Updated May 27, 2017
This is a common concern when buying a Vitamix machine. Do you really need the Vitamix dry container? The dry blades are shaped to push ingredients up, in order to minimize packing into the bottom corners. The dry container fits C- and G-Series Vitamix machines. That includes almost all of the current machines, but note that this container does not work with the personal size S-Series, and it does not work with the Ascent Series. (A dry container for the Ascent Series rumored to be in the works.) For more information about the different models, see my comparison page.
I’ve heard salespeople selling Blendtec machines say that an advantage of the Blendtec is that it does not need a separate container to grind dry items, whereas with the Vitamix you “need to buy a second container.” It turns out that this is not true, and it’s just a sales tactic. The standard Vitamix container will do a perfectly good job of grinding grain, as I will show in the video below.
The real reason to get a dry container is that grinding very hard items like grains will pit and scratch the inside of the pitcher near the blades. In addition to the aesthetic “cloudy” marring of the container, the scratches make the container more likely to hold smells. You can get rid of lingering odors by running the machine with vinegar or a few drops of bleach in water, but it’s nice to not have to worry about that. I’ve never run anything garlicky in my pitted up dry container, but I did grind cinnamon in it a while back, and I can still faintly smell it.
Having a second container is also convenient because to grind grains the container needs to be totally dry, and if you made a smoothie in the morning the container might still be wet. Sometimes I end up using both containers for a single recipe, such as mega muffins.(Although if you just had one container you could dump the dry mixture into a bowl and then re-use the container.) If you are going to get a second container, it might as well be one with blades optimized for dry ingredients.
For these reasons the dry container is worthwhile, as long as you plan on grinding dry things like grain. But if you’re on a tight budget, you can get away with just using the single container, and possibly deodorizing it when needed. (Over time, depending on what you blend, your wet container will probably get scratched up as well, just not nearly as fast or as much as with grinding dry grains. I suspect that things like chia seeds in smoothies can scratch it, but I think that the scratching is reduced if you do not put the seeds at the very bottom, so I now generally add chia seeds to the middle of my ingredients instead of the bottom.)
I’ve always used the dry container for grinding grain, but this past weekend I decided to test a wet blade. I was surprised at how good a job it did of grinding 1-2 cups of wheat berries at a time, which I used to make pancakes and bread. The only difference I noticed was during the bread kneading I found the dough did not “lift” off the blades as much, but it still worked.
For the video I ground one cup of wheat berries for one minute in a container with the standard “wet” blades, and then pushed it through a sieve to see if there were any unground bits. There were a few, but they were small enough and few enough to not be a problem for my purposes. (In fact, when I used the same strainer on flour I ground for the same amount of time with my dry container, there were actually slightly more unground bits!) If you are looking to make a really fine flour you could stop the machine and stir the flour packed into the corners back in using a chopstick, and blend a bit longer; if you want it extra fine you could sift it.
Vitamix warns that you should not blend dry ingredients for longer than 2 minutes because the heat could damage the container. 1 minute to 90 seconds is generally all you need. I further avoid heating by storing the grain in the freezer so it starts the grinding process cold.
Hello..after reading your research, I decided to buy those without preset functions. Since 5200\pro 200\CIA series are almost the same, it seems that pro 200 is the best choice according to their prices.
However, I noticed that there’s 5200 super set with 64oz wet jar and 32oz dry jar. Dear, do you know whether I can exchange the blades of the two jars, so that I can obtain a 32oz wet jar
It is possible to exchange the blades between those two particular jars. (For anyone else reading along, note that the blade from the wide Next Gen container and the blade from the 48-oz container are not compatible with other containers. The 48-oz blade itself is the same as on the 32oz and tall 64-oz containers, but the shaft it’s attached to is a different length.) There is a Vitamix wrench to make it easier to loosen the retainer nut. You have to be careful not to over or under-tighten the nut when you replace it.
And, hello again. I wonder whether I can only own one jar and two kind of blades. Can I disassemble one and the assemble another in one same jar according to my blending material…..If can, it seems I saved both money and kitchen’s space.
In principle you could do that, but really, you should not plan on regularly switching the blades. Aside from being inconvenient, you also increase the chances of the seals leaking.
Hi,
I m thinking to buy vitamix7500 after reading your comments. But I’m only having short stay of 2 years in the US, and I actually wonder if the Vitamix 750 can be used in my home country Malaysia which has different AC voltage of 240V…
I need your advice urgently.
