Compare Vitamix Blenders, Best Models, Comparisons & Charts!

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Vitamix blenders enjoy cult status in the US and are present in more than 4 million households across the country. These legendary machines are the very definition of crème de la crème– gorgeous, high-performing, usable, and built to last a lifetime. 

They say if you purchase a Vitamix, you’ll never even look at another blender again! Is there a catch? Yes there is, you have to fork up a premium price.  

We compare Vitamix blenders for you in this buyer’s guide. We’ll be recommending the very best ones, across various price ranges, and giving you suggestions on what to look for.

(Glance through the comparisons and charts section below for a quick overview of the brand.) 

Our Top Picks

Compare Vitamix Blender Models - Your Best Options!

Vitamix 5200 Classic – Best for Most People

Highlights:

The Vitamix 5200 classic is the standard Vitamix package at the standard price. This is an old-school appliance with switch on-off and pulse buttons and a dial for the variable speed control. The 64oz container allows you to make food for a whole family.

In terms of performance, the 5200 is Vitamix at its finest. It makes mincemeat of anything you throw at it in a short time. It can go for extended periods without stalling, thanks to a powerful 2 HP motor and super-durable stainless steel blades. This appliance can cook food with friction heating and blend smooth thanks to the Vitamix vortex function.

You can’t put the container in the dishwasher, though the 5200 has a self-cleaning function. Still, you may have to rinse by hand to get out all of the gunk. This appliance is bulky and hard to store. Overall, this is the kind of Vitamix that lasts a lifetime, though it is expensive.

PROS

  • Extremely sturdy and durable.
  • Outstanding performance.
  •  Higher-capacity jar than the lower-priced E310.

CONS

  • Expensive – costs more than the entry-level E310.
  • Bulky and hard to clean thoroughly. 
  • Fewer features than the Ascent series.

Reconditioned Vitamix 5300 – The (Used) Super Budget Option

Highlights:

When you can’t afford a brand new Vitamix, you can opt for the reconditioned ones. They are almost as good as new and cost a fraction of the full price.

We recommend the 5300, which is a step up over the 5200. The 5300 has the same old-school design, but it comes with an upgraded wider, smaller Low-Profile container.

The 2.2 HP motor is a beast and can grind most ingredients to dust in no time. The 10 variable speed controls allow you to finely control the consistency of the blend, and the 64 oz container lets you prepare medium-to-large-sized batches at once.

As is standard for Vitamix models, the 5300 can cook food through the friction heat generated by the fast-spinning blades.

They don’t recommend putting the container in the dishwasher. There is a self-cleaning option. Being low-profile, the 5300 is easy to store. All in all, the refurbished variant is an excellent value for money and comes with a solid 3-5 year warranty.

Vitamix E310 – The (Brand New) Budget Option

Highlights:

If you insist on having a brand new Vitamix blender but you’re on a tight budget, then the E310 Explorian is your best option. This is one of the older Vitamix models still in production today.

It has a no-frills aesthetic, with simple switch buttons and a speed dial that’s the norm for classic Vitamix blenders. It comes with a smaller-capacity 48oz container and is available only in black, red, and slate.

This blender has a 2HP motor that does a bang-up job at almost all blending tasks, though it’s not quite as good as Vitamix’s higher-end models. This blender will nonetheless turn dense ingredients to paste, and even crush the small seeds that would otherwise spoil the consistency of your smoothie. As the container is smaller-than-average, it’s perfect for small families or single users.

You will have to clean this blender manually or use the self-cleaning option. It’s not hard to clean and, being compact, is not hard to store either. This entry-level version from Vitamix allows you to experience the best of the brand without having to pay through your nose.

Vitamix 750 – Professional, Large volumes

Highlights:

The 750 is one of Vitamix’s signature blenders and is one of the best ones money can buy. This stylish, professional-grade appliance is something you’d find in a celebrity chef’s kitchen. It’s available in black, red, or slate color options. It’s meant for heavy use and allows you to cook large batches of food at once. It can go all day without giving out.

The 750 has an upgraded 2.2 HP motor – it’s better than the motor on the 5300 in terms of staying power and noise. This machine will power through even the toughest of ingredients with ease. It’s a highly versatile appliance – you can use it to make smoothies, nut butters, soup, and general food prep with the touch of a pre-programmed button.

