Do I NEED a Bamix?

[scubadoo97]

Thanks Scout-21. In doing more research I stumbled across the L'equip immersion blender as well. Uses the same type head and blades as the Bamix and my old Thunder Stick. It boast a 550W 2 speed motor. The Gastro maxes out at 200W as well as the other Bamix models. I know there is hype surrounding wattage but the L'equip is only $69. Oh and is from China.

Anyone have a L'equip?

For durability and longevity I would have to assume the Bamix would be superior but L'equip is getting some good reviews.

[Carole]

Williams-Sonoma has some version of the Bamix on their website - they say it's exclusively theirs.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/bamix-immersion-blender/?pkey=cblenders-juicers%7Celtbjcble

[CavePullum]

Hi Folks,

http://www.bamix-usa.com/

Anyone out there with opinions on Swissline vs. Deluxe vs. Gastro?

I am having trouble choosing between them...

Thanks!

[mtigges]

I use the little processor all the time. So, I would definitely recommend one of the models that includes it.

[ajnicholls]

I've just bought a deluxe. So far, I'm very pleased with it and it's miles more powerful than my old Braun stick blender

[mtigges]

That means you have a dry grinder attachment. How well does it work? Can it make pastes? Or is it only for making powder from whole seeds? Can you describe it for me? I don't see any video, or any detailed info on their site about it.

[ethermion]

The grinder is not just dry. If you were to make a paste, the only issue I find is that if it is too thick, the paste will hide from the blades - or rather just stick to the sides and hide from the blades. If not too thick, just give the whole contraption a shake or two. Great for small batches of salsa.

Think of it as a 1 cup food processor. If you would have to stop and scrape down a big batch in a full sized processor, you will have to do the same with the grinder for a small batch. Plenty of power though, and very quiet.

I really like mine.

-e

[CavePullum]

I called Bamix USA and they gave me some interesting info.

Basically Bamix makes 2 motors.

The most powerful one is on the Swissline and the Gastro series.

The less powerful one is on the Deluxe, Mono, Cassette, etc.

The only other differences are (1) the accessories included and (2) the Gastro lines have a longer wand (but again, same motor as the Swissline so same power and same durability).

The guy on the phone reminded me that the motor housing can be easily submerged halfway and not damage the machine since it is sealed near the top. This fact makes getting a Gastro serious overkill for the vast majority (unless you are making industrial quantities of sauces in industrial size pots). The Gastro's extra long wand can make it clumsy to handle.

I did have a Swissline in France and loved it, and I have mostly seen regular sized Bamixes in pro kitchens.

I went with the Swissline here in the States as well.

_______________

On the grinder: it *is* meant for dry ingredients although you can also use it to chop herbs (leaves that you have removed surface water from for example) or veggies (again, dry surface).

There is also a "processor" which is meant for wet and dry.

See: USA Version Accessories

Also: Bamix Headquarters Accessories: Grinder and Processor

I have both and confess that I have never tried to make a paste in the dry grinder (great for grinding spices to powder, though). I have however successfully made pastes (harissa, thai curry pastes, etc) in the wet/dry processor. It does need enough moisture to form a paste and often this is more moisture than the recipe calls for. I started out adding extra vegetable oil until I realized I could just add some water and the paste came together beautifully without added grease. I also reduce garlic & ginger to a paste simply by adding a little water. I can get 4 cloves of garlic to paste with a 2-3 TBsp water with one or two scrape downs max. The water goes away when I add the paste to hot oil, so it doesn't affect my recipes.

__________________________

In case anyone is wondering I have used the meat chopping blade (to make pet food) and found it worked beautifully.

I have also used the SliceSy and had great success shredding veggies as well as starting out pie doughs (cutting the butter into the flour, but then mixing in the liquid ingredients by hand in a separate bowl) and to make crumble toppings. These were all in circumstance where I was travelling and had no ready access to other major kitchen appliances. I was honestly surprised how well these little machines stood in for processors and blenders (sadly nothing replaces a standing mixer for serious dough work).

[mtigges]

So, it sounds like there is no reason to get the grinder if I already have the processor. Thanks.

[ethermion]

I bought the Gastro because I wanted the extra horses - that's just me - and I found a good deal. While I don't find mine clumsy, I do agree the extra 2" is not a huge benefit in my kitchen. The Swiss line would have worked for me, but couldn't find it anywhere but bamix-usa. The dry grinder serves my wet purposes just fine, and I don't need the stand, dvd, recipe book, nor the silly plastic beakers.

[scubadoo97]

I bought the Gastro because I wanted the extra horses - that's just me - and I found a good deal. While I don't find mine clumsy, I do agree the extra 2" is not a huge benefit in my kitchen. The Swiss line would have worked for me, but couldn't find it anywhere but bamix-usa. The dry grinder serves my wet purposes just fine, and I don't need the stand, dvd, recipe book, nor the silly plastic beakers.

Do you mind if I ask where you found the good deal? I've been looking at the PleasantHill site for a while now. I see they recently added the Deluxe to their offerings. I too don't find much need for the other accessories.

[CavePullum]

I bought the Gastro because I wanted the extra horses - that's just me - and I found a good deal. While I don't find mine clumsy, I do agree the extra 2" is not a huge benefit in my kitchen. The Swiss line would have worked for me, but couldn't find it anywhere but bamix-usa. The dry grinder serves my wet purposes just fine, and I don't need the stand, dvd, recipe book, nor the silly plastic beakers.

One reason I went with bamix-usa.com is that they offer a 10 year warranty while PleasantHill offers only 1 year.

