Hamilton Beach 52654 Blender/Food Processor Combo Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used different brands of Blenders and Food Processors from various manufacturers in the past, but beleive me or not, this Blender/Food Processor is really the one I am looking for. It has a powerful motor that can easily break ice, plus the Blender jar is made of really thick, unbreakable material, unlike many other Glass Blender jars. One other feature I like about this combo is its wave action technology, which can continuously pull down the mixture in it and this system really works. The Food processor is large enough to chop/mix fruits and vegetables, and above all it saves a lots of space in my kitchen. I have read a lots of bad reviews from many people about other Combos like this, but I don't know what these people are exactly trying to do with a Blender/Food Processor.


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Hamilton Beach Wave-action Blender.Revolutionary blending systme forces mixture down into the stainless steel ice sabre blades for ultimate blending performance.12 speed motor with 450 watts of peak power.56 oz Dura-blend plastic jar is 50% stronger than ordinary jars.Includes 3-cup food processor attachment with stainless steel chopping blade.

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Vita-Mix 1320 Professional Series, Platinum Review

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(More customer reviews)My wife and I have two Vita-Mix blenders. We bought one at a fair 6 years ago, and picked up a new-in-the-box commercial model at an auction about 3 years ago. We have used both heavily. Vita-Mix blenders are tall (too tall to fit under typical kitchen cabinets), heavy, loud, and very, very effective. Like most, we've burned through any number of typical home blenders. The Vita-Mix blenders last.
Customer service is superb. We've had exactly one problem - the variable speed dial got really difficult to turn. With about two weeks go to on the original 5-year warranty (warranties have changed since - they're longer now), Vita-Mix fixed the base, including paying shipping both ways, and also told us to send along the container so they could make sure it was in good shape - and then replaced the blade for us.
Vita-Mix blenders come with a tamper, and a lid designed to take the tamper. Most of the time you don't need it. It comes in handy for very thick, very cold blends, like thick smoothies, ice cream, etc. You will absolutely, positively need to have a tamper - or stop and use a scraper - with ANY blender, no matter how powerful, the shape of the container, or configuration of the blades. "Tamper" is actually something of a misnomer. While it is used to tamp at times, it actually changes the mixing dynamics by effectively taking up part of the volume at the center of the container, eliminating cavitation in mixes where that's helpful.
The Vita-Mix base units are heavy because they use heavy-duty motors. Don't be taken in by competing companies' horsepower claims with lighter-duty motors with half the weight. The competitors hit higher horsepower ratings by running their motors at higher speeds. All blender motors run fast, of course, and bumping up the horsepower by pulling more amps this way can be appropriate for some motor applications, but you can't consider one factor in a vacuum. The Vita-Mix motors are heavy, and heavy motors last longer by using heavier cores and windings, both of which make the motor stand up longer to heavy use and heat without breaking down. Vita-Mix containers also employ a heavy flywheel below the blades. That, in conjunction with the heavier-duty motor, is what gives you longevity, and the ability to chop heavy stuff for years. If you look at the motor-to-container connector, you will also see that the Vita-Mix uses a larger diameter connector - less stress, more life, and lower possibility of stripping.
I do wish they were quieter, but the competitors are in the same ballpark, claims to the contrary notwithstanding. The height can be dealt with by simply storing the container away from the base (which we leave on the countertop). My only real complaint is the cost of extra containers. I'd love one of the 32oz containers, but think $100-$120 (typical price at a fair)is too much.

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"It's not a blender - It's a Vita-Mix!"Ordinary blenders can't begin to approach the speed nor the results you'll enjoy while using the powerful Vita-Mix machine.Like no other kitchen appliance available, the Professional Series Vita-Mix, multi-tasking appliance will unlock the deep rich flavor treasures hidden in all your select ingredients.You can create dishes the way professional chefs do.It easily handles the work of many appliances so you can blend, puree, chop, juice, grind and more, all in this one versatile machine!An easel-design recipe booksaves counter space and is packed with over 300 full-color, easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipes and tips from top-rated chefs.Instructional DVD and owner's manual included.

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Vita Mix 1723 Professional Series 200 Blender, Onyx Review

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(More customer reviews)This machine is just so amazing.... having the best time making all kinds of delicious, healthy and quick soups
and Italian ices right out of the blender...not to mention, the smoothies I originally purchased it to make...Worth every penny.

