Vitamix vs Blendtec – the Ultimate Comparison

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Vitamix vs BlendtecWhich is the Best blender? In our, THE ORIGINAL, Vitamix vs Blendtec comparison we reveal the detailed similarities & differences between these top performance blenders. Our complete 2022 UPDATED review is based on over 15 years of performance blender education experience.

Blendtec vs Vitamix Overview

We use Blendtec and Vitamix blenders on a daily basis. We also give workshops on improving your health with better nutrition and how to get the most out of your blender investment. Worth every penny, the high cost for either blender is pretty much the same. Both are great but which is the best blender for YOU?

Need more details on Vitamix model comparison?
See our » Complete Vitamix Review

Want the skinny on different Blendtec blender comparison?
Read our » Complete Blendtec Review

Buy the RIGHT blender for YOU.
If at any time you have more questions or need more help please ask below in the comments or contact us directly, we are at your service.

Blendtec vs Vitamix Blending Performance

In Blendtec Vitamix comparisons, consumers report both are incredibly powerful blenders. They both can easily crush ice, make hot soup, blend nut butters, grind seeds, puree fruit and a whole lot more. They are also the best blenders for making green smoothies.

Which blender has more power? Blendtec makes blenders with more power. The newer Vitamix models, such as the 7500, 750, and Smart System Series are their most powerful at 12 amps, while the Vitamix classic models, such as the 5200, draw less power at 11.5 amps/1380 watts. This versus Blendtec’s Designer models with power up to 15 amps/1725 watts

* A note about Horsepower*
We choose to NOT put much weight on advertised horsepower of these blender for a couple of reasons.

1) Manufacturers advertise “peak horsepower” which is not a true indication of blending power. Peak horsepower is a measurement of a single instance of power output under a certain condition resulting in the highest power output possible.

2) Horsepower can be measured and reported using different methods and is therefore not a good value for comparison.

3) True blending performance is dependent upon more factors than just raw power output. Compared to other blenders, both Vitamix and Blendtec have more power and torque to effectively break-down cell walls and blend any food product. For the most part differences in their power are negligible.

Speed: Vitamix variable speed control has a range of 500 to 37,000 Revolutions per Minute (RPM), allowing for more control at slower speeds. Most Blendtec blenders come with preset speeds, 6 to 10 depending upon the model; the Designer 725 has a 100-speed touch slider.

Chopping: Neither blender is designed specifically to be a good chopper. Although, in comparing Blendtec to Vitamix, the low speed variable control of the Vitamix does allow for better chopping results. The Blendtec 725 comes real close with its 100 speeds. Practice with the pulse feature can result in very satisfying results with any model you choose.

With power comes noise…
both blenders are loud. Some models are louder than others. As for which one is “louder”, it all depends upon the specific model as sound level can vary a lot. The » Blendtec Pro 800 is the absolute quietest.

Warranty and Durability

Both of these blender brands are built to last and have the best warranty of all household blenders to back it up. They go far beyond the typical 90-day or 1-year warranty of regular blenders that so commonly fail shortly after the warrant expires. Vitamix set the standard in the industry around 1999 with their 7-Year Full Use warranty. Blendtec’s warranty changed in 2014 to a full 8-year warranty (10-year for the Pro models), thereby becoming the best warranty in the industry. The new Vitamix Smart System blenders now have a 10-year warranty to match. Extended warranties are available direct from both companies at an additional cost and on occasion club stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club offer warranty extensions as a promotion.

The Vita-mix Corporation has been making performance blenders for over 80 years and Blendtec has been making blenders for the home for over 30 years. These blenders are made to last and it is not uncommon to learn about customers that have been using their blender for 10+ years without an issue. Both companies are US based and have the majority of their product manufactured and assembled in the USA.

Both Vitamix and Blendtec companies are known for excellent customer service and honoring their warranties without hassle.

Vitamix Containers & Blendtec Jars – Volume and Blades

Containers: All current blending containers from both companies are BPA-Free copolyester plastic with volume measurement marks. These containers are light-weight, very strong and quite difficult to break. Glass blending jars are NOT an option with these blenders. This is primarily due to safety; the power and force generated by these blenders could easily break glass, and for their size, glass containers would be extremely heavy.

Blendtec GO JAR SALE! – get it » HERE!

