Frequently Asked Questions
General
Open Do I need to replace my drive socket?
The drive socket is a wear item and requires periodic replacement based on use. Vitamix® recommends inspecting drive sockets and centring pads weekly using the Blender Care & Maintenance Guide. Check for cracks or gouges in the outer surface. If any are present, replace. Inspect the inner gear teeth of the drive socket. If worn, replace. Service, repair or replacement of Vitamix containers or blades must be performed by a Vitamix authorised service centre. If you determine that you need a new drive socket, contact Jestic Foodservice Equipment.
Open Which replacement drive socket is right for my machine?
There are two drive sockets offered: standard size and XL®.
- Item number 000891 is the standard drive socket that is used for all Vitamix® Commercial products, except the XL machine.
- The Vitamix XL uses drive socket item number 015902.
Open Why are drive sockets important?
Drive sockets are fail safe mechanisms used to couple the motor to the blade assembly in Vitamix® machines. They are designed to protect the operator and the motor in the event a blade assembly is blocked from rotating.
Drive sockets also help reduce blending noise. A properly installed drive socket should be attached, but slightly loose. This will allow the drive socket to align with the container, reducing noise while blending.
Drive sockets are the most commonly overlooked wear item, and should be checked weekly according to the Blender Care & Maintenance Guide.
Open What causes a drive socket to wear?
The following things cause premature wear of the drive socket:
- Removing the container before the motor has completely stopped spinning
- A worn blade assembly gear
- Placing the container on the drive socket when it is spinning
- Rocking or tilting the container while blending
- A foreign object in the container
- Running the machine without the centring pad
- Using parts or products not approved by Vitamix®
Open What can I do to maximise the life of my machine?
Weekly:
- Inspect drive sockets and centring pads according to directions in the Blender Care & Maintenance Guide.
Monthly:
- Inspect all containers for signs of wear and tear.
- Inspect all blade assemblies according to directions in the Blender Care & Maintenance Guide.
Open What can I do to prevent the machine from overheating?
- Perform the recommended preventative maintenance steps.
- Avoid prolonged blending of extra-thick ingredients.
- Follow programme instructions outlined in the manual.
- Keep at least 30 cm of open space around the blender.
Open What if the unit shuts off while blending?
The motor is designed with thermal overload protection, which senses when the motor has overheated and automatically stops the motor. Depending on how hot the unit became, it may take an hour or more to cool down. Once the unit has cooled, the thermal overload protection device will close and allow the unit to operate again. If this continues, please contact Technical Support.
Open Do I need to replace my blade assembly?
Blade assemblies are a wear item and require periodic replacement based on use. Vitamix® recommends inspecting blade assemblies weekly according to the Blender Care & Maintenance Guide instructions below. Contact us at 800.886.5235 or commercialts@vitamix.com if you determine that you need a replacement blade assembly.
- Check for nicks, cracks, or gouges in the outer surface. If any are present, replace.
- Inspect the blade assembly gear for signs of wear. The teeth of the gear should be deep and have continuous edges.
- Inspect the bottom of the blade assembly below the gear. If you see that any part of the seal is torn, missing, or lifting, replace the blade assembly.
- Rotate the blade by hand, feeling for smooth, consistent, light resistance.
- Place the gear of the blade assembly between your index finger and thumb and push up and down (vertically) on the gear. If any vertical movement is detected, replace the blade assembly immediately.
In short, the blade assembly should be replaced if it:
- “Pinwheels” or rotates freely and effortlessly like a pinwheel in the wind
- Does not spin or is difficult to spin by hand
- Makes an audible noise when spinning
- Has vertical movement
- Has side-to-side movement
- Ball bearings are visible where the seal should normally be located
Open What causes a blade assembly to wear?
The following things cause premature wear of the blade assembly:
- Foreign objects in the container while blending
- Removing or placing container on machine while drive socket is spinning
- Operating the machine without the centring pad in place
- Rocking or tilting the container while blending
- A worn drive socket
- Improper cleaning methods
- Placing in a dishwasher
- Using parts or products not approved by Vitamix®
- Blending gritty products like sand
Open My Container is brittle, cracking, chalky, milky, bubbling, peeling, or has rust on the retainer nuts. What is causing this?
The container is likely being cleaned improperly. Wash all container parts in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and drain. Do not soak the blade assembly.
