April 03, 2014 April 03, 2014/ Morgan
I recently broke down and bought myself a brand new “big girl” blender – a Blendtec! Now there are different high speed blenders I could have picked but this is about why I chose this one over a Vitamix or Ninja Blender.
The Blendtec and Vitamix both have tons of power, blend beautifully and make one heck of a smoothie or nut butter. I also looked at getting a Ninja as an alternative but everything I read told me that it just wasn’t going to do what I wanted so I turned to the “big girl” contenders. I know that the Ninja does work great for a lot of people, but it just wasn’t going to cut it for the jobs I was planning on putting a high speed blender though.
So since the Blendtec and Vitamix did what I wanted equally why did I choose one over the other? Well first of all the Blendtec has a great warranty for their refurbished models (which is what I initially was looking to purchase.) They have the same great 7 year warranty as their other blenders (Vitamix has a 5 year warranty for their refurbished models.) Refurbished models go through high standard inspections for both companies, so if you’re looking for a great deal on a high speed blender but you don’t just HAVE to have a brand new one I suggest looking at refurbished! (You can buy a refurbished Blendtec for $279.95 with free shipping here!)
Another reason I ended up choosing a Blendtec is that it is super easy to clean on the base. I am kind of picky when it comes to buying new small appliances because my food processor has a ton of nooks and crannies that get food stuck in them. I don’t have time to deal with that! I’m a busy mom and I don’t want to have to clean my stuff with a tooth brush every time I use it. The Blendtec has a flat surface with no places for food or smoothies to get stuck in. The model I ended up buying (The Designer Series with Wildside Jar) has a totally solid touch screen surface that I can clean with a quick swipe of a rag.
Here is the Vitamix Blades for comparison. Sharp and harder to clean everything out of the bottom because of the design.
The biggest perk for me though is the blade design. It is a super strong blunt blade that is ultra easy to clean around. I can get every last drop of nut butter or smoothie out without a hassle. (No tearing up your favorite rubber spatulas because of sharp blades and tiny spaces!) Food just doesn’t get stuck under it like the competitors blade. Also, if I want to stick my hand in there (with the jar completely off the base and SAFE of course….) to you know.. get the last drop of brownie batter smoothie and lick it off my fingers? Well guess what – I won’t get cut at all! That’s good for a clumsy woman like me! Especially when cleaning it!
Won’t cut yourself while cleaning it! Woop!
Speaking of cleaning – the jar and lids can go in the dishwasher. A Vitamix cannot. A perk every now and then! I usually just clean the jar and lids right after I use them but there has been a time or two that I left it and was happy to be able to throw it in with the rest of my dishes for a quick wash.
It also fits under my counter! Awesome!
It has a pulse button which is handy!
And they also have a nifty 3 Payment Plan for blenders over $350 with no finance charges (just a small convenience fee) if you want to spread your payments out over 3 months!
So yeah, that’s why I chose the Blendtec. I’m so happy I finally made the decision so I could make even more fun recipes for you guys!
Here are a few recipes I wanted to share with you that I’ve made so far with my Blendtec Blender!
Creamy Dreamy Horchata
I can hardly think of a more refreshing drink than horchata! The almonds make it ultra creamy and extra yummy!!
- 1 cup white rice (you can also use brown rice if you want)
- 1/4 cup raw almonds
- 1 6″ stick cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
- 8 cups water
Blend the rice, almonds, cinnamon, sweetener and 4 cups of water together in your blender until chopped up pretty fine (I used the Whole Juice program for this.) Add the remaining 4 cups of water and soak the mixture for 3-4 hours in the refrigerator (alternately you could soak everything together first and then blend. It works both ways!) Strain through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a nut milk bag. Serve over ice. It’s especially great with Mexican food (or by the pool. Throw in a shot of vodka and you’re good to go!)
Green Hippie Smoothie
Kale smoothies are amazingly delicious and it blows my mind how the blender totally obliterates all traces of the kale in smoothies! Really, there’s not a single speck of leaves to get stuck in your teeth – just all totally smooth and delicious.
- 1 large orange
- 2 cups kale
- 1 cup frozen mango
- juice 1 lime
- 1 cup ice
- 3 Tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or water)
- 1 cup water
Blend using the Whole Juice program button on your Blendtec (or until totally smooth on whatever blender you are using!)
Brownie Batter Smoothie
This makes an ultra smooth delicious chocolate smoothie that you MIGHT just get addicted to. Just had to warn you!
Blend using the Smoothie program button on your Blendtec (or until totally smooth on whatever blender you are using!)
note: After deciding which blender I ultimately wanted, I chose to become an affiliate for Blendtec. They did not pay me for this review or opinion. I do make a small commission if you buy through any of the affiliate links on this page. Doing so helps support forealslife.com so that I can continue posting recipes for you! I really appreciate your support! Much love, Morgan!
