Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

To give you some perspective, I am one of those that laughed or mocked others that went on and on about their Vitamix. No way was I going to spend almost $500 on a blender! I was wrong. My wife has been patiently pushing to get one for a long time and, with our first son due in a week, I finally broke down. We spent the morning reading reviews, watching the comparison videos (so many "interesting" characters making these videos in their kitchen on YouTube), and selecting our new blender. We decided on the Vitamix 5300 over Blendtec and the Ninja as it seems to have the best durability record. The Blendtec was very close but several comments about having to hold the lid and spillage got me on board with the Vitamix. I have had this blender for a whopping 24 hours and am awestruck over how amazing it is. Last night we made a delicious, extremely filling, and healthy Spinach & Vegetable soup from the Vitamix website (https://www.vitamix.com/Recipes/Spinach-and-Vegetable-Soup/C-Series/Variable-Speed/Classic-64-Ounce). I am NOT a vegetarian and didn't know if this would satisfy my tastes but I was wrong again...so good and the chickpeas (i.e. garbanzo beans) provided plenty of protein - 2.4g per tablespoon. We live in San Diego where there is an abundance of modern American/organic/healthy restaurants. My wife noted that any of those places could serve this soup and their customers would go nuts over it. I added a swirl of Siracha to my bowl for a little heat but otherwise followed the recipe exactly as it is on the website. This morning I made a smoothie using the new Vitamix, something my wife and I usually do with our Magic Bullet. Never again will our Bullet come out of the pantry. In fact, I already put it in the Salvation Army donation box. The Vitamix blended the greens, spinach, and berries way better and the result was a super smooth drink without the usual bits that get stuck in your teeth. I know it's early to give such a high rating but I now see the difference and full on board with the Vitamix train! Can't wait to try out a new recipe tonight...