Beverage Blenders
Open Fluid is pooling inside the sound enclosure and seeping out around the sound reducing pad onto the base of the machine. Why does this happen?
Although there are drain channels to move liquid away from the motor shaft, there are no drain channels to move the liquid out of the sound enclosure. The operator of the machine will need to remove the liquid using a soft cloth to absorb the liquid and then clean with warm, soapy water.
Open How do I install the sound enclosure on The Quiet One®?
Make sure the machine is unplugged and the sound reducing pad is in place before installing the sound enclosure. Place the back cover of the sound enclosure on top of the sound reducing pad on the motor base. The magnets inside the motor base will hold the back cover in place. Install the Sound Enclosure Door by spreading the hinge points and sliding them over the hinge detents on the sides of the back cover.
Open How do I remove the sound enclosure on The Quiet One®?
The Quiet One Sound Enclosure is held in place by magnets. First, remove the door by spreading the sound enclosure hinge points away from the hinge detents on the sides of the back cover. Once the front door is removed, place one hand on the back of the motor base and place your other hand on the top corner of the back cover. In a diagonal motion, pull the top corner of the sound enclosure toward the front opposite corner of the machine.
Open Do I have to remove the sound reducing pad or the centring pad to replace the drive socket on The Quiet One®?
No. The design of the machine is such that the drive socket can be removed or installed easily without having to remove these items.
Open My sound enclosure door will not open. What should I do?
Because of the sealing nature of the sound enclosure, fruit juice, sugars or mixes that are spilled onto the sealing gasket of the back cover may become excessively sticky and bond the door closed. If this occurs, remove the entire Sound Enclosure and soak it in a warm soapy water solution.
Open Is the sound enclosure for The Quiet One® dishwasher safe?
No, the sound enclosure is made from a polymer called Tritan™. This material is great for sound reduction and durability in certain applications, but it is not dishwasher safe.
Open Is the sound reducing pad dishwasher safe?
No. If exposed to the high temperature in a dishwasher, the sound reducing pad will become distorted and possibly swell in size.
Open How do I remove the sound reducing pad from The Quiet One® for cleaning?
After removing the sound enclosure, use your thumb to roll one of the front corners of the pad upward and pull the gasket diagonally toward the opposite rear corner of the motor base.
Open What is the warranty period on The Quiet One®?
Unless a warranty has been otherwise negotiated, Vitamix® warrants to the original end-user that:
Motor Base:
If the motor base fails within thirty (30) days from the original date of purchase, Vitamix will replace the motor base without charge.
If the motor base within three (3) years from the original date of purchase due to a defect in materials or workmanship, Vitamix will assume the cost of the parts deemed necessary to repair the base.
Container, Lid, Blade Assembly, and Sound Enclosure: (if included)
The container, lid, blade assembly and, where included, a Vitamix-manufactured sound enclosure are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for one year from the original date of purchase.
Open Will acidic fruit juices, sugars or water affect any of the rubber components of the machine?
No. All materials for The Quiet One® and every other Vitamix® machine are specifically selected for their performance and diligently tested for their tolerance of such ingredients. However, never immerse the motor base in water or other liquid.
Open Which containers work with The Quiet One®?
The Advance®, 2.0 litre Standard, 1.4 litre Standard, and 0.9 litre Standard containers all work with The Quiet One.
Open Can fluid seep into the motor base, damaging internal components?
No. There are seals beneath the drive socket and base plate. In addition, the sound reducing pad has a lip around it that seals it to the base plate. The base plate has drain channels that funnel fluids away from the motor shaft.
Open How can I tell how much my machine is being used?
There are two different ways to measure your machine’s use. The first is a motor life timer. This displays the number of hours that the motor has been in operation. The second is a total cycle counter that shows the number of times the machine has been cycled.
To access this information on The Quiet One®:
With the machine in the “Off” position, hold down the number two programme button, and turn the machine on. Continue to hold the number two button for seven to ten seconds as it cycles through the temperature and cycle count number. See your Owner’s Manual for complete instructions.
Open How do I know if my machine is about to overheat?
You can check the motor temperature by turning the machine off, holding the number 2 button for 7 to 10 seconds and then reading the temperature. Under normal operation, the display will read Temp: Norm. If you do not see this reading, leave the machine off until the temperature returns to normal. To cool the machine, you can also operate the unit without a container, but with the sound enclosure door closed. This will circulate the warm air out and away, and bring cool air into the motor area.