Granted, Bamix-usa does charge an extra $20 for their Gastro 200. I got the feeling, also, that they may be able to do something on the price (or maybe throw in the meat blade, perhaps?); anything is negotiable. Bamixes are supposed to last forever, so maybe a 10 year warranty isn't significant, but lemons exist in the best of circumstances. Really comes down to one's risk tolerance.

I agree that the recipe book and DVD aren't exactly worth extra $$, but I do kind of like the stand that comes with the Swissline. Yes, you get a wall-bracket with the Gastro, so it is a question of personal preference... wall bracket or stand.

For a new Bamix user who doesn't already have the dry grinder (like you do), the little processor nearly makes up for the $50 price difference between the Gastro and the Swissline. The processor seems to me to have a greater capacity than the dry grinder, so if I were to choose between the grinder and the processor, I would probably go with the latter.

Edited March 7, 2010 by CavePullum (log)

[ethermion]

Pleasant Hill had an open box Gastro, so the price difference was even more.

But, it would be a shame for this thread to become gastro vs swissline, pleasanthill vs bamix-usa. My Gastro is great. Smooth power, quiet, functional. A really nice piece of equipment. I don't really like to cook as much as I like to play with kitchen toys. The Bamix is a quality product, and that gives me pleasure.

For friends that know how to cook, they are impressed. For friends who never ever thought of homemade mayo, it is magic. Bloop, blitz, mayo. Amazing.

One day, I will pick up the processor, but for now, the "dry" grinder works just fine. I would be more interested in the processor if I could see the blade. The blade in the "dry" grinder is like a short steak knife. If the processor has a different blade configuration or does some other tricks, my interest would be increased.

[CavePullum]

Pleasant Hill had an open box Gastro, so the price difference was even more.

Lucky you!

But, it would be a shame for this thread to become gastro vs swissline, pleasanthill vs bamix-usa.

Nothing wrong with a healthy discussion, as long as it is constructive. Our little chat may help someone who is looking to make a decision on a Bamix.

I would be more interested in the processor if I could see the blade. The blade in the "dry" grinder is like a short steak knife. If the processor has a different blade configuration or does some other tricks, my interest would be increased.

[ethermion]

Blades look functionally the same to me. No wet dry grinder in my future, I guess.

But the 'dry' grinder does work well as a stand. Surprisingly stable.

[cteavin]

Hi,

I live in Japan and I'm all about taking advantage of the strong yen and so I'm purchasing a Bamix immersion blender -- I've wanted one for a while, but now the price is right.

Anyway, I'm comparing the model available in Japan and America and one thing is perplexing:

Japanese model: 100V(50/60Hz) with 250Watt

American model: 120V with 120Watt

I have the converters and adaptors for the American model, but it looks like the Japanese version is stronger. Is that true? Is 100V with 250W stronger than 120V with 120W, or are they the same? I've been looking for an answer online but my eyes glaze over as the pages I've found get too technical for me.

Cheers,

[Dakki]

Watts are a unit of power, so if that's what you mean by "stronger"...

[pep.]

With the different Bamix models, the wattage determines the rpm of the blender (or maybe the other way round ;-).

[cteavin]

Well, the RPS are the same, so I guess the relative power is the same.

Thanks,

BTW, I'm getting the American model because even with shipping it's still cheaper than buying in Japan.

[pep.]

Are you sure the two models have got the same number of revolutions per minute? With the European models, the 120 W model has like 12000 rpm and the 250 W has 19000 rpm (all the models have two speed settings, the numbers are for the higher setting).

[budrichard]

Well, the RPS are the same, so I guess the relative power is the same.

Thanks,

BTW, I'm getting the American model because even with shipping it's still cheaper than buying in Japan.

Bad decision based on inadequate technical understanding. The USA model needs 60 cycles/sec electric power to operate efficiently and safely. Operation at 50 cycles will cause the mixer to operate slower and depending on how the rpm's are maintained may cause the mixer to draw more current than it was designed for. There is a reason that appliances are designed for the Country in which they are sold and it's the electrical supply system.

From Wiki BTW "Unless specified by the manufacturer to operate on both 50 and 60 Hz, appliances may not operate efficiently or even safely if used on anything other than the intended frequency."

-Dick

[dcarch]

Not completely true for a universal (not induction) motor. I believe all blenders have universal motors.

A universal motor can in fact be run on zero hz (flat voltage), namely direct current.

An induction motor is a scynchronous motor, it's RPM is frequency dependent.

dcarch

[liuzhou]

I have my heart set on acquiring one of these.

 

Anyone have one (or more). Impressions? Good or less good. Recommended models? Anything.

[Anna N]

 Love mine which was a gift many years ago and already used at that point.  I almost never use any of the accessories but even without them it is still a workhorse. If I could change anything it would be to have the business end removable so it could be tossed in the sink or dishwasher.  It is rarely a big deal to just rinse it off under the tap.  Still it would be nice to be able to detach it. 

[lindag]

I totally agree with Anna, I love my Bamix, it's well-built and powerful and essential in my kitchen. especially for soups and dressings.

It would be nice to detach the bottom so it could go in the d/w but, again, it's not too big a deal.  It's possible the detachability would affect the overall strength of the blender.

Mine came with three tips...one for chopping, one for whipping and one for blending.

I use the first two but mostly just the chopping blade.

You may want to take a look at the Kitchen Aid model, it does have the detachable bottom and was top rated by CI though now it's been surpassed by a Braun.  I don't believe they included Bamix in their tests.

 

 

Edited September 1, 2017 by lindag (log)