You would need to get a transformer to use a 120v machine on 240v. It is possible, but you need a high quality one. The Vitamix warranty does not cover machines used with transformers because they can malfunction.
My husband bought a Professional Series 500 for my daughter who lives in Australia, they cost approx $1200Au and that was an older model! I brought it over with me in my luggage, it did require a step-down transformer which cost around $70Au, and It is about the size of a toaster laying on its side. So you do need counter space.
I seem to recall reading similar discussions on JoyofBlending website before regarding 240v/50hz. You might also call Vitamix’s headquarters and see if they manufacture certain models with 240v/50hz. That way you would’t need to use an external transformer and subsequently invalidate the warranty. I’m curious to know what you find out too. CH
I have had the 5200 model for several years an love it. The newer models with the presets for certain functions are a waste, IMO. I like having more control with the variable speed dial. I have both the 32 and 64 ounce wet containers. Will probably get the dry container soon as I like the idea of grinding my own flour.
I saw a question or two on whether meat grinding/chopping can be done in the Vitamix. I have the 32-oz Creation model. I put my machine on 6, and dropped one or two one-inch cubes of cold sirloin into the container at a time. Continue putting cubes in until the chopped/ground meat is no longer being thrown to the sides of the container, but is beginning to be continuously processed. Stop the machine and dump the meat out. Continue this process until all meat is chopped/ground. The meat is a perfect consistency (almost too pretty to turn it brown by cooking it!). The trick is not to allow the meat to process too long.
HI, on your advice i’m buying a reconditioned model from vitamix. the 6300 with presets cause that’s what my wife liked at Costco (but for 499). so buying from the website saves 150. we have an older model vitamix that is missing a lid that is model 3600 Plus. It has a stainless steel container. Im wondering if we’d be wise to keep this container and use it as a dry grains blender and/or an extra smoothy maker (if we can find a lid for it…any ideas on that?) (we’ve just been using the old one with a plastic Gladware square lid on it but it leaks) Vitamix has 99 dollar dry blade jars for sale at Costco when they have a demo so we picked on up just in case. Vitamix has a trade in policy of $100 cash back when you turn in your old blender (minus 20-30 for shipping to them)…
What are you thoughts? we plan on doin more home baking and hence the desire for grain production. or would it be better to get a grain mill like Blendtech has.
I’d say there is no one answer. What’s best will depend on your budget and how much space you have in your kitchen. If I were you I would probably take advantage of the trade-in offer, and I wouldn’t bother with buying the separate Blendtec mill. I’m happy with the Vitamix dry container for grinding flour.
Hello Adam,
I live in U.K. Where vitamix is with 240 V. Is it possible to use the dry container from U.S. Where the price is cheaper? I think it should be okay but it is good to have your comment before buying one.
thanks.
Sophia
Yes, the containers are the same, so you should be fine.
Hi Adam, I’m not sure if I should direct this question to you or Vitamix, but I value your opinion. I want to pulverize almonds and sesames into powder form (in separate batches). I have a Vitamix Pro 750 and a 32oz dry container.
1. Is there a recommended minimum quantity for this dry container?
2. What setting on my 750 should I use for pulverization?
3. Should I remove skin on the almond and if so, how?
Thanks much, CH
1) The minimum will depend on what you’re blending and what you’re hoping to make. I haven’t made the types of flour that you’re describing so I don’t know for sure, but I can guess. I would think that you could do as little as a quarter cup, but one to two cups would probably yield more even results.
2) My intuition would be to pulse it on maximum speed. You have to be careful to not over-process it, because you could end up with nut butter or tahini. I would be especially concerned about the sesame seeds because they have a lot of oil. I haven’t ever heard of anyone grinding their own sesame flour, so I don’t know if it will work. To increase your chances, I’d recommend cooling them in the freezer first.
3) I wouldn’t worry about the almond skins. If you did want to remove them, you would either soak or blanch the almonds, and then squeeze them out of their skins. The skins come off pretty easy once you do that, but then you would need to completely dry them (either in an oven on low, or in a dehydrator).
Adam, once again, thanks so much. I will heed to your advice, especially on #2. CH
I followed your advice and used 1 cup of “frozen” sesame seed, turn Pro 750 on at 1, and turn to 10, before I even had a chance to pulse it, all the powder (flour) is already pushed to the wall and some stuck under the blades. There’s no flour above the blade. This whole process only took less than 10 seconds. I then used a chopstick to stir up the flour underneath the blades and pulse a few more times. The result is satisfying. Most seeds are turned into flour but with few bigger chunks. Next time I use it, I’d use a minimum of 2 cup. However I don’t understand why there’s no sesame flour above the blades? Is it because the quantity is too low? I also find getting sesame flour out of the jar (esp the portion that got stuck under the blades) is quite a chore. If you come up with a good tip on how to do it more efficiently, I’d love to read your post on that. Thanks for helping me making my first batch of successful sesame flour.