Blendtec jar options include:Blendtec Jars

The Standard packages for each blender comes with a “64oz” volume container or in some cases a 48oz container. Both companies offer other options and packages. Blendtec boasts a one blade does it all, both “wet” and “dry” blending in a single container. There is a 32oz Vitamix “dry grains” container available. Think you need a separate container to grind grains? You don’t necessarily, see our » Dry Blending Comparison

In addition to the dry grains container, Vitamix offers a 48oz container as well as a 32oz wet jar. The 64oz container that comes with the Vitamix Classic Series is 13.4 inches tall. The biggest complaint about Vitamix tends to be that this container is too tall to store the blender on counter-tops. Vitamix addressed this issue with the 48-oz container and a low-profile 64oz container that comes standard since the release of the Next Generation G-Series blenders. This new container is shorter (~10 inches) with a wider base that the tall 64-oz so it fits under most, but not all, cabinets.

All Vitamix containers are available for both classic and smart system models. The classic containers, with the black lid are compatible with the classic models such as the 5200,7500,750 & Explorian while the smart system containers are compatible with the Ascent and Venturist Series.

The Ascent Series and G-Series come with the more efficient low-profile 64 oz container. See our » Vitamix 7500 Review for more information.

Blendtec’s most popular blending jar offered is their Wildside+ jar with a fifth side added to their square jar design and a 4 inch blade. Also offered is the small Blendtec Twister jar. The Twister jar is by far Blendtec’s greatest improvement allowing for small volume blends. See more about the Twister jar.

Container volume:
While both blenders’ standard containers are advertised as “2 qt”, there is a notable difference. All Vitamix blending containers are UL rated to blend at capacity – their 64 oz container can blend a full container’s worth of food. The Blendtec jar can have difficulties operating at full capacity (WildSide Jar ~90 oz); Blendtec recommends filling their containers 1/2 full for optimum efficiency. Vita-Mix states you can fill them to the maximum volume and blend without issue, although it really depends on what you are blending. We have been successful running Blendtec with nearly full containers, with the WildSide that holds ~90 ounces that equates to about 64 ounces.

Blender BladesBlades: Blendtec blenders have a 2-prong, dull Stainless Steel blade. Vitamix blenders have a 4-prong Stainless Steel, 2 dull hammermill blades and 2 cutting blades. Both of these blades are engineered so they will not need replacing when used as recommended.

Lids:
Vitamix containers, except for Self-Detect containers, come with a rubber spill-proof vented lid with a center plug that can be removed to add ingredients while the machine is running and to make use of the tamper. (The new Smart System Self-Detect container lids no longer are rubber, they are clear plastic.) These lids have a “locking tap” that snaps on the lip to keep the lid on securely for blending. Blendtec blending jars come with a square vented Gripper lid that presses in place. It also has a center plug for adding ingredients. A minor “flaw” in the Blendtec lid design is that it doesn’t stay on as securely. Some customers have complained that the lid pops off when blending if left unattended. This occurs most often when filling the jar too full.

Every Vitamix container comes with a tamper. Blendtec containers do not come with tampers – their claim is that “they don’t need them”. For more information see tamper details.

Usability and Ease of Use

Both Vitamix and Blendtec are easy to use but their controls make the difference. Operation is different depending upon which blender you choose.

Vitamix C-Series Controls
Vitamix 5200 Interface

Vitamix G-Series Controls
Vitamix 7500 Interface

Vitamix Ascent Controls
Vitamix Ascent Interface

Speed Control:
Vitamix offers manual control over your blending pleasure with its variable speed dial vs Blendtec’s buttons, or slider, to cycle through their multiple speeds as needed (available speeds now vary with most every new Blendtec model – see our Blendtec Model Comparison). Blendtec is a microprocessor controlled machine with digital display to keep track of blending times and cycles.

Blendtec Classic Control Buttons
Blendtec Classic controls

Blendtec Designer Controls
Blendtec Designer Interface

Blending Programs:
Blendtec is best know for its Smart-Touch Tec-nology™. This allows you to “push a button and walk away” to have the blender run through a hands free automatic program cycle that stops when completed. (We don’t recommend actually walking away from the blender). While the Blendtec program cycles are very handy for some applications, we sometimes find the need to continue blending after the program completes to finish the job to our satisfaction or the cycle runs longer than what is needed to do the job. All Blendtec blenders also offer manual control as well for complete control. Higher cost Vitamix models such as the 750, and Ascent Series add program cycles to their operation. We find that the Vitamix program cycles are not as effective as Blendtec’s.

