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Blend-Off: Vitamix vs. Blendtec
By Lesley Stockton This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full Vitamix vs. Blendtec guide here. Vitamix and Blendtec are the two biggest names in high-powered home blenders. In our testing, we've always preferred Vitamix. We still get asked about Blendtec, though, maybe thanks to its popular "Will It Blend?" campaign, which features a Blendtec pulverizing iPhones and other objects that would taste bad in smoothies. The image of a phone turned to dust is a compelling demonstration of raw power, but pulverizing a phone and making a good smoothie are two very different tasks. To prove it, we pitted the Blendtec Designer 675 against the Vitamix 5200 (our top-pick blender) in a series of tests, and the Vitamix won every time. The Vitamix was much better at smoothies, soups, nut butters—the things you'd need a kitchen blender for, in other words. We chose to compare those two models because they offered roughly similar features and control schemes. The 5200 is Vitamix's original variable-speed model, and it offers the power and performance Vitamix blenders are known for. Vitamix blenders with preset blending programs are more expensive, and we don't think they're worth the extra cost. Meanwhile, lower-end Blendtec machines have only preset blending programs, and the Designer 675 is the lowest-priced model that offers manual speed control in addition to those settings.
IRL: Sony SmartWatch, Otterbox Universal Defender case and a Blendtec blender
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. At last! A story where it's actually appropriate to write "Will it blend?" in the comments! In this week's IRL, our very own Darren Murph takes a slightly different tack than usual, gushing about his new $400 fruit crusher. On an equally rough-and-tumble note, Brian brings his trusty Otterbox iPhone case into a Nevada sandstorm with 50 mile-per-hour winds, while Sharif tests out Sony's SmartWatch -- from the comfort of his London neighborhood, of course.
Sonim's rugged XP3300 Force does not blend
Our old friend Tom Dickinson is back with a brand new edition of Will It Blend?, but it seems his ultra-destructive Blendtec blender has met its match -- the equally rugged Sonim XP3300 Force we tested at MWC. Now, Sonim doesn't have a perfect track record, and Tom definitely let the smoke out here, but apparently the leftover wreckage was still functional. Better luck next time, blender!
Will the iPhone 4 blend? What do you think?
Oh come on. You knew it was coming, ever since the iPhone 4 was announced. And here it is. There's not much to say -- you know what's going to happen. Just watch and enjoy. And kudos, BlendTec. It's even cornier (and more surreal) than usual, but pays off nicely. One question: who is that dude, really? Michael Dell?
The iPhone 4: it blends
Another Apple product launch, another episode of Will it Blend? No cheating this time as far as we can tell, but the production values have certainly gone through the roof for the inevitable iPhone 4 edition and yes, just like everything else they've put in a blender, it blends. See for yourself after the break. [Thanks, O'Neill]
iPad: Will it blend?
We won't spoil this movie for you, but fortunately, the good folks over at Blendtec have wasted no time in answering the question that was on all of our minds as the iPad released last weekend. We can truly say that the video above does answer the question of whether or not the iPad will, in fact, blend. We will also say that iPad lovers should probably look away, though this kind of destruction probably isn't any worse than other acts of iPad destruction. However, this guy is much more entertaining. I'm kind of amazed that, even after that first battering, you can still see the keyboard lit up on the screen. The iPad's display takes a licking and keeps on ticking!
Will it blend? iPad edition (update: he cheated!)
Getting sick of the iPad? Then let our old friend Tom Dickinson do what he does best. If you've somehow missed all of his Blendtec videos in the past, be warned that they aren't for the faint-hearted gadget fanatics -- especially this latest edition where Tom forcefully folds the pad to fit it into his gadget muncher. When you're ready, march on for some "pad smoke" after the break. Update: Commenter ernie pointed out that the aluminum back was missing when Tom folded the iPad. Come on, Blendtec, just blend the metal already!
Found Footage: Blending an iPhone 3G
Sure, we all worry about dropping our precious electronics (like our iPhones, iPods and Macs), however, the folks at Blendtec laugh in the face of danger. That's because they tend to blend things. Very expensive things. Like this iPhone 3G. On an iPhone/iPod touch? Click here to watch this video in YouTube.app.
Will It Blend? iPhone 3G edition
No, really, will it? We're on pins and needles here. Sure, the original blended up fine, but with all the G's in this thing, perhaps not even the mighty Blendtec can reduce it to rubble. Video is after the break. Oh, and for extra bonus points, check out the fake Belgian edition, also after the break. Yeah, we said Belgian.
Grand Theft Auto IV featured on Will It Blend
Update: Apparently, this particular blending mystery was solved a while ago -- however, Tom Dickson promised us a free Blendtec blender if we brought it up again. We apologize for our unquenchable thirst for outrageously overpowered kitchen appliances.Considering that Blendtec's doomsday device has already proved its ability to obliterate bricks, fake diamonds, small buildings and many large breeds of dogs, it should come as no surprise that (spoiler alert) it can chew through a copy of Grand Theft Auto IV with ease. What is surprising is host Tom Dickson's incredibly short fuse -- apparently, when something provides him with the smallest amount of displeasure, it finds itself on the business end of the appliance's screaming blades. For the sake of Tom's children (who likely have perfect grades and manners out of fear of a liquefying punishment), we remind the charismatic host that with great blending power comes great blending responsibility.
Guitar Hero: it shreds, and, yes, it blends
Quick, before some pretentious post-postmodern indie band rips the idea and integrates it into their set: check out the video after the break of the will it blend dude sticking a Gibson X-Plorer's fender into one of their machines. Yeah, we're total suckers for the Guitar Hero games, and we love to see Guitar destruction as much as the next rock fiend, so you can probably guess the result.[Via Joystiq]
Found Footage: iPhone blends
You might want to have the children go to bed before you watch this video. Those kooky cats at Blendtec, the minds behind 'Will it Blend,' have decided to answer that age old question, 'Will an iPhone blend?'Clearly, the iPhone will blend but this is something you have to see for yourself.Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Will it Return?: Best Buy refuses to exchange blended camcorder
You gotta hand it to those sadistic bastards from Will it Blend?: not only have they struck viral marketing gold by playing to our innermost voyeurs, they clearly have a wicked sense of humor, as evidenced by their futile attempt to return the completely obliterated camcorder that got sacrificed in the last segment. Luckily for us, Team Blendtec decided to secretly tape their exploits (video after the break), and while the salesdrones do seem slightly shocked at the product and ridiculous story that goes along with it, they certainly do Best Buy proud by keeping their cool during a clearly provocative encounter. There's also a lesson to be learned here: not only does the regular manufacturer's warranty (and the BB return policy) laugh in the face of such situations, if you thought that the flimsy "extended service contract" you bought covers gadgets in powdered form, well sir, you'd be out of luck.[Thanks, El_Capitan]
Will it blend? If it's an iPod, you betcha
Considering the recent console launches, we've seen plenty of bizarre episodes of folks demolishing their precious goods just to get a few laughs, a bit of hate mail, and their 15 minutes of fame. But ole Tom Dickson over at WillItBlend.com added a touch of kitchen know-how to his rendition by squaring up various items with the oh-so-sharp blades of a Blendtec blender. Needless to say, the iPod didn't stand much of a chance, as it was thoroughly devoured in a matter of seconds, turning a once useful DAP into nothing more than shrapnel and dust. While we're fairly certain this isn't what Apple had in mind when it patented a blended display / interface, maybe all those metallic chunks wouldn't be too bad mixed in with your choice of fruity goodness -- click on for the delectable vid.[Via digg]
