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I have a huge kitchen confession to make…I bought a Blendtec! You guys know I adored my Vitamix, I ran that thing ragged for the past five or so years.
At a certain point, earlier this year, though, a situation went down like this:
Carrie wakes up early on a Saturday morning and starts puttering around in the kitchen, as any good food blogger is prone to do. Carrie gets it in her head to make homemade coconut milk at 5 a.m., for the same reason stated previously. Carrie turns on high-speed blender, makes enough noise to wake everyone up (namely, dear husband), and turns around to find said DH scowling and quite upset, despite having luscious coconut milk to top his morning cereal.
Yep, that’s pretty much what happened. Later that morning after a grouchy someone took a nap, a big purchase was made and, a few days later, a big box arrived:
With the main selling feature being its level of quietness, we chose the Blendtec Stealth, also called the Professional 800, that comes with a noise-dampening cover (which works to reduce noise, it really works!):
Since I was upgrading from the entry-level Vitamix, I was excited to have the icons and programs, as well as the manual adjustable option:
Of course, the “Smoothie” program is well-loved in our house:
One of the best features of Blendtecs? They can go in the dishwasher (top rack recommended)!
After nearly five months of playing with my new toy, I came up with a list of “pros” and “cons” that summarize my experience, especially compared with using the Vitamix.
Pros of Blendtec:
- 8-year warranty.
- Goes in dishwasher (top rack).
- No tamper necessary. This is a HUGE benefit of the Blendtec over the Vitamix. Huge.
- The entrepreneur/creative antagonist in me adores the story of how Tom Dickson invented this amazing piece of machinery and what he came up against. This isn’t exactly a selling feature, but part of my “vote with your dollar” motto.
Cons of Blendtec:
- The Stealth is a lot of money to spend, although about 10% less than a comparable Vitamix.
- The Blendtec is designed to fit under standard kitchen counters, but the Stealth has a bit of trouble because of the cover that flips up (see picture below). I compensate for this problem by putting a dish towel under the machine and simply sliding it forward so the cover clears the cabinet above:
In case you’re wondering, my Vitamix went to a good home – my sister’s, who sent me this picture a few years ago after I convinced her that feeding berry smoothies with greens to my nephew was an easy way to increase his veggie intake. Kids with smoothie mustaches get me every time:
You’ll also be happy to know that the Blendtec Stealth with the cover does its job and that it allows one to quietly blend anything day or night, or in the wee hours of the morning, and you know I do! 🙂
Note: I was not compensated for this post, but I have become an affiliate of Blendtec…because they’re awesome!
Geoffrey Levens says
I have been curious about these for awhile since likely will be buying a new blender soon. Don’t the Blendtec blades throw ingredients up against the walls and lid, esp when you first start it up? I use VM tamper a lot to push most of that back down into the mix.
Also, how is the B on smallish batches of stuff like nut butter, hummus, salad dressing, etc?
Inquiring minds and all that. Really like your review by the way as it contains a lot of solid, relevant info and no “fluff”. I hate “Fluffo” and not a big fan of fluff either 😉
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
Thanks for the great questions, Geoffrey. Maybe I should do a follow-up post. The package that I bought actually came with a little mini-blender that works for the smaller “loads,” shall we say. Although, most of the time I am too lazy to dig that one out of the pantry, so I pretty much just use the big pitcher for everything. I will say that I also have a really nice food processor which I have preferred to use for the thicker recipes, just because it’s so much easier to get the final result out of the container.
Let’s see, for the issue of splattering, I don’t think that’s been a problem, or at least I haven’t noticed any difference with what you described between the Vitamix and the Blendtec. I mean, both machines start at a low level which draws the ingredients into the blades before ramping up to the highest speed.
Thanks for the “no-fluff” compliment, too. I appreciate that and do try to be authentic in my writing. 🙂
Geoffrey Levens says
Sounds mighty fine. But then Vitamix, is careful to ramp up the RPM’s on starting was not big deal to not use tamper, just needed for more solid stuff like nut butter or getting giant blended salad ingredients to all go down into the votex.
Judy says
I’m on my second VitaMix and the first one last 20+ years. Now after having my second V.M I knocked over the container one day (on my countertop) so it really did not have far to fall and low and behold, the spout broke off. Darn, I thought but then realized I had a 5 years warranty and called the company since I was only two years into the warranty. Not only was the customer service lady rude to me she told me it would not be covered. Actually what she said was ‘what do you want from us, it was your fault’!!!!! She told me it would cost me $139.00 for a new container and finally did come down to $99.00. Well, right now I’m on a limited budget and so many things have come up the past couple of months, I can’t pay the $99.00. I decided I would give it one more chance and write to the company but they never responded so I guess I will go a while longer without my V.M. I know I can use the V.M. with a broken spout and I did and one time I think a little piece of plastic broke off into my drink so stopped using it. This is my sad story but I’m happy about your new Blendtec and that you like it.