Your Vitamix will continue to run until manually shut off, when a cycle ends, or until the thermal protection kicks in to prevent overheating. Blendtec will automatically shut off after a maximum of 90 seconds of continuous blending (or when the chosen program cycle ends whichever is less).


Vitamix TamperTamper:
For such a small part of the blender, the tamper has created a lot of discussion and debate regarding Blendtec vs Vitamix. Every Vitamix blender comes with a tamper to assist in blending solid and whole (uncut) foods without stopping the blender. The tamper is generally not needed for most applications but can be extremely helpful when chopping, making frozen entrees, nut butters and thick puddings. With the Blendtec blenders, sometimes additional liquid is needed to blend completely without stopping the blender to adjust the ingredients.Blendtec Twister Jar top

The introduction of the Blendtec Twister Jar gives Blendtec owners the ability tmake thick purees and small volume dishes with ease. With its unique “twister lid and tines”, that function similar to the Vitamix tamper, food can somewhat be directed into the blades while blending.

Blendtec Total Blender Sale

Dry Blending. Grain Grinding and Making Flour

Which blender makes flour and does dry blending? Do you need a Vitamix Dry Grains Container?

In our blender reviews and demonstrations we get a lot of questions about what the difference is in how these two blenders grind grain and make flour. We have done a lot of seed and grain grinding using all blending containers (Blendtec Fourside/WildSide, Vitamix standard “wet-blade” and Vitamix “dry-grains” container) to find how they truly compare.

Blendtec and the Vitamix Standard container can blend dry ingredients.

Dry Blending REVIEW RESULTS:

Both blenders have no issue with grinding large amounts of nuts or seeds, such as flax or sesame, although we generally prefer our dedicated coffee grinder for those tasks.

The Blendtec jars and Vitamix standard “wet blade” containers can grind wheat berries pretty well. The flour appears identical in texture and consistency. Our tests reveals that it takes slightly less time to grind the berries with the Blendtec if you are blending more than 2 cups at a time and the temperature of the flour is lower. Also, sifting the flour will reveal that the Blendtec does grind the flour slightly finer.

The Vitamix Dry Grains container appears to do a better job of grinding. In a shorter amount of time the flour is a little finer with a more consistent texture, and did not clump in the corners like it does with the Vitamix standard container. The Vitamix dry-blade is designed to produce an “opposite vortex” which evenly pushes the flour up the sides as it grinds, rather than pull ingredients down to the center.

Conclusion: it doesn’t matter which blender you choose, no additional container or blade is required for either blender. If your plans include occasional grain grinding, both the Blendtec and Vitamix Standard will do a great job. But, if you plan on doing a significant amount of grain grinding then the Vitamix dry grains container would be a wise investment, or having dedicated Blendtec Fourside container for flour is a good idea.

Or… as Blendtec recommends:

To get a very fine grind and to keep the nutrients, always use the Kitchen Mill.”

The Blendtec Kitchen Mill is designed specifically for grain processing and does a superior job compared to any blender we have experienced.

Over time blending containers become cloudy and more opaque from grain grinding. Both Blendtec and Vitamix recommend a dedicated jar for grains for this reason, because of aesthetics.

Smoothie Making

smoothie textureWhich one makes the best smoothie? Both blenders do an excellent job at turning out delicious fruit and vegetable smoothies. There is no question about that. In the great Vitamix/Blendtec debate, there is no need to be concerned whether or not either blender can perform.

We’ve used our Blendtec blenders thousands of times (they include a digital usage counter) and have found the program cycles alone do not always complete the blending to our satisfaction – but fear not, as every Blendtec offers manual speed control over your blending desires. For common blends and fruit smoothies the Blendtec program cycles are a great advantage. For specialty blends and green smoothies packed with greens it is sometimes necessary to do additional blending after running the Whole Juice cycle. We found the same results, even more so, with the Vitamix Professional Series program cycles. They work okay for simple smoothies but they tend to run too long and do not have a satisfying result with green smoothies.

With manual control, Vitamix (both the 5200 and 7500) consistently makes creamy, super smooth green smoothies without the need of the tamper no matter how much greens we pack in the container, but it takes practice. Blendtec’s newer models do a much improved job of creating super-smooth green smoothies as compared to their older models.

Both the Blendtec and the Vitamix process food sufficiently to break down plant cell walls. This makes more nutrients available for use in your body.

