Last Updated September 4, 2024
The certified refurbished Vitamix machines (aka certified reconditioned) are usually the best Vitamix deal. Vitamix guarantees them to work as well as new machines, and, aside from the print on the box, they are generally indistinguishable from new. They come with a 3 or 5-year warranty (depending on model), backed by Vitamix’s generous customer service. You can save $80–$230 or ~20–40%.
Confused about which model to get? See my Vitamix comparison page for help deciding.
Supplies are limited, so if you see the one you want in stock, try to order ASAP, as they can go out of stock pretty quick: currently sold reconditioned models.
For September 2024, there is an additional discount of $100 that should display after you add either to your shopping cart if you click links from this site:
Extra $100 off Recon 7500 in cart
Extra $100 off Recon Ascent A3500 in cart
Reconditioned vs Refurbished?
Many 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 includes both function and aesthetics—that is, everything is guaranteed to work as good as new and not look beat-up.
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 something happens to be 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 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 complete 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 many reports from other people that their reconditioned machine looked brand new. [Update: I’ve now actually seen that light scuffs on the centering pad can be present on new machines as well: it’s just a sign that the unit was tested before leaving the factory.]
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. (The packaging clearly identifies reconditioned machines as reconditioned.) If it’s for someone close to you, you can probably explain, but there may be gift cases where making that explanation is difficult. On the other hand, there are situations where a more affordable gift is more appropriate, so in those cases reconditioned is an advantage.
Other differences
The other material differences between reconditioned and new are:
1) Shorter warranty. Reconditioned machines come with a shorter warranty than new machines. The reconditioned warranty is exactly the same as on new machines, aside from than the duration. (All parts are covered, as well as shipping both ways for any repairs/replacements; for more details see my Vitamix warranty page.) QVC Creations, S-Series, and Turboblend Two & Three Speed 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 are packaged in a glossy box covered with bright photographs, whereas the reconditioned machines come in brown or white boxes.
Included in the Box…
All reconditioned Vitamix blenders include a cookbook and tamper. The following models also include a getting-started DVD: 7500, and Pro 750.
Identical models
[Update: this may no longer be happening, but if it does, don’t worry!] 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.
Here’s a page with all reconditioned machines on Vitamix.com.
*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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Thank you for your very informative pages on Vitamix! Your report made a difficult decision quite easy for me (which model, reconditioned vs. new, etc.) I decided to go with a reconditioned Standard. 🙂
Wondering if you felt the extra warranty on the refurbished models are worth it? I’m happy to spend the money, but if these things are built like tanks and don’t usually need them (under normal smoothy/soup/margarita-making wear and tear) then I will stand by their manufacturing and forego. Thanks for the info and for helping make a tough decision easier!
As with almost all extended warranties, I’m pretty sure that Vitamix makes money on the extended warranty. That is, on average they likely spend less repairing machines in the extended warranty period than they brought in from selling the warranties. For this reason I generally don’t strongly recommend purchasing the extended warranty. That said, there are a few cases where I could see it being worthwhile:
1) Some people like to have the peace of mind that they will be completely covered for 8 years.
2) For an extremely heavy user the extra coverage may actually pay off. (I’d define that as 3+ uses per day, 365 days per year.)
3) If it’s a gift for someone who wouldn’t be able to afford a possible repair, and you want to make sure they’re set for as long as possible.
Thanks for the speedy reply and objective POV. Buying my reconditioned model this weekend thanks to you!
I have decided to purchase a Vitamix after my Nutribullet broke. After each You Tube viewing, I was left with many questions. This page has helped me to narrow my choice down to a more specific and informed one. Thanks you for providing this information!!
thanks for your site! all your pages + links are so helpful for me just starting out 🙂 i’m just about to buy my 1st vitamix + i’m almost 100% sure that i’m going for the reconditioned standard or next generation with or without presets (no dry container neeed yet). i’ve been bouncing all around your site + now i can’t seem to find the steps for buying reconditioned in canada? also – how do i narrow it down now between those 4?!? mostly using it for smoothies + soups for the family daily – could put it under the counter but sort of interested in the next gen for keeping it out. ohhhhh the choices!
