VitaMix Vita-Prep 1002 Blender with 64-Ounce Carafe Review

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(More customer reviews)A wonderful machine that does everything except cook. It has opened a new storehouse of cooking for me.

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The Professional Chef's Power ToolTMVita-Prep® produces silky smooth purèes, grinding whole spices and grains, chopping vegetables and more. Vita-Prep outlasts other blenders 3 to 1, and for many well-known chefs, the Vita-Prep has become essential in the back-of-the-house commercial kitchens.The Vita-Prep just got Juiced!The new Vita-Prep 3 has more power to handle the thickest, toughest ingredients! Grind meats for pâte or chop tough vegetables for authentic Mexican salsa without overheating! Use the variable speed for perfect purèes, savory soups and delicious frozen treats. The Vita-Prep 3 is a must in kitchens where volume and quality are key ingredients to a successful back-of-the-house. More power, larger cooling fan, Vita-Mix quality...a great recipe has been perfected!

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HealthMaster LWHM Living Well/Montel 1100-Watt 2-Quart Fruit-and-Vegetable Emulsifier Review

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(More customer reviews)UPDATE 9/9/2010: This unit has been out for awhile now, and the complaints are rising steadily, not only here at Amazon, but other sites as well. The complaints, that surface either immediately or within 6 months are: Leaking containers,motors that burn out emitting an electrical odor that sometimes will trip your circuit breakers, container lid is hard to remove and put back on, terrible customer service (from the healthmaster site and not amazon), and now, a poster said that the container is not safe to use because of the plastic, and will emit chemicals into your food! Now, QVC is selling a new and improved Healthmaster, called the Healthmaster VS. It is now BPA free, (the container on this one isn't)they nixed the digital display and the design went back to the old Jack La Lanne style using flip switches and dials. There are already negative reviews of the new machine. PLEASE do your research before buying this product! If you have a leaking container, put clear water into the container and run on speed 8 for about 30 seconds, if it becomes discolored then oil is getting into your mixtures!
MY ORIGINAL REVIEW :This unit is a Jack La Lanne Healthmaster, redesigned with a new digital display, and costs more. I owned the Jack La Lanne, and within 6 months, the bearings stripped, and a rust color was dripping from the container, with the food being tainted by rust on the blades. I threw it out and bought a Vitamix. The same problems are beginning to surface with this machine problems develop either immediately or within 3 to 6 months of use. A neighbor, who loves Montel, and ignored my warnings, bought this machine through the healthmaster website. Within 3 days, the motor burnt out. It took several weeks to get a replacement. Upon receiving the replacement, the motor burnt out again. She returned the unit for a refund, and has yet to receive it. She paid for the extra warranty, and HM did not pay for the shipping to return it (the warranty is bogus, if you read the fine print, the warranty can be voided), YOU have to pay for it. This machine does what it is supposed to do, it makes good smoothies, but simply isn't powerful enough and cannot handle the strain. Other reviews on other sites state the same thing. The infomercial, has the same woman that was on the infomercial for jack la lanne.If you must, buy it here, the return policy is much better, however I recommend that you spend a few extra bucks and get a Vitamix, which I have had for several years now with absolutely no problems, and has a automatic 7 year guarantee,excellent customer service, and they pay for shipping. You get what you pay for. Give yourself, or your loved ones, a better machine than this, especially for xmas.

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Equipped with an 1100-watt almost-2-horsepower motor, this fruit-and-vegetable emulsifier goes way beyond a standard countertop blender. What can't be done with the machine might be easier to mention, but without intending to overwhelm, here's a short list of what it can do: juice whole fruits and vegetables, make ice cream and frozen yogurt, simmer soup, create dips and salsas, blend fruit smoothies and milkshakes, grind nut butters, whisk salad dressings, melt chocolate and cheese, and puree party dips, or use it to grate cheese from coarse to fine, whip cream, mince garlic and herbs, mash potatoes, chop veggies, dice onions, cream butter, aerate egg whites for fluffy meringues, mix up drinks and cocktails, or crush up to 2 quarts of ice in seconds. The versatile appliance replaces 20 different kitchen appliances, including a blender, a mini chopper, a 10-inch cook's knife, a coffee and spice mill/grinder, a cheese/veggie grater, a juicer, a meat grinder, a snow-cone maker, an ice-cream maker, a smoothie maker, a soy milk maker, and a latte whip or other milk-frothing device--just to name a few. The kitchen appliance features a digital emulsification system that pulverizes and liquefies whole fruits and vegetables in seconds, and its centrifugal friction "cooks" foods naturally, retaining the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phyto-nutrients. Choose from a variety of one-touch controls, including eight variable speed settings. The machine also provides commercial-grade wet/dry culinary blades that never need replacing and an extra-large 70-ounce (2 quart) polycarbonate-plastic pitcher with measuring marks up the side, a generous easy-grip handle, a drip-free pouring spout, and a secure-fitting lid with a built-in safety valve that releases steam and pressure when making soup. For added safety, the unit must be properly assembled or it will not turn on; it will also turn off automatically to prevent overheating. Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a snap, and four bonus recipe books and a healthy eating plan come included. Endorsed by Montel Williams, the fruit-and-vegetable emulsifier measures 21 by 12-3/4 by 16-1/2 inches and carries a 60-day warranty with a 100-year warranty on the motor.

