5 Common Mistakes Vitamix Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Congratulations on your new Vitamix blender! You’ve just invested in a powerful kitchen tool that will help you create delicious, healthy meals and snacks for years to come. To help you make the most of this incredible kitchen tool, we’ve put together a guide to help you avoid some common beginner mistakes. Watch the video below to see these tips in action!

Did you know that less than 2% of Vitamix blenders are ever sent in for warranty service? That’s a testament to their quality and durability. To ensure your blender lives up to its potential, keep these friendly tips in mind:

1) Loading order: Liquids first, then solids

The key to a smooth blending experience is to add your ingredients in the right order. Always start by adding liquids to the container. This helps the blade grab onto something right away, creating a vortex that pulls the other ingredients down. After the liquids, add soft, fleshy ingredients like fruits and vegetables, followed by seeds and leafy greens. Finally, place ice and frozen fruit on top. This will help push everything down into the blade, ensuring a smooth and even blend.

2) Ratio: Finding the perfect balance

When it comes to creating the perfect smoothie or shake, it’s all about finding the right balance of ingredients. For most recipes, a 50/50 ratio of liquid to frozen ingredients is ideal. This allows your Vitamix to create silky smooth drinks while still maintaining a thick, satisfying texture. Keep in mind that your Vitamix is incredibly powerful, but it needs a balance of liquid and fresh fruit to work its magic.

3) Tamper: Your blending buddy

The tamper is a unique and essential tool that comes with your Vitamix. It’s designed to safely push ingredients down into the blade without ever making contact with it. If you’re making a thick blend and notice that the ingredients aren’t moving around as smoothly, don’t be afraid to use the tamper. Gently push the ingredients down, and you’ll see the blend come together beautifully. Remember, using the tamper isn’t a mistake – it’s a sign that you’re making a deliciously thick blend, one of the Vitamix’s specialties.

4) High speed: Let it shine

One of the best things about your Vitamix is its ability to handle tough ingredients and create smooth, consistent blends. To get the most out of your machine, always use the highest speed setting when blending. This is when the fans turn on to keep the motor cool, allowing the machine to run most efficiently. Keeping your Vitamix below its highest speed, especially when blending thick mixtures, can put unnecessary strain on the motor and may even lead to overheating.

5) Smells like burning: No need to worry

During your first few blends, you may notice a slight burning smell. This is completely normal and just means the motor is breaking itself in. As long as you’re using the highest speed setting, there’s no cause for concern. After the first few uses, the burning smell should disappear. If it persists, revisit tips 1-4 to ensure you’re using your blender optimally.