#3 Postby Ducati » Mon Jul 19, 2010 5:15 pm
Julia,
I know what you mean about the Vitamix. It is crazy expensive. I never thought I would get one as well. How much more can it do than one you get at target for $50, right?
Well, I went through at least 10 of those $50 blenders over the years. Probably about 1 a year in fact. After a lot of people promoting the vitamix and seeing it action, I decided to take the plunge. I am so happy I did. Out of all the items in my kitchen, the Vitamix gets the most use. I probably use it 25 out of 30 days a month. And I work it hard. A lot of frozen fruit, nuts, solid bits of ice, etc. I often cause it to overheat and it shuts off to cool down for a while. Once it is cooled down, it works fine.
A women I knew has hers die completely on her after ten years. She sent it in to be fixed and they sent it back with a new motor free of charge.
The containers are pretty nice as well. Especially the dry container. Through in nuts, seeds, etc, and turn it on high. In a few seconds, you have a very fine powder to use for making cheeses, milks, butters, etc. I can make my own tahini salad dressing with my Vitamix.
I looked up the Omniblend. Looks like it would give you the same performance as the Vitamix. It actually uses the vitamix containers. It has a timer which the vitamix does not have, but also a standard warranty of only 3 years. Vita mix is 7 with an extended up to 10 years. Also, I would check into how well they warranty their products. Just because they have a 3 year warranty doesn't mean it is easy to get something fixed or replaced.
Likely, if you buy a vitamix, you will have it for a very long time. I would probably buy a used vitamix over any other blender new. Not only because of the blender, but because of their warranty and customer service.
I bought mine at the Raw Spirit Fest a couple years ago and it was $379 and included the extra dry container for free or maybe it was any extra $20. Can't remember exactly. You can sometimes find deals like this at trade shows. Also, you might find someone selling a slightly used one cheap online.
I am not affiliated with Vitamix in anyway. LOL
But I didnt want to lean you towards it. 
Also you should figure in that in my case and others who have the vitamix , atleast in Canada and the US, you can trade it in broken or not for a 75 dollar credit on a new one. But it may only apply to ones purchased on their site. 
Ten year warranty is good .
