Beware Vitamix Certified Reconditioned blenders
921505
Blades seized up when trying to make ice cream (with ice cubes) and hummus. I have to believe this is not normal for a high end expensive blender like this. Perhaps this problem is why it was originally returned. Judging from the other negative reviews of certified reconditioned 5300's, which you don't see on new machines, it doesn't seem that Vitamix's certified reconditioned testing process is thorough enough to weed out the lemons. I'm returning the blender and buying a new 750 instead.
2389117
This price won't worth it. I thought it was a good price so I bought it to make a smoothie of carrots, beets and apple. Already cut these ingredients into small pieces before putting them into the blender. At first, the blender worked fine and gave me my smoothie quickly like I wanted. Then suddenly when I pressed the button, nothing worked. I cleaned it to make sure nothing stuck. Nothing happened. My roommate bought this same type of blender from Hamilton and it was broken after a short time of usage (at least it lasted longer than mine). I already bought Square Trade 2-year protection, I'm contacting them.
533302
I returned this item 3x's and dealt with blendtec themselves. Base came with plastic jammed behind screen once and other 2 had black smudges all over the push buttons. The jar all 3 times had scuffs that would not wipe clean and very permanent. Quality control extremely questionable. Will be checking out Vitamix or a well rated Chinese unit.
4173605
UPDATE 5/09/2016:
Well, after 6.5 years of near-daily usage, it finally gave up the ghost.  Contacted Vitamix, which responded promptly and professionally.  However, I had forgotten that this 4500 model only has a 5 year warranty instead of the 7 years that the more expensive models offer.  Argh!  Looks like getting it serviced will likely cost me about 1/2 the price of a new unit with a 7 year warranty...very difficult choice...

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I recently spent a few months living at a meditation center that had one of these babies...boy was I spoiled rotten! The power and speed is simply breath-taking, and I was told that it was over 5 years old to boot.

This is definitely going on my wish list.  Am currently using an Oster "professional series" (ha ha) blender which for fifty bucks from my local warehouse club is adequate for my breakfast oatmeal/banana/whey smoothies, though it is seriously challenged by frozen bananas unless they're cut into 1-2" chunks not 3" halves.

The thing is, one of these Vitamixes would pay for EIGHT of those Osters, so I am unable to justify the cost since I don't really use the blender for serious juicing which would most benefit from the far more powerful Vitamix.  I guess the way around that would be to convince myself of the need to regularly consume a lot of pureed veggies, hmmm...
3406600
I bought my Vitamix from the UK (voltage issues) but it came with the larger sized jar. I bought this smaller one from the US as it was cheaper than if I had bought it in the UK.
70738
Not a good blender for smoothies using frozen fruit. Used for about two weeks before the gasket failed and liquid leaked from the jar. Surprisingly, because of the design, the entire jar required replacement.  Mine is now retired from smoothie making.  Kitchenaid sent a one time courtesy replacement and for that I am grateful however I really have no need for this blender and regret purchasing.

I replaced it with the Ninja Ultima and really like the dual blade assembly on this particular unit for smoothies.
230785
Very disappointed. I bought a bunch of produce for my new blender. Put some stuff in it and blended it. As i am drinking it I keep coming across pieces of rubber. It took me awhile to figure out why. Apparently my gasket came off on the very first use. This doesn't bode well. It didn't look loose. The company is not super helpful so far. May just return the whole thing to bed, bath and beyond. Now I have all this produce and no blender.... Not sure whether I will exchange unit or go with a different brand.
1341258
I got this kitchen aid blender (KitchenAid KSB560MC 5-Speed Blender with Polycarbonate Jar, Metallic Chrome) from amazon (order #108-2496180-1054603 - placed in may/2013), sent it to my hotel in Hawaii and took it back to me to Brazil
Since then, the product was kept unused and now, i finally got my marriage and moved to my new home and tried using the product . The first time i used it had a small strange leak, but that didn't bother (although i found strange since it was my first use). The secondtime i tried to use it, it started smelling like something was burning and it just broke down!! It amazes me that this was just my second use of the product.

I then contacted kitchen aid in Brazil and they tell me that they do not guarantee products that were purchased in USA, but i could try to take it to their technical assistance. I did that, and these simple REFUSED to even look at my blender just because it was bought overseas.

So now i cannot return the item postal via Amazon, since it would be more than a hundred dollars just to send it abroad, but also cant also use the technical assistance for a product that was used only TWO times..i have to tell, this is the worst purchase of my life
255120
They haven't dealt yet with the black speck issue. Allow me to explain:
I received mine today (the 750). I ran a single "clean" cycle only to find many many black specks that come off the blade assembly.
I called Vitamix (on hold for 30 minutes waiting) and they said the FDA and EPA think it's ok for us to eat them. If you believe these regulatory bodies and still want to purchase the blender, you just have to know that there's a decent chance you'll be ingesting this material.

