If you are really serious about blending, creating perfect green smoothies, creating raw ice creams, nut butters, soups, sauces and so much more - I say SAVE YOUR pennies and INVEST in a high quality blender!

There are 2 top-of-the-line blenders that I recommend.

Vitamix and Blendtec ~ they are both exceptional blenders, I've been blending with both since 2011. I own a refurbished Designer Series Blender & Blendtec Twister Jar and I also have a Vitamix Professional Series.

Needless to say, I have loads of first hand experience using both blenders and I can honestly say they both have amazing qualities and features. Which blender you choose will come down to which features are most important for you and the best fit for the type of blending you do.

There is so much you can create with these types of powerful blenders - not only are the green smoothies super creamy, light & fluffy (no more gritty bits or clumps! woohoo), but you can also create delicious ice cream, nut butters, soups, sauces and so much more!

Let's dive into the details of my review. Keep in mind, my review is based on my personal experience from using both blenders since 2011.

Blender Features - Which is the Best?

SPEED CONTROL VS PRE-PROGRAMMING

• I love that the Blendtec has pre-programable buttons  - there is a button for sauces, drinks, smoothies, ice cream, juices and soups - with the press of a button the Blendtec looks after the time for processing, the changes in speed throughout the given cycle - you don't have to worry about anything! The pre-programmed buttons include speed variation and the perfect time/duration to ensure what you are making is perfectly blended each and EVERY time! I love LOVE how easy it is! With the Blendtec, you can also control the speed manually if you prefer.  Blendtec gets 5 Stars for this feature.
• The Vitamix has a 2-speed control plus variable dial.  This mean you have complete control over the speed you use and there is an easy peasy dial to control the speed, or you simply select high or low speed. Although some would be fine with this type of manual control, I really didn't like it, but I'm all about easy peasy. I give Vitamix a 3 Star for this feature.

HEIGHT/STORAGE SPACE

• I also love that the Blendtec unit fits under the counter (it is 15.5" tall) with the jar included. I don't need to find extra space in another cupboard to store the jar. This was a deal breaker feature for me, especially as I used my blender a few times each day. I would normally give Blendtec 5 Stars because it fits under the counter, however in my new home (condo) this feature is no longer a deal breaker for me because I have nothing on my kitchen counter anymore :-) there is simply no room. So both blenders are in the cupboard, base & jar.  That said, it's still an important feature and I do love this feature about Blendtec, so I will keep the review at 5 Stars!
• With my Vitamix (20.5" tall) I store the jar in a different cupboard because it was too tall to fit under the counter.  I know not a deal breaker for most people, but for me the cupboard tall enough to store the jar was at the other side of the kitchen, so not very convenient. I give Vitamix a 3 star for this.

WEIGHT/PORTABILITY

• I love the little "handle" at the base of the Blendtec unit, it makes it incredibly easy to move the base across the counter.  I didn't think of this feature as being important before I purchased my blenders, but when you use your blender a few times a day, the weight and handy handle become super convenient. I give Blendtec a 5 Star for this.
• The Vitamix based is much heavier than the Blendtec, so moving the base towards me when I'm about to make something is way harder! And believe me, when I'm making green smoothies before my eyes are completely open in the wee hours of the morning, this feature makes a big difference! If you know what I mean ;-).  Sorry Vitamix you get 3 Stars for being too heavy.

POWER

• With both blenders, I love how my green smoothies are UBER creamy, fluffy & smooth.  This is in part due to the power as well as the style of the jar. Both are also equal in my books in their capabilities to make ice cream, flours/meals, soups, sauces, etc.
• The Vitamix has 1380 watts and a 4 prong blade, a super duper combination and the reason for your amazingly smooth smoothies.
• the Blendtec has 1580 watts and a 2 prong blade, plus the Blendtec Wildside Jar has 5 sides to it and it creates a vortex while blending that makes the texture so amazing! I sure don't miss the clumps and grittiness that existed with my cheaper blender!  Both of these Cadillac versions are true to their claims and the green smoothies are super smooth, creamy and fluffy makes the smoothie experience so much better! They both literally turn ice into snow and even comes with an Ice-Crushing Guarantee! How cool (HA! no pun intended i that!).
• I give both the Vitamix and the Blendtec 5 Stars on their blending abilities.

CLEANING

• Both blenders are also super easy to clean. All you have to do is add a cup or so of hot tap water, a drop of dish soap - stick it on the base and pulse for a few seconds and voila! It's all clean. And I have to say, it's this easy cleanup that makes me use it even more often!  I give both blenders 5 Stars for their easy cleaning abilities.

BONUS FEATURES

• The one thing I REALLY like about the Blendtec and that's the Blendtec Twister Jar, the Twister Jar is perfect for making thicker recipes, like hummus, guacamole, sauces, dressings, ice-cream and more. It's a DEFINITE MUST-HAVE companion piece if you get or have a Blendtec! Blendtec gets 5 Stars for this little baby!

CONCLUSION - Which Blender is Best?

Seeing the ratings in a table is pretty telling.  When I first started, I thought both blender were pretty much at par.

But when you think about the overall difference in scores, both blenders are at par with their blending ability and easy to clean features. Ultimately the ability to blend is why we purchase a blender in the first place, so the fact they are equal in blending ability is great news.

The other feature, pre-programming capability, height & weight features will vary for each person, or as in my case vary depending where you live (height doesn't matter for us anymore in our condo).

For me personally, the Blendtec wins in all three of these categories. But your preference for these features may be very different than mine.

Bottom line, both blenders have extraordinary capabilities and more than enough power to blend anything from soup to nuts! HA!

If you are thinking about getting a new blender, upgrading the old, or simply adding to your kitchen repertoire, I highly HIGHLY recommend getting either one of these blenders, and yes, my ultimate recommendation would be leaning towards the Blendtec Designer Series especially when paired with the Blendtec Twister Jar.

But whether you choose Blendtec or Vitamix, I'm certain you will use it often, love the versatility, enjoy the convenience, the power, the easy cleanup, the super delicious green smoothies, soups, sauces, ice creams and more that you will be able to create. Your mind, body & soul will love all the healthy goodness that comes from one of these high-speed blenders!

Be sure to contact me or leave a comment below, I'm curious to hear what features are most important for you and which blender you will choose?

I look forward to Blending with you ;-)

Enjoy!