Anyone? I would love some input-- hoping to purchase today!

Thanks, Fun-- i had read about the possibility of accidentally turning the blender on because of the simple control knob. Doesn't seem like an issue I'd encounter but still noteworthy.

I have watched endless comparison videos lol-- I find it funny that this reviewer likes the explorian as it seems to be the least liked of the vitamix offerings. Doesn't negate his review but I found it surprising. His stated favorite is not one I'd consider if i was going to upgrade-- but the reality is, I don't think I would get the value for the cost of the ascent series. I'll look at the explorian again since it is not much more than the Vitamix One but the reviews I saw were pretty consistent.

My primary use would be fruit ices and hummus.. + basic everyday blender functions. I did see a demo of a tomato, sesame, cilantro dip/sauce that looked good also, It seems to make a much smoother product than the other comparable blenders-- but still $200 is a lot for a blender. Of course it is a drop in the bucket compared to the dental work that the fruit ices are intended to soothe :)

Fun-- thanks for the spark to give the Explorian a fresh look. It still has the same cons (basically VERY loud) but it is the same motor strength as the much more expensive models. Also, I can get a refurbished one for close to the price of the Vitamix One.

This gives me more to think about.

Glad the review sparked a train of thought at least. I'm in a similar quandry re: toaster ovens. I use mine every day. The clock doesn't work and the controls are sticky and require some odd work-arounds, but it does still work. I would love to replace it with the exact same model, but that brand no longer sells toaster ovens in the USA. Every time I think I've found a reasonable replacement, the negative reviews stop me from buying. I'm not really interested in spending $300+ for a toaster oven that might not last even two years. Then, you add in the air fryer capability wrinkle. Do I need air fryer capability? I don't have it now. Would I use it if I had it, not to "fry" necessarily, but just as a small, quick-to-heat-up convection oven? Anyway, just like you, I've watched videos and read reviews and I'm still undecided. I suspect as long as my current oven continues to work, however quirkily, I won't replace it. Sorry...long winded way to say I empathize with your process.

My first vitamix lasted 18 years. The one I got when I replaced it had both the large container and the 32 ounce container. When you are in a groove and using it, it is amazing. Makes awesome smoothies and hummus. I have used it for Nice cream but not for awhile. I would just get a regular one with both size containers. :)

I love my breville toaster oven. I could probably do without the air fry capability but I do use it occasionally. I would never be without my breville. I use it way more than my oven. I have had it about 10 years I think? or whenever it came out.

Thanks Boopadaboo! I really appreciate your experience and raves for vitamix... i am just not sure I want to spend $600.. I am not sure I will use it daily or even much beyond my oral surgery. My thinking was that if I DO i could upgrade. I am considering the a refurbed ascent 2500.,, but still not sure I want to spend the money.

Fun, I hear you-- I saved all the shopping for myself until after I had others' presents. Now I am burned out and can't make a decision on anything! The keyboard on my laptop is going out so I am both laptop and blender shopping. I am on decision overload! On the last day of cyber week, I declared that I just couldn't decide and that I'd buy whatever I needed in a few weeks.

If you belong to Costco, you might check to see what they have. We got our Vitamix when they were on sale at Costco, I came home with it and then compared models because I hadn't done any research and didn't realize how many models there were. I don't use mine daily or weekly, but always enjoy using it when I do. I don't know the models you are talking about, but I didn't think we needed one and I've been pleased and impressed with ours. And we didn't spend $600 on it.