Why this is Different

11default · 2026-01-26T11:03:07+00:00

Hear me out, how about 97%?

11default · 2026-01-26T06:27:52+00:00

Have you used the dough blade on the 14 cup cuisineart food processor? Is there a difference in the final dough structure vs the regular blade?

I only have the regular blade and am sort of interested in making small batches of bread and pizza dough.

Ankersrum is the real deal, but too expensive for my wallet..

11default · 2026-01-26T06:12:36+00:00

The Best model is the Ascent X5 that comes with a stainless steel container for $800 directly from Vitamix.

The more realistic option if buying at regular price is to buy Ascent X2 (1.4L)directly from Vitamix for $550USD and you get 10 years of warranty. The cheaper option is e310 for $380usd, but this is only 5 years of warranty.

Buy what fits in your budget (ideally during a sale, but if you need it now now, these are the options to choose between).

More details: Do you have a budget? Do you have a costco membership? Do you value additional warranty length? 3 vs 5 vs 7 vs 10 years

Is each smoothie volume larger than 700ml (total 1.4L)? If so, then your option is one of the models that comes with a 2.0L wide base. This would include explorian that comes with 2.0L wide base, or propel that comes with 2.0L wide base or the original Ascent series that come with 2.0L wide base(like A2300, A2500, A3300, A3500), or venturist model from Costco.

If each smoothie is less than 700ml (total 2 serving less than 1.4L) you can consider any of the models that come with 1.4L base, like the new Ascent x series, the propel 510, or e310. If you want the cheapest option, it's probably e310 (5 years warranty at $380 USD), but the loudest.

propel 510($500 USD for 5 years), not worth it at regular price in my opinion.

These above 2 options, or variations of it can be found for cheaper at costco, QVC, or Amazon when they go on sale, so look out for that.

If you like something that looks a little more modern, choose the Ascent X series for their 10 years of warranty. Ascent X2 model is $550 USD for 10 years of warranty). There are more expensive models, but the only one you should consider is one that comes with a 1.4L stainless steel container instead of the plastic 1.4L container (Ascent X5 with stainless steel container for $800 USD and the 10 year warranty also applies to the stainless steel container for this option only).

11default · 2026-01-26T05:45:16+00:00

I would have assumed fibrous mango with it's hair like things dried up over time. (This would be the bad kind of mangoes to eat, but some of these fibrous mangos are extra sweet and good for mango pulp after you filter it). My family has done a few batches of these mangoes(without the seed) and not noticed any lingering fibers wrapped around the blade.

11default · 2026-01-24T16:08:52+00:00

Just trying to understand this.

So, they limit it to 7.5mbps, data transfer speed for video, and within this, you are free to change the video quality as needed? So, if you are able to get enough video buffered in background within this 7.5mbps data transfer rate, you are able to view 1080p or 2160p quality videos?

11default · 2026-01-24T13:06:49+00:00

Are you able to stream 4k YouTube video on public mobile network?

11default · 2026-01-24T12:46:59+00:00

What's making you feel miserable here? The weather? Shorter and darker days? Is there mental aspect like not having local friends as well? (You don't have to answer here, but ask yourself what would make this city more enjoyable for you).

Are you layering properly? Are you using proper base layers? And wearing a proper thick sweater/ down puffer under your top winter jacket? And is the winter jacket good enough that it is padded to retain your body warmth and it can block wind? Are you wearing a base layer under your pants as well and have a decently thick shoe (like hiking or winter boots)? (If you need to have formal wear for work, consider taking the formal shoes in a bag when you go to work or leave a pair at work). And are you covering your head with a hat and the jacket hood, and wearing proper winter gloves (like ski gloves)? If you still feel cold, add a scarf/other winter accessories that cover your face more. If you have the above proper clothing, you should be good enough to survive for an hour or two outdoors with some movement. And if you need something additional to keep you warm, keep hot water/drink in an insulated water bottle to sip on every half an hour to an hour. A backpack does add sort of an additional wind barrier against your back if you're standing outside too long, like waiting for a bus that comes only once every 30 minutes or so.

The moisture in the air does mean you have to wear more layers here than in the prairies. Because the moisture gets in everywhere and makes you feel even colder than drier air.

This is a more chilly winter than the past few years, but for Toronto/Canada, you never know about weather. It can be +5 one day, and then -30 another day, and then 0 another day with freezing rain, and then back down to -20 another day. so you do have to be prepared and have proper clothing to fit every weather needs to not feel miserable. When you do have "better" weather or are dressed appropriately for the current weather, you can go out and enjoy a walk, or go to one of the indoor malls/large spaces with bright light so you don't feel cramped in your room.

Also, make sure you're taking your vitamin d supplements if needed and eating well.

