Getting a Vitamix blender when you are super cheap

I have been wanting a Vitamix blender for several years now, since about the time I first started this journey.  I was too cheap, because even the cheapest model runs about $350. I bought a Ninja instead, and have regretted that purchase ever since.  I finally decided to stop waiting for the Ninja to break (a credit to the Ninja system- works like new still) and bought a Vitamix 3600 on Ebay. 

The 3600 is a vintage model.  It has a metal blender, strong motor, nice dome shaped lid.  The sticker on the side says it can handle kneading bread if you follow directions.  I have at this time only used it once, and I just finished the Tortilla soup recipe.  The thing worked like a champ and after 6 minutes of blending I had piping hot soup made from only fresh veggies and a little seasoning tossed in.  Super easy, with super fast clean-up, and the soup tasted awesome due to all the veggies being fresh. But I digress.

Vitamix has a program where they will buy back your old model when you purchase a new one, and the 3600 is worth $100 on this program.  I paid $110 so in my brain I figured it was a no lose type situation.  I assumed I would use this one for a bit to learn how to make ice cream to hot soup, and then use it to turn in for a new model.  But at the moment, I adore this one.  I still need to make a protein shake with ice- the end all be all for me, as I can't stand having ice chunks that are big enough to chew in a protein shake.  Hopefully this thing will perform like the newer ones and dechunk that ice without going so far as melting it.  Even if it doesn't, it is still worth the purchase just for the trade-in aspect if nothing else.  I am also going to try making my juice in it so that I have the benefit of the fiber, which I always need more of than most folks.  

I am just to cheap to drop hundreds of dollars on one new, so this is a nice frugal happy medium :)

Oh nice!  

I love the vitamix.  I lost mine in the divorce and tpp settled with the ninja.  I might upgrade at some point and will definitely check out ebay.  

I love how you can add greens and completely emulsify them.  In the ninja I get chunks so I dont do it. 

I have a Vitamix...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!   I managed to score my $529.00 Professional Series CIA model - for $129.99!!  It was on a 1 day sale and then I had a 40% off 1 item coupon on anything in the store to apply to it as well. 

My Vitamix is used daily (sometime multiple times during the day). 

I have long dreamed of owning a Vitamix.....

I'm thinking it would be a great weight loss goal prize. Might just make that happen!

I think that is a fantastic goal present!

Hi everyone, I haven't had my VSG surgery yet- my date is June 18th (coming up soon!) I have a question though, I notice that your surgery was a few years ago. Are you not eating solid food because you can't anymore, or are you blending smoothies, etc because you like them? I am hoping that I will only have to have blended food temporarily. 

I can eat anything. My stomach works exactly like it did prior to surgery.  I am still allergic to the same foods I was prior to surgery of course.  Very occasionally eggs bother me now, or if I eat protein too fast it bothers me.  I use a blender because I just love to blend I guess.  I prefer my protein shakes blended with ice, I juice veggies and fruit, and now use my Vitamix to make soups.  I don't "have" to though.

Whew!  Thanks for clearing that one up. I am just nervous and although I've been reading a lot, I haven't been able to actually talk to very many people who have had the surgery. There are no groups currently happening in my city. I just wanted to make sure that what I've read and have been told by my Dr is true. Thanks again. 

Got mine on QVC for 6 easy payments! LOVE IT!

I bought a refirb Vitamix nearly 15 years ago, it's still going strong! It's recently developed a slight stutter at lower speed, and my ever-handy husband did a bit of googling, and unscrewing.. and can replace a small electronic bit (not electro-savvy here) and fix it right up. The thing is a tank, and if the newer ones are made like the older ones, fantastic. I will never own another brand of blender/mixer/grinder..