Can't afford Vitamix/Blendtec - best mid-range blender?

LilyLarkin

Hi all,

I wanted to invest in a really excellent blender as I'm vegan and do a lot of nut grinding, making smoothies, making cashew cheeses etc. I use my blender daily, and it really doesn't cut it when it comes to turning kale edible! I've burnt the motor out once already and had to replace it.

Anyhow - wanted to invest in a Vitamix or Blendtec but they are really out of budget. I'm sure they are the best, but I can't justify that amount of spending when I have my mortgage to pay!

I am looking for a mid-range blender and am a bit confused about this level. The reviews are all comparing Vitamix/Blendtec, and I can't really find much info or comparisons on what there is mid-range.

Anyone got any suggestions? The Magimix 11615 seems to be one of the only mid range blenders I can find that does look comparable in any way.

And on the off chance, is there anywhere to bag a really good deal on a top range blender?

Thanks.

DirectDebacle

I have the Magimix 11615. Bought a year ago from John Lewis @£179.99. Three year guarantee on motor. It is a good machine but I don't use it to the extent you use blenders. You might find the grinder bowl a tad small. I reckon the Magimix is probably about the best domestic blender you can get. Above that you are into commercial machines as you mentioned. Checkout Waring blenders. Heavy duty well built machines a bit cheaper than those you mention but go up to around £1500 and more for industrial quality.

LilyLarkin

Thanks! I went for the Magimix in the end. Saw the basic model at Go Electrical for £143.90, who are also Topcashback vendor, so decided on that. Think purchasing through Topcashback has given me another fiver off and it was free delivery.

I have a small spice grinder and also my other blender/food processor, so didn't reckon worth me paying extra for the model with the grinder bowl.

ButtersUK

Have also just bought a Magimix from Go Electrical, received it a day or so ago...didn't actually see this thread till just now. Have to admit the service from the aforementioned was excellent. I phoned up to order it and it literally did come the next day, via Parcelforce. It was £139, delivered, for the cream coloured one (11611, I believe). They didn't do the £40 'spice mill' accessory though, which was a shame, so that came from Magimix Spares, who also posted it quickly but there was an extra £3.95 postage on top.

Pleased with the quality of the blender at the moment....(well, the Mrs. is pleased with it actually) nicely designed and well made and easy to clean. There was another firm called 'Wollcotts Hardware' advertising them for £119 for about a week but it turned out they didn't actually exist and simply scammed people (do a Google search)....their site has now gone offline and presumably they're now off spending the thousands of pounds they screwed out of unwary individuals.

Whether the Vitamix is worth the extra is not something I know from experience but they do have a 7 year warranty (albeit you pay the carriage there and back) but they seem to be the 'one to have'. Magimix have local repair agents and there's one close to me so that's a bonus..I did ring them before purchase and they said they rarely go wrong...which is reassuring too.

Overall the Magimix seems a fair compromise between price and quality when compared to the Vitamix's so I'd recommend one as we speak.