Boy did you come to the right place (and person)
Steve "forced" me to buy a Vitamix almost 12 years ago. It was expensive and I couldn't really see the point of it. But 12 years later, our Vitamix is still sitting on our counter and we use it nearly every day.
This is a powerful piece of equipment. we use it mainly to make smoothies, but we also use it to make fresh vegetable soup (just throw in the veggies and water and in 2 minutes it has made hot soup). I love to make ice cream in it. Takes just 30 seconds. All fresh ingredients, nothing chemically.
It can make nut butter if you just throw nuts in there. Fast, easy, less expensive, and more nutritious than the store bought kind. We use it to make batters, dressings (good at emulsifying), dips, sauces, shakes, sorbet, and interesting drink concoctions.
We're very attached to our Vitamix. A regular blender just couldn't do what our Vitamix does.
If you use this code, they will give you free shipping (u.s. and canada) on your Vitamix.
06-001023-02
I have to also say that I've never met a single person who regretted buying a Vitamix. Great warranty, great product, great company behind it too.