Cookaholics Bulletin Board

Amy, that's what I do too.

One of my favorite uses is being able to make powdered sugar if I suddenly run out, or corn flour from corn meal, or a small amount of barley flour for a recipe, etc.

Plus, like Dave, I love it for chile purees. Nothing beats it.

I will say again... you can buy it in three installments on the Vitamix website. That's what I did.

Any preferences on models? What about the Costco model vs. the 750?

I got the 5200, but perhaps the 750 is better. I haven't read up on it.

And I just came back from Costco, where this week they are demoing the 6300....$499 for that model, with accessories, cookbook, etc., $375 for the 5200 with no cookbook, etc. Any one know much about the differences and value for dollar spent?

I just looked up both models. It seems to me the only real difference is the 6300 has three pre-programmed settings (smoothies, hot soups and frozen desserts), and a pulse feaure. The pre-programmed functions seem like a waste of time, and because the 5200 has constant variable control, you can pretty easily achieve a pulse with it. I'd go for the 5200. That's what I have, and have never missed or wished for the features of the 6300.

Amy

ditto what Amy said.

Thanks, all, for your input so far. I am asking a lot of questions, I know, but I want to figure this out! So, the 5200 alone is $375, while the 6300 with accesories and cookbook is $499. Then, on Costco's website, I see the 5200, with both wet and dry bowl, container, whatever, as well as accessories and cookbook and DVD. So, the question now is, do you find both wet and dry containers useful, is the cookbook a should-have, etc.
etc?! Thanks again for helping me out. I'll choose soon, I promise...

Don't worry about asking a lot of questions...that's what we're here for! That, and comic relief.

When you say the 6300 comes with accessories, what exactly do you mean?

As for wet and dry containers, the dry only matters if you plan on grinding your own grains. I don't, so therefore don't have the dry container.

For me, the cookbook is fairly worthless, however I'm sure others find it useful. I probably got a DVD, but never looked at it. Frankly, the people on this board can teach you most everything, and there are plenty of VM videos on the internet.

Amy

I grind grains fine in the regular container. I don't do it super often or in large amounts though.

I don't grind a lot of grains...mostly oats for oat flour..I'm thinking the 5200 with one bowl may be all I need....Thanks everyone for taking the time to help me out. I'll figure this out in the next couple of days...