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Combine the number of culinary tasks it performs with how often you'll use it and the Vitamix Professional Series 200 instantly moves beyond a mere kitchen luxury to an everyday necessity. Achieve flavorful gourmet results with the speed and precision of a professional chef. Designed to perform like no other. With variable speed control you control the blades allowing for flexibility and creativity - fine chop, grind or fully blend ingredients all in one container. Laser-cut, one piece blade assembly. Superior cutting edges join forces with a pulverizing process. Powerful 2 Peak Horsepower motor propels the blade tip speed up to 240 miles-per-hour to blend even the toughest ingredients. BPA-Free, shatter-proof container with easy grip handle is designed to create a powerful vortex to force ingredients up from the blades and back down the center for thorough processing. Elegant, fashion-forward design enhanced with Onyx mirror gloss finish, fingerprint-resistant and easy-to-clean. Included is the "Create" recipe book with easel-back design containing more than 300 signature recipes from gourmet chefs and "Let's Get Started" Instructional DVD. 7-year Performance Warranty guarantees performance as well as parts for 7 years.

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Vita-Mix 1300 TurboBlend 4500 Review

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(More customer reviews)I have owned the Vita-Mix Super 5000 since 1997, and I love it. I can grind flour, make juice, soup, ice cream (the fruit smoothies I make with this are to die for)--in short, every kind of food processing you can imagine. This baby is built to last and has a 7-year warranty.
In 2004, a couple weeks after the 7 years were up, I was very upset when it broke down. I thought, "Isn't that just the way these things tend to go with warranties?" I searched for Vita-Mix on the web (the URL is their name, and there is a link on this page, to them, too). I clicked on the button for service, got their 800 number, and called them at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time, and they were there. The service rep was friendly and knowledgeable. She asked me to describe in detail the symptoms of my ailing Vita-Mix. She then said, when I asked about it, that even though I was past the window period to do so, the company would still allow me to buy a three-year extended warranty for $120. I jumped at that, and found out that I could use it to cover the parts (and shipping) to fix the problem. She said I needed an "assembly piece" that sold for $75 without a warranty, a "drive socket" worth $12.00 and the shipping of $9.95 would be no charge to me. She said she was including a small wrench and instructions and I can fix it myself. So right off the bat I used most of the $120 to fix my first problem.
I've never seen anything like this kind of service. When our tabletop water distiller broke, we had to send it in for warrantied repair, which cost $50 shipping (we paid), and weeks to get back. I think shipping the Vita-Mix to the company might have cost nearly that much, so I was delighted to have this option of getting the parts in 10 days to fix it myself and have my beloved Vita-Mix back working within a week and a half.
If you are ever in the market for a food processor that is professional quality that works great with amazing customer service, this is it. The price is very competitive for what you get, and the product itself is fabulous. (Only one tiny little caveat--which is true for =any= blender--wear earplugs when you do the very high speeds or you could hurt your ears.)
Update March 23, 2009: I've owned the Vita-Mix 12 years now, and I still love it! See my comment to this review with today's date which contains information on my experiences with the sales personnel of the Vita-Mix company today.


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Vita-Mix TurboBlend 4500 is a heavy-duty, commercial-quality blender that delivers optimum performance and power.Superior engineering strengthens each part, ensuring a product that will last.

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Vita-Mix CIA Restaurant Commercial Blender Review

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(More customer reviews)Necessity or Luxury: Depends on if you have experienced it (& if you plan on using it regularly)
As a guy who takes his smoothies and soups very seriously, it is a necessity for me. While some might argue about the price (Covers the purchase of an average blender every year into perpetuity if purchase price is invested in an annuity), I find comparisons to other blenders moot as the results from the Vitamix is not reproducible by an average blender (no strawberry/blackberry seeds in your smoothie, no bell pepper seeds in your soup). And, cleaning takes seconds!
The Motor of the Vitamix 5200 is the same as the CIA Commercial blender and costs a little less. The CIA edition comes with an exhaustive recipe book and a CD. Did I mention the blend sound reminds me of a revving Ferrari? (All the more reason to go RED!)