Hello! Thank you for such a great thread of information! I really appreciate having found this page.
I just got the 5200 in the mail today. I would love to hear your tips/advice on making nut butters in the wet container. That’s all I have. I’m most interested in almond butter. But any tips on nut butters and making them AWESOME in the wet container would be much appreciated.
Thank you
Congratulations on your new machine!
A few tips for making nut butters:
Tip 1: It’s much easier to use roasted nuts than raw nuts.
Tip 2: Start with ~3 cups of nuts. (much less and they will fly away from the blades, much more and you might overheat the motor)
Tip 3: Be prepared to use the tamper a lot.
Adam, I tried to make mixed nut butter using my 64oz wet container (the new type, wide jar). The result was successful even though it was extremely loud while blending. For my new wide jar, even with 3 cups, I noticed a good portion of the nuts flew out of the blades. Should I have used 4 cups? Another question on overheating, do you recommend that I freeze the peanuts/almonds/cashew before hand? Thanks. CH
Yes, when I said 3 cups I was talking about the narrow containers. With the wide container, 3.5–4 cups should be easier.
I usually don’t worry about the nuts heading up a bit, since I usually use roasted nuts anyway. The warmer they get the easier they will be to blend. If they’re freshly roasted I do let them cool before blending though. If you were trying to make a raw nut butter, I could see starting with frozen nuts.
Once again, thanks for the very helpful tips. The rationale you provided really enhances my learning on how to prepare different types of foods. CH
I finally got a vitamix, but I didn’t get a dry container. I have health issues and I want to make gluten free flours, grind nuts and seeds. I am changing my way of eating because of health issue and I would like to help others who also have health issue.
Dear Adam,
I have got the old Vitamix model made in April 2009, would the new Dry container fit? Thank you.
Yes, the dry container should fit any home Vitamix from 2009. By the way, Vitamix still sells the models they were selling in 2009.
Brilliant site, Adam, I love it, wealth of information and recipes,
Thank you, thank you!
Perfect, Adam, thanks!
Thanks for the info! i never thought about the container scratching :/ now i’m concerned but at least it’s good to know i don’t really need a dry container
Yes, they scratch, my dry container is only 1 week old, I had ground various grain seeds and also chickpeas and already the bottom is very scratched, I figured that I won’t grind any more chickpeas but will grind all other grain kernels.
My wet container is also totally scratched but we used that few times a day since jan 2010 and we never grind grain kernels, just from wear and tear and maybe nuts, etc
ugh :/ thanks for the info, maybe i’ll just stick with our almost 30yr old sears instablend it’s slightly pulpy but at least the glass jar is still perfect…but i don’t think i can make flour with it never dared to try, sigh
thanks
But it’s worth making your own flour, it’s ok it’s scratched, I look at it as like me, I am no longer look young and hot at 49, guys eyes glazed over when I talk, rather than smile with anticipation, but I am still healthy and strong, so like the Vitamix, it’s scratchy but works fine still 🙂
Hello,
Do Vitamix blenders have seasonal discount trends like most other things in life? When is the best time to buy one pricewise? Winter? Summer? Spring? Autumn? What are the best discounts offered on new products, like the Pro 300 or 750? (Great forum btw!)
As far as I’ve seen, there are no discounts on the premium machines, other than buying reconditioned, which I recommend and you can do all year. There are occasional sales on reconditioned classic machines and containers, but there hasn’t been an obvious seasonal pattern. (Reconditioned Classic models are on sale now. )
Thank you for such a prompt reply.
I have just got model 5200 I have only the wet jug I have only had it for a short time I’ve made pesto, hummus & smoothies,soups… I did do protein balls but the machine cut out safety mode came on , I would like to grate hard cheese parmasen can this be done in the wet jug?
I have not really started using it to its potential as yet
Yes, grating Parmesan works in the wet container. (It works marginally better in the dry container because it compacts in the corners less, but the wet container is fine.)
As you found, super-thick mixtures can set off the thermal protection override. One thing to keep in mind to avoid over-heating is slightly counter-intuitive: it’s better to blend at max speed than to blend at lower speeds because at high speed the motor gets better airflow.
