I had to dig into the blendtec web site to find out, but the “jar” is apparently only available in plastic. Their web site says “Made from impact-resistant, BPA-free copolyester,” which won’t pass muster in our house. Glass only here.
@haydesigner Pretty much what @drunkalien said. That “BPA-free” label is pretty much useless since the BPA has been replaced with something else just as toxic but not as well tested.
As I understand it (my wife knows the environmental toxins much better), the concern is greater if something hot or acidic comes into contact with the plastic. (We blend soup and acidic juice to make popsicles.)
My guess is that blendtec uses plastic for its shatter-resistant properties. Everything is a trade-off.
I purchased a different Blendtec a few years ago and I have to say that even though it was a nearly $300 blender (refurb), it was well worth it. The difference between the world of Hamilton Beach and Blendtec is astounding. http://www.blenderbabes.com/blender-babes-101/blender-reviews/blendtec-vs-vitamix/ is a pretty good comparison of Blendtec vs Vitamix (I ordered from them and they stiffed me on my “free gift” so I can’t recommend them)
Anyhow, I would replace Blendtec with a Blendtec if it ever broke, so that’s saying something.
@matthewjfazio 3 horsepower, patented wildside jar, single piece blade design (no losing parts), dull blades by design (no hurting yourself), 9 year warranty (meaning they expect the average unit to last longer than that without needing repair)
@jbartus@matthewjfazio I have a cheapie and it has lasted longer than 9 years. That being said I don’t try to blend, bones, toys, marbles and spoons… but it has lived quite well through milkshakes, fruit, being operated by my kid and her friends…etc.
@jbartus Yes, you’re not going crazy; realized that was $25 more than what I spent on my current mixer, which I purchased 7 years ago, so I lowered it to $50.
@matthewjfazio gotcha. I guess the simplest answer is the following. Blendtec blenders (and Vitamixes) are designed for every day use. As in you’re gonna make one or more things in the blender every day. If that’s not you then this blender’s nothing you need.
@matthewjfazio If you’re happy with your current blender, maybe nothing. Here are some things these commercial grade blenders (blendtec and vitamix) can do that make them worth more to some people:
high horsepower motors and drive components meant to run many times a day
enough power to cook soup or boil water through friction alone
enough power to blend whole fruits and vegetables, seeds and all. I have quartered a pineapple without cutting off the spiky outside, it blends just fine. Sometimes strawberry seeds miraculously survive mostly intact
“juice” fruits and vegetables without getting rid of the fiber juicers separate out
grind grains into flours
pulverize nuts into smooth nut butters
blend ice finely enough to make ice cream
mix doughs and batters for baking
clean up easily with just some soap, water, a blend cycle and a rinse
They’re not for everyone, and there are certainly better tools for some of these jobs, but they’re great if you want more than a traditional blender has to offer
the Blendtec and Vitamix create a much finer/smoother product. There really is no comparison between what they create and what a typical blender creates.
because these machines use metal-to-metal couplings between the base and jar (as opposed to the rubber couplings on typical blenders) you can push them to their limit day after day without wearing them out
they get the job done quickly. One place this really makes a difference is when making blended ice drinks. When using the Blendtec or Vitamix, the ice is still very cold by the time you’ve essentially turned it into snow. With typical blenders, by the time the ice is blended it is a course, half-melted mess - and in getting there you might well burn out your coupling.
So if you care about the quality of the end product, want the mixer to last a long time, or would enjoy much faster results, these are totally worth the money. If you don’t really blend very often, or don’t really care how long it takes or what the finished product is like, you may not want to bother. Though I’ll add, when we got our Blendtec we started blending things a lot more (from maybe once a month to maybe 2-3 times a week) because it was such a pleasure to use and because our recipes came out so well.
The BlendTec website says that their 8-year warranty only applies when purchased from an authorized reseller. And another page says that authorized resellers have to honor their minimum-pricing rules. I assume everything’s on the up and up, but how’s it work in this instance? Is the pricing competitive and doesn’t fall afoul of their minimum-pricing rules because it’s not a current model or something? On the fence, but interested in the warranty info.