Juicing with a Blendtec or Vitamix

A common question by many is “can it juice?“. While both blenders make incredible smoothies, it is important to note that they are not “juicers”. What they do make is what we call “wholefood juice“. The important difference is that Juicers extract the liquid from ingredients by removing all the fiber and blenders do not remove anything from the whole food so you get all the natural fiber – thus a “wholefood juice”.

If you truly want to make juice without the fiber in your Vitamix or Blendtec, you need to take an extra step after blending. You have to strain the wholefood juice to remove the fiber and pulp. While not as effective as a juicer, you can accomplish this using cheesecloth or a nut milk bag.

If you plan on juicing a lot then you should consider a quality juicer – see the juicers we recommend.

Clean Up

Unlike general kitchen blenders, neither the Blendtec nor Vitamix have an easy option to remove the bottom blade housing to access the jar for cleaning. They both are easy to clean but Blendtec is easier.

The 2 prong blade and smooth square design of the Blendtec jars make it easier to remove your blended goodness and clean than the more narrow, 4 prong blade Vitamix design. The Vitamix New Generation low-profile container is wider and results in easier access than the taller containers but is still not as easy to clean down near the blades as Blendtec jars.

Clean up is easy by putting in some hot water with soap and blending. A little hand washing can finish up the job if necessary. The most important factor for easy clean up is to wash your container immediately after use. Blend, wash, and done.

*Dishwasher machine use: some readers have shared that they put their containers in the dishwasher to clean. Blendtec states that it is okay to put their jar in the dishwasher while Vitamix states that you should not. We recommend that you don’t put either Blendtec or Vitamix containers in the dishwasher – continual dishwasher use will compromise the seal and bearings of the blade housing over time due to extreme temperatures and detergents If you have older containers that are not BPA-Free they will out-gas. We have had Blendtec customers tell us that their dishwasher had damaged their containers, which is NOT covered under warranty. If you risk it, place them on the top rack.

Comparison Chart

    Vitamix Classic & E320   Vitamix Ascent Series   Blendtec Total & Designer
Dimensions   20.5" x 7.25" x 8.75"
17.5" x 7.7" x 9.4"
  11" x 8" x 17"   15.5" x 7" x 8"
Height   20.5 inches high
17.25 (with Compact container)
  17.5 inches tall   15.5 inches high
Speed Controls   High/Low and Variable Speed
0 to 5 Pre-programs
  Variable Speed and Pulse
0 to 5 Pre-programs
  8 to 100 speeds (plus Pulse)
4 to 6 Pre-programs
RPMs   ~500 – ~37,000 RPMs   ?   ~ 4,080 – ~28,000 RPMs
Green Smoothies   Super Smooth   Super Smooth   Super Smooth
Power   1380 watts
11-12 AMPS
(2.1 – 2.2 HP)
  2.2 HP
12 AMPS
  1560 – 1725 watts
13 – 15 AMPS
(3.0 – 3.8 HP)
Containers
Available
  64 oz.
Short 64 oz.
48 oz
32 oz
  SELF-DETECT Technology
Short 64 oz.
  75 oz. FourSide
90 oz. WildSide
37 oz. Twister
Mini WildSide
Grains   Yes   Yes   Yes
Blade   4 prong Stainless Steel   4 prong Stainless Steel   2 prong Stainless Steel
User
Control
  Switches
Variable Speed Dial
Program Buttons
  Switches and Buttons
Variable Speed Dial
Timer
Program Buttons
  One-Touch Buttons
Pre-program cycles
Warranty   5 to 7-year   10-year   8 to 10-years
Colors
Available
  Black, White, Red, Blue, Expresso,
Brushed Stainless or Platinum
  Black, White, Red, Brushed Stainless or Platinum   MANY
Black, White, Red, Steel, Green, Blue, Purple…
Reconditioned   Yes   No   Yes
Starting Price   » $300   » $450   » $280

cookbook

Bottom Line – Which blender is better for YOU?

Blendtec may serve you better if:

  • you prefer high-tech computer controlled – digital display blenders
  • you like to push a button and have your blender control your blends
  • you are space limited and need a shorter blender
  • easier clean up is important
  • you travel a lot with your blender

Vitamix may serve you better if:

  • you prefer total control over the speed and time of blending
  • you like a more solid, industrial feel blender
  • you prefer simple mechanical buttons and dials
  • you blend small volumes and thick purees

No matter which brand you chose to buy – you will own a top quality blender!

Best Buys for your Blendtec or Vitamix

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