Blendtec FourSide vs WildSide
Blendtec has been making changes to how they name their home blender packages. This has been bringing up questions for many shoppers. Here you can learn the difference between the FourSide and the WildSide – the 2 main Blendtec blending jars available. Once the WildSide was introduced, Blendtec has slowly been replacing which jar comes with their blenders. While the FourSide is still available separately, nearly all blender purchases now come with the WildSide+. We also include some legacy and discontinued model info as many customers continue to ask about how their old blender compares to the new ones.
FourSide:
Before 2010, all models came with the FourSide
Jar. This name refers only to the container that comes with the the Blendtec blender base that you purchase. This is the same whether you buy the Total Blender, Designer Series, or Professional home blender. The FourSide is the name of Blendtec’s smaller two-quart container. It is BPA-Free and the blade that comes with it is ~ 3 inches in diameter. Prior to May of 2011, this pitcher did not have a name. So when you purchased a Blendtec with this jar, you purchased the “Basic” – which was naturally been renamed to the Blendtec FourSide. Blendtec named this jar based on its obvious, and innovative, square design of four sides.
This jar is ideal for smaller batch blending and for dry blending.
WildSide:
As with FourSide, the WildSide name refers only to the container that comes with the Blendtec blender that you buy, regardless whether you purchase a Pro, Designer Series, Classic, Total Blender, or any other model. The WildSide became available for Blendtec’s home blenders around the summer of 2010. At “90 oz.” this jar was the largest offered for the home blender market. The new jar design added a small fifth, “wild”, side to the square container, distinguishing itself from all other square pitcher designs. The WildSide is also BPA-Free and comes with a ~ 4-inch blade. Obviously since this container is significantly larger than the FourSide it is commonly used for blending larger quantities at a time. This jar also greatly improved blending efficiency of larger blends.
WildSide+:
The WildSide Plus jar was introduced in late 2012. It is identical to the previous WildSide with added ridges inside to further improve blending efficiency. All new purchases now include the WildSide+ in place of its predecessor. If you receive a Blendtec with the older WildSide, it is a sign that you have received old stock, or a used machine.
Combo:
This package has been discontinued by Blendtec but can sometimes be found. Thankfully, all jars are available for purchase separately so you can make a ‘combo” from any purchase if desired. The Blendtec Combo (aka WildSide Combo) is the easiest of all the packages to understand now that you know what FourSide and WildSide really means. It refers to the Blendtec blender package that contains both jars together in your purchase. This tends to be popular with folks who blend a lot and not only want to take advantage of having two blending jars but also want the ability to blend large volumes that the WildSide allows while having the FourSide for convenient smaller blends.
Learn more about current » Blendtec Blenders
Blendtec Total Blender vs Blendtec HP3A
* NOTE *
The Total Blender and HP3A have been discontinued but can be available refurbished and occasionally still found at some retailers.
What’s the same:
These are two very similar Blendtec blender models made for home use. The model names refer to the blender base and has nothing to do with the jar or container that comes with the blender. Both the Total Blender and HP3A models are USA built by Blendtec, a division of K-Tec, in Utah. They have the same base and come in the same colors, black, white and red. They are essentially the same blender when it comes to power and performance. Both are 13 amps, 1560 watts and are build of the same exact mechanical components. Both the Blendtec Total Blender and Blendtec HP3A come with a 7-year warranty (*provided you purchase from authorized Blendtec dealers – more about that below) and Blendtec Customer Support for as long as you own your blender.
What’s the difference:
There are only two differences between the Blendtec Total Blender and the Blendtec HP3A Home Blender. First, the Total Blender can ONLY
be purchased directly from Blendtec and on occasion, a few big-box stores that they have private contracts with like Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s and the like. The Blendtec HP3A Home blender is sold through authorized dealers, like Beyond Blenders.
The other difference is the built-in programming that the Blendtec model comes with. If you are reading this, you likely already know that one of the defining feature of Blendtec home blenders is that they are computer controlled with their exclusive Smart-Touch Tec-nology that allows you to push a button and have the blender run through a pre-programmed blending cycle for specific blending applications. The Blendtec Total Blender control panel comes with 6 pre-set program cycles to choose from while the Blendtec HP3A Blender comes with 25 different program cycles to choose from. This is the reason most customers prefer the Blendtec HP3A over the Blendtec Total Blender.
We hope the above has successfully cleared up the difference between the blending jars and the Blendtec Total Blender vs Blendtec HP3A. If you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask.
Blend often and prosper.
To Your Health,
The Beyond Blenders family
* A note about warranty and prices. Your Blendtec blender will include an 8-year warranty (7-year for refurbished) ONLY when purchasing direct from Blendtec OR from an Authorized Blendtec Dealer. Beware: Blendtec blenders purchased from sellers that are not authorized are usually not covered under warranty. There are strict guidelines for being an Authorized Blendtec Dealer including pricing. Always keep your receipt and register your blender. If you ever question the legitimacy of a Blendtec Dealer call Blendtec to verify BEFORE purchasing.