On 2011-08-29, Kalmia > wrote:
> Anyone own one? Is there really a difference, or is this just a
> marketing ploy?

Despite what all the ppl here have been replying, there definetly IS a
difference. Sure, they look the same and do essentially the same
chore, blend to a puree, but the similarity stops there.

Smoothie machines typically sport 3-4 HP motors and larger vessels.
Cheapo home blenders barely weigh in with a half a horsepower motor.
You can pick up a cheapie for $30-60. A good 3 HP smoothie machine
will run you $400 and up. A business will use commercial grade
machines. Better construction, better bearings, seals, swithes,
higher price, etc, for continuous repetitious use. BTW, Jamba Juice
and Baskin-Robbins use commercial Vitamixes. The cheapest model
Vitamix makes is a non-commercial grade home machine at $380.

Can you make a small basic smoothie with a cheapo machine. Probably.
But, there will probably be ice chunks, the motor will bog on fibrous
fruits like mango, etc, and I wouldn't take any bets on the cheapo
machine's lifespan. In short, no. Definitely not the same machines.
Not by a long shot.

nb