Vita-Mix blenders don’t show up at garage sales on a regular basis, but they do appear often enough that you should be aware of what they are so that you can take advantage of it when the opportunity presents it self to buy one.

Vita-Mix has been manufacturing blenders for home use since 1937 and for commercial use since 1986. Any of the various models they have manufactured over the years are worth considering when you come across them, but we will look only at the household models here because they are the ones most likely to show up at garage sales.

These are the models you are most likely to find.

The Vita-Mix Mark 20 was manufactured during the 1950s and early 1960s. Most buyers of the Mark 20 on eBay are probably collectors rather than someone looking for a Vita-Mix they can use on a daily basis in the home.

When considering the purchase of a Mark 20 be sure you test the blender to insure it works. Vita-Mix still has parts available for many models on their web site but this isn’t one of them. Nearly all of these I’ve seen have at least some rust at the top of the base around the drive shaft mechanism, so be sure to check for rust there. If it has light rusting, it can be removed, but if it is heavily rusted, it is probably a good idea to pass on it, unless it is so cheap you feel you can make a few dollars selling just the barrel and the top.

The Mark 20 can bring anywhere from $20 to $80 on eBay depending upon it’s cosmetic appearance. With that in mind, I wouldn’t recommend paying more that $5 or so for one of these.
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