The life & times of a kitchen appliance probably won’t make a compelling biography, but I can assure you, there are few in my kitchen I simply cannot do without.  The primary suspect in this category is my high-powered blender.

I’ve had a Vitamix for over 11 years!  It blows my mind that a single appliance I use so often has held up so well.  Recently however, I have been hearing about the Blendtec Blender (www.willitblend.com) – it has 3 horsepower (instead of 2 for the Vitamix), a different container shape, and you don’t need extra containers for grains.  All fine and well but I loved my Vitamix so why would I buy a Blendtec???  Even if they have cool videos on their website and everyone online RAVES about them?

I bought one because my Vitamix broke Saturday morning. I shed a few tears, had some serious moments of panic & anxiety (yes ask Brad who I woke up because I was so distressed).  I finally pulled myself together and called Vitamix.  They let me know:

1. I was out of warranty (7 years and mine is 11 years old)
2. They figured it was my fault it broke (hmph.)
3. It would cost $130 for the parts to repair it,
4. AND take at least 10 days for them to arrive! 

10 days was the deal breaker.  This is a machine I use multiple times a day and you are telling me I need to pay half the price of a new one (slight exaggeration) and wait for 10 days!?  No thanks.

I did some quick research and within the hour had placed an order for a brand new Blendtec.  I should have it within a day or so – much more quickly than the 10 days from Vitamix.  And yes I spent just under tripple the price to repair my Vitamix, but I will have a warranty again and if I can’t stand this machine it will return to Blendtec and I will grovel and repair the Vitamix.

I’ll report in soon on how the Blendtec fares compared to the Vitamix.