Trying to decide between two high-end blenders as a gift for a friend: does anyone have any opinions, likes, dislikes, etc. regarding the Vita-Mix 5200 vs the Blendtec Home? Both recently available at Costco/Sam's for about $380.
Here are some stats:
vita-mix 5200 - about 2HP, has high and variable settings & comes with a 64 oz wet canister/blade & tamper. Dry canister/blade sold separately (about $80, i think). Breads, grains, coffee beans, etc. must be done in the dry container. 7yr warranty.
Blendtec Home - 3HP, has 6 labeled, preset settings (think milkshake, smoothie, soups, dips, etc), manual speed up & down buttons and a pulse button & comes with a 64oz wet/dry canister/blade. 7yr warranty on the motor & base, lifetime on the blade and coupling.
I've used and loved vita-mix blenders for years - they're simple, reliable and easy-to-use. Purees come out silky, smoothies just how you want them, etc. However, the additional power and convenience of being able to use 1 vessel for both wet and dry make the Blendtec attractive. I don't know anyone who has ever used a Blendtec and worry a little about losing some of the control/quality with the presets/all-in-one canister.
I'd let the gift-recipient make the decision, but she asked me to make it for her! Hopefully, these are both amazing products and there is no wrong way to go here, but I figured no better place than LTH to discuss the finer points of ridiculously expensive blenders.
Thanks for any thoughts!