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
That IS quite the sad story, Judy!!! Wahhhh!!! I’m sorry the lady at VM was rude to you, that’s like adding insult to injury. 🙁 Gosh, if I hadn’t already given my VM to my sis, I would have sent you one of my containers (I had two with mine, one with a wet blade and one with a dry blade, but I have a feeling she’s not letting go of either, now). I have heard good things about the Ninja blenders, too, but they are still pretty pricey at over $100. At a certain point, I will push as hard as I can to do a Blendtec giveaway, I’d love to be able to give away something like that. Xo!
Sarah says
I am soooooooooo jealous of your stealth!!!!!!! One of the hardest things for me is the noise of the blender – I am super sound sensitive and sometimes after blending I feel like I wasn’t to cry because my nervous system feels so on fire! I have a regular Blendtec right now (I got a basic model refurbished one a few years ago) and do love it. I’ve found it to be quieter than the Vitamixes I’ve tried in the past. My favorite part is the Twister Container. They even have a mini-twister container that you can only get from Bed Bath and Beyond that is only 12oz. and is really the perfect size for me since I usually only do single serving blends. I’ve found it to be really good for thicker sauces, nut butters, etc. which is what I usually use mine for. It’s definitely been my favorite kitchen appliance ever!!!!
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
Sarah, yay!!! So glad you have been happy with your Blendtec! I remember hearing rumors that they were a superior product, but I didn’t want to hear that after I had already bought my VM, LOL. I know exactly what you’re saying about the loudness of the blenders, it is really stressful for everyone. My sister said her baby cries when she runs the VM. If my husband hadn’t been willing to spring for the Stealth (OMG, I still can’t believe we spent so much money on it, but I do adore it!!!), I was going to buy some of those heavy duty construction ear cover thingies. I had been using disposable foam earplugs for most of the time I owned my Vitamix, but, as you would guess, that’s not necessary anymore with the Stealth. My cat doesn’t even run out of the kitchen anymore. 🙂 Hugs!!!
Judy says
OMG Carrie, you are so sweet. I think next month I may be able to get the new VM container as long as no more surprises costing me money pop up. I did have a brand new Magic Bullet but one of the Priests I work for really wanted one so I gave him mine and now I would never ask for it back. June looks like the month I’ll be ok again. Thanks again for all your kindness.
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
Hoping you get your Vitamix up and running again soon, Judy! I don’t do green smoothies quite as much as I used to, but I still use my high-speed blender for one thing or another just about every day. 🙂
kimmythevegan says
From Vitamix to Blendtech huh? I’ve only had my vitamix a couple of years, I’m definitely still in the honeymoon phase =) And I actually don’t find it all that loud, I feel like mine is quieter than yours was? Not sure why…
At any rate, this fancy blender does sound pretty awesome. I like the no tamper needed feature, but I can’t even fit the Vitamix under my cupboard on the counter, there is no hope for a bigger blender; p
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
Hi Kimmy! That’s great that your Vitamix isn’t too loud for you. I bet you have a newer model than what I had, although my new Blendtec with the cover is soooooo quiet. P.S. I hope Sunny is feeling better, I was sad to read about her recent illness…what a scare she must have given you!!! XO!
Helene says
I just found your website & have been enjoying it. Years & years ago I owed a Vitamix Blender & my spout also broke off, but I was able to continue using it. When I was ready to purchase a new blender I did a lot of research before I settled on buying the Blendtec HP3A 6 years ago. I love it!! Yes it is noisier than I would like it to be, but I love the job it does. After cleaning it, I turn the machine on for about 4 sec to dry under the blade & store it side ways on top of the motor. When my carafe started to leak they replaced it no problem!
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
So glad to hear you’ve also had a positive experience with Blendtec, Helene. I am thrilled with mine. 🙂
Andrew says
Hi Carrie
I thought your review on the Blendtec stealth was excellent.
You guys are very lucky you live in the States because us poor mortals that live in the Uk can’t buy the professional 800 as of yet.
I was thinking of buying the Blendtec commercial stealth. Can you tell me do they also have the icons such as smoothie soup etc.
Kind Regards
Andrew
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
Hi Andrew! Yes, the Blendtec Stealth has the programs with the icons for smoothies, soups, etc. I’m glad you liked my review, I can’t say enough good things about the Stealth model. It’s so quiet! Let me know if you get one.
Ben Toland says
Did you get yours at Costcos? Thats where I got mine. Also, have any of your jars failed or seized up on you? I just had to have my Wildside replaced. Love the blender through
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
I did get mine through Costco, Ben. I had one issue with the lid, but the company replaced it no problem. I’m so glad to hear you are happy with it overall. Take care!