BLOG . . . Share your thoughts. . .
|
Posted on Friday, August 26, 2011 2:38 PM
This is a SCREAM! Have you guys seen this "GLUGGLE JUG"? I LOVE it! When you pour out of it, it makes this GLUG, GLUG sound really loud. It's classy too - not cheap-looking. What a hoot! Look at this video about it:
GUGGLE JUG VIDEO
I got mine @ Amazon for way less than the mfgr lists. Check it out. They come in a ton of colors, not just this one (this is the one I got... the color is called "hand painted" but I don't think it really is.) I also really like the all-white, cobalt blue, and Terra Cotta colors. ♥♥ GLUGGLE JUG How fun for a party! I'm going to get these as gifts. ps.... the reviews on this say you should get the "extra large" size (which really isn't very big - - only 10"; about the size of a regular pitcher). The smaller ones don't make much of a GLUG noise, evidently. Can't have that!! :> |
|
|
Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2011 7:02 PM
BOY, OH BOY!! I've discovered some new products that have become my very favorites - practically overnight. Here they are.... not necessarily in order of preference. In fact I don't think I could list them according to preference. I LOVE 'EM ALL!! First - my new ZEST GRATER This is the snazzy little grater you see on all the "foodie" TV networks and IT WORKS WONDERS. Here's what one customer said. . .  "I purchased this after spending 2 hours zesting limes for a gourmet cookie recipe with the traditional potato-peeler + food processor method. The most time consuming part is scraping way all the white pith from the inside of the peel. The pith is very bitter and can ruin your recipe. This zester did the same job in 30 seconds and didn't even touch the pith. Just pure, perfect lime zest with no effort. Totally worth its weight in gold. I've also started using it for grating PARMESAN. I'm purchasing several more as gifts for my friends. Would make an incredible (and cheap) holiday/birthday gift for anyone, even the casual cook.  Next - my beloved ELECTRIC TEA KETTLE. I LOVE IT!! It's beautiful (looks great on the table!) and man, oh man, does it heat water fast. WAY faster than the stove or in a microwave. No "taste" either! Makes my tea, cocoa, instant soups, puddings, etc. in about 30 seconds flat. I don't know how I lived without it. "Vitamix makes excellent products. I have owned this one for about 7 or 8 years and just purchased a Blendtec a few months ago, as well. Both are great blenders. Comparison of differences. . .
1) Motor: Blendtec has a more powerful motor.
Noticeably more powerful - 3 HP vs 2 HP.
2) Construction - Blendtec is not as substantial in construction. Vitamix feels more heavy-duty, and is heavier. Vitamix will not rock and shake as much. Both are made in the USA with BPA-free containers.
3) Noise level - I don't notice that much difference. Maybe Blendtec is a bit louder, but it doesn't bother me.
4) Controls - There are more controls on the Blendtec - slower/faster, pulse, and pre-programmed selections. For example: 'Smoothies' is one of the preprogrammed selections. So this means the Blendtec will alter its speed on its own in order to make sure items get blended that might otherwise stay bouncing around on top. It is optimized for each setting. You can do the same thing manually with the Vitamix with the spin dial that controls speed. Physically the Vitamix manual spin dial is easier to use. The Blendtec has a digital counter to tell you how many times you have used it.
5) Warranty - the Vitamix warranty is longer - 7 years on ALL parts, and that warranty can be extended to 10 years for an additional cost. Blendtec is normally only 3 years, and it does not include the container. This warranty can be extended to 7 years at no extra cost but only if purchased at Costco. The Vitamix had to have its motor replaced once. They were happy to do it and paid for shipping BOTH ways. Customer service was excellent. I can't evaluate this yet for the Blendtec since I haven't had it long enough, but the warranty does not cover shipping both ways.
6) Height - the Blendtec is shorter and fits easily under the cabinets in the kitchen. The Vitamix, at 20.5 inches, does not.
7) Containers - Both are BPA-free. The design of the Blendtec containers, while less substantial, is better. Wider instead of taller, they are easier to clean and easier to get food out of. Plus, this design lends itself to better performance.
8) Performance - the Blendtec will spin and pulverize thicker food even when the Vitamix will sit there and spin with nothing moving on top. The Vitamix requires a bit more work in those cases. If the liquid is thinner, the Vitamix does not do this and spins fine. The Blendtec 4 qt 4 inch blade container is better in this regard even than the 3 qt 3 inch blade container. I don't have to push the food down much at all with the Blendtec. However, with the bit of extra effort, the Vitamix will end up blending just as well as the Blendtec.
9) Splashing - the Blendtec definitely splashes food more in the container than the Vitamix. Be sure to keep that lid on the Blendtec.
10) Guarantee - The Vitamix accepts a return within 30 days and they pay for your shipping back:
Vitamix says: "You get FREE return shipping as part of the Vitamix 30-day NO-RISK trial. Call Vitamix at 1-800-848-2649 for a pre-paid return shipping label. Contact Customer Service at 1-800-848-2649 option #2 to receive a Return Authorization Number."
Blendtec says this about their return policy. . .
"Any item purchased that is returned within 30 days of purchase is subject to inspection prior to a refund or any credit being given. Shipping fees are non-refundable and in some cases a usage or restocking fee may apply. If the return is near the end of the 30-day satisfaction guarantee period, we ask that you please call a customer service representative so we can document what product is being returned. No refunds will be given after 30 days."
VITAMIX TURBOBLEND 4500 Countertop Blender with 2+ HP Motor |
|
