Are refurb blenders the best value?
If you’re looking for the highest quality blender and don’t want to pay the hefty price tag, a reconditioned Blendtec or Vitamix is definitely worth it.
Click HERE to read what verified buyers say about their refurbished blender.
Dreaming of owning a Blendtec or Vitamix blender?
If you want a high performance blender but can’t find it in your budget, a refurbished or “reconditioned” unit may be the next best choice.
One of our followers commented that he wanted a high-end blender for a long time. He made some changes to his nutrition and believed a better blender would definitely help in this area.
He wanted to know if it's a good idea to spend this kind of money on a blender, and is he getting the best price?
This prompted me to write a post about how top-of-the-line blenders can be more affordable.
Concern: Should I buy third party refurbished blenders?
This review will help you understand what goes into a refurbished blender and address some issues that you may have concerning refurbs. By the end of this review you should be able to make an informed choice.
The words: refurbished, reconditioned and remanufactured are all interchangeable and mean the same thing.
A certified refurbished unit can be a model used for demonstration, an exchange or return.
Every refurbished unit goes through a comprehensive inspection, cleaning, repairing and replacing of broken parts, testing and repackaging.
Not only that, but Vitamix and Blendtec both offer generous warranties on their refurbished blenders.
A refurbished unit has to pass every test and inspection that a new unit does. In fact, a Vitamix blender has to be less than 2 years old to qualify for refurbishing.
It is good to know that all refurbished Vitamix and Blendtec units are sold with brand new, never been used jars, lids, tamper (Vitamix) and cookbooks.
Refurbished also means significant cost savings over the cost of a new blender.
For some, budget is the driving factor. Here are the savings as calculated from the official websites of both brands..
A certified refurbished Vitamix blender can be purchased from 5%-40% less than a new unit.
A certified refurbished Blendtec blender can be purchased for about 30% less than a new unit.
You may also find some refurbished units on sale offering ever deeper price cuts.
A certified refurbished unit looks like new. You are not going to get a blender with a dented base or a scratch across the face, or broken controls. Everything is guaranteed to look, feel and operate like new.
Next to price, performance is probably the next issue of concern. Afterall, the reason for a high-end blender is the performance. We want the best tasting smoothies made with premium blenders that offer us numerous benefits.
Reconditioned blenders come with the same wonderful features as new blenders - and they work, like new blenders. All broken, used parts have been replaced with new parts.
You will get the same fabulously smooth smoothies, butters, creams, sauces, marinades, whatever you make in a blender.
There is no questions about the quality of the performance.
Here is a fun video from Blendtec about their performance called “Will it Blend iPad?” Don’t try this at home!
Both Vitamix and Blendtec offer very generous warranties on their refurbished products.
The Vitamix not only covers manufacturer defects, it also covers normal wear and tear. It is a 5-year warranty.
The Blendtec has a 3-year warranty for refurbished models.
One of the biggest advantages of certified refurbished (as opposed to 3rd party refurbished) is that you get the same customer service by the original manufacturer.
Both Vita mix and Blendtec are renowned for the friendly and professional customer support.
When reviewing buyer reviews online, and from our own experience, both manufacturers are practically competing with each other, who would provide the best customer service.
You might have come across some offers to buy blenders reconditioned by a third party - not by Blendtec or Vitamix themselves.
Warranty is usually much shorter than if purchased from the manufacturer. We’ve seen even 1 year as opposed to 5 to 7 year on the certified models.
It is advisable not the focus solely on the lower price, but to consider the above disadvantages as well.
Both Vitamix and Blendtec offer a 30-day in home trial at no risk to you.
Since these blenders are refurbished demos, returns and exchanges, there is a limited supply.
The word about refurbed products is getting out and people are choosing to go with them.
Nevertheless, both Blendtec and Vita mix have several models in the refurb program which does somewhat increase availability.
This is the original, iconic Blendtec model that many blending enthusiasts can't live without.
It features 1560 watt motor, 3.0 peak horsepower motor with 10 speeds + Pulse.
An illuminated LCD timer displaying remaining time on blends.
It also features the famous pre-programmed cycles for Smoothies, Batters, Hot Soup, Whole Juice, Ice Cream, Ice Crush.
Similar to the Classic model, but with less speeds and programs - though still enough to enjoy perfect, easy-to-make blends.
It also features pre-programmed cycles for Smoothies, Clean, 60-seconds and 90-seconds.
Vitamix's Next Generation series features an updated design and engineering.
What we like best about this one is that it is less noisy than other Vitamix models due to improved sound muffling on the base.
It also chops more effectively and quickly than previous designs due to the larger blades.
The brand new 64-ounce BPA-free container is low-profile, meaning it would fit conveniently under most kitchen cabinets.
The standard classic model, good for both entry level and blending enthusiasts.
It features a commercial-grade 2-peak horsepower motor.
It features a variable speed knob with 10 speeds and a pulse button.
you also get a brand new 64-ounce BPA-free container.
This is a friendlier version of the 5200, featuring pre-programmed settings for: smoothies, frozen desserts and hot soups.
The motor is the same commercial-grade 2-peak horsepower.
We all look to get the best deal on the best product, especially a premium product that we really want. Refurbished products are the way to go, in my humble opinion.
We want the guarantee that the product will perform the way we’d like it to. In this case we want delicious smoothies that are consistent time after time with nutrients, taste, and consistency.
Going by the reviews, there are not too many of these units that need repairs. And for at least 5 years for Vitamix and 7 years for Blendtec we will be covered under warranty, which includes warranty against manufacturer's defects and material defects at the least.
This is a big decision, believe it or not! So getting a hassle-free, no risk, 30-day in-home trial is great. I can try out any refurbished blender for 30 days.
I hope this review has answered your questions about the topic, and if you’d like to ask anything else, feel free to use the comments section below.
Should I buy a Refurbished Blendtec or Vitamix Blender?
Dreaming of owning a Blendtec or Vitamix blender? If you want a high-end blender but can’t find it in your budget, a refurbished or “reconditioned” unit may be the next best choice.
You’re welcome to leave your comments above.
Some information in the review is outdated. Refurbished blenders from Vitamix offer a 5 year warranty, versus the 7 years warranty on their new units, and Blendtec refurbished blenders now offer only a 3 year warranty, versus the 8 year warranty they provide on purchases of brand new units. You should update your content to reflect current, accurate information.
Thank you for your feedback and information, very much appreciated. We’ve now updated the article to reflect recent changes in manufacturer warranty policies.