Blenders for smoothies

What is everyone is using? I have this 500W blender, but unless I put bunch of liquids in to it it just won't blend. Thus my smoothies are too thin for my tastes. Do I really need to buy the 400 dollar blender, Vitamix 5200, to make smoothies that are similar to what they make at Jumbo Juice (thickness wise).

Thanks

UD

I'd think it's more about the ingredients than the blender. Try adding some yogurt or decreasing your liquid and increasing your fruit. I just use a cheap one that works fine.

EDIT: I see now that you need a lot of liquids to get it to blend, sorry.

I saw someone mention the Jack Lalane (spelling???) blender is much cheaper than the VitaMix and works as well ... 

I have had a VitaMix for a little over a year and love it.  I was burning out a decent Cuisinart (blender not processor) once a year so if the VitaMix goes several years I will be ahead $ wise.  And it works.  I make this smoothie mix that I divide into 3 shaker glasses:

20 oz herbal tea

3/4 cup plain yogurt

kale (handful)

1 small beet - cleaned and chopped in quarters

1 lemon (skin and all)

1/4 orange (skin and all - sometimes will take off some skin if it is thick)

3 T MetRx Original (protein powder)

3-4 pkgs Stevia plus

The Vitamix liquifies everything.  It has the consistency of a milk shake.  The beet turns it pink so it has an appetizing color.  I like the taste of the mix.

I will add a bit of cabbage, ginger, blueberries, pineapple, a little (LITTLE) jalapeno.

I started with a Kat James mix and then adjusted.  For me, it means getting some raw veg that I wouldn't normally get.  I drink 2 of the shakers on high activity days and 1 on low activity days.  I calc them about 400 cals. 

At any rate, for me, the $400 on the VitaMix was well spent.

Gee...I noticed the sidebar ad and that reminded me...not sure about others, but the VitaMix has enough oomph that it will heat up liquids - 4-7 min.  Easy to make a veggie "puree" for a quick soup or base for a soup.  I cheat and microwave whatever liquid (water or organic broth), dump in veg and 2-4 minutes - hot soup.

AND it cleans up easy - 8-10 oz of hot water, 1 drop of dish soap, turn it on for a minute and rinse.

I have a magic bullet and I love it because I bled the perfect amount right into the glass... 

I use a Classic Osterizer blender and love it.  My smoothie recipe is very good:

1/2 cup each - fat-free milk,  plain non-fat yogurt and orange juice,  1 scoop whey protein powder -vanilla,  1/2 banana  

Sometimes I sub peanut butter and omit OJ

I have a magic bullet, I love it!  I'm not sure what you're putting in your smoothie.  If you get this ~$50 at a store with a return policy (costco, macy's, lnt, bbb), then you can try it and if it doesn't suit your needs just return it.

I generally make my smoothie and drink it from the same cup so it saves me a lot of effort in washing extra dishes.

Well I have to use a cup of milk (otherwise it won't blend), around half a cup-1cup of yogurt, and frozen strawberries cut in to pieces.

UD

I've blended tofu and only had to put in a bit of milk.  I generally do 1 cup yogurt and one cup fruit juice and toss in some ice.  I'd suggest getting one and trying it and being prepared to take it back if necessary.

I use a handheld blender, and it works great. It's made by Braun, I think it's about 30-40 bucks, maybe more if you get the one that comes with all the attachments (herb/nut chopper, whisk, etc). It will blend frozen banana chunks with just a bit of soymilk thrown in. My regular blender won't touch the stuff that this thing will do. The only issue is sometimes it splashes out of the cup if there is too much liquid or the cup is too full, other than that I love it. I've also made hummus with it, and it handles the chickpeas fine, which is another thing my blender won't touch.

MAGIC BULLET FOR SURE!

I will fourth the magic bullet comments- mine is amazing

I use a single-serving Hamilton Beach blender that I got at Walmart for around $16.00.  I use it constantly, and it has never let me down.  I've had much more expensive blenders that won't plow through snow, so I was skeptical about this one.  It is amazing.  I usually make a blended coffee in the morning with 1/2 cup skim milk, 1 heaping Tablespoon instant coffee and sometimes adding a sugar-free chocolate pudding and 6-8 ice cubes and make just about the closest tasting thing to an Arby's Jamocha shake for 103 calories.  My daughter bought one too after my recommendation and she loves it!  Enjoy  

I have a kitchen aid blender that I got, I think, for around $30-40. It does a great job with about 8oz of water and six ice cubes, fruit, and my mix. I never have a problem with it. Plus it's bright red!

I have found that, no matter the blender, adding the liquid first helps a bit.

I also have a magic bullet. Just got it, haven't used it....but have used a friends and really like it.

I got mine from Macy's for $50, but Macy's carries another brand that is very similar. It is the Bella Cucina 17 piece Rocket Blending System and it is $30.

Original Post by umneydurak:

What is everyone is using? I have this 500W blender, but unless I put bunch of liquids in to it it just won't blend. Thus my smoothies are too thin for my tastes. Do I really need to buy the 400 dollar blender, Vitamix 5200, to make smoothies that are similar to what they make at Jumbo Juice (thickness wise).

 

Thanks

UD

Sadly, yes. I live for my Magic Bullet but you really do need something like a Vitamix or Blendtec to get that same effect. Trust me on this one. I spent several stupid months on a raw diet and there's no getting around a high priced blender if you want that level of blending, especially with little liquid

With that said, it's not everyone that needs that level of blender. I have regular <$50 blenders (love my Magic Bullet) but I don't care if my smoothie is watery

I'm another one for the bullet. *sigh* Love that thing.

You can find them on ebay for really cheap too. But it does the smoothy trick. I also use it to puree my soups, make bread crumbs, etc.

Original Post by proud_mom_of_2:

I also have a magic bullet. Just got it, haven't used it....but have used a friends and really like it.

I got mine from Macy's for $50, but Macy's carries another brand that is very similar. It is the Bella Cucina 17 piece Rocket Blending System and it is $30.

I have the Belly Cucina blender thing but have yet to try it out.  I'm hoping it works as well as the Magic Bullet.  Does anyone have any experience with this blender?

For blending Kale, and whole fruits and vegetables the Vita-Mix is the only way to go.  I never use milk products now because they are so full of hormones and bacteria and are such a mucous-causing substance.  We have been eating this way for 2 1/2 years and have not been to the doctor!!! 

There is no way a regular blender will hold up to what we blend.  The Vita-Mix is the best blender for us!!