I am a Vitamix owner myself and did months of research between Vitamix and Blendtec, even narrowing it down to one and then changing my mind over and over. Bottom line: You will absolutely love whichever one you choose.
I chose the Vitamix in the end for a few reasons. I did not want preprogrammed timers such as "Smoothie", or "Ice Cream" because in reviews (watch
YouTube reviews of both!) they only work well if you use the exact same ratio of ingredients every time. One day I may be adding more frozen fruit than usual and the timed setting isn't long enough that day so you end up having to do a second timed cycle. I would rather have total control over how long I blend on a lower speed, then work my way up...or even go faster and slower several times. I wanted the personal control of the Vitamix.
Second, the Blendtec has a sexy electronic control panel, while the Vitamix has a plain mechanical switch control system. Hands down the Blendtec is prettier, no contest, but the Vitamix controls will certainly last much longer. Simplicity wins in this case. Electronic controls will fail for certain...not saying it's not a quality blender, it is, but it just won't last as many years as a Vitamix without needing parts. Deal breaker? No, but something to consider.
Third, the tamper. Some folks don't want to have to tamp. It ends up being a bonus in my opinion. If your ratio is off in the Blendtec, you'll still need to scrape your pitcher. With the Vitamix, you have the tamper which doesn't require you to remove the lid. You don't have to use the tamper, but it shoves the food down into the blades making it faster and pulverized fruit seeds, etc with no problem. It's convenient. It's awesome if you make any purées, like butternut squash or sweet potato.
One final thought is that I chose the Vitamix Pro 300 because it can fit under standard cabinets and it also came with a giant pitcher (64oz). I think the Blendtec does also but I don't remember for sure. I love the way liquids pour from the Vitamix pitcher, but can't compare to the Blendter since I haven't physically held one.
Ultimately they are incredibly similar so you will love either. There are small differences which may lead you one way or another. Think hard before deciding like I did and really research. I changed my mind several times and I know I made the correct choice. We use our Vitamix almost daily for green smoothies, Grand Marnier slushies (Epcot), purées, paleo brownie bites (which involves chopping nuts and dates into a dough-like consistency), etc. I did make muffin batter in it once but found it a bigger pain than mixing by hand which is why I wouldn't bother making pizza dough in it either but some people love it for that.
I read that article too..... my local Biglots store had them in stock lastyear for....69.00!!!!!
well, I love mine! ( a lot of my friends have the vitamix, nice, but not worth the extra $$$ IMHO)
I make green smoothies, soups, ice-cream etc. The tamper makes the texture better in my opinion and I think it looks sturdier than the blendtec.
