Absolutely. Even something as simple as a fresh fruit shake comes out so much smoother from the Vitamix. As the person who commented below you also mentioned, it is great for making soups as well. I have the food processor attachment and it's mind-blowing how much quicker I'm able to prep my food because of it. I haven't gotten the dry mixing bowl yet, but a buddy of mine uses it when making flour and swears by it.

Is it overkill for most, probably, but given it's going to last me for at least 10 years, I'm okay with the purchase price.

I bought someone a Vitamix once - I was sort of shocked I was able to throw stuff in it, blend it, turn up the speed, and the blended stuff came out hot and consumable as a hot soup. It was easily cleanable, motor is strong, and just consistent and reliable. I suppose I had sticker shock too, but after seeing them in action, I feel it is top end stuff that one would happily pass on to kids, but I don't use a lot of blenders to really compare

I've had my blendtec for like 12 years. It's got a counter on it for some unknown reason. I just made my morning protein shake. I'm at 5473 uses. My previous blender was an oster that lasted a few years and didn't work well. I'd previously broken cheap blenders after a few uses. If you use it for more than just mixing up simple things, the vitamix and blentec are worth it. Literally the only reason I picked blendtec is because it fit under my counter. The vitamix was too tall.