On Aug 30, 12:36*am, notbob > wrote:
> 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

The cheapest place to buy them as far as I know is on QVC's web
site.
They have the Vita mix and a few other brands with the same watts
as the Vita mix which is 1100 watts. I have both a Vita mix and the
Ninja 1100.

Lucille