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Blendtec Total Blenders Review

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(More customer reviews)The Blendtec is a professional product, made to work, and it does. The power is great; the blades are very strong and take chopping ice everyday as does the motor. We are constantly making smoothies. The cycles programmed in can do a lot of "smoothing without thinking."
It's true, the documentation that comes with it is sparse, but if you feel it's necessary, find a book on blending, on Amazon. You cant judge a professional tool by a recipe book, they expect you to know how to use a blender.
I used to go through blenders in about three months, even the very high priced Braun went in less than 6 months (it cost a grand). My first Blendtec is now 2 years old, and all I had to replace is the jar. I now have a second, and won't buy another brand blender anymore.


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The Total Blender is designed to do it all. From smoothies, fresh juice, ice cream, milkshakes, cappuccinos, margaritas, to soups, sauces, dressings, salsas and more! Have you seen the unique square jar somewhere before? Its the same jar used in the best coffee shops, smoothie bars, gyms, and restaurants around the world. For years blending professionals have turned to Blendtec for the best in taste and texture. Now with The Total Blender you can enjoy that same great taste and texture in your home.The Total Blender prepares food fast, smooth, and with impeccable taste. Tired of your blender not being able to crush ice? The Total Blender has so much power it turns ice to snow (1500-watts). We¿re so confident that The Total Blender actually comes with an ice-crushing guarantee.Only smooth refreshing drinks from now on! The Total Blender has a 3-year warranty, and will be the last blender you¿ll ever buy. From the home gourmet chef to the on-the-go gym junkie, The Total Blender is FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE.Blentec is the manufacturer of high quality blenders, mixers, and dispensing equipment for commercial use.Blendtec has introduced many innovations that include: the most powerful blender, state of the art electronic, programmable blend cycles and many others.With an increasing demand for high performance kitchen appliances blendtec created its Fine Living Products line.This line is dedicated for the home use and includes the same commercial power, performance, and design, with emphasis on home use and product appearance.

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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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KitchenAid KPFP850PM Pro Line Food Processor, Pearl Metallic Review

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(More customer reviews)I used to own the KFP670WH which was rated #1 by Consumer Reports and was great but unfortunately now discontinued!
I recently had to buy another food processor and saw KitchenAid had the "Tim Taylor" version of my previous model. I am quite disappointed with it and don't think it is worth the $450 I paid.
It is massive! Eats up counter space.
The shredder disk only comes in a 4mm version which I don't like for grating carrots or other similar vegetables. It is too coarse. They also didn't include reversible disks so you could increase your shredding options as you can with its smaller counterpart model.
When using the chef's bowl and the shredding disk, the outer bowl gets dirty on the rim so you still have to wash it. When grating carrots this is not good! Carrots stain the plastic so you end up washing two bowls.
Large pieces of carrots get lodged between the disk and the cover so you have to open the cover and remove the food.
I haven't used it extensively but I have contacted Kitchenaid and expressed my dissatisfaction.
Bigger is not always better

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The KitchenAid Pro Line Food Processor is a commercial quality tool for the Home Chef. This incredibly stable, die-cast metal base stands up to the most intensive use while providing exceptionally quiet operation. The powerful 950-Watt motor will power your way through the toughest jobs, while the 16-Cup work bowl will have the capacity for the largest jobs. The Chef's Bowl (included), is the ultimate time saver: the bowl fits inside the work bowl and allows the slicing and shredding of a second food item without stopping to clean the work bowl first. The Mini Bowl (included) transforms the Pro Line food processor into a mini-chopper. The Ultra Wide Mouth Feed Tube will save time by accommodating large items-like tomatoes, cucumbers, and potatoes. The premium quality stainless steel mulitpurpose blade chops, minces, blends, mixes, or emulsifies foods quickly and easily. Bowls, blades and discs are dishwasher-safe, and the base can be wiped clean.

