Do Vitamix blades wear out?

Vitamix blenders are known for their power, durability, and ability to blend just about anything. But even the best blenders have parts that eventually wear out with regular use. One of the most important parts of a Vitamix is the blender blades. So do Vitamix blender blades wear out over time? Let’s take a look.

How Vitamix Blades Work

Vitamix blenders use hardened stainless steel blades to pulverize fruits, vegetables, ice, and other ingredients. The blades are designed to withstand frequent use and the high speeds needed to create smooth purées and blended drinks.

There are two main blade types used in Vitamix blenders:

• Wet blades – Used for most blending tasks like smoothies, soups, sauces, etc. The wet blades have a duller edge and are made to handle liquid ingredients.
• Dry blades – Used for grinding dry ingredients like grains, coffee beans, nuts, etc. The dry blades have a sharper cutting edge and turbulence zones to handle dry blending.

The hardness and sharpness of the stainless steel blades allow them to maintain their cutting power over many uses. But even the best materials can eventually degrade with frequent use over many years.

Do Vitamix Blades Wear Out?

Yes, Vitamix blades will eventually wear out with regular use over an extended period of time. There are a few common signs of blade wear to look out for:

• Dull edges – The sharpened edges will gradually dull from repetitive contact with ingredients.
• Nicks and chips – Small pieces of the blade edge can chip off from hitting pits, seeds, ice, etc.
• Bent blades – Forceful impact with hard ingredients can bend the thin blades.
• Corrosion – Water and acidic ingredients can corrode and discolor stainless steel over time.

As the blades wear out, you may notice some performance issues like:

• The blender requires more time to fully blend ingredients.
• Smooth purées come out chunkier.
• Chopped ingredients are inconsistently sized.
• The motor strains more during blending.

Vitamix does not provide an exact timeframe for when blender blades need replacement. The lifespan depends on frequency of use and types of ingredients blended. But in general, Vitamix blades can last:

• 2-4 years with heavy daily use
• 4-6 years with frequent weekly use
• 6-10+ years with moderate occasional use

Signs Your Vitamix Blades Need Replacement

Here are some clear signs that indicate your Vitamix blades should be replaced:

1. Blending Performance Declines

Over time, wear and tear on the blades will make blending performance worse. Some signs of declining performance include:

• The blender takes much longer to blend smooth mixtures.
• Ingredients get stuck under the blades during blending.
• Purées and blended drinks come out chunky.
• Chopped veggies and nuts are unevenly cut.
• You hear the motor straining more during blending.

If you notice these issues happening despite trying shorter blending times, smaller loads, and blade cleaning, then the blades likely need to be replaced.

2. Visible Damage to the Blades

Inspecting the blades directly can also reveal obvious signs they are worn out. Look for things like:

• Nicks, chips, or cracks along the cutting edges
• Bent or wobbly blades
• Corrosion or rust discoloration
• Thinning of the metal from repeated sharpening

Even small defects in the blades can impact blending. Damaged blades put more strain on the motor as well. So visible blade damage is a sure indicator that replacement is needed.

3. Blender is Older than 5-7 Years

As a general guideline, Vitamix blades should be replaced every 5-7 years with moderate usage. Heavy daily use may require new blades every 3-5 years.

Even if blades seem fine externally, the metal fatigues over years of use. Older blades are prone to undetected cracks and thinning that hinder blending. So for blenders more than 5-7 years old, new blades are a good preventative measure.

How to Prolong Vitamix Blade Life

You can maximize the working life of your Vitamix blades by following these best practices:

• Avoid overfilling – Only fill the container up to the max fill line to prevent strain on blades.
• Cut large ingredients – Cut veggies, fruits, meats into 1-2 inch chunks before blending to reduce impact on blades.
• Use slower speeds – Start on lower speeds and gradually increase for more even blending and less blade wear.
• Clean regularly – Rinse blades after each use and deep clean weekly to remove residue buildup.
• Inspect often – Check blades periodically for any cracks, nicks, or dullness.
• Replace when needed – Don’t wait for complete blade failure. Replace at first signs of wear or every 5-7 years.