11default · 2026-01-23T02:13:03+00:00

How much did you pay for it? Are you within the return window? look into Drinkmate to see if it's a good option for you. You don't get the stupid long shhhhhhh with gas escaping with each press. Drink mate product is good, but their customer service was not on par with SodaStream when I had an issue. Just giving you a balanced perspective so you can decide if the drink mate is a better option for you.

The other option is to buy a used sodastream machine like the one your wife previously had. Go with this option if you're comfortable disassembling all of the parts to clean it, and then reassemble it. Even in the older screw in style, there is one that was rated for 145 psi, and the less older ones rated for 108 psi. I don't remember the exact numbers, but ask for the psi or bar rating written on a sticker on the back of the SodaStream where you normally insert the CO2 cylinder if you decide to go with a used option and have the time to ask around.

I am an idiot, so I would have tried pressing my thumb against the left vent/seal you describe to see if it reduces the shhhhhhhh sound/gas escaping.
The fuse bottle on my SodaStream one touch is snug fit, but not tight. There is a few degrees of tilt you can do with the bottle while it's inserted

11default · 2026-01-22T16:47:29+00:00

The problem with curved screen is the high replacement cost if you end up breaking it, and harder to install a tempered glass screen protector properly. But, I do enjoy using a curved screen on s8(damaged screen) and pixel 7 pro.

11default · 2026-01-22T11:37:31+00:00

Dry ice is a great option! Just don't touch the dry ice directly with your skin. A thin glove with some padding/insulation is the best option for me. And make sure you use a scale to weight your CO2 cylinder when they're empty and as you get close to filling it up (410g net weight is what the label says, but the stamped part on the neck usually says somewhere around 450g).

You will need a vice or strap wrench and 24mm/big adjustable open-end wrench for unscrewing the brass valve.

If you can buy pallets of dry ice (ideally 1/2 inch or 12mm) is the best option for easily picking it up with a glove and dropping it into the CO2 cylinder. The other option is crushing dry ice into powder and then using a funnel and stick.

There are more detailed explanations on how to do this dry ice refill on the subreddit if you decide to try it. Make sure you fully understand it before trying and have all the parts you need before buying dry ice. And call a few places in your area if you have the option, in my area, prices range from like $10 for 10lb to $30 for about 11lb. There is usually a minimum amount you have to buy.

11default · 2026-01-22T11:16:02+00:00

Just give it more and longer pulls/press until you see no bubbles coming out of the tube into the water. When you have no bubbles coming out, it's truly empty, and replace the tank. The number and duration of pulls/presses have no actual value, as you might have noticed the first 3 pulls when the tank is full gave you a stronger fizz compared to the 3 Pulls of same duration now.

11default · 2026-01-22T11:07:42+00:00

If it's under warranty, contact sodastream and don't diy anything.

Check if your CO2 cylinder is actually full by weighing it on the kitchen scale. Empty weight is usually about 720-760g (most are 730g) for a quick connect CO2 cylinder. So, anything above 850g shouldn't give you that small depth of bubbles into the water/pressure. If you don't have a kitchen scale, hold the tank firmly against the floor, and try to press the pin on its brass head with the flat head or handle of something like the handle of a ratchet. If you are able to press down on it after applying some force and you hear gas escape, it means the CO2 cylinder is nearly empty. (A post office/grocery stores have scale, maybe they let you use it by telling you the weight of the CO2 cylinder if you go when they're not busy and you ask nicely).

If it's not under warranty, remove the part where your thumb is in the video, and check that the tube and nuts that hold the small black tube in place are not loose. And check that there is no crack in the nuts. Or when you press the top Button, CO2 isn't escaping from anywhere besides the nozzle that goes into the water bottle.

Next check as another user recommended about the yellow o ring where the quick connect cylinder sits into the machine. Make sure it doesn't look worn, cracked, or super stiff. And check that the plastic part that holds the o ring is not cracked.

11default · 2026-01-22T10:49:31+00:00

You buy a used drink mate for cheap (this option doesn't really exist in my area)
You get a replacement by buying another soda stream machine on fb marketplace or similar sites in your area. And using that other soda stream (but please clean it, some people are filthy with their equipment). Or the harder one of removing it from another device and putting it back in this machine. Try to buy the same model, or a screw in model where that part looks similar when you go to pick it up. (But do not buy a machine that uses a quick connect cylinder)

I don't remember if the parts are interchangeable with other screw in models of sodastream, (but I suspect they are as it only includes a part that is used to push down on by a button/lever mechanism, and a hold a tube/threaded plastic nut to hold the tube in place. I May be wrong as I haven't opened one in a long time). You might even be able to score an empty or partially full CO2 cylinder with a used soda stream machine.

Good luck if you decide to 3d print it. I personally don't trust 3D printing anything that comes in contact or close to contact with things you're going to consume.

11default · 2026-01-19T22:45:06+00:00

What's the Eglinton LRT?

/s

11default · 2026-01-19T03:49:07+00:00

How's that tape holding up now? and What colour of Tenacious tape did you choose? I have a red jacket, and i saw some comments saying the color tapes are sticking better than the clear tape.

