So I ordered this blender without seeing anything about the black fleck issue. I had been wanting one for a long time and the $299 seemed like a great deal. After I ordered it I started reading the reviews and found the black fleck issue. I recieved this blender yesterday and first thing I did was fill it with clean water and run it for a minute. There was indeed a ton of black flecks, specks, floaters, whatever you want to call them and I was really bummed. I ran a number of pitchers of water and the number and size of flecks were reduced but still visible. I boxed 'er up and decided to send it back to Amazon the next day.
So I started looking into BlendTecs and Omegas, and a couple others and they all seemed to be compared to the Vitamix and what I took out of the reviews was they all had issues, one brand in particular with the canister (substantiated by a friend of mine). So I decided that I didn't know what I was gonna do about a blender. I had read that Vitamix was not helpful concerning the black fleck issue, and that even if they sent a new canister it would suffer from the same issue. I had also read that this issue was not isolated to Vitamix containers and that other brands were affected (in my opinion very possible because one manufacturer likely makes all these seals).
So I was at a loss as to what to do. I thought I'd at least unbox the Vitamix again and make a smoothie, as the flecks are supposedly inert and I didn't figure one smoothie would kill me. I am replacing a couple of Ninja models at home and also use a cheap Oster at work (for comparison). This Vitamix pulverized my usual Kale, Spinach, frozen berry, banana, and yogurt concoction, without a large particle of Kale or anything else to be found. I knew the Vitamix units were good but I was still amazed, and loved it. Other than those damn flecks. So I decided to call the company and see if they gave me the same line everyone else was getting.
The lady I talked with was very helpful and understood my concern. She said they have found another manufacturer and are HOPING to be getting the new canisters by fall. When that occurs they said they would try and notify their customers with a warranty on record but that I should check back with them in the fall via phone or keep an eye on their website as they would have a notice on there. She completely supported me sending the unit back to Amazon for a refund and then order a unit when they come out with the new canister, and didn't by any means try to dissuade me from that. She also said that I would have no trouble getting a replacement canister when they are available if I chose to keep the unit. She also said I could get a replacement canister now but it would have the same issue. My blade is dated 1/15 for those that are trying to track dates.
So for the following reasons I decided to keep my unit and use it until the replacement canister is available:
1) I really don't want one of the other brands of blenders and see that they all have problems of their own.
2) I was sold by the smoothie I made with the Vitamix and don't want to go the rest of the year drinking chunky, coarse smoothies.
3) The flecks are minimal and in my opinion I have likely subjected my body to much more harmful things over the years.
4) A solution is supposedly on the way
This is just my decision making and I'm sure there are people that will under no circumstances ingest this stuff. I completely understand that and almost went that route. Hopefully this review helps anyone that is on the fence with the issue.
****UPDATE*** So after a month of daily smoothies and such, my wife tried the fleck test again and couldn't find anything. So maybe it is just associated with a new canister?? We are very happy we kept the Vitamix and use it daily. GLTA
****UPDATE 8/25/15**** Canisters with the new seal design are available. I called Vitamix and they stated that as a courtesy to their customers that they will swap out our current canister for one of the new ones if your current canister was affected by the black flecks. The only bummer is you have to send in your old canister (using a Vitamix provided pre-paid shipping label that is e-mailed to you), and when they recieve it they will ship out the new canister. The lady I spoke with said it could take up to 15 days.
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