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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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Wolfgang Puck WPFPR035 4-Cup Continuous-Flow Food Processor with Overload Protection Review

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(More customer reviews)Years ago I had one of those 12 cup processors and I rarely used it. It was a pain to clean and it took up too much of my limited counter space. Because the Wolfgang Puck 4-cup has a chute you can grate or slice huge quantities by using your own bowl to catch the material. The chute has a sliding door that closes when you are using the blades. One of the first things I tried to process was lemongrass. I used the thin slicer blade and sliced it directly into the bowl, then the blades chopped it finely. Worked great! The motor on this machine is powerful enough to make peanut butter in less than a minute. I made pesto in 10 seconds. I couldn't be more impressed with both its size and power. It does stand fairly tall (see specs.) which might be a consideration. This is not a cheap little toy. It is well designed and executed. The silicone rubber feet work as suction cups to hold the machine down. It is easy to assemble and rinse. The storage drawer for the slicing and grating blades keeps them handy. If you use a food processor continuously and for large numbers of diners, then you should look at the big ones. I cook for two and I love my Puck processor. And the price was unbeatable.

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With its powerful 350-watt motor, this convenient food processor quickly and easily slices, shreds, dices, chops, and purees, helping to reduce prep time in the kitchen. The unit features a shatterproof 4-cup work bowl and a wide-mouth design with a food pusher for adding food while continuously processing. Its control panel offers two buttons for selecting low and high speed settings or "pulse" to deliver an extra burst of power when needed. Use the machine to quickly blend up batches of pesto, chop onions and green peppers for a veggie pizza, or shred cheese for omelets on a Sunday morning--the options are endless. Other highlights include overload reset, a continuous flow lid, a disc and flow stopper for processing into the 4-cup bowl, and a drawer for storing the accessories when not in use. A stainless-steel reversible slicing-and-shredding disc and a chopping blade come included. The food processor measures approximately 10-1/5 by 9-2/5 by 14 inches.

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Cuisinart HM-70 Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer, Stainless and White Review

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(More customer reviews)I just bought this mixer after reviewing Amazon comments and other Web sites. Amazon users give the Cuisinart mixed reviews, but several other sites, such as Cooks.com give it very high marks -- equal to or better than the KitchenAid. It came down to this mixer or a KitchenAid. I decided to buy the Cuisinart, based on the 3-year warranty. One use tells me the mixer has the power I need. It feels and looks first rate, and the beaters do a great job. I agree with everything the first reviewer said in his excellent review, except I don't think the beater release is all that flimsy, unless you are trying to jam attachements in that aren't made for the unit. I'd be reluctant to use other brand dough hooks or attachments as he suggested. The ones I have from a previous mixer are not only larger on the tips (he filed those down) but are also a bit thicker on the shafts. I think you're asking for trouble if you try to force other units' attachments into this mixer. I rate it four stars because Cuisinart doesn't even make dough hooks for this model -- then again, I've never found dough hooks to be very useful on a hand mixer. Oh yeah, I got this baby at "Bad Breath and Beyond" for $49 after I used the 20% coupon. But mine is ALL CHROME top to bottom -- it looks and feels totally awesome! I'll try to upate this review after I've used the mixer a while longer.
ONE YEAR UPDATE:
The mixer continues to perform as expected. I mainly use it for cookie dough, cake mixes, and mashed potatoes. It slugs through them exactly as I'd want. The "soft" start is really a nice feature as it keeps things from flying all over the kitchen when the beaters start up. I think I saw the price had come down $10 at Bed Bath and Beyond, making the mixer an even better value.

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Thanks to its powerful 220-watt motor with automatic feedback, this convenient hand blender can take on almost any mixing task--from whipped cream to dense cookie dough. The unit shifts speeds with just one touch and offers seven speed options. It also comes equipped with an exclusive swivel cord, which allows for either right- or left-handed use, and extra-long beaters that have no center posts, making cleanup a snap either by hand or in the dishwasher. Accessories include a spatula and an instruction/recipe book for getting started. Durably built and sporting a chrome-plated Cuisinart logo band, the hand mixer measures approximately 8 by 3-3/4 by 5-3/4 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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