However, the 64oz container is too large for smaller batches of food, making this blender unsuitable for small families. It’s also seriously expensive, though you do get a full 7-year warranty and you probably won’t need to buy another blender again for a solid decade.  

Vitamix A2500 – Best Blender with Smart Capabilities

Highlights:

The Ascent series includes Vitamix’s newest, most up-to-date blenders. The A2500 is the entry-level model in the Ascent series and so is the cheapest – but not by much.

In return for your investment, you get a high-tech appliance that looks super-sleek and comes with features like self-detect, a timer, and one-touch programs.

The A2500 has no trouble at all with any blending task thanks to its 2.2 HP motor and high-tech internals. Thanks to the quick-program settings, you can make favorites like smoothies in a jiffy.

With 64oz of capacity, this machine can make food for an entire family – with room to spare. The added features like self-detect and wireless connectivity make this machine a joy to use.

Unlike most Vitamix containers, the one you get with the A2500 is dishwasher safe, so cleaning it is a breeze. The jar is a bit difficult to handle, though, so watch out. The A2500 commands a premium price and is an excellent blender, but you might be better off with paying extra for the A3500.  

How do I Choose a Vitamix Blender? Our Buyers Guide

What’s So Good About a Vitamix Blender?

The Vitamix is much more than a simple blender. It can and usually does transform your lifestyle and is definitely worth it. The internet is chockfull of – unpaid – reviewers claiming Vitamix is special. Some people say it’s the only appliance they’d rescue if their house was burning. Others go so far as to design entire kitchens around their blenders!

Here are some reasons why they say Vitamix is the more than just a blender:

  • Healthy lifestyle: Vitamix liquefies anything you throw at it whole without breaking a sweat – including vegetables and fruits with thick skins. You can make delicious, wholesome, and nutritious smoothies, drinks, and foods. It becomes easy to follow a healthy lifestyle. 
  • Quality: Vitamix is synonymous with quality. They’re very sturdy and seldom break down. In 2010, the demand for repairs was so low that only 4 people worked in their repair department in the US – with over 4 million blenders in active use!
  • Versatility: Vitamix blenders are excellent smoothie makers, juicers, and even food processors. You can dice food, knead dough, make a whole juice, and heat soup with the same machine in a stress-free manner.
  • Power: Any blender from Vitamix is no pushover in the power department. Some of their blades spin at an astounding 240mph. All Vitamix blenders will crush ice to a fine powder in seconds. Further, unlike other blenders, Vitamix blenders are capable of grinding up even the smallest of fruit seeds for a silky-smooth final texture.
  • Vitamix vortex: Vitamix containers have a circular-shaped bottom and fast-spinning blades, which cause a vortex-like motion in the ingredients in the jar. This vortex action causes the ingredients to automatically fall on the blades, without you having to use a tamper. Vitamix blenders, unlike the ones from many other brands, don’t require much manual intervention.
  • Long Warranty: Other brands – like Ninja – are famously stingy with the warranty. Almost all Vitamix blenders, however, have huge warranties – from 5 years all the way up to 10. It gives you much peace of mind.
  • Warranty cover: Besides long warranties, Vitamix also offers full warranties with all its machines. That means you don’t need to pay for shipping, labor, or extra parts – Vitamix takes care of everything, no questions asked.   
  • Ease of use: Sometimes simplicity is king. Most Vitamix machines come with old-school manual on-off and pulse knobs that are both familiar and easy to use. You can control the speed by turning a conventional dial. 
  • Ultimate control: Vitamix blenders allow you to control the final consistency of the blend via its speed dials. It’s more precise than 1-10 speed buttons. Further, some Vitamix blenders like the Ascent series auto-adjust their speed based on what you’ve put in the jar. 

Categories of Vitamix

Vitamix blenders are available for both home and commercial use. You can divide them into several distinct categories based on form and function. If you know what your needs are, picking out a Vitamix that satisfies them should be easy:

