We debated for what seems like ages on whether to go with a Vitamix or a Blentec because the promises of both were almost too good to be true. Soups! Salsas! Spreads! Almond milk! Peanut butter! Smoothies! I mean, what couldn't these things make?! 

So we got a Vitamix. And had a little love affair with it. But I'll be honest, the plunger thing was a pain, and when my arthritic issues were flaring up in my hands, it would be physically painful to use it. So when Blendtec offered to let me try one of their blenders, I was pumped because it meant that there'd no longer be any kind of pushing or stirring or jamming of the plunger.