Open If I put the sound reducing pad in a dishwasher and it becomes distorted, is it ruined?
No. If the sound reducing pad is placed on a dry, flat surface free from excessive heat, it will return to its normal shape after a few days.
Open Can I soak the sound reducing pad in water overnight?
No. The material will swell in size and become distorted. If this occurs, place the sound reducing pad on a dry, flat surface free from excessive heat, and it will return to its normal shape after a few days.
Open How should I clean the sound reducing pad?
Wash the sound reducing pad with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and drain. Do not soak the pad in water as this can distort its shape.
Open How do I know if my machine is about to overheat?
Press the Vitamix® logo once to reveal the mode message on the control panel. Press the number-one button, and then the number-six within five seconds to continue. Once the correct code is entered, the display will indicate the motor temperature (NORM, WARM, HOT).
Open How can I tell how much my machine is being used?
There are three different ways to measure your machine’s use. The first is a motor life timer. This displays the number of hours that the motor has been in operation. The second is a total cycle counter that shows the number of times the machine has been cycled. The third is a resettable count meter that can be used to compare the number of blends to register receipts.
To access this information on the Blending Station® Advance®:
The “COUNT” is a machine usage total and can be reset. This can be used to keep a count of the number of drinks sold in a week, day, or even an hour. To clear, press and hold the START/STOP button for five seconds. The “TOTAL” keeps track of the machine usage, including production and testing, and cannot be cleared. See your Owner’s Manual for complete instructions.
Open Is the Blending Station® Advance® programmable?
The Blending Station Advance comes with 34 pre-set programmes from the factory. These programmes are optimised for different blending applications. Custom blending programmes can be created using a programmer kit in the event one of the 34 programmes does not meet your needs. See your owner’s manual for complete instructions.
Open Is the T&G® 2 programmable?
The T&G 2 comes with 34 pre-set programmes from the factory. These programmes are optimised for different blending applications. See your owner’s manual for complete instructions.
Open What Is the warranty period on the Blending Station® Advance®?
Vitamix® warrants to the original end-user that:
Motor Base:
If the motor base fails within thirty (30) days from the original date of purchase, Vitamix will replace the motor base without charge.
If the motor base within three (3) years from the original date of purchase due to a defect in materials or workmanship, Vitamix will assume the cost of the parts deemed necessary to repair the base.
Container, Lid, and Blade Assembly:
The container, lid, and blade assembly are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for one year from the original date of purchase.
Open What Is the warranty period on the T&G® 2?
Vitamix® warrants to the original end-user that:
Motor Base:
If the motor base fails within thirty (30) days from the original date of purchase, Vitamix will replace the motor base without charge.
If the motor base within three (3) years from the original date of purchase due to a defect in materials or workmanship, Vitamix will assume the cost of the parts deemed necessary to repair the base.
Container, Lid, and Blade Assembly:
The container, lid, and blade assembly are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for one year from the original date of purchase.
Open Is the Drink Machine Advance® programmable?
Yes. The Drink Machine Advance comes with six pre-set programmes from the factory. These programmes are optimised for different blending applications. Custom blending programmes can be created using a programmer kit in the event one of the six programmes does not meet your needs. See your owner’s manual for complete instructions.
Open What Is the warranty period on the Drink Machine Advance®?
Vitamix® warrants to the original end-user that:
Motor Base:
Vitamix warrants to the original end-user that:
If the motor base fails within thirty (30) days from the original date of purchase, Vitamix will replace the motor base without charge.
If the motor base within three (3) years from the original date of purchase due to a defect in materials or workmanship, Vitamix will assume the cost of the parts deemed necessary to repair the base.
Container, Lid, and Blade Assembly:
The container, lid, and blade assembly are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for one year from the original date of purchase.
Open Is the BarBoss® Advance® programmable?
A: Yes. The BarBoss Advance comes with six pre-set programmes from the factory. These programmes are optimised for different blending applications. Custom blending programmes can be created using a programmer kit in the event one of the six programmes does not meet your needs. See your owner’s manual for complete instructions.
Open What Is the warranty period on the BarBoss® Advance®?
Vitamix® warrants to the original end-user that:
Motor Base:
If the motor base fails within thirty (30) days from the original date of purchase, Vitamix will replace the motor base without charge.
If the motor base within three (3) years from the original date of purchase due to a defect in materials or workmanship, Vitamix will assume the cost of the parts deemed necessary to repair the base.
