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in case anyone else has the same questions I do.
http://joyofblending.com/refurbished-vitamix/
Refurbished Vitamix Blender Details
The refurbished Vitamix machines (aka certified reconditioned) are an excellent deal. They are guaranteed to function just as well as new machines, and cosmetically they are generally indistinguishable from new. You can save $80–$270 or ~20–40% compared to new.
Important note for visitors from outside the United States: Vitamix does not sell refurbished machines outside of the USA. (If you follow a reconditioned Vitamix link using a non-USA IP address, you will be redirected to a country-specific Vitamix page.) However, if you have access to a USA shipping address (e.g. friends or family), you can place a phone order: the Vitamix phone number is 800-848-2649, and you can use promotion code 06-007021 for free shipping.
If you cannot arrange USA shipment and you want to buy reconditioned, consider a Refurbished Blendtec, which can ship to Canada. If you want to stick with Vitamix, the 06-007021 promotion code gives a $35 discount on new Vitamix models shipped to Canada.
Here are the recommended reconditioned options:
Standard Variable Speed (5200, etc): $329
Standard Presets (6300/Pro 500): $379
Next Generation (7500/Pro 300): $439
Next Generation Presets (Pro 750): $519
(Some models have color options that cost extra.)
The Reconditioned Next Generation units (with and without presets) are in shorter supply and higher demand, so they have been going in and out of stock. If the model/color you want is currently unavailable, you can sign up to be notified when it comes back in stock.
Reconditioned vs Refurbished?
Vitamix refurbished modelsMany people use the words refurbished and reconditioned interchangeably. The important thing to know is that all of the reconditioned/refurbished Vitamix models discussed on this site are reconditioned by Vitamix to the exact same standards as their new machines. (For other companies, refurbished might mean that a third party fixed up broken products, possibly with third-party components, but that is not the case for Vitamix.)
The recertification process takes place at the Vitamix factory, and any sub-par parts are replaced with new ones. The Certified Reconditioned Vitamix 17-point checklist is quite thorough in checking both function and aesthetics—that is, everything is guaranteed to work as good as new, and it won’t be all scratched up either.
The following parts are replaced on every reconditioned machine, regardless of condition: the pitcher, lid, and tamper. If the shrink-wrap on the cookbook or DVD is broken, those are replaced as well.
One thing that might not be immediately obvious is that the blade assembly is not necessarily brand new. Technicians remove the blade; if it does not show any wear it is high-temperature washed and sterilized, and then placed in the new container.
Why are there so many refurbished Vitamix machines?
A common concern is, if Vitamix blenders are so great, where do all the reconditioned machines come from? The machines were either used at product demos (many just as display without ever even being turned on), photoshoots, or were returned by their owner. As soon as the initial factory-sealed box is opened, Vitamix can no longer sell that blender as new. Vitamix does not release specific numbers, but my guess is that the majority of refurbished blenders come from returns during the no-risk 30-day trial period. Since Vitamix offers a full refund and also pays for return shipping, returning is extremely painless.
Impulse buys where someone did not check with their spouse first about the large purchase are likely one of the leading sources, as well as people who changed their mind about their preferred model or color. (All returns within 30-days are no-questions-asked.) Some of the returns are probably also from people who realized that they could get a refurbished Vitamix for cheaper….
I don’t think there’s any reason to worry about the refurbished machines being lemons. If there does happen to be something wrong with your machine, Vitamix will take care of it at no cost to you. Also, if you change your mind within 30 days, the no-risk trial applies to reconditioned machines as well as new, so you could get a full refund and not even have to pay for return shipping.
Appearance
I have seen firsthand five reconditioned machines as they came out of the box. At first glance all of them were indistinguishable from a brand new machine. With a very close inspection I noticed on three out of the five machines one part that didn’t quite look brand new. There were slight scuffs on the rubber centering pad. I would take this as a non-issue because you can’t see them if the container is sitting on the base, and after you’ve used the machine a few times that pad will develop minor scuffs. Everything else on all five of the blenders was completely pristine. I have also heard countless reports from other people that their reconditioned machine was just like new.
The only time I wouldn’t necessarily recommend a reconditioned machine is if it is a gift and you are concerned that the recipient might not understand that the reconditioning process really makes the machine as good as new. If it’s for someone close to you, you can probably explain, but there may be gift cases where making that explanation is difficult.
Other differences
The other material differences between reconditioned and new are:
1) 5-year vs. 7-year warranty. The warranty is exactly the same, aside from than the duration. (All parts are covered, as well as shipping both ways for any repairs/replacements.) QVC Creations new models have a 5-year warranty, so that is exactly the same as reconditioned. If you are concerned about the warranty length you can purchase a 3-year warranty extension for $75, which is less than the difference in price between reconditioned and new, and would take your refurbished machine’s warranty out to 8 years.
2) Less colorful box. The new machines come in a box covered with bright photographs, whereas the reconditioned machines come in a brown box that just says Vitamix.
Included in the Box…
All reconditioned Vitamix blenders include a getting started DVD, getting started booklet, cookbook, and tamper. (Some crafty Vitamix demonstrators like to stress that if you buy from them you get the DVD and cookbook for free, but a DVD and cookbook are included with all Vitamix machines, including reconditioned.)
Identical models
One thing to keep in mind with the reconditioned machines is that you may receive any identical model. As I explain on my Vitamix comparison page, there are many model names that actually refer to multiple identical machines. For example, if you order a refurbished Next Generation no presets model, they may send a 7500, a Pro 300, or a Creations Elite.*
Excellent Deal
If you look at Vitamix blenders on eBay or Craigslist you will find that they usually sell for more than these refurbished units (you can find ancient models for less, but those are a bit of a gamble since they’re out of warranty and the seals can wear out). The robust second hand market is evidence for the strong demand for Vitamix, but it’s also a sign that most people don’t know about these refurbished deals. If you’re looking to save money on a Vitamix, refurbished is the way to go!
In fact, I’ve talked with a few Vitamix employees, and they say that even with their employee discount, Vitamix employees nearly exclusively choose Vitamix reconditioned when buying units for themselves, family, or friends.
Refurbished Vitamix blenders come with the same “No Risk Guarantee” 30-day in-home trial as new Vitamix blenders. If you change your mind about your purchase you can get a full refund, and Vitamix even pays for return shipping.
The only source of certified reconditioned Vitamix machines is direct from Vitamix. You can place a phone order at 800-848-2649, or on their website. Either way you can get free shipping if you use promotion code 06-007021.
*If you order a refurbished Next Generation no presets model one of the bases that you could receive is a Creations Elite. You might worry that you wouldn’t get the new style short/wide 64-oz container because the new Creations Elite models are sold with the 48-oz container. However, I’ve consulted with Vitamix and confirmed that you will get the Next Generation short/wide 64-oz container. I’ve also heard from satisfied customers who received the new style wide container with a reconditioned Creations Elite base.
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