Look at the box near the top of this page for the outside-US buying instructions. For deciding between those four, have you read the first part of my Vitamix Comparison Page?
If the Next Generation will make the difference between keeping it on the counter and storing it tucked away, I would recommend going for the Next Gen. it’s really nice to have it sitting out so that it’s always ready to go.
Thanks so much for all the info! After a few hours of research, I chose which refurbished one I wanted…and it is out of stock (except in stainless steel, which isn’t worth another $50 to me). The site just says “please check back soon.” Any thoughts on how long it usually takes to have more refurbished ones available? I’m willing to wait days, but not months, and might have to go to plan B!
Unless you get lucky, it will likely be longer than days. Probably weeks, possibly months.
I saw your comment about refurbished Vitamix being delivered in a box just marked, “Vitamix”, compared to a new one with lots of colorful pictures on the box. I just got what I now THINK is a new vitamix and the box is a plain brown box marked with Vitamix on the outside, nothing colorful about it with zero pictures. So, now I am wondering, is it new or not? I ordered it from QVC and it’s a Vitamix Creations, with the 5 yr warranty. I actually tried to cancel my order, because after doing research, decided on a different model, but in less than 24 hours, it was shipped out. I’ve never seen any order process that quickly. At any rate, I’m even more on the fence, wondering if it’s new or refurbished.
Any comments?
I was referring to the machines directly sold by Vitamix. QVC does not sell refurbished models, so your machine is definitely new.
That said, refurbished machines are basically indistinguishable from new, so you would be hard-pressed to find any differences. (Especially compared to the QVC models because they have the same warranty and box….)
Just purchased a reconditioned Pro 500. It came with the Savor cookbook (like the 6300) and was indistinguishable from new. I should add that the Vitamix advertised prices are slightly misleading. You’ll pay $20 more for the stainless in the old generation and $50 more in the Pro 750. Also, they are somewhat flexible on the $100 credit for your old machine. I have an old stainless machine that was no longer working, and wasn’t listed as a model that was eligible, but they gave me the credit, anyway. So, $329 for a Pro 500 isn’t too bad.
Thank you so much for the thorough and thoughtful analysis that you make is this site! My husband I really wanted a Vitamix to replace our current blender because the glass container on our current just chipped and there is no longer a tight seal on the bottom. Your comparisons left, right, up, down helped to clarify options and weigh pros and cons. Really really appreciate your help!!!
Just purchased a refurb 6300 based on your recommendations! Saw a demonstration at local wholesale club selling the same model for $499…a $150.00 savings buying refurbed! I’m so excited to receive the unit. Thanks for all the research and information sharing, you made my choice well-informed!
Thank you for all the info anyone would want on the Vitamix dilema, who is as confused as I was before I discovered your helpful page! I ordered refurbished standard 5200. I was looking on Ebay before I knew about refurb option, and its definitely MUCH better deal. Thank you so much!!!
my question is: if I get the 7500, with no presets, can I still walk away – or do I have to hold the dial at the number I want?
All Vitamix models allow you to turn them on and walk away. The ones with presets will turn themselves off after a certain amount of time. For machines like the 7500 that do no have presets, you have to turn it off yourself—but you do not have to hold the dial after you get it started.
Thank you so much for all your information. I live in Australia and am about to purchase over the phone from the US a Certified Reconditioned New Generation Vitamix. I have someone who is going to post it to Australia for me.
This person who is posting for me has said I may have a problem if my item has an electrical motor. They don’t advise ordering items with electrical motors from the USA. The problem is not only the voltage difference (110V in the USA and 240V here), but also the AC frequency. This difference means even if you use a step-down transformer the motor will not run at the right speed (it runs about 20% slower).
Are you able to advise if this is the case with the Reconditioned Vitamix I am about to purchase?