What did you do to me Meh?! I only finally found this place 15 days ago. I’ve now made two purchases and became a VMP. My bank account will not be amused by me sticking around here.
@zac280 it kinda seems shilly, especially given that they cite the ability to replace the seals and blades as a plus for the Oster when the whole point of Blendtec’s design is that there’s no seal to concern yourself with and the blade is dull in the first place precluding the need for replacement. As someone who allegedly invested in one they would be well aware of this selling point.
I bought the 560 on the last go-round and love it! So far mainly been using it to make some pretty stellar frozen negronis
I’ve used a Vitamix before and it was also wonderful… But this is WAY less money and honestly I think I might prefer it. The whole 5-sided “wildside” really does seem to make a difference. Makes using a tamper feel like so much more work.
Listen up sheep blenders is a gateway to vegan thinking and vegan sensual yearnings. Okay, I forgot to put the lid before hitting puree vortex II. Only a glimpse of a checkered past
I have a Blendtec and my mother has a Vitamix which I have used. What I like about the Blendtec better is that there is no pusher or need for one. I have the Wildside jar and nothing gets stuck in it, ever. My mother says with her Vitamix, she needs to use the pusher thing sometimes. In fact, she has blended one (at least) because she has forgotten to turn it off while sticking the pusher in.
I do not blend: bones, or toys, or marbles. I do blend: soup, ice, and fruit. Everything comes out smooth, uniform, and perfect. Cleaning it is easy. I run some water and soap through the thing and we are good to go.
I would buy another one in 7 years if this one died. I still have that long to go on my warranty, so I feel pretty good with my purchase.
@Tygress The vitamix tamper is designed for use while the blender is running. It has a collar that engages with the lid and won’t let it hit the blade, unless you push very hard to push the lid down or do something else out of the ordinary.
@djslack Then you’ll have to ask my mom how she did it - but she told me she had to call and get a replacement because the thing chewed it up. I didn’t even know it had a tamper, it was my first time using it and she offered up the story as a word of caution to always turn the thing off while tamping, lest you lose another tamper.
I don’t even have a house and I’m considering getting this blender, just me and the blender hitting the road, seein’ the world. The two of us staring at the night sky wonderin’ what’s really up there, sides the governmen’ spaceships that we all know are tracking our thoughts.
Got one. Here these are the bomb. Just tired of using everything but a blender to make juices, smoothies etc. This looks like the cure to a long streak of winging it. Anyone have one of these for 3 years or longer? Still going strong? A list of dooo’s and dont’s for us rookies?
Specs
What’s in the Box?
1x Blendtec Classic 560 Base
1x Wildside blending jar
Pictures
Red lifestyle shot
Black lifestyle shot
Red empty
Top view
Red front view
Red 3/4
Black 3/4
Black top with lid
Red top with lid
Your guess is as good as mine
Price Comparison
$278.99 at Amazon
Find a relevant price comparison? Please share it in a comment in this thread
Warranty
8 years Blendtec
The Very Best!, and Yes, it WILL blend!
Weak!!
For blended meh"ers- chop chop
Vitamix 4 life
@HemlockTea BlendTec around this place.
@HemlockTea 4LYYYYYYF
Take a walk on the wild side! Gonna make a banana strawberry smoothie now.
The best blender money can buy! Suck it Vitamix.
/youtube will it blend
just get a vitamix guiz, don’t be poor
I love my Blendtec! This is a fantastic price for a new unit and the patented Wildside jar.
Wishing it was a vitamix
I had to dig into the blendtec web site to find out, but the “jar” is apparently only available in plastic. Their web site says “Made from impact-resistant, BPA-free copolyester,” which won’t pass muster in our house. Glass only here.
@mhuyck, why?
(I’m genuinely wondering.)
@haydesigner probably because it leaches chemicals and crap. Ive switched to glass tupperware because of it. Not sure the reasons of the OP though.
@haydesigner Pretty much what @drunkalien said. That “BPA-free” label is pretty much useless since the BPA has been replaced with something else just as toxic but not as well tested.