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Follow the leader in superior blending technology. Ordinary blenders can't begin to approach the speed nor output of this extraordinary commercial quality blender. This multi-tasking, heavy-duty electric blender uses1380-watt power to chop vegetables, juice fruit, blend shakes, mix ice cream and create delectable sauces, dressings, vinaigrettes and much more easily with the touch of a button. Ordinary blenders jam or overheat, but with a 2-plus peak horsepower motor, 1-10 speeds, and a laser-cut stainless steel blade, this blender chops, grinds, minces, juices and crushes ice with smooth efficiency; even cooks soup! The oversized 64-oz. jar is made of durable copolyester - the same material used in airplane windows. Blender cleans easily without removing blade. Jar fitted with a soft-touch handle. Instructional DVD andRecipes and Techniques from the CIA Master Chefscookbook. UL* approved. Made in USA. Full 7-year warranty. 7 1/4"W x 8 3/4"D x 20"H. Model: 136.

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Vitamix CIA Professional Countertop Blender with 2+ HP Motor, Platinum Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had my platinum Vita-Mix 1363 CIA (Culinary Institute of America) model blender for just over a month. So far, I am loving it! I have definitely increased my consumption of fruits and vegetables since getting it. I start most mornings off with a smoothie now. I throw in whatever fruit is in season (I love berries, but I've used peaches, nectarines, plums, grapes, apples, bananas and various frozen fruits), a scoop or two of protein powder, milk or water, a couple handfuls of fresh spinach, a couple handfuls of ice and sweetener if needed. Surprisingly, the spinach doesn't noticeably change the flavor, but it does boost the nutritional content of the smoothie. In less than 10 minutes I can have my smoothie made, poured into a "to go" cup and have the machine all clean (just add warm water and a couple drops of dish soap- turn it on for 30 seconds, then empty and rinse the container). The smoothies always turn out 100% smooth- berry seeds, apple seeds, ice and other hard bits are totally pulverized and drinkable. I've made great low-cal salad dressings using fresh herbs, garlic, low fat cottage cheese, a splash of milk and salt (if you prefer, you could use Ranch dressing mix with cottage cheese and milk). I made a very satisfying tomato soup with home grown tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, onion and salt. I've made great blended piña coladas, too! I'm having a lot of fun experimenting with different recipes. Because the Vita-Mix processes foods quickly, I'm actually finding that I'm making healthier eating choices. It's faster for me to put together a salad with pre-washed greens, veggies and homemade dressing than it is to go to the nearest fast food restaurant... and in the end, it's more satisfying and a LOT healthier. Yes, this is an expensive machine, but I think it will pay for itself within the first two years by reducing my spending on going out to eat.
This is a heavy-duty machine. It is loud when it's in use, but generally you won't need to run the machine for more than a couple minutes at a time. This is definitely a professional quality machine and will yield professional quality results. A regular home blender cannot compare!
The Vita-Mix 1363 CIA model and the Vita-Mix 5200 model are essentially the same machine. The CIA model has some different color choices and comes with a HUGE recipe book called "Create", a smaller "recipes and techniques" booklet and an hour long cooking class DVD. The 5200 model includes a different booklet and DVD. Both have the same 7-year warranty. If the color of the machine and the recipe book don't matter to you, save yourself some $$$ and go for the 5200 model instead.

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With its 2-plus peak horsepower motor that generates blade speeds of 240 MPH, this versatile countertop appliance works great for blending, pureeing, chopping, juicing, grinding, and more. The blender features a laser-cut stainless-steel blade assembly, durable all-metal construction, a brushed aluminum faceplate, and variable speed control for processing at just the right speed. In addition, the blender's oversized 64-ounce polycarbonate jar creates a powerful vortex that forces ingredients up from the blade and back down to the center to ensure thorough blending. Make delicious homemade dips, soups, sauces, appetizers, salsas, dressings, desserts, beverages, smoothies, sorbets, ice cream--the options are endless. An exclusive new recipe book comes included, "Recipes and Techniques from the CIA Master Chefs." The book features more than 20 recipes developed by the CIA's Certified Master Chefs. The blender also comes with an instructional DVD, an owner's manual, and a space-saving easel-design recipe book packed with over 300 easy-to-prepare recipes in full color from some of the country's top professional chefs. The blender measures 8-3/4 by 7-1/4 by 20 inches and carries a full seven-year warranty.

