If you are looking for a new blender, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the numerous options available in the market. You must have heard of Vitamix and Blendtec, two well-known brands in the blender industry. Even though Vitamix is usually considered the go-to brand, Blendtec shouldn’t be overlooked.
Both of these brands have their unique features that can produce exceptional results. Instead of jumping to conclusions, why not give both of them a fair chance and see which one suits your needs better? Your perfect blender could be just a blend away!
Blendtec vs. Vitamix
Keep reading to discover how these brands stack up against each other in a thrilling competition across different aspects.
1. Build quality
Vitamix is known for providing the best and strongest blenders to its users. When we tested some Blendtec blenders, we found them to provide medium sturdiness with the blender. The plastic material used by the manufacturer fails to give it a classy and attractive look. Additionally, we encountered issues with the control buttons, which felt fragile and unresponsive. The display screen also seemed prone to scratches, which was a concern.
However, if you purchase Blendtec Designer 725, it will come with great build quality made of metal.
Blendtec generally provides a warranty of two to ten years. But Vitamix starts the warranty at a minimum of five years, even for the blenders at the lower end, and goes up to ten years.
2. Smoothies and soups
We will get similar results with both Blendtec and Vitamix when we test them in terms of soups and smoothies. You can purchase the Vitamix 5200 if you want amazing-quality smoothies and soups. It comes with a narrow jar to get excellent-quality smoothies with this blender. It will keep the ingredients on the blade and not splash them on the sides of the jar.
When it comes to blending, there are a variety of options available. Vitamix offers a range of blenders, including the Vitamix A3500, that work great for blending smoothies, soups, and more. Blendtec also has a good option in the Classic 575, but sometimes, when blending in small batches, some grains may get splashed on the sides. This is not an issue with the Vitamix blenders.
However, this difference between Vitamix and Blendtec blenders is not noticeable when blending large batches. When it comes to blending large quantities, Vitamix blenders have the upper hand over Blendtec blenders.
3. Ice crushing
After testing both brands, we found that the Vitamix and Blendtec blenders perform similarly when it comes to crushing ice, blending slushies, and making margaritas. However, we did notice one exception with the Vitamix blenders that have smaller jars, like the Vitamix Explorian E310, Vitamix 5200, and so on. In these cases, crushing ice might result in some chunks or patches, but if you’re working with small quantities, these blenders can still do the job effectively.
In summary, both Vitamix and Blendtec blenders are excellent at crushing ice, blending slushies, and making margaritas.
4. Nut butter
You will see significant differences between the two brands while preparing recipes with ingredients including nut butter, hummus, etc. In the Blendtec blenders, we will see the ingredients settle down in the corners of the jar. Then, it becomes almost impossible for the blades to reach them.
But in the case of Vitamix blenders, we will have the jars in a rounder shape so that the ingredients will remain concentrated in the center only. We can even use tampons to shift the ingredients to the center. This will prevent the blades from moving into space for a longer time.
Vitamix blenders, like the Vitamix 5200, Vitamix Explorian E310, etc., are perfect for preparing nut butter and come in handy with a smaller or narrower jar. Some Vitamix blenders with wide jars can also prepare good-quality nut butter, but we need to stir it in between. Blendtec Chef 600 is also suitable for preparing nut butter, but we will face many issues while preparing it in a large jar.
To solve this problem, some Blendtec blenders also come with a twister jar. This will help us stir the mixture in the jar without opening the lid.
Although Blendtec blenders are convenient, they are not very effective in preparing smooth nut butter. The butter prepared by Blendtec blenders usually contains some crunches. On the other hand, when we use Vitamix blenders to prepare nut butter, we get amazing results with perfectly smooth nut butter. Therefore, Vitamix blenders are a better choice for preparing smooth nut butter.
5. Blending programs and speed
Vitamix blenders come with a speed dial that allows users to adjust the speed according to their preferences. However, the speed dial lacks set increments, which can be a challenge to some users. In contrast, Blendtec blenders have preset speed controls, which means users need to choose from the available options. This can limit the user’s freedom to select the exact speed they want, especially when trying to avoid over-blending.
If you frequently use fibrous ingredients, you may not find this limitation an issue. However, if you want more control over the blending process, consider a blender with a touch-speed dial, like the Blendtec Designer 725. This blender allows you to prepare any dish and adjust the speed accordingly.
One of the advantages of using a Vitamix blender is that it can operate at a slower speed than Blendtec blenders, even at the minimum speed. This slower speed can be helpful when trying to stir smaller ingredients without having them spread on the sides of the jar.
Blendtec blenders come with an automatic shut-off feature, which turns off the blender at the end of the blending process. On the other hand, Vitamix blenders have a pulse mode and a speed dial but do not have any blending programs. This means that you must turn off the Vitamix blender manually at the end of the blending process.
6. Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning, both brands manufacture blenders that are easy to clean. Some blenders even come with a self-cleaning feature.
However, if we compare the two brands, Blendtec’s square-shaped jugs are easier to wash. Additionally, Blendtec sells spatulas that are designed to remove every small bit of food left in the blender, making cleaning even easier.
In conclusion, both brands offer blenders that are easy to clean, but Blendtec’s square-shaped jugs and specialized spatulas make cleaning blenders even more convenient.
7. Noise level
It is tough to rank these brands based on noise levels. Every model of both brands produces different levels of noise.
If you’re someone who values peace and quiet, even when blending up a storm in the kitchen, then the quietest model from Vitamix might just be the perfect blender for you.
8. Price inequality
There is very little difference between the prices of both brands. The least expensive Blendtec blender comes at a lower price than the lowest-priced Vitamix blender.
However, most Blendtec models have automatic blending programs, which is different for some low-end Vitamix blenders.
If you prefer blenders with automatic blending programs, it’s worth exploring the various Blendtec models. However, it’s important to note that the overall build quality of Vitamix blenders tends to be superior to that of Blendtec models.
Blendtec vs. Vitamix: Final Words
Every brand in the blender market has its benefits and drawbacks. So, it can be challenging to decide which brand is better. We all know that what suits you best will also depend on your requirements.
If you are consistent while preparing new recipes and frequently use ingredients like nut butter, hummus, etc., then you will find the Vitamix blenders more appealing.
But if you want to cook soups, smoothies, etc., in large batches, then a Blendtec will suit you more. If you want to prepare your dish with the help of fibrous ingredients, this will work exceptionally well. If you hate washing the blender with much difficulty, then the square jar of the Blendtec blenders will solve your problem. The not-so-sharp blades will make your work even easier.