of pennies. =) Keep us posted on your purchase and how you like it. I'm SO anxious to try mine for the first time!! =) SMOOTHIE HEAVEN!!! =)

*****************************
"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty."
—Thomas Jefferson

I just received the most helpful information on this topic from another raw food forum ( [www.rawfreedomcommunity.info] ). I was struggling between the VM 5200 model and the Vita-Prep 3 and had pretty much settled on the VP3. When I asked about the differences, I received this AMAZINGLY HELPFUL response!!

REPLY:

Vita-MIx 5200 or Vita-Prep 3

I struggled with the same decision 5200 vs. Vita-Prep 3. I sent an email to Vita-Mix and here was their response:

"Thank you for your email and for contacting Vitamix Corporation directly with your question. Commercial machines are designed for high volume restaurant/bar operations and they perform specific drink and or food preparation tasks repeatedly. Commercial units have a one-year limited warranty and an instructional manual. Commercial units are available only through dealers, distributors and restaurant supply houses.

No particular process requires 3 HP. Vita-Mix has determined that there is a benefit to a 3 HP motor in commercial applications that produce hundreds of blends of thick purees and thick drinks in a single day. Vitamix 3 HP Commercial machines are designed to be used under a significantly higher daily cycle count and heavier loads than our household machines which do not require 3 HP. This type of performance is not needed or beneficial for household machine performance.

When all is said and done, there really is no benefit for the household consumer purchasing a commercial unit for use in their home."

They also mentioned that the Vita-Prep 3 only includes a very basic cookbook and a 1 year full warranty with a 2 year service contract. The 5200 that I got came with 2 cookbooks a DVD and a larger manual.

In the long run, I decided on the 5200 because of the warranty.

*****************************
"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty."
—Thomas Jefferson

I bought the Health Master for my husband who has Ms it turns our kale into liquid in seconds and a much lower cost.