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Vitamix 1700 Turbo Blend 4500 Countertop Blender with 2+ HP Motor Review

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(More customer reviews)Vitamix makes excellent products. I have owned this one for about 7 or 8 years and just purchased a Blendtec a few months ago, as well.
Both are great blenders. Comparison of differences:
1) Motor - Blendtec has a more powerful motor. Noticeably more powerful - 3 HP vs 2 HP.
2) Construction - Blendtec is not as substantial in construction. Vitamix feels more heavy-duty, and is heavier. Vitamix will not rock and shake as much. Both are made in the USA with BPA-free containers.
3) Noise level - I don't notice that much difference. Maybe Blendtec is a bit louder, but it doesn't bother me.
4) Controls - There are more controls on the Blendtec - slower/faster, pulse, and preprogrammed selections. For example: Smoothies is one of the preprogrammed selections. So this means the Blendtec will alter its speed on its own in order to make sure items get blended that might otherwise stay bouncing around on top. It is optimized for each setting. You can do the same thing manually with the Vitamix with the spin dial that controls speed. Physically the Vitamix manually spin dial is easier to use. The Blendtec has a digital counter to tell you how many times you have used it.
5) Warranty - the Vitamix warranty is longer - 7 years on ALL parts that can be extended to 10 for an extra cost. Blendtec is normally only 3, not including the containers. This can be extended to 7 at no extra cost if purchased at Costco. The Vitamix had to have its motor replaced once. They were happy to do it and paid for shipping BOTH ways. Customer service was excellent. I can't evaluate this yet for the Blendtec since I haven't had it long enough, but the warranty does not cover shipping both ways.
6) Height - the Blendtec is shorter and fits easily under the cabinets in the kitchen. The Vitamix, at 20.5 inches, does not.
7) Containers - Both are BPA-free. The design of the Blendtec containers, while less substantial, is better. Wider instead of taller, they are easier to clean and easier to get food out of. Plus, this design lends itself to better performance.
8) Performance - the Blendtec will spin and pulverize thicker food even when the Vitamix will sit there and spin with nothing moving on top. The Vitamix requires a bit more work in those cases. If the liquid is thinner, the Vitamix does not do this and spins fine. The Blendtec 4 qt 4 inch blade container is better in this regard even than the 3 qt 3 inch blade container. I don't have to push the food down much at all with the Blendtec. However, with the bit of extra effort, the Vitamix will end up blending just as well as the Blendtec.
9) Splashing - the Blendtec definitely splashes food more in the container than the Vitamix. Be sure to keep that lid on the Blendtec.
10) Guarantee - The Vitamix accepts a return within 30 days and pay for your shipping back:
Vitamix says:
"You get FREE return shipping as part of the Vitamix 30-day NO-RISK trial. Call Vitamix at 1-800-848-2649 for a pre-paid return shipping label. Contact Customer Service at 1-800-848-2649 option #2 to receive a Return Authorization Number."
Blendtec says this about their return policy:
"Any item purchased on [...] that is returned within 30 days of purchase is subject to inspection prior to a refund or credit being given. Shipping fees are non-refundable and in some cases a usage or restocking fee may apply. If a return is near the end of the 30-day satisfaction guarantee period, we ask that you please call a customer service representative so we can document what product is being returned. No refunds will be given after 30 days."I have enjoyed them both. Both are great products. I like the Blendtec a little better in terms of performance, but the Vitacost did a good job, too. Vitacost customer service was really excellent.

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No need to worry about the sound of a strained, unhappy motor with this powerful machine--even when mixing up nut butters or icy concoctions. The versatile countertop appliance features a 2-plus peak horsepower motor, which runs substantially cooler and efficiently generates blade speeds of over 200 MPH for blending, pureeing, chopping, juicing, grinding, and more. The unit's stainless-steel enclosed blade assembly, with sealed ball bearings, can process fresh, whole foods--including the leaves, peel, and stem--in seconds for superior taste and a smooth texture without any stringy bits or unblended chunks. In addition, the unit's easy-to-clean front panel provides moisture-shielded switches, two speed options, and an on/off switch. The heavy-duty, commercial-quality blender also comes equipped with a large, clear, 64-ounce container made from Eastman Tritan copolyester material, which makes it BPA-free, virtually unbreakable, and more chemical resistant. The container offers convenient measuring marks, a plunger, and a spill-proof locking lid that removes easily. Blend a large batch of soup for the whole family or as little as 4 ounces at a time. Make delicious beverages, soups, homemade dips and sauces, salsas, dressings, desserts, baby foods, purees, and smoothies--the options are endless. A Healthy Lifestyle recipe book containing over 150 step-by-step recipes in full color comes included. The 1380-watt two-speed blender measures 7-1/4 by 8-3/4 by 20 inches and carries a five-year limited warranty.

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