Hi, I wanted to know if investing in more expensive equipment is worth it. I own, from pre-raw days, the world cheapest juicer, a cheap Oster blender, and a cheap American Harvest dehydrator.

I am happy with the dehydrator, it has a thermostat that I checked for accuracy and control, and it works well, so I can live without an excaliber. Or so I think, Does anyone really think the excaliber is a necessity?

The juicer is a centrifigal and I'm told it wastes juice in the pulp. Is that true? I'm not so unhappy with this, but it does leak and it's days are numbered. Should it be replaced with an extractor?

The blender's kind of weak and sloppy and I cannot wait for it to burn out. Is the expence of a Vitamix worth it? Will it really make me deliriously happy? (Because for $500 +, it better.)

Anybody with advice?

We purchased a Green Star juicer first and have been happy with it. The food processor we have is an inexpensive one and sometimes I'm sure we are going to destroy it. But my idea is be patient, there's not money for everything I would like to have. We are taking our time- our blender is also an inexpensive one. We are planning what we are getting carefully. I think the dehydrator is next. Our salads are huge and full of good vegies so don't need any kind of equipment for that. We rely on those for a large part of our diet. Guess it's better to put a few dollars away a little at a time and look forward to what will be coming! That's, I believe, a better way then relying on credit when short of patience.... I hope this helps. We probably will get an Excalibur and are looking forward to that.

I bought a high-speed blender (a BlendTec) over a year ago. It's been well worth it. I would advise you to get your VitaMix before replacing your juicer or getting a new dehydrator. I don't use a dehydrator myself, and you can use your blender to make juice--whiz the fruits or veggies in the blender and squeeze everything it through a strainer (I use a nut milk bag).

In fact, I'd recommend getting a food processor, if you don't already have one, before getting a juicer or dehydrator. That, and a high-speed blender, are the kitchen appliances I cannot live without.

Well, I have me heart set on a Bledtec blender right now, but I have a $60 Brawn that is still chugging along, although noisily. When it goes, I will most likely invest in the Blendtec. I do feel the high dollar units are a good value if you are the type to use them everyday, several times a day, which I do.

For a couple hundred dollars you can get a pretty nice juicer these days. The Omega, Samson, The Solo Star II to name a few. For me, I would prefer to have the juicer first, as my life basically revolves around daily juicing.

From that point, I would invest in a blender, food processor & then a dehydrator. Of course, everyone's lifestyle is different, so the piece of equip. that I would put first on my list may not be the same as you.

But to answer your initial question; Yes, I do feel the expensive models are worth it, if you are going to put them to good use and not put them away in a cupboard after a couple of uses, never to be seen again!