On Mar 31, 2:29 pm, wrote:
> I was just at Costco this week (in Arizona), and I started watching a
> demonstration of the Vita Mix machine. (http://www.vitamix.com/) I
> couldn't pull myself away from the demonstration, and I was literally
> amazed at how the machine made a fruit smoothie (just like Jamba
> Juice), a frozen ice cream mix of fruit, and some hot tortilla soup
> all in less than 10 minutes. I sampled each of the products and was
> amazed at how good they were. Then, when I learned that it can also
> grind wheat and other grains, I was almost sold on the product.
>
> Costco is selling the item for $350 base price, which comes with a
> "wet" blade that works with drinks, soups, etc. The sell another
> "dry" blade that is used for grinding wheat and other grains ($75).
>
> We just had a $30 blender die on us last week, so we've been looking
> for a new blender. We are also very interested in grinding our own
> grains, so we've been looking at some wheat grinders (i.e., Wonder
> Mill), which run about $200-250.
>
> If we could get a juicer, mixer, food processor, and wheat grinder all
> in one machine, then I could see jumping at the $425 it would take to
> purchase it. I'd like to get some feedback from others who have used
> the product - especially as a wheat/grain grinder - before I spend the
> money.
>
> Any feedback on the product in general and on the dry blade setup and
> its benefits would be much appreciated.
>
> Thanks!

I think $425 is a good price for a vita-mix; however, I don't check
prices on them. Maybe it is that Costco offers that better price than
Vita-Mix itself. I assume you've compared prices at Vita-Mix.

I do not use it for all the things it mentions. I still prefer my
Kitchen-Aid food processor, Kitchen-Aid mixer; it doesn't juice, but
blends; you will have to have a 'juicer,' if juice is what you want.
I would compare a juicer to a Vita-Mix similar to jelly vs. jam in its
final stage.

I will use it for almonds, not wanting to dull the blade of my fp
which I use often. I tried to make bread in it -- yuk!
I tried making soup in it, but that's not my style -- I make a huge
pot of soup. I have ground wheat in the dry part and it does a decent
job -- better than a grinder that I had -- won't mention the brand,
but it was a good one.

I don't buy juice in a juice bar, but if you like thick creamy juice
drinks, and want nutrition, it's great.
Another thing: If you are doing something in a fp and it consists of
lots of liquids, you're better off using theVita-Mix.
Easy enough to clean. And, of course, I don't put any part of it in
the dishwasher.

All the people I've talked to who have bought a Vita-Mix have been
really excited about them and want them RIGHT AWAY!

Good luck on your decision.
Dee