Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender (Stainless Steel/Black)

I posted this on Amazon in 2022. It’s is still going strong.

Headline: Pricy for a hand blender, but AMAZINGLY POWERFUL.

IMPORTANT NOTE about ICE: I use immersion blenders for food, (e.g., soup, casseroles) but never for ice. So if you're using ice in smoothies, ignore my review. Sorry, I'm afraid this won't be helpful.

REVIEW: I've had three previous hand/immersion blenders. This kitchen tool is used at least daily in my home, so it gets a decent workout. Each one lasted /- five years before motors failed or parts fell off. That's pretty good since they cost approximately $45 - $65. My Vitamix Immersion Blender, Stainless Steel, 18 inches cost a lot more!

I haven't had the Vitamix nearly five years, but I have been using it a lot for almost six months. Will it last? Man, I hope so!

But, BOTTOM LINE, it WORKS SO MUCH BETTER than any of my earlier ones. This is one powerful little blender. Want some examples, see below?

CLEANING: The instructions to spin the blades in clean water work perfectly. HOWEVER, my kitchen is very small, so I clean every food-prep dish the moment it's done it's work. Instead, I rinse the head/blades and use a little brush in case there are any food bits left. Works brilliantly.

PARTS: Vitamix Immersion Blender, Stainless Steel, 18" doesn't come with attachments. Just handle and blender. The only accessory thing I miss is the whisk attachment. And I only missed it the one time my mind wondered while whipping cream and got butter. Heh, that's my fault. On its low (one light) setting, whipped cream, fluffy frosting, meringue, etc. puff right up faster than ever. So pay attention, remember it's not my/your old blender :)

Some Examples:

— No-cream Roasted Cauliflower Soup (3 heads roasted) /- 3 qt: 1 min low (1 light), 2 min (3 lights). For reference, was: 8-10 min high.

— Baba Ghanoush (3.5 med eggplant) /-1.7 qt: 1 min low (1 light), 1 min (3 lights). For reference, was: 7-10 min high, with lots of scraping bowl sides.