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Post by soupandstew on Dec 24, 2017 17:45:43 GMT -5
I was gifted an Osterizer blender years ago when I expressed an interest in smoothies. I never did the smoothies (and still don't!) but have tried to use this for pesto, etc. with less than great success. I don't have a food processor currently and don't think I want one for what I do. An immersion blender has served me well for most stuff. BUT today I made a chili/tomato salsa roja and the immersion blender made for a very messy kitchen and didn't really produce the super smooth result I wanted. I don't juice, grind ice, etc. so I'm reluctant to spend the large sums advertised for many blenders, $350-$700. What device would you recommend for salsas, pestos, super smooth sauces, etc.? TIA!
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Post by karenw on Dec 24, 2017 18:57:30 GMT -5
Probably won't be of much help to you as I have a Vita Mix. Since you want something more affordable, this is not the best choice. But as far as performance/durability etc.... go it is a great machine. I used it today, for example, after toasting some ancho chiles for a batch of chili to blend up the toasted anchos. It turned them into a nice fine powder. If you get the canister with the wide bottom, things like hummus or thicker purees are easy to scrape out as opposed to some blenders that are so narrow at the base that you can't get anything out. I know Vita mix makes many different models and some are more affordable than others but they are all pretty hefty as compared to many. I just love mine and it is hard to go back to anything else now.
Karen
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Post by wallycat on Dec 24, 2017 23:57:23 GMT -5
I have an oster blender, vitamix and cuisinart food processor. You have to pry the cuisinart from my dead, cold hands.
I've used them all and they are all good, but for me, the food processor does more stuff....kneads dough, shreds, mandoline-slices (you need the special blades for it but batches of shredded potatoes or shredded cheese or cabbage for slaw are 1 minute jobs), I've made pesto and hummus in it too. If you want superb smooth quality final product, vitamix is the way to go.
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Post by soupandstew on Dec 26, 2017 17:06:38 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the info - I think I'm going to suck it up and get a Vitamix. I'm using the fact that the first blender was a gift to justify the cost of a really good one. Besides, I don't want to spend any money on something without the power I need.
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Post by mrswaz on Dec 28, 2017 17:14:14 GMT -5
I am really enjoying my Ninja kitchen system that my mom bought for me. It's very simple- a simple blender and a simple mini food processor, but it sure works like a dream. I use the mini processor a lot for making vinagrettes and marinades. We use the blender on occasion for smoothies and milkshakes and there are no chunks of ice left behind. I love that!
I believe what I have is in the 80 dollar price range. More affordable than a Vitamix (which I would love to have) but better than your basic department store blender.
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Post by beth on Jan 1, 2018 2:10:48 GMT -5
I have fallen into the Vita Mix crowd now. Got a special deal at Costco, but I also noticed that SLT, Amazon and others are selling refurbished ones for less. That might be a good way to go. Before this one, we had a Breville that I really liked and was my answer to not wanting to spend a small fortune for a blender. The Ninja came out a bot later. My older son has one of those -- the younger one has my old Breville. All decent blender, but the Vita Mix does get smoothies smoother easier. I have the newer style that fits under an upper cabinet.
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traildoggie
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Post by traildoggie on Jan 1, 2018 12:48:27 GMT -5
I think I just saw a vitamix at Costco for $299. I don't own one nor will I likely get one , but less than I thought they usually run. I have a small food processor I use for pesto and chopping.I use an immersion blender for dressings and soups. I rarely do smoothies.
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Post by mcgee on Jan 1, 2018 13:24:01 GMT -5
I bought a Refurbished Vitamix blender several years ago when we went vegan so I could make cashew cream. It’s still going strong and while we’re no longer vegan, I use it all the time for smoothies. I bought it online from a woman that had a refurbished Vitamix business - someone on the old CLBB recommended her. Blender came with a warranty too. I would definitely go that route again if I decided to replace mine. I have a black one and would really like red  . |
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Post by beth on Jan 1, 2018 15:23:39 GMT -5
We bought our espresso maker refurbished and it was great. Bought another refurbished one when we wanted to change color. Total of the two was no more than we would have paid for one brand new one and the older model had a feature I really liked (moveable brew head for tall mugs).
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