As I understand it (my wife knows the environmental toxins much better), the concern is greater if something hot or acidic comes into contact with the plastic. (We blend soup and acidic juice to make popsicles.)
My guess is that blendtec uses plastic for its shatter-resistant properties. Everything is a trade-off.
@mhuyck mmmm, acidic-soupsicles…
@thomasdeater Minestrone mango pineapple is my favorite! Everybody loves Mango!
@mhuyck There are no high-performance blenders with glass jars. You might want to stick to your Oster.
@djslack *mangostrone
@djslack
/giphy Everybody Loves Mango!
@StrawHousePig d’oh! I was so close to genius! Well played.
would love one but dont have the cash free:/
Best blender ever, complete with the jar Vitamix tried to rip off and lost a lawsuit over. The jar alone will cost you $130 if you buy a Vitamix.
I purchased a different Blendtec a few years ago and I have to say that even though it was a nearly $300 blender (refurb), it was well worth it. The difference between the world of Hamilton Beach and Blendtec is astounding.
http://www.blenderbabes.com/blender-babes-101/blender-reviews/blendtec-vs-vitamix/ is a pretty good comparison of Blendtec vs Vitamix (I ordered from them and they stiffed me on my “free gift” so I can’t recommend them)
Anyhow, I would replace Blendtec with a Blendtec if it ever broke, so that’s saying something.
Motor blew up on me 3rd blend
(Literally smoke).
They replaced it with a better model.
So be wary, these were discontinued
@Glucose And on Amazon of the 8 reviews, two had your experience.
@Kidsandliz the other reviews were positive so overall they are pretty well blended.
@Glucose at least they stood behind their 7 year warranty.
I’ve got mixed feelings on this one meh…
@adamloooong I have a Vitamix but I’m tempted to get this just so we can be a blended family.
Why so much for a blender? I mean, I’m sure it’s nice and all but what do you really get that $50 wouldn’t get you?
@matthewjfazio 3 horsepower, patented wildside jar, single piece blade design (no losing parts), dull blades by design (no hurting yourself), 9 year warranty (meaning they expect the average unit to last longer than that without needing repair)
@jbartus @matthewjfazio I have a cheapie and it has lasted longer than 9 years. That being said I don’t try to blend, bones, toys, marbles and spoons… but it has lived quite well through milkshakes, fruit, being operated by my kid and her friends…etc.
@matthewjfazio is it just me or did this originally say $75?
@jbartus Yes, you’re not going crazy; realized that was $25 more than what I spent on my current mixer, which I purchased 7 years ago, so I lowered it to $50.
@matthewjfazio gotcha. I guess the simplest answer is the following. Blendtec blenders (and Vitamixes) are designed for every day use. As in you’re gonna make one or more things in the blender every day. If that’s not you then this blender’s nothing you need.
@matthewjfazio If you’re happy with your current blender, maybe nothing. Here are some things these commercial grade blenders (blendtec and vitamix) can do that make them worth more to some people:
They’re not for everyone, and there are certainly better tools for some of these jobs, but they’re great if you want more than a traditional blender has to offer
@matthewjfazio The main differences are:
So if you care about the quality of the end product, want the mixer to last a long time, or would enjoy much faster results, these are totally worth the money. If you don’t really blend very often, or don’t really care how long it takes or what the finished product is like, you may not want to bother. Though I’ll add, when we got our Blendtec we started blending things a lot more (from maybe once a month to maybe 2-3 times a week) because it was such a pleasure to use and because our recipes came out so well.
I loves my Blendtec.
The BlendTec website says that their 8-year warranty only applies when purchased from an authorized reseller. And another page says that authorized resellers have to honor their minimum-pricing rules. I assume everything’s on the up and up, but how’s it work in this instance? Is the pricing competitive and doesn’t fall afoul of their minimum-pricing rules because it’s not a current model or something? On the fence, but interested in the warranty info.
@Wheeler… ditto for me.
Paging @mehcus @moose
Sad face. Never got a response.
@Wheeler given that several people here have stated they got warranty replacements I would have to imagine that you’ll be fine.
