Should I buy a Refurbished Blendtec or Vitamix Blender? Updated 2020

Are refurb blenders the best value?

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.

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.

Why refurbished?

What is Certified Refurbished

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.

Here’s an unedited unboxing video of a refurbished Blendtec:

Cost savings

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.

Concern: Does it look like brand new

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.

Vitamix and Blendtec put their names on their products and want to stay in the lead for premium blenders. They do this by providing top notch products, even refurbs.

Concern: Does it perform like brand 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! 

Concern: What kind of warranty do I get

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.

Make sure to register your blender so you get the full benefit of the warranty. You can typically register online or by telephone.

Concern: What kind of customer support do I get

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.

Concern: Should I buy third party refurbished blenders?

You might have come across some offers to buy blenders reconditioned by a third party - not by Blendtec or Vitamix themselves.

They might offer you a better price than what you could get with blenders refurbished by the manufacturer, however you should be aware that:

• Many of these blenders have been used heavily
• Some blenders may show heavy signs of use, as opposed to certified refurbished models, which usually look a lot like new
• 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.

Guaranteed no risk policy

Both Vitamix and Blendtec offer a 30-day in home trial at no risk to you.

Once you try it and if you don’t like it for any reason you can return it for a full reimbursement. Vitamix will pay for the shipping.

Availability

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.

Amazon is a good source of refurbished supply - you can check availability here:

Check availability - Blendtec Refurbished Models

Check availability - Vitamix Refurbished Models

Review of refurbished Blendtec models

Review of reconditioned Vitamix models

Conclusion

There is a lot to know and understand about refurbished blenders. Here is a recap of the facts:

1. They are less expensive - up to 40% in some cases
2. They look and perform like new - pass all the checkpoints and tests
3. They service what they sell - solid warranties
4. No risk to you - 30-day guarantee
5. Availability - first come, first served

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.

I sure would like to know what you think. Have you tried a refurbished blender? What have been your experiences? Please comment in the space below.