"notbob" > wrote in message
...
> 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.

I make smoothies in the Magic Bullet. No ice. I use frozen berries.