I think I would have bit for the 570. I need that extra 10 watts in my life.
What did you do to me Meh?! I only finally found this place 15 days ago. I’ve now made two purchases and became a VMP. My bank account will not be amused by me sticking around here.
@Avalora
/giphy one of us
I was very tempted to get this, but then I read the top review on my current blender and changed my mind: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZDNIJY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@zac280 it kinda seems shilly, especially given that they cite the ability to replace the seals and blades as a plus for the Oster when the whole point of Blendtec’s design is that there’s no seal to concern yourself with and the blade is dull in the first place precluding the need for replacement. As someone who allegedly invested in one they would be well aware of this selling point.
My vitamix would just laugh
I am surprised I am the first to ask this about the title… “Too soon?”
@todaresq https://meh.com/forum/topics/ohshit-unfortunate-and-awful-story-title–email-subject-line
@snapster Ah…
My wallet… will it blend?
Yes. Yes it will, Meh.
Vitamix
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/vitamix/2816873
Possibly the loudest blender money can buy…
@rustyh3 Not significantly (or maybe at all) louder than the failing old Oster it replaced in my kitchen.
(They are BOTH loud as heck)
I bought the 560 on the last go-round and love it! So far mainly been using it to make some pretty stellar frozen negronis
I’ve used a Vitamix before and it was also wonderful… But this is WAY less money and honestly I think I might prefer it. The whole 5-sided “wildside” really does seem to make a difference. Makes using a tamper feel like so much more work.
Meh, my plastic bag/meat tenderize method works just fine, thank you.
Watts and horsepower are both units of power. 1560 watts works out to ~2.1 horsepower. Which is it?
Also, I’m not sure how effective that 0.1 of a horse is at blending.
Listen up sheep blenders is a gateway to vegan thinking and vegan sensual yearnings. Okay, I forgot to put the lid before hitting puree vortex II. Only a glimpse of a checkered past
I have a Blendtec and my mother has a Vitamix which I have used. What I like about the Blendtec better is that there is no pusher or need for one. I have the Wildside jar and nothing gets stuck in it, ever. My mother says with her Vitamix, she needs to use the pusher thing sometimes. In fact, she has blended one (at least) because she has forgotten to turn it off while sticking the pusher in.
I do not blend: bones, or toys, or marbles. I do blend: soup, ice, and fruit. Everything comes out smooth, uniform, and perfect. Cleaning it is easy. I run some water and soap through the thing and we are good to go.
I would buy another one in 7 years if this one died. I still have that long to go on my warranty, so I feel pretty good with my purchase.
@Tygress The vitamix tamper is designed for use while the blender is running. It has a collar that engages with the lid and won’t let it hit the blade, unless you push very hard to push the lid down or do something else out of the ordinary.
@djslack Then you’ll have to ask my mom how she did it - but she told me she had to call and get a replacement because the thing chewed it up. I didn’t even know it had a tamper, it was my first time using it and she offered up the story as a word of caution to always turn the thing off while tamping, lest you lose another tamper.
I don’t even have a house and I’m considering getting this blender, just me and the blender hitting the road, seein’ the world. The two of us staring at the night sky wonderin’ what’s really up there, sides the governmen’ spaceships that we all know are tracking our thoughts.
@JeremyAlex this blender will help you through the tough times. Mine did
I want to buy this but I am reluctant because of their recall. So maybe I should save more money and wait for Vitamix? I’m so torn. :|
@planetpulse buy it. For this price you can buy 3 instead of a vitamix er…
Bought it last time, just opened it today. OMG. Jamba Juice is now in my house.
Got one. Here these are the bomb. Just tired of using everything but a blender to make juices, smoothies etc. This looks like the cure to a long streak of winging it. Anyone have one of these for 3 years or longer? Still going strong? A list of dooo’s and dont’s for us rookies?
@bugger If you blend an iPad, don’t breathe the smoke.
Came in the mail today, it’s actually the 570 that they sent me. Stoked!
Got the 570, too! That’s 10 extra blending units for the same low price.
I received a 570 too! Picked out some produce to blend up tomorrow morning, will report back later.