Avoiding frequent overload conditions and material buildup allows Vitamix blades to maintain their integrity longer before needing replacement.

How to Tell What Blades Your Vitamix Needs

Vitamix blades come in two main variants – dry blades and wet blades. The type compatible with your blender depends on the container size and model. Here’s how to identify what Vitamix blades you need:

Check Your Vitamix Container

The container included with your blender determines the right replacement blades:

• Shorter containers (32-48 oz) use wet blades
• Full-size containers (64+ oz) use either wet or dry blades

Refer to the size marked on your Vitamix container’s side or underside. Smaller containers always use wet blades while full-size containers work with either type.

Look Up Your Vitamix Model Number

Certain Vitamix models like the 5200, TurboBlend, and Pro models include both types of containers. For these machines, you need to look up your exact model number to see compatible blade types. The model number is marked on the base of the motor.

Once you have the model number, you can check the owner’s manual or Vitamix website to find the right replacement blades for that model and container combo.

Inspect Your Current Blades

You can also visually inspect your current Vitamix blades to determine the type:

• Wet blades have a curved shape and duller edges. They are marked with a “W” on the base or stem.
• Dry blades have straight edges and a sharper grind. They are marked with a “D” on the base or stem.

Match new replacement blades to the grind shape and wet/dry markings on your current blades.

Can You Sharpen Vitamix Blades?

It is not recommended to sharpen Vitamix blades yourself. The blades are specially manufactured and tempered to withstand high-speed blending forces. Home sharpening can compromise the integrity and balance of blades.

Vitamix does offer professional sharpening services at an additional cost. This restores the cutting edges of your original blades. However, sharpening is only an option if the blades show no major damage beyond dullness.

For blades with nicks, cracks, bent edges, or thinning, replacement is safer than sharpening to prevent any blending issues or risks. The blades also may not sharpen well if there is significant corrosion or discoloration.

How Much Do Replacement Vitamix Blades Cost?

Genuine Vitamix replacement blades range from $60 to $150 depending on the blade type, size, and container model. Here are typical price ranges:

Blade Type	Cost
Wet Blades	$60 – $90
Dry Blades	$90 – $120
Pro Blades	$120 – $150

Vitamix also offers blade assemblies with built-in seals, bearings, and drive sockets for select models. These comprehensive replacements cost $150 and up.

Keep in mind that third-party or generic blades may seem cheaper but don’t meet Vitamix’s quality standards. Opt for genuine Vitamix blades sold on their website or authorized dealers to ensure proper performance and safety.

Steps to Replace Vitamix Blender Blades

Replacing Vitamix blades is a straightforward process if you order the correct blade type for your model. Follow these steps:

1. Unplug the Vitamix blender from any power source.
2. Separate the container from the motor base. Press down on the lid release tabs and lift off the lid and lid plug.
3. Turn the container upside down to access the blades. Hold the bottom tip of the blades in place with one hand.
4. Find the blade removal tool that came with your machine. Insert the tool into slots around perimeter of the blade base.
5. Turn the blade removal tool counter-clockwise to loosen the blades from the container.
6. Once loose, unscrew the blades completely by hand and detach them from the container.
7. Clean and dry the empty container bottom before attaching new blades.
8. Align and place the new Vitamix blades onto the container. Turn clockwise by hand to tighten into place.
9. Plug blender back in and run briefly to verify blades are assembled correctly before regular use.

With compatible replacement blades, the install process takes just a few minutes. Be sure to fully tighten to prevent leakage. Reach out to Vitamix customer support if still experiencing issues with the blending performance after installing new blades.

Conclusion

Like any frequently used appliance parts, Vitamix blender blades do degrade over time after years of blending. But you can maximize their lifespan by following usage and care best practices. Replacement is ultimately needed every 5-7 years for most moderate usage patterns.

Watch for visible blade damage, declining blending performance, and blender age as signs it’s time for new blades. Always use genuine Vitamix blades matched to your exact container model for proper functionality and safety. With compatible blades installed correctly, your Vitamix can blend like new again.