On Sat 22 Mar 2008 04:20:40p, Don told us...

Our first blender was one my parents bought in the '50s - a Waring.
My wife and I received an Oster as a wedding present in 1969 - it
still works fine (and, parts are still available), tho' the color is
Avocado (ugh). We bought a KitchenAid around 8 years ago, and the
clutch coupler failed on it recently, and lo' and behold, the part is
no longer available. The blender's in perfect condition otherwise,
now it's off to the trash because of the unavailability of the part.

So, here's my question: why so few blenders use the metal to metal
drive system as does Waring, Oster, and VitaMix. Is it a patent
question? One would think that since the patents on the Waring and
Oster designs should have expired long ago, this wouldn't be the
reason. Or, is it simply cost?

Sometimes I think it's better to find an older blender from the '50s,
'60s, or 70s on eBay that's in good shape rather than buying a new
one! Sure, the old one won't have sophisticated CPU control systems,
etc., but I really wonder about the reliability of ANY new small
appliance compared to those built much earlier.

I'm still using my Oster Galaxie 10 from the mid-1960s with all the
original parts, and still love it. I put in it the pantry for a year or so
when I bought a Vita-Mix, but became disenchanted with the Vita-Mix because
the blender container (at least those at that time) could not be
disassembled, nor could it go in the dishwasher. I gave it away and pulled
the Oster back out of the pantry. :-) I will probably die before it does.

I am *not* impressed with the current generation of blenders, either in
design, weight, or function.

--
Wayne Boatwright
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Saturday, 03(III)/22(XXII)/08(MMVIII)
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Countdown till Memorial Day
9wks 1dys 2hrs 25mins
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I went on a 30-day diet - and lost 30 days!
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