Reviewer Louise Chu likes the Vita-Prep 3, the commercial version of the Vita-Mix 5200, which she says is a "workhorse" in professional kitchens.
The Vita-Prep has long been the staple blender in restaurant kitchens. Numerous chefs, including Thomas Keller, endorse it.
The new Vita-Prep 3 has a three-horsepower motor that spins the stainless steel blades at 37,000 rpm. In addition to standards like ice and vegetables, you can fill the polycarbonate pitcher with peanuts to make smooth peanut butter (chunky if you prefer) or with rice to make rice flour. No liquid is necessary. While these feats can also be done in the other recommended blenders, the Vita-Prep 3’s combination of pitcher shape, blade angle, and power produces a far more consistent product.
The speed dial turns smoothly, never clicking into a preset speed, allowing you to make minute adjustments. There’s also a high-speed switch that sends the blender straight into turbocharge mode.
The motor is thermally protected, so in the unlikely event that it overheats it will automatically shut down before burning out.
The Vita-Prep is a proven, durable workhorse in pro kitchens: The pitcher withstands spoon and ladle smacks and drops into stainless steel sinks. The gears work despite inadvisable jiggling and jamming. And the blending power produces flawlessly smooth results.
