Reliability score
Compared side by side
Vitamix 5200 vs Blendtec Professional 800 Blender
Reliability scores
Reliability score
Scores compared
Pulled from each product’s full review.
- Reliability
- 99 / 100
- 82 / 100
- Estimated 3-year upkeep Parts and repairs, rough estimate
-
Vitamix 5200
Calibrating maintenance feedback
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Blendtec Professional 800 Blender
$186
Pros and cons
Good and bad, as each full review tells it.
Vitamix 5200
Strengths
- Exceptional durability with many units lasting over a decade, some even 25+ years.
- Powerful blending that produces consistently "velvety smooth" results, even with tough ingredients like frozen fruit, ice, and leafy greens.
- Versatile for making a wide range of items, including soups, sauces, purees, and nut butters.
- Slim container design is often preferred for blending smaller batches effectively compared to wider containers.
Concerns
- Some owners experienced problems with variable speed control, causing the blender to run only on high or lose pulse function, often linked to the potentiometer.
- The tall container may not fit under standard kitchen cabinets, requiring countertop storage.
- Potential for high repair costs if issues arise out of warranty, with some reporting rebuilds costing around $250.
- Additional accessories, like food processing capabilities, need to be purchased separately, increasing the overall investment.
Blendtec Professional 800 Blender
Strengths
- Very quiet operation due to sealed sound enclosure
- Powerful motor handles many blending tasks effectively
- Can make hot soup directly in the blender jar
- Features a convenient self-cleaning function
Concerns
- Struggles with very thick ingredients like hummus, with customer support reportedly stating these are "not supported"
- Blades are not replaceable; entire jar must be replaced if damaged, which is expensive
- Some users report a burning smell when the unit is new
- Concerns about jar design not creating an optimal vortex for all ingredients without a tamper
The verdict
Our bottom line after lining up both full reviews.
Bottom line
For unparalleled blending power and proven longevity, the Vitamix 5200 is the top choice.
Key takeaways
- Choose Vitamix for superior blending performance with thick ingredients and exceptional long-term reliability.
- Opt for Blendtec if quiet operation is a high priority and your blending tasks are less demanding.
- Vitamix generally comes at a higher price, but its durability often justifies the cost over time.
Performance
The Vitamix 5200 is a powerhouse, consistently delivering exceptionally smooth mixtures and handling tough ingredients without trouble. Owners praise its ability to blend anything effectively. The Blendtec Professional 800 also offers a powerful motor for many tasks. However, some owners find it has notable limitations when tackling very thick ingredients, sometimes struggling to achieve the desired consistency.
Durability
Owners consistently highlight the Vitamix 5200's exceptional durability, with many reporting their machines lasting for decades. It's known as a long-term investment that holds up well to heavy use. In contrast, owner experiences with the Blendtec Professional 800's durability are more mixed, with some reports suggesting it might not hold up as well under demanding, long-term use.
Community sentiment
The Vitamix 5200 enjoys strong loyalty, with owners consistently praising its performance and reliability as a top-tier blender. They often recommend it as a must-have kitchen appliance. While the Blendtec Professional 800 is appreciated for its quiet operation, the mixed feedback on its performance with thick blends and its long-term reliability leads to a less enthusiastic overall sentiment among owners.
Key differences
Where the two products differ on the same everyday points owners care about.
Blending Thick Mixtures
Better here: Vitamix 5200Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200 excels at blending very thick ingredients, consistently producing smooth results for nut butters, heavy batters, and frozen desserts.
Blendtec Professional 800 Blender
The Blendtec Professional 800 can struggle with extremely thick ingredients, with owners sometimes needing to add more liquid or stop and scrape down the sides.
Quiet Operation
Better here: Blendtec Professional 800 BlenderVitamix 5200
While powerful, the Vitamix 5200 is known to be quite loud during operation, especially at higher speeds.
Blendtec Professional 800 Blender
The Blendtec Professional 800 is specifically praised by owners for its quiet operation, making it a better choice for early mornings or late nights.
Long-Term Durability
Better here: Vitamix 5200Vitamix 5200
With an impressive reliability score of 99.0, the Vitamix 5200 is lauded for exceptional durability, often lasting users for decades without issues.
Blendtec Professional 800 Blender
The Blendtec Professional 800 has a reliability score of 82.0, with mixed owner experiences regarding its durability for demanding or prolonged use.
The compromise
What you give up when you pick one over the other.
If you choose Vitamix 5200
If you choose the Vitamix 5200, you will likely sacrifice quiet operation, as it can be quite loud when running. Its tall pitcher design may also make it challenging to store under some kitchen cabinets.
If you choose Blendtec Professional 800 Blender
Opting for the Blendtec Professional 800 means you might give up the absolute best performance with very thick mixtures. You'll also be choosing a blender with more mixed feedback on long-term durability compared to the Vitamix.