Many thx
Bek
It’s true that the speed of some electrical motors depends on AC frequency, but Vitamix uses a universal motor, which should be relatively insensitive to line frequency. In fact, Vitamix lists the motor’s electrical frequency requirement as 50/60 Hz. So I wouldn’t worry about the frequency issue.
That said, you have to be careful to make sure you get a big enough transformer that can handle the high power of a Vitamix. The electrical current increases if the motor is trying to blend something tough, and it also spikes a bit when starting. I do not have any experience with this sort of transformer, but I found some decent looking guidelines here: http://www.tortech.com.au/choosingrightstepdown.
Thank you so much. I spoke to Tortech and I will need a 2000watt step-down transformer. They are $199. So it’s still cheaper to buy a reconditioned Vitamix. Only negative is that the transformers are about the size of a shoe box so would take up quite a bit of room on a kitchen bench.
Thanks again. This blog is great.
Bek, did you by chance call Vitamix and see if they make a model for 220v/50hz? I seem to recall reading somewhere that Vitamix may have a model made specifically for 220v.
Vitamix does sell 220v machines, but they do not offer them refurbished….
Thank you for the very helpful, factual and confusion-reducing site! Ever since seeing the Vitamix demo and sale at Costco yesterday, I’ve been debating as to whether to spend the money, and on which model. I knew the Costco deal was better than most- but was still not sure that I was ready to spend around $400-500 right out of the gate. At the same time, I’ve been wanting to have a better way to make my own smoothies and soy ice creams, eat more healthy foods and cut the Jamba Juice strings.
P.S. I’ve decided to buy a Standard Refurbished, after reading your site. I like the idea of the little mystery of which version of that I might get, and the peace of mind of a good price and excellent quality control of the product. I’m excited for its arrival!
Glad to hear you found the site useful!
I have seen reviews disucssing Vitamix’s poor customer service. Have you had any experience with them?
I have had first-hand experience and have heard from multiple other people, and we’ve all had extremely good customer service. They will fix anything that might go wrong, unless you actively try to destroy the blender or use a home unit commercially. The only problem that I’ve witnessed is that about a year ago they were slow to respond to email and voicemail. You could still get good support as long as you called during their business hours and were willing to wait to speak to someone. I think they may have fixed the slow response time, but I haven’t had recent experience to be certain.
I’ve seen the refurbished Vitamix blenders sold on Amazon or Groupon – are these certified as well? Or should you only purchase through Vitamix website?
They are all priced the same.
Thank you
The listing of refurbished Vitamix machines on Amazon and Groupon is a recent development. I do not have any first (or second) hand experience, but I believe that they should be of the same quality as the ones sold directly by Vitamix.
However, there are two advantages of buying direct from Vitamix.
Vitamix has a better return policy than anyone else I’ve seen. Vitamix will pay for return shipping if you decide to return for any reason in the first 30 days—even if you’ve used the machine. (Some people decide they want a different color or model.) Other retailers generally make you pay the return shipping unless they explicitly screwed up, and shipping a Vitamix is not cheap, since the box weighs in at ~16 lbs.
Also, if you buy through the Vitamix website your warranty will be automatically registered to you. (But don’t worry, it is still transferable.)
Thanks so much for all the info!! I decided to start incorporating smoothies more regularly into my diet and didn’t know much about blenders. I bought a nutribullet last night. After some research via your website, I ordered the refurb. Std and returned the other blender.
I noticed that John Lewis is the UK are now selling Vitamix refurbished units (tnc model) for only £299. It states as above that a new container, blade etc will be included with the refurbished base unit.
Wow! You have an extremely thorough, yet easy to read and well organized article. I really appreciate it! I was ready to pour over tedious info for a long time with my trusty notebook. You helped me make my decision in under 10 minutes. I’m going for the refurbished 7500. Thank you so much!
Glad to hear it was so helpful! You are very welcome, and thanks for sharing your experience.