On the phone, their representatives read statements from the FDA about these specks being safe to eat. Frankly, I didn't buy a blender for black specks. Vitamix doesn't have a solution yet. They're sending me a new mixer top, but they refuse to test it before sending, so there's a chance I'll have the same problem.
1941408
I bought vitamix in Costco and work just 7 months than broke down. Engine issue. When I ask vitamix for help they ignore me. Than I bought Ninja blender for one third of price and work just fine already three years with no problem. Than do not buy vitamix unles you are super rich who can spend every 7 month to buy new.
4720443
<div id="video-block-R19ITKJEOP74E3" class="a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block"></div><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/B1N4AFzf7%2BS.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91VVp46Z0sS.png" class="video-slate-img-url">&nbsp;So, Ive had a Blendtec Classic 475 for a few years and decided to treat myself after a kitchen reno to a new Blender. The Blendtec worked pretty well for mixed drinks and smoothies, but made foamy soups and couldn't quite get hot sauce fine enough for my liking.

 Anyway- I got the recertified version off the Vitamix website and it was delivered just yesterday. Excited, I immediately ran a cleaning cycle of just soap and water... imagine my disappointment when the Vitamix exhibited a loud sort of harmonic frequency, making a strange vibrating noise, and proceeded to move around the counter!! Even at lower speeds, this was the case... with just water! An attempted smoothie- same thing. If I didn't catch the blender, it would have jumped off my counter. Sad about this, I called customer support who, rather than saying oh my! Sounds like a defective blender! instead suggested I try using the blender on another surface.. other than my kitchen counter. Are you serious?!? After talking to his supervisor he also suggested I maybe keep it on a mousepad. Gorgeous new kitchen with one of the nicest blenders you can buy and I have to use this janky set up? Hard pass. Was also told that at speeds less than 10 that it might do this. So... I paid full price for a blender that only works properly if its either full hilt or off?

Unimpressed with an unsafe blender and embarrassingly poor customer service- sending it back today, as they are telling 12-15 days for a turn around in replacing it.

Check out the attached video for this mess of a thing.
2580362
The motor burnt in about 10 months of light use while making a chocolate mousse which is about the easiest thing to make for a blender as it's made out of an avocado. Will not be replacing obviously. Will be saving for a Vitamix. So sick though of everything being made so poorly these days.
4340266
I purchased this blender several months ago and came back here to write a glowing review. However, when reading through reviews I found that there has been a recall on the blender due to defective blades that could possibly break. Apparently there have been nearly 20 reported cases of this happening. First, I'm not happy that I found out about this through a third party website rather than being contacted directly by Vitamix.  I ended up purchasing the blender directly through them, so it's not like they don't have my contact information. Secondly, they refuse to send out a replacement blade, but rather insist that the entire container be sent back to them.  They were quite clear that the container itself was not being replaced--only the blades--but even though the blades are user replaceable, they won't allow users to do it themselves.  So now I'm waiting for them to send me a box in which I can ship back the entire container and be without a blender for nearly two weeks (their estimate). So much for my smoothie diet in the interim.

Update: After reading more reviews of people saying that they were able to get a replacement container cross-shipped, I called Vitamix back. The recall agent had to transfer me to customer service and they were happy to send out a replacement container. All I have to do is send the old container back when the shipping kit arrives.

So aside from the possible scenario of the blades breaking off and flying into my eyeball or getting lodged in my throat, I actually do like the blender and use it quite a lot.
123427
There is a lot I liked about this personal blender - mostly the convenience.  My family and I have been making smoothies with one for 2 yrs now (we probably make 3 a day on average).  The only problem I have is the quality.  This is NOT made to last. After a few months of regular use, we had to purchase replacement parts and in less than a year had to replace the entire unit. Now on unit number two and we are having the same problems.  The plastic cups have notches that fit in the unit - these tend to break off (once two or more break, the cup is useless).  Also, the rubber on the bottom of the blades tend to melt - YES MELT all over the bottom of the unit.  So much so that a few of my blades are now useless because enough rubber has melted or torn off that it does not engage the unit anymore.  Also, the machine tends to overheat and shutdown completely. I have called customer service and they are horrible. Don't even bother. They claim their product is guaranteed - but that is complete BS - they will claim its from user misuse or just regular wear and tear. I submitted a warranty claim after one of the blades stop working due to the rubber tearing after only a few months of use - however, despite my effort (several calls to customer service and sending paperwork and the part back to them) I never received my replacement part.  So I went out and bought another unit.  Fortunately, the price is low enough on these units that you can do that.  Bottom line, in theory this product is great and is very convenient.  However, be prepared to buy a new one every year.  Do the math and decide if this is cost efficient for your family.  So far I have spent over a $100+ on the magic bullet (2 units and 1 set of replacement cups and 1 replacement blade). Since unit 2 is now falling apart - I am currently shopping other brands. I am done with the magic bullet.
3122591
Update:
I have owned the Blendtec blender for well over 2 and a half years. In this time the jar of the blender has burned up 2 times. The first time happened after 11 months of owning the blender. Because the jar was still under warranty Blendtec replaced my jar, provided excellent customer service and gave me some tips to prolong the life of me blender. But once again I sit here with a broken jar that seems to be leaking oil and will barely turn. I am pretty concerned that I have been consuming some of the dark oily matter that has been coming from the bottom of the jar. It seems the Blendtec jars have a flaw and will only last through 1 year of use. The jar costs almost $100 to replace. This blender will cost me $100 per year.