Container, Lid, and Blade Assembly:
The container, lid, and blade assembly are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for one year from the original date of purchase.
Open How do I clean my Portion Blending System?
Please read all instructions in the Owner’s Manual before cleaning any part of the machine.
Open What is the warranty on the Portion Blending System?
The PBS is backed by a one-year parts only warranty.
Food Preparation
Open Can I use a VitaPrep® 3 in my home?
The Vita-Prep 3 is intended for use in a commercial kitchen. The Vita-Prep 3 does not come with a recipe book and carries the commercial warranty.
Open What is the warranty period on the VitaPrep® 3?
Vitamix® warrants to the original end-user that:
Motor Base:
If the motor base fails within thirty (30) days from the original date of purchase, Vitamix will replace the motor base without charge.
If the motor base within three (3) years from the original date of purchase due to a defect in materials or workmanship, Vitamix will assume the cost of the parts deemed necessary to repair the base.
Container, Lid, and Blade Assembly:
The container, lid, and blade assembly are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for one year from the original date of purchase.
Open What containers can be used with the Vitamix XL®?
There are two containers that can be used with the Vitamix XL: a 5.6 litre true blending capacity and a 2.0 litre capacity. Other containers cannot be used with the Vitamix XL.
Open How do I programme the variable unit back to factory standard settings?
A Variable Speed XL® unit cannot be reprogrammed.
Open How do I programme the programmable unit?
Turn the unit off using the on / off switch, insert the custom chip (this side facing front on the chip facing down), turn the unit back on, count 10 seconds, turn the unit back off using the on / off switch, remove the chip, turn the unit back on using the on / off switch, the unit should be reprogrammed. If it is not reprogrammed follow the preceding steps but insert the chip facing the opposite direction (this side of chip facing down should be facing up). More detailed instructions can be found in the Owner’s Manual.
Open What is the warranty period for a Vitamix XL® unit?
Vitamix® warrants to the original end-user that:
Motor Base:
If the motor base fails within thirty (30) days from the original date of purchase, Vitamix will replace the motor base without charge.
If the motor base within three (3) years from the original date of purchase due to a defect in materials or workmanship, Vitamix will assume the cost of the parts deemed necessary to repair the base.
Container, Lid, and Blade Assembly:
The container, lid, and blade assembly are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for one year from the original date of purchase.
Frozen Treat Mixers
Open Can I blend both hard pack and soft serve ice cream in the Mix’n Machine®?
Yes. Vitamix® provides several types of mixing agitators for blending various types of ice cream consistencies and mix-in treats.
Open Can I blend a smoothie with a Mix’n Machine®?
No. The Mix’n Machine is designed for folding pieces of fruit or candy into an ice cream base, where the fruit or candy is blended to a homogenized consistency, but remains relatively intact.
Open Can I blend hard pack and soft serve ice cream in the Mix’n Machine® Advance®?
Yes. Vitamix® provides several types of mixing agitators for blending various types of ice cream and frozen yoghurt consistencies and mix-in treats.
Open Is the Mix’n Machine® programmable?
No. The Mix’n Machine is not programmable.
Open Is the Mix’n Machine® Advance® programmable?
Yes. The Mix’n Machine Advance is optimised with six pre-set blending profiles from the factory. These programmes are optimised for different blending applications. Custom blending programmes can be created using a programmer kit in the event one of the six programmes does not meet your needs.
Open Can I blend a smoothie with a Mix’n Machine® Advance®?
No. The Mix’n Machine is designed for folding pieces of fruit or candy into an ice cream base, where the fruit or candy is blended to a homogenized consistency, but remains relatively intact.
Open What is the warranty period on the Mix’n Machine®?
Vitamix® warrants to the original end-user that:
If the Mix’n Machine fails within thirty (30) days from the original date of purchase, Vitamix will replace the machine without charge.
If the Mix’n Machine fails after thirty (30) days but within three (3) years from the original date of purchase due to a defect in materials or workmanship,
Open What is the warranty period on the Mix’n Machine® Advance®?
Vitamix® warrants to the original end-user that:
If the Mix’n Machine Advance fails within thirty (30) days from the original date of purchase, Vitamix will replace the machine without charge.
If the Mix’n Machine Advance fails after thirty (30) days but within three (3) years from the original date of purchase due to a defect in materials or workmanship, Vitamix will assume the cost of the labour and parts deemed necessary to repair the base.