VitaMix- More than just a regular blender

One of the things that has been on the top of my must have list for my kitchen is a Vitamix. I kept telling my husband that one of these days, so i’m sure you can imagine how excited I was when Vitamix reached out and asked if I would review one of their blenders.

The unit it received is a reconditioned Vitamix 5200. Long ago I didn’t really know what the term reconditioned meant when it came to products. I thought that they were lesser quality. Over the years I have purchased many items both electronic and nonelectronic that were reconditioned and found they are amazing. What reconditioned means is that it was taken back and then put through many tests (17 when it comes to Vitamix) before it can be sold to a new customer. Those units go through more tests than regular ones since each and every reconditioned unit is inspected inside and out. The best part not only is that you can get a product you know will work perfect, you can also get it at a discounted price (win for everyone).

Here is the example of the checklist that every Vitamix has to go through before it is deemed perfect for us the customers:

New Components

• Every Certified Reconditioned Machine comes with a brand new cookbook package, container shell, two-part lid, and tamper
• Any component above that does not pass inspection is replaced with a brand new part. If a part cannot be replaced, the entire unit is recycled.

Blender Base

• Blender base exterior is free of significant scratches and chips on all four sides
• Four rubber feet are present and in-tact
• Six-foot power cord is inspected and secured properly with clips
• Switches are clean and operational
• Faceplate label is present and free of scratches
• Rubber centering pad is in-tact and free of significant scratches or wear

Motor and Control Panel

• Variable Speed Dial is functional and responsive (when applicable)
• High/Low speeds are functional (when applicable)
• Pulse is functional (when applicable)
• Pre-Programmed settings are functional (when applicable)
• On/Off is functional
• Start/Stop is functional (when applicable)

Blade

• Blade is less than one year old, free of rust, dull edges, and any signs of damage, or is replaced with a new part
• Blade assembly rotates easily with slight, even resistance
• Blade is sanitized in high-temperature dishwasher and placed in new container shell
• New container shows proper coupling and blade balance when placed on blender base

Besides getting an amazing blender, They also give you a cookbook that is full of recipes that you can use. The book also includes techniques like chopping, making flour, grating hard cheeses. With your Vitamix you can make cocktails, coffee drinks, soups, dressings like a vinaigrette, and of course dips/spreads. I was honestly shocked at how much I can make with this one machine.

I am a latina woman at heart (and blood), and it shows when it comes to my favorite “splurge” drink. I LOVE Horchata. Some call it rice milk or rice water. There are so many ways of making it, but I have included my favorite way. Please note that my way takes time as you have to let part of the mix sit for at least 3 hours but if you have time overnight would be best. Also it calls for blanched almonds, so if you don’t have time to do that yourself, you can always just buy them blanched at the store (usually in the organic section).

Making my Horchata in my Vitamix was so easy and saved me time. I didn’t have to strain the liquid out and discard part of the mix. The Vitamix allowed me to use everything, thus giving me more flavor.

If you are looking for a new blender that does more than just chop up a little ice, you should definitely check out a Vitamix or even one of their reconditioned blenders. To me both are worth every penny. To find a local store, check out their store finder or you can buy online from their website.

Horchata

1 cup long grain white rice

3/4 cup blanched almonds

1  cinnamon stick

4 cups water

1 cup water or milk

1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Ice for serving

Ground cinnamon for garnish

Directions

1. Soak the rice, almonds and cinnamon.  Place the rice and almonds into a bowl. Break up the cinnamon stick into several pieces and add to the rice and almonds. Cover with 4 cups of hot (but not boiling) water.  Cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 3 hours but preferably overnight.
2. Blend   Using your Vitamix, blend the mixture until it is as smooth as possible.  This can take as long as 2 to 3 minutes. You don’t have to remove the cinnamon stick. note** if you don't have a vitamix (yet) you may need to strain the mixture because it may not get it all mixed together.
3. Add condensed milk and vanilla.  Stir in the remaining cup of water (or milk to make it creamier), sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.  
4. Serve.  Add ice to the pitcher, stir again, and serve in glasses, garnished with a sprinkle of the ground cinnamon.  

Enjoy!

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Disclosure: The above item was received in order to facilitate review. I have not been compensated for this post. Top Notch Material blog will always provide honest opinions, beliefs or experiences on products reviewed. We will only recommend products or services that we feel are of benefit to our readers. If you have any questions, please contact me at katrina dot gehman {at} gmail com. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.