My recommendation after owning a blendtec blend would be to buy a vitamix instead. After purchising this blender I have met several Vitamix owners. Each person I have talked has owned their Vitamix for multiple years but has never had to purchase replacement parts for it. Although the Vitamix and Blendtec are close in price you will pay almost $800 dollars in addition to the purchase price to replace the jar every year. Another issue I have with the Blendtec is the 50 second time limit. No matter the setting I use the Blendtec will auto shut off after 50 seconds. This can require you to restart the blender multiple times depending on what you are doing. While the Vitamix isn't as "pretty" looking it excels at longevity and ease of use.

I have owned the Blendtec for almost 11 months now. I regularly use my blender to make frozen smoothies for my family. Overall I have been very happy with my purchase.

Just this week I had an issue where the barring was going out in the WildSide Jar. While making a shake I noticed a bit of smoke/steam under the jar. I removed the jar from the motor and tried to turn the blade by hand. It would barely turn and felt very jerky as it went around. I was very frustrated and the thought of calling a company asking them to honor their warranty was not something I was looking forward to. When I dialed the number for Blendtec I was asked by a computer if this was for residential or commercial, then a second menu asked if I needed customer service (or another option I don't remember) I was then transferred directly to a customer service person. (there was no wait time!) I was greeted by a very friendly lady, she was both helpful and pleasant to talk with. I explained the problem and she is sending me a replacement jar. She also asked about the motor to make sure it was in good working condition and was not damaged. Unfortunately I did not get her name but I got some of the best customer service over the phone from Blendtec. She also gave me several tips on how to maintain the life of the jar:

1. Occasionally run the blender with hot water and a couple drops of soap. This is a Blendtec recommended practice but since I always hand wash my jar I though I was fine. Underneath the blade can build up a sticky residue that isn't removed just by hand washing. If you chose to hand wash your blender jar as I do, remember to occasionally run the blender with hot soapy water.

2. Be careful about how much pressure you place on the lid while blending. I have a tendency to place my hand on the lid of the blender while running. This actually does put additional pressure on the barrings while it is running. She recommended placing 1 or 2 fingers on the lid instead of my hand if I felt the need to.

3. This blender is made for daily use. If you don't use your blender for awhile the oil in the Jars barrings will settle to the bottom. You can take your fingers and spin the blade around 8 times to redistribute the oil inside the barrings before using the blender.

I wanted to share these tips with everyone. I love the blender and was very pleased with the service received.
4283313
We've had a Waring blender for years, but didn't actually use it all that much until fairly recently, when my wife got into the smoothie thing.  She started using it 1-2 times per day for several months, generally using frozen fruit and milk or yogurt and various seeds.  The original pitcher eventually wore out in a kind of scary way; the blade assembly must have started to loosen, and is spewed glass shards into a smoothie.

We bought a replacement pitcher which lasted several months before the blade seemed to shear loose from the spindle/axle. At that point, the spindle would turn but the blade wouldn't blend anything.  I ordered another replacement pitcher, and the first time she tried to use it, the blade again sheared loose from the spindle; it did not even successfully make a single smoothie. Returned it and ordered another replacement.  This time, first use it rattled horribly; it appears that the whole blade assembly is loose in the glass pitcher, and I'm worried it's going to start spewing glass shards again.

I am giving up, and switching to a completely different brand blender.  The quality of the Waring brand appears to have been engineered out of the product.
820967
Unfortunately I read reviews like this but opted to go with all the reviews that made this blender seem amazing.
I am more of a juicer and was planning on using this blender for smoothies on the rate occasion that I wanted one. I had just returned a vitamix and invested in a premium juicer, so I didn't have super high expectations for this Oster. I purchased it a little less than a year ago and only used it 3 times before it just stopped working. The first time I was blending ingredients, including spinach and was disappointed that no matter how much I blended, there were still large green chunks of spinach. The second time I was using a Jamba Juice premade frozen smoothie packet and the blender quit less than a minute after I had turned it on. A few days later it had showed signs of life so I tried again with the same experience. Now the blender won't turn on at all. I'm sure there's some sort of factory warranty but it's honestly by not worth dealing with since the blender can't even handle leafy greens. It's found in the trash and I purchased another refurbished vitamix. Should have just stuck with that in the first place.