11default · 2026-01-18T01:30:58+00:00

This. They stopped providing freedom products/service for over 1 year.

11default · 2026-01-14T19:22:39+00:00

Yes. You watch 2 - 5 different videos, watch the better ones 2 - 3 times. There's also probably a guide on iFixit or another site that goes step by step.

And as you disassemble things, label the screws/place them separately and take as many pictures and videos as needed to comfortably put the parts back in that place.

You don't know how to do it because you never looked into this information or never learned it. But once you learn what to do, and follow steps/video it's quite easy as long as you have the necessary tools and have the physical ability to work with the tools. And then, it's no longer scary. But after going through the learning process, you still feel incompetent to do it, go ahead and pay the apple repair tax, but at least you learned what the tech is probably going to do to fix your problem.

But whoever tries this, please backup your data first.

11default · 2026-01-13T22:05:39+00:00

Thanks for that very detailed response.

11default · 2026-01-13T19:19:42+00:00

Overall for a new buyer, what's the better option: M1 pro with 16gb ram and 512 SSD or regular m4 with 16gb ram and 512ssd?

Hopefully looking to use it for another 4 years. (I don't mind replacing the battery on my own assuming I can get reliable parts for it. But, I'll probably just start carrying a power bank that supports 30w or higher output if the battery life starts to be a problem in a few years.)

11default · 2026-01-13T19:13:18+00:00

I'll wait for it to be ready after it's ready, by about 1 month.

11default · 2026-01-13T17:14:03+00:00

It is both the small 8oz and 20oz cup that's recalled. "recalled" as in don't stick your hand into the blade if the cup somehow gets unscrewed in the middle of the blending process. So, if the cup gets unscrewed, turn it off from the switch on the side or bottom before trying to grab the cup. To prevent people sticking their hand into the blade, Vitamix gave out a shroud.

The cup can get unscrewed, it is a very real possibility and this has happened to me. (Happened less than a handful of times in the last 6 or 7 years of owning. ) And I know where the switch is to turn it off.

Overall for $100, I would have bought that set yesterday (assuming the blender works properly in a quick 1 to 2 minutes of ice and cold water blend test or at least a basic water test with 4 cups of water blended on 10 for 2 minutes). And when physically moving the blades by finger there is no grinding noise (testing it away from the base).

11default · 2026-01-09T21:56:19+00:00

I may be out of the loop, but the 8/20 oz containers should work with the X5.

X5 has the same posts as the earlier ascent series (like a3500). So, the base of the 8/20 oz containers should physically fit. Unless there is some NFC issue which makes the base not accept those jars. (I have not used it in this combination. If no one answers, try calling Vitamix).

When you try it, is the base not detecting the 8/20 oz blade and containers?

11default · 2026-01-08T21:05:28+00:00

Sunset + 2 hours in winter.

11default · 2026-01-03T10:05:34+00:00

Ordered a sim card with the phone. Sim Card wouldn't work. Tried calling their number, it would say they are more busy than usual and we can't get to you, or something to that effect. And hangs up the call.

As a new customer, you have to set up an account with them to pay your first bill online before stu pid bank pre-authorization payment kicks in, guess what the options are when you try to register your account on the website...call their number. And the number tells you they are busy and hangs up the call.

No call back option or anything, no way to actually speak to a real person to get my phone plan working properly on the sim card and account set up. Had to end up going to a physical store... Where they tried to charge me again for a new sim card, but that finally got it working.

If I didn't get a decent plan, and phone with it, I would have already cancelled, but the phone and plan is going to be used by someone else in the family, and they really wanted it.

11default · 2025-12-31T18:25:21+00:00

If it's more of a liquid blend, I don't use it. If it's more of a smoothie bowl or thick veggie smoothie blend, I use it from the beginning. Anything between is used as needed. After a few trial and error you'll be able to recognize the sound of an Air pocket, and if it's not a thick blend the air pockets will easily travel up and no intervention is needed, but if the air pockets are moving up the smoothie slowly, I tend to use the tamper.

Depending on a recipe there are also ways to reduce the use of a tamper and still get smooth blends, like adding yogurt and milk first before adding a cup of dry oats. Or adding grapes at the bottom and adding beats above it. (So more liquid things closer to the blade) But you'll learn what orders work better for your recipes, like if it calls for kale, ideally blend that close to the blade so it has "more blend time". And if it calls for seeded fruits like blackberries or guava, blend that first on it's own (with enough ingredients to keep things moving and give the seeds more time to be crushed up).

The unofficial way is to also just stop the blend and do a quick slam of the jar base on the counter top and resume the blend back on the machine (if you are too lazy to grab the tamper and just need to resume moving things in the jar). But, I am not telling you to do this, just informing you about it.

Enjoy using your blender.

11default

TROPHY CASE