After hours of searching for constructive criticisms of the new Omega VRT330 juicer I have found none that were helpful enough with respect to the issues that I was having with this machine. So I felt it was necessary to bring some very significant drawbacks of this juicer to light.
I will be comparing the VRT330 to 8006 model, since I own both. I must say that while the VRT330 does a slightly better job at extracting more juice, the degree of difficulty of cleaning the juicer, plus some engineering shortcomings, in my opinion far outweigh the benefits. VRT has some odd plug on the bottom of the plastic tray, which is supposed to be removed every time you clean the juicer. We almost lost one within a week. Perhaps this is why OMEGA includes 2 plugs with a new unit, because bad engineering must be compensated with spare parts over such lengthy warranty. Among other things, within the first two weeks, the metal/plastic screen (filter), whatever it is called, had cracked from regular use and we had begun to use the 10-year warranty. Then, just days after this incident, the top of the juicer locked up, because when I woke up in the morning and with one eye opened, half asleep closed the top tray off by a little, the whole top of the juicer had to go to the manufacture for full replacement as well. Apparently if you close VRT330 in a slightly different position, it locks up for good and there is nothing you can do to open it, unless you want to crack it open. So we wrote/called to their service center, and were promised a replacement right away. It has already been a month, and no replacement came yet, so much for the warranty. Right now, I have a desire to sell this juicer for half the price and get a good Norwalk 275 instead, which can truly last a lifetime. At the moment we use the 8006 model, and it is great. By far a much simpler and better technology than VRT330. It is easier to clean, less parts and is worry free. The reason why I am aiming at Norwalk is because the 8006 was actually bought for my mother, and the Norwalk is appealing because of its press function.
Bottom line: Omega VRT330 - VERT juicer is a bad improvement (In fact I would not really consider it an improvement over 8006), not quite worth the extra 100$. In my opinion the 2009 release of this juicer is like a beta version of Windows Vista, it sucks 'This is not to say that this machine will not be improved upon, hence I do not mean to stir you away from it for ever, just think OMEGA needs to consider the feedback and polish up on some engineering quirks.Replacement hasn't been ideal either. Having sent the unit to the manufacture a month ago, I do not even know if we are getting anything back anymore. If you are on the market for the juicer, perhaps at this point in time it is reasonable to pass this one up. If you have the chance to buy the 8006, go for it, leave underdeveloped 330VRT to the engineers to improve upon. It has way too many drawbacks to be considered one of the best as it is being advertised. 3 Stars out of 5, and this is really pushing it, really more like 2 1/5.
Conclusion: If I had a choice to have Omega replace the VRT330 for the older 8006 model today, I would without hesitation. I would not recommend the VRT330 to anyone that I know YET, because I believe the product needs serious improvement, which I do not believe will necessarily come soon.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Omega VRT330 Dual-Stage Vertical Single-Auger Low-Speed JuicerProduct Description: Equipped with a 2-horsepower-equivalent single-phase induction motor, this masticating juicer thoroughly chews up plant fibers to fully extract vitamins, enzymes, and minerals from fruits and vegetables, including wheatgrass and leafy greens. The unit's dual-stage juicing system ensures maximum juice and extremely dry pulp (the first crushing stage extracts and the second pressing stage squeezes), while its Low Speed Technology System (LSTS) and low rotation speed of 80 RPMs result in minimal heat build up and oxidation and maximum extraction of juice, flavor, and nutrients. Add a variety of fruits and vegetables with minimal prep work thanks to the juicer's wide feed-chute opening (measures approximately 2-1/4 by 1-1/4 inches). Best of all, its automatic pulp-ejection function into a pulp container allows for continuous juicing--compost the pulp or, better yet, use it to flavor soups, cakes, and more. The juicer also features an Automatic Wiping System that utilizes a silicone wiping blade, similar to a car's windshield wiper, to help keep the juicing screen free of excess pulp. Other highlights include built-in reverse mode to prevent food from getting stuck, heavy-duty construction, and quiet operation due to squeezing slowly rather than grinding at high speed like centrifugal juicers. Accessories include a fine dual-stage juicing screen, a coarse dual-stage screen, two 50-ounce juicing cups, a tamper, a cleaning brush, and an instruction manual. Easy to assemble, operate, and clean and in a vertical design that takes up minimal space on the counter, the UL- and cUL-approved 150-wattjuice extractor measures 9-5/6 by 6-4/5 by 15-5/6 inches and carries a 10-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box Omega VRT330 motor base
Fine dual-stage juicing screen
Coarse dual-stage screen
Bowl with attached extraction plug
GE Ultem Auger
Self-cleaning screen holder
2 50-ounce juicing cups
Tamper
Brush
Instruction manual
Buy cheap Omega VRT330 Dual-Stage Vertical Single-Auger Low-Speed Juicer now Get 14% OFF
The lid is great but they changed the shape of the feeder shoot from the one I bought new about 3 years ago... Also, at times I think it fits a little looser and shakes a little more than the original one.It doesn't look like the picture but It does work and I use it.I use it with the old plunger which you can do although it is a different shape.
