Full review
Longer notes from the same comments we summarized above.
What people reported
The Blendtec Professional 800 Blender is frequently praised for its remarkably quiet operation, a benefit often attributed to its sealed sound enclosure. Owners confirm its powerful motor handles a wide range of blending tasks, including sauces and gravies, efficiently. The ability to make hot soup directly in the blender and its self-cleaning feature are also appreciated for convenience. Some users have reported long-term durability, with one mentioning owning the model for 10 years, though with infrequent use. The blender also comes with a 10-year guarantee for non-commercial use in some regions.
Problems people mention
A significant concern for many owners revolves around the blender's performance with very thick ingredients, such as hummus and nut butter. Multiple accounts describe the blender struggling or even shaking violently when processing these dense mixtures. Critically, some users were informed by Blendtec support that such thick blends are "not supported" by the Pro 800, which is a major drawback for a product marketed as professional-grade. The blender's extra wide, square jar design has been noted by experts and users as potentially less effective at drawing all ingredients into the blades compared to other designs, sometimes requiring manual intervention (a tamper, which Blendtec blenders typically do not include). Owners also express frustration that blades are not replaceable, meaning the entire jar must be purchased if the blades are damaged or start to leak, leading to expensive replacements. There have also been mentions of new lids not fitting legacy jars properly, and some new units emitting a burning smell initially, though a few owners suggest this is normal for motor winding curing.
Where owners disagree
There is some disagreement regarding the Blendtec's ability to create a sufficient vortex for all ingredients. While Blendtec's marketing emphasizes its jar design eliminates the need for a tamper, some owners find ingredients still stick to the sides, necessitating manual scraping or additional liquid. Similarly, while some praise its long-term durability, others express concerns about reliability, especially after experiencing issues with thick blends or anticipating costly jar replacements.
Who it's for
The Blendtec Professional 800 Blender is a strong choice for users who prioritize exceptionally quiet operation and require a powerful blender for routine tasks like smoothies, sauces, and even hot soups. Its convenience features make it appealing for daily use. However, buyers planning to frequently process very thick ingredients like hummus or nut butter should exercise caution and research alternatives, as this model has shown limitations and received mixed support responses for such applications. It's also suited for those willing to invest in a premium appliance, understanding that replacement jars can be costly.
