I was wondering if anyone has a "Vita-Mix". I want to know if you think it is worth the $$$ and also if anyone has ever ground grain (wheat) with it. Let me know what you think--I'd like to purchase one, but don't want to spend that kind of money on something that I might be disappointed in owning. Is it worth it? Does it do an adequate/good job of grinding wheat? Thanks for the help.

-- Sharon (spangenberg@hovac.com), January 18, 2002

Answers

Sharon, I would love to find out also. Seen the ad that says it will process tomatoes skins, seeds and all. Wouldnt that make canning so much faster? Looking forward to responses.

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), January 18, 2002.

I purchased one for my wife at her request.

It's expensive but it does everything it advertises.

It's not worth buying if you aren't going to use it. Ours hasn't been used for years.

-- walt (longyear@shentel.net), January 18, 2002.

I've had mine for over 20 years, and use it all the time. It does everything they say it will.

-- Earthmama (earthmama48@yahoo.com), January 18, 2002.

If All you want it for is to grind grain=you might prefer something else. It does an adequate grinding job, but only one or 2 cups at a time. I use mine daily for alot of different things but if i only wanted a grinder i'd get a grinder. mary

-- mary (mary@jsteng.com), January 18, 2002.

If you're going to USE it, it's worth the money. My ex bought one 20 years ago and I snagged it during the divorce. Use it sporadically. I did grind up coffee beans a couple of times. Mostly use it for tomatoes. If your MAIN reason is for TOMATOES...there's a "vittorio strainer" that's much cheaper and better to use. The vitamix does smash the tomatoes in sauce real quick, it's just a bit of a pain to have to strain the seeds and skins out afterwards. The blender itself is made of stainless steel, has different speed settings, and a reverse switch. It is expensive, but if you're honestly using it a LOT...go for it.

Chelsea

-- Chelsea (rmbehr@istar.ca), January 18, 2002.

I have a nice grinder (but it is "woman" powered). It works good, I got it from Lehman's. I'm usually just not wanting to take all the time and energy to grind the wheat. It takes quite a while to do the job. I'd like to use the "Vita Mix" for other stuff too--veggie drinks, fruit smoothies, etc. "Sort of" into the health thing--I'd like to be more into it and thought a "Vita Mix" might help that too.

-- Sharon (spangenberg@hovac.com), January 18, 2002.

Hi Sharon..Yes, I have one and LOVE it! Using it to can tomatoes...well I thought I had died and gone to heaven. The juice I canned was sooo good and I think it was because ALL the good stuff went into it. Seeds skins and all. I have not used it on wheat, but I have a black turtle bean bread recipe that calls for ground turtle beans...it worked great and I was VERY happy with it! If you are going into the health end of things...I think you will enjoy it AND get your moneys worth.

-- Sher in se Iowa (riverdobbers@webtv.net), January 18, 2002.

We are getting the Vita-Mix that my parents bought since they don't use it anymore and are looking forward to using it for tomatoes, wheat, smoothies and all the other good things. My sister-in-law bought one at a garage sale for $50--just keep your eyes open unless you can't wait. Have fun!

-- ddew from NE KY (ddew1962@earthlink.net), January 18, 2002.

I have one that is over 8 years old, I like it very much, The service after the sale has been wonderfull also, I droped it the 1st week I had it and broke the handle, they sent a new one no charge. I melted the coupling to the blades grinding wheat a year or so later, [I let it get too hot) They sent me the repair parts no charge, [after that I chilled it in the freezer before grinding]. I sent it in something like a week before the 7 year warenty was up and had the drive shaft replaced, no hassles. The new ones are poly-carbonate (spelling?) and see through, there is a wet container and a dry one [the blades are different] and they are quieter than the older ones. Ask for a scratch and dent model they work fine and have a full warenty, and it will save you a few bucks.

-- Thumper (slrldr@yahoo.com), January 18, 2002.

i have no personal experience but remember seeing that consumer reports has tested it so i don't know how but you might want to check it out. But also remember that those who own one and have posted should IMHO have more weight given to their reports.

-- gail missouri ozarks (gef@getgoin.net), January 18, 2002.

Yes it does as it claims, wife loves the one we have (it is borrowed) Walt, how old is your vita mix and how much do you want for it?

-- jonathan (jonathan_sz@yahoo.com), January 18, 2002.

We have one, and indeed, it does all it advertises!!

We have made some great *V11*........(more than V8...;))

Also great liver pate.....(don't wrinkle your nose...it's really great!) (smile)

While it only does a couple of cups of wheat grinding at a time, it does it well, and we seldom need more that that! There are two separate grinders and containers, one for hard stuff, and the other for "normal" use.

I had a problem, that I thought was "fatal"...emailed CS, and they responded almost immediately with a simple fix......I let it get too hot, and it "died"........it just needed some time (about 30 mins or so) to re-adjust itself! All in all, we are MOST pleased with our Vita-Mix....!!!

-- Birdlady (A_Birdlady@hotmail.com), January 18, 2002.

We love ours, it does everything they say it will and even makes soup and ice cream.

Ours grinds oats and wheat but only in small quantities. I wouldn't use it for real big amounts - if that is all you want one for, I would get a grain mill.

But if you like fresh juice, and fruit drinks and ours even makes bread dough!, you'll get your money's worth. But only if you intend to use it often enough to recoup the investment.

Cindy

-- Cindy (colawson@mindspring.com), January 18, 2002.

What can I say about Vita-Mix?! Mmmm!

I have two!

I love them. All of the above comments from people who own them are quite accurate.

-- R. (thor610@yahoo.com), January 19, 2002.

I've had my Vita mix since '93 and wouldn't be without it. I have the wet and dry containers, plus I got an extra container to grind my compost material in. Does chicken bones!!! (haven't dared try harder beef bones) Use it for canning, making bread crumbs, soup, ice "cream", have even used it to grind meat.

-- Sue (sulandherb@aol.com), January 19, 2002.

Sharon -- I argued with myself for ages about whether a Vita-Mix could possibly be worth that much more than a plain old blender -- and then I got a bonus check when the business I worked for was sold and decided to take a chance with the "found" money. Am I ever glad I did! The dry container does an outstanding job of grinding (as long as you remember to freeze the grain first; otherwise, it heats up). And I've started off almost every morning since the machine arrived with carrot/pineapple/citrus cocktail...so much better than any juices I've found at the store, and there's none of the pulp and mess you get with other juicers.

-- Christine (cytrowbridge@zianet.com), January 19, 2002.