I understand that the wet blade container is recommended for blending nut butters. Does the process of blending peanuts and other nuts scratch the wet container? Thanks for your always great advice.
You are right that nut butters are best made in the wet container. Over time the container will get scratched. Some things scratch more than others.
I haven’t done rigorous testing, but my impression is that nuts will scratch a bit, but not nearly as much as dry grains.
My experience is that the container was noticeably scratched up after the first time of blending dry grains. After making nut butter it was not noticeably scratched. After many months of steady use, the container starts to show a bit of a haze of tiny scratches at the bottom near the blades. I suspect that this happens faster if you make nut butter.
Thanks for your advice! Always reliable and trusty!
Hi, I own a 5200 vitamix and want to mill wheat berries to make bread in my Zojirushi bread machine. As of now comes out like pound cake and always falls. I’m trying to decide whether to by a dry container or a mill (like a wondermill). I hate to spend the money on another container if it isn’t going to grind the flour any finer than the wet blade (for bread that rises)… I’d rather put the money towards a mill. Pancakes and cookies are fine with flour from my wet blade, just not bread. Does anyone have experience with both the dry blade and a true mill?
And a side note, if I did decide on the dry container,is there a maximum amount of wheat berries you can but in the blender. (I may choose the older 64oz if there is.) Thanks!
I have never used a mill, so I can’t answer that. Also note that a 100% whole wheat flour will always have more trouble rising than a white flour. I usually get a modest rise. For pictures, see my quick yeast whole wheat bread and sourdough rye.
The most grain that I’ve ground at once is 4 cups, although I usually do 2 cups, and I think that works best. I also suspect that for more than one cup of wheat berries the dry container will make a bigger difference compared to the wet blade. I’ve been meaning to run another side-by-side test, this time with two cups, but have not gotten around to it yet.
Hi,
thanks for you great side, I’ve been reading through the posts and one question remains: You said the preprogrammed cycles of the 750 are bound to the recipes or they might not get me good results. How big are the portions the recipe book is made for? I’m single and if I have to make 3,4 or even more servings to get any use out of the presets it might not make sense for me to pay for those bells and whistles.
Same applies for the smaller and wider container which really attracts me but how big is too big for a single household?
The wide container (and the recipes in the 750 recipe book) are not necessarily too big for a single person, but they may be if you are a single person who likes smaller servings and prefers not to store leftovers.
I just looked through the smoothie recipes in the 750 cookbook, and they range from 2.25 to 4.75 cups. Smoothie recipes are usually pretty flexible, so those numbers are not exact, but they give you some idea of what Vitamix has in mind. (For comparison I just flipped through the Pro 500 cookbook and the smoothies range from 1.25 to 4.5 cups.)
If most of your blends are under 2 cups, then I would recommend getting a narrow container. You can still get a Pro 750 or 7500, but then you would want to get a 32 or 48-oz container as an extra. It is possible to blend smaller amounts in the wide containers, but it is not optimal.
Thank you very much for your very fast reply!
I´m afraid I didn´t state my question exactly enough, maybe you would be so kind to give it another go?
I didn´t really worry about smoothies being left over (they don´t stand a chance for that). I rather wonder about “normal” recipes like dressings, pestos, sauces and other stuff to eat.
I don´t mind eating something twice in a row but I don´t want to make pesto for 4-6 people and end up eating it all week long. Just as an example. Would you mind to take a look at those kind of recipes for me? I would appreciate it very much! Like what are the smallest available recipes and what tendency is there as to how many serving are made in one batch?
Thanks in advance!
Happy to try to help.
Most of the dressings in the 750 recipe book (Create) range from 2–4 cups, although I found one sauce that yields 1 cup. The sauces are all multiple servings. Some things freeze extremely well—when I make basil pesto I always freeze a bunch so I can enjoy it throughout the winter.
The other foods in the cookbook are also made to be multiple servings. Funny that you mentioned serving 4–6 people, since that would be about my estimate for a lot of the recipes. I’d also say that a lot of the recipes are more elaborate and/or involve more other cooking steps than the recipes that I usually post on this blog.
Thank you so much again for your quick and competent answers. There would be no other way for us potential vitamix-buyers to find out about these rather important things if it weren´t for your very helpful answers.
So I guess I´ll go with the 5200 so I can make smaller batches. (I don´t like freezing too many portions.) Thanks again and Greetings from Germany!