Heavy-Duty Blenders

Multifunction blenders are versatile but very expensive

Although moderately priced blenders that can make smoothies, crush ice and puree soups are suitable for most households, heavy-duty blenders go way beyond those confines. Some can make soup from scratch, cream nuts for nut butters, pulverize whole grains to make custom flours and knead bread dough. In reviews, two blenders in particular stand out: the Vita-Mix 5200 and the Blendtec Total Blender. As both the Vita-Mix and Blendtec brands have gained more attention, each has expanded its line of blender models. The models do gain some media attention, but there is no consensus about which are better. The well-tested Vita-Mix 5200 and Blendtec Total Blender continue to dominate in professional and consumer reviews.

One of the most expensive blenders available, the high-powered Vita-Mix 5200 (*Est. $500) is a staple of coffeehouses and juice bars. The Vita-Mix 5200 replaces the 5000 (which is the model you'll see referenced in some reviews). It has a BPA-free plastic jar, a soft-grip handle and an upgraded motor, and it comes with a seven-year warranty, but it is basically the same machine as the Vita-Mix 5000. Some reviews also look at the Vita-Prep blender (*Est. $600) , the commercial version of the Vita-Mix, but they're similar machines, and most agree that the Vita-Mix 5200 is more than enough for home use. Consumers may also see the Vita-Mix 5200 Super (*Est. $550) or the 5200 Deluxe (*Est. $650) on the market. Both of these are similar to the Vita-Mix 5200, except the Super includes a dry grains container and the Deluxe includes the dry grains container and a smaller 32-ounce container.

The major difference between the Vita-Mix and the average blender is its 1,380-watt motor (that's 2 horsepower) and its 64-ounce pitcher, which is larger than most other consumer-grade blender pitchers. The Vita-Mix 5200 has two major drawbacks, reviewers say: its high price tag and noisy operation. Most owners – a majority of whom are health-conscious consumers who want to blend full-fiber juice drinks and raw smoothies -- say the Vita-Mix 5200 is worth the price, although some say that it's too powerful for more mundane tasks. However, satisfied owners say that Vita-Mix 5200 stands behind its products and will buy back worn-out machines, allowing owners to upgrade.

The Blendtec Total Blender (*Est. $400) is another high-end blender. We found a couple of comparisons of the two machines, but reviewers tend to discuss features rather than recommend one model over the other (those sources that do, such as PerfectSmoothie.com, tend to prefer the Vita-Mix 5200). Reviewers say the Blendtec Total Blender is more compact and lighter than the Vita-Mix 5200, and they note that its push buttons are easier to clean. It also has multiple settings, whereas the Vita-Mix 5200 has variable speeds. The Blendtec Total Blender features a square jar, which makes it easier to get thick smoothies out of the bottom without a spatula, reviewers say. It has a shorter warranty (three years, versus seven for the Vita-Mix 5200), but the blade assembly is guaranteed for life. Reviewers also say it is slightly louder than the Vita-Mix 5200, and it doesn't come with a tamper, which is useful for pushing greens and other ingredients into the blades -- that's an extra-cost option.

The Blendtec Total Blender has far more user reviews at Amazon.com than the Vita-Mix 5200, earning an average 4.5 stars from more than 170 reviewers. Users say it's extremely powerful and can blend just about anything, although they also say it's very loud.