The Vitamix 3600 has been making people's time in the kitchen easier since the 1960s. It comes with incredible horsepower that rivals most modern blenders. It does have an extremely retro design, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. But if you want a stellar blender, this one gets the job done.
Is a Vitamix 3600 blender right for you?
The Vitamix 3600 has been around since the 1960s. It was a marvel at the time with stainless-steel construction and a spout for pouring your smoothie from the container directly into your glass. But blender technology has come a long way since the 1960s.
The front interface is dated. For example, the new Vitamix 780 comes with a touchscreen that allows you to adjust the speed and settings with just your fingers. With that being said, the 3600 is still sold as a refurbished piece. You may want to look elsewhere if you want the best modern technology available. But if you want a simpler, more affordable blender, then a 3600 could be right for you.
Consider Vitamix 3600 if...
- You need a blender capable of making 72 ounces of food in a single session.
- You want a reliable blender that still packs a 2 horsepower motor.
- You like the steel container that doesn't break, even if it gets dropped.
Avoid Vitamix 3600 if...
- You don't need a lot of different recipes because you mostly want smoothies or juices.
- You don't want a large quantity of food, considering the Vitamix 3600 has a 72-ounce container.
- You don't like the old-school vibe, which definitely dates the blender.
Vitamix 3600 pros & cons
Pros
- 3-inch, stainless-steel, hammermill blades
- Old-school knobs that still work
- Stainless-steel construction that's allowed these blenders to survive this long
- 72-ounce container to feed the entire family
- A spigot that makes it easy to pour yourself a glass
Cons
- Any models you find are refurbished, meaning they're not brand new
Construction and design
- Blending power: The Vitamix 3600 comes with a motor capable of reaching 2 horsepower - an incredible speed for a blender this old. It does a great job of mashing up even the toughest ingredients.
- Durability: The fact that a blender from the '60s is still in such high demand today speaks for itself! Only the buttons are made out of plastic. Everything is made out of solid stainless steel.
- Noise level: Refurbished Vitamix 3600 blenders should come with new and/or renovated parts. It shouldn't be as loud as a lot of other older blenders. But you should still expect a bit of noise.
- Size: The Vitamix 3600 is 10.5 inches deep and 15 inches tall. It takes up a lot of counterspace.
What can I make with Vitamix 3600?
Reasons to buy Vitamix 3600?
- You want to pour yourself a refreshing beverage. The spigot is a pretty neat feature that allows you to pour directly from the blender into your glass
- You want a blender that's built to last. The problem with many modern appliances is that they're actually built to fall apart in a few years. With stainless-steel construction, the Vitamix 3600 holds up surprisingly well.
- You need a blender with sharp blades. Even back in the '60s, the 3600 packed a punch. It features stainless-steel, hammermill blades that can cut tough products with ease.
Reasons to avoid Vitamix 3600?
- You want preset controls. Many modern blenders, such as the A3500, come with pre-programmed controls. You can select "Smoothie," and the blender automatically makes your meal the perfect consistency for a smoothie. You can't find modern features like that on the 3600.
- You don't want to hunt down replacement parts. Eventually, the blades on your blender are going to wear down. For modern blenders, it's easy enough to get replacements. You may have some trouble if anything on your 3600 breaks.
What real Vitamix 3600 reviews say
We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Vitamix 3600 receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.74 (across several hundred reviews). Vitamix 3600 scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.
What reviewers like
- "I bought this same stainless steel Vitamix in my thirties. I am now in my sixties and STILL using this machine!"
- "I bought mine way before Amazon existed... The Amazing Vitamix 3600 is still running strong."
- "I got my Vitamix 3600+ in 1986 as a wedding gift from my mom. It has been a workhorse for me all these years, and I love to cook. I puree my soups and make smoothies mostly, but it will tackle many other jobs very well for you."
- "40 years old and works like new. Never had her serviced."
- "I love my vitamix 3600. I have used it for many many years and my mom has one that she has used for 30 years and it is still going strong."
What reviewers dislike
- "My only concern is that it is so loud."
- "The only drawback, which I have seen others mention, is that you cannot see if it is finished, due to its stainless steel composition."
- "After what seems like a reasonable time, there are still chunks in the smoothie."
- "I can't vouch for buying a used one off of the internet but I can definitely say mine is still going strong."
- "Just need to replace the rubber ring every few years and it will keep working like a champ. I have ordered a replacement ring today for $7.75. The cost of shipping is nearly as much as the ring."
Our verdict
The Vitamix 3600 was made to last for decades. Plenty of people are still using ones they purchased years ago, and it's still cranking out smoothies and sauces like new. With a 2 horsepower motor, it has the same level of power you find in most modern blenders. And it comes with stainless-steel construction. The only things not made of steel are the top, handle, and knob.
The blender does get loud. And if you need a replacement part, you may have a hard time finding it. Many home cooks may prefer something newer so that they get all of the bells and whistles. If you don't mind a vintage blender that's a bit simpler than others on the market, this blender holds up well.
Where to buy Vitamix 3600
Amazon tends to have Vitamix 3600 blenders available. But sometimes they do go out of stock. Expect to shell out a few hundred dollars for one. And if you need additional parts for your Vitamix 3600, then you can check Amazon as well. From stoppers to gasket seals, you can repair your blender with ease if the time ever comes.
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