The Vitamix Juicer & Blender

Let me first start off by saying the Vitamix is not a juicer (but can be used as one- I will explain).

The Vitamix, in my opinion, is the most amazing appliance known to man (well, for kitchens, anyway).

It’s a super efficient, versatile, high powered blender. Sort of like a blender, smoothie maker, food processor, ice cream maker, grinder in one….

What can you do with the Vitamix? You can make:

• Smoothies
• Hot Soups
• Cold Dessert Soups
• Nut Butters
• Ice Cream/Sorbet
• Pesto’s/Dips
• Fibrous Juices
• Nut Milks
• Baby Food
• Margaritas (eh, sort of inappropriate for a juicing site, I know, but you must be divulged of all details)

And more….all with one appliance.

The reason I have a page devoted to it on all-about-jucing.com is because:

I think its a great alternative or addition to a juicer

You must know about it! It does not replace a juicer, however, it makes fantastic smoothies (a.k.a. blender juices) and can do amazing things with whole foods.

This is what I figure: If you are going to spend the money for a juicer, maybe you would want to check out something more versatile (not that single and twin gear juicers aren’t versatile, but…maybe I should say different). When I first started juicing, I did not know about the Vitamix.

Now, I have both a Champion and a Vitamix…Let me explain.

Click here to get juicing with a Vitamix now.

The Vitamix can make HOT soups

Let’s say you want to make a tomato-carrot soup. Put the chopped tomato and carrots in the blender, along with any spices and herbs, and blend it for a few minutes. It's steaming when it’s done. Amazing. It’s quick and nutritious.

Here is a picture of my broccoli-cheddar soup. I used water, almond milk, a good amount of frozen broccoli, a boullion cube and some cheese.

I blended it on high speed for about 5 minutes. It was simply awesome.

I love making soups from scratch but never did because I didn’t want to dirty my food processor or juicer, and then a pot to heat it up too. The speed of making a healthy quick meal is just priceless to me.

It also does something on the opposite spectrum.  It will make cold smoothies or sorbet a breeze.

The speed is just so quick, that it literally chops up ice so fine (like a sorbet) in seconds. The first time I saw this (I saw a demonstration with my mother) we were speechless.

Adam and I love the ability to be able to make an “ice cream” as a night time movie snack…it's healthy and pure, in a *snap*!

I know you are probably thinking...

How does the Vitamix work?

The quick answer: It's just very powerful and operates at a super high speed. It can cut up frozen anything and when left on for 5 minutes, will heat up a drink or soup. When you buy one, it comes with an instructional DVD and fabulous recipe book to show you how it works...so have no fear!

Similar to many juicers, if you add a blank plate, you can homogenize and make a nut butter. With the Vitamix, you just process the nuts in the blender to make nut butters. It’s fresh, preservative and flavor-additive free, made in seconds. I also think it’s much cheaper to buy nuts and do it this way instead of paying for someone else to do it.

Adam is a fan of the almond milk and raw coconut fudge. YUM. I am a fan of the stawberry cream pie (yes it's healthy and decadent).

And I can now make quick basil pesto in a jiffy. It's more work with the food processor.

There’s so many things you can do. I've even heard of mommys using it to make playdough for their little ones.

(Ps- if you want my almond milk and strawberry cream pie recipe, scroll to the bottom where I wrote it out for one of our visitors, Sierra. It's the post titled "vitamix recipes.")

Can you use the Vitamix for juicing?

You CAN use the vitamix for juicing. The difference here is that is it not seperating the pulp, but combining it with the juice. This is good because you do get the fiber, and hardly notice.

Some might debate its not as good because it will take longer for your system to absorb the nutrients then juiced juice. While this is true, this does not mean it's bad, its just different...a different type of juice.

Blending vs. juicing

It is said that towards the end of Ann Wigmore's (of the Wigmore Institute) life, she started turning more towards blending whole foods for juice instead of just juicing because it contains the fiber.

This is a personal choice, as there are pro's and con's to both. When you blend the whole fruit and vegetable, you are getting all of the fiber and nutrients. When you juice with a juicer, you are removing the fiber (but not the nutrition). The fiber makes it harder and longer to digest in your system. The theory behind juicing is that the nutrients are immediately absorbed into your system, as it if were intravenously, giving your digestive tract a break.

My stance personally- I do both. I make smoothies and I make juice daily. I like the Vitamix because I can make juices, smoothies, soups, and raw food dishes easily. It was worth it for me to buy both and I have both a juicer and this blender.

I think this is the best blender on the market.

How do you use the Vitamix for juicing?

Using a Vitamix super powered high speed blender for juicing is easy. Here is a general guide:

Put the fruits and vegetables in that you'd like to juice. For example, lets say we are making my staple favorite a carrot-apple juice.

Cut up 4 apples in wedges and cut into chunks one carrot. Then, add about a cup of water. Blend on variable speed 1 increase to 10 then change it to high and let it go for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or more until you see it has completely liquified. Here you see how this is different then juicing.

While the juicer would seperate the juice from the pulp and you wouldnt need to add water, the Vitamix blends the fibers into a juice.

Orange juicing in the Vitamix

I frequently like to make orange juice in my Vitamix. It produces a tiny bit of foam and is thicker because the pulp is included. It still tastes very good. For those that don't like pulp, you have the option of straining the pulp from the juice.

My only advice would be to try to remove more of the pilth if you are using the Vitamix compared to using a juicer.

What color Vitamix do you recommend?

I bought a refurbished model in black. They offer it in white, black, red, stainless and a few other fun colors. I recommend the black (or a color if you can get it) because it will not get stained over the years. A white model, just like the juicers, could get stained from things like carrot juice, beets, etc. 

P.S.- The best way to get a Vitamix is to order online at Amazon.com.

It will come right to your door (It is sometimes difficult to find a Vitamix in stores).

If you want to save money you can:

• Get free shipping- All you have to do is order on Amazon prime.
• Consider a refurbished model

Oh aaaand...even better news.

Don't be afraid to get the refurbished model!

It is listed on their site as "reconditioned" on their site. I got a refurbished model, and it was a savings of $70. It looks and operates like brand new; I never would have known.

It did not have a dent or scrach on it. In fact, my first thought was... "Why would anyone not get this?"

They offer an 7 year warranty, so if anything is wrong they send you a brand new one back (instead of fixing), no questions asked.

What does this mean for us?

Peace of mind in knowing that this investment will last.

It will provide you years and years of cooking, smoothie-ing and juicing enjoyment that friends and family will love.

Picture this: your spouse making thier own banana "milkshakes" in the kitchen. p.s.- It happened to me :)

It's easy to use, and by far one of my best purchases, ever.

Yes, you heard it here.  Remember this.

The Vitamix is recognized and universally accepted as the BEST blender on the market. I use it every day to make smoothies, dips, soups and desserts.

It has dramatically changed the way I prepare healthy meals and eat. It is not cheap but provides tremendous value and is well worth the investment.

I have never met anyone who regretted buying one. really.

Don't hesitate...it's truly a wonderful addition to your kitchen!

P.S.- To get free shipping you can click on the link below (which will automatically take the shipping off your order) or write down code 06-005503 for later use. It's a good savings.

Click here to learn more about the Vitamix

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