  • Classic Series: The standard Vitamix range, comprising the C-Series of blenders like the 5200, 5300, Pro 200, 6300, and 6500. These blenders are tall, have narrow bottoms, come with 2HP motors, and offer variable speed control.   
  • G-Series: The G-Series is a slight step up over the C-Series with a slightly bigger 2.2HP motor, a lower-profile design, and a wide-bottomed base. The G-Series includes the 7500, Pro 300, Pro 750, and Pro 780. Some of these have programmable controls.
  • S-Series:  The S-Series is a personal blender range, what Vitamix dubs “space savers”. These appliances are bare bones, small, and lightweight. You get a variable speed control and pulse – there are few special features. They have typically low-power (1HP approx) motors. An example is the S30, available refurbished.  
  • Explorian Series: The Explorian Series contains the Vitamix E310 and E320. These are old-school appliances, with basic features albeit solid performance.  They have less horse power and not as much warranty as other vitamix blenders. However, you can buy them cheap (comparatively).
  • Ascent Series: The Ascent Series is Vitamix’s new generation of “smart system” appliances. They are high performers and come with various bells and whistles like wireless connectivity, touch screens, and programmable timers. They include the ascent series a3500, a2500, a3300, and a2300.
  • Commercial Series: The Vitamix Commercial series are for restaurant kitchens, juice bars, and other professional settings. They are very expensive, but offer top-tier features and perform incredibly. Some examples of the best commercial options are “The Quiet One”, “ Touch and Go Advance”, “Vita-Prep 3” and “Mix’n’Machine”.a

Reconditioned Vitamix Blenders

You can buy a reconditioned or refurbished certified Vitamix blender for a fraction of the price of a new model. The reconditioned range contains only a few models for now, but it’s excellent.

Why should you bother buying a reconditioned Vitamix when you can get a new one? Because, surprisingly enough, it’s a smart decision:

  • As good as new: Reconditioned Vitamix’s have been in use for a maximum of one year only. Sometimes no one has used them yet. Every single one is thoroughly checked. You essentially get fully working models in top shape.
  • Affordable: As we mentioned before, you pay significantly less. Sometimes it’s half as much as the original price of, say, $600.
  • 3 to 5 years warranty: Every refurbished Vitamix blender comes with a minimum of 3 years full warranty. Some have 5 years.
  • No risk guarantee: Don’t like the machine you just ordered? You can return it within 30 days and get your money back.

Are there any disadvantages? There aren’t many. For one, someone may have used the reconditioned blender for a few months and you don’t get to use a brand new machine. For another, you get a smaller warranty.

Reconditioned models available at this time:  

  • Certified Reconditioned 5300.
  • Certified Reconditioned Explorian Series.
  • Certified Reconditioned S50.

Warranty

You can buy a reconditioned or refurbished certified Vitamix blender for a fraction of the price of a new model. The reconditioned range contains only a few models for now, but it’s excellent.

Why should you bother buying a reconditioned Vitamix when you can get a new one? Because, surprisingly enough, it’s a smart decision:

  • As good as new: Reconditioned Vitamix’s have been in use for a maximum of one year only. Sometimes no one has used them yet. Every single one is thoroughly checked. You essentially get fully working models in top shape.
  • Affordable: As we mentioned before, you pay significantly less. Sometimes it’s half as much as the original price of, say, $600.
  • 3 to 5 years warranty: Every refurbished Vitamix blender comes with a minimum of 3 years full warranty. Some have 5 years.
  • No risk guarantee: Don’t like the machine you just ordered? You can return it within 30 days and get your money back.

Are there any disadvantages? There aren’t many. For one, someone may have used the reconditioned blender for a few months and you don’t get to use a brand new machine. For another, you get a smaller warranty.

Reconditioned models available at this time:  

  • Certified Reconditioned 5300.
  • Certified Reconditioned Explorian Series.
  • Certified Reconditioned S50.Vitamix blenders come with all-expenses-paid warranties. They pay for shipping, labor, parts – everything! You may have to register the warranty online after your purchase. Here is a lowdown of the warranties available on the popular models:

    ·         3-year warranties: Some reconditioned models and containers sold separately come with 3 years of warranty. Some commercial blenders like the Quiet One and the Touch & Go Advance have a 3-year warranty on parts and 1 year on labor.

    ·         5-year warranties: Some reconditioned models, Aspire, Creations, S-Series, and Turboblend Two & Three Speed blenders. 

    ·         7-year warranties: G-Series, C-Series, and Explorian Series of blenders, which include the 5200, 5300, 6300, 6500, 7500, Pro 780, and the E310 and E320.

    ·         10-year warranties: The Ascent Series models like the A330, A2500, A3500, A2300, A3500i, A2500i, and A2300i all come with a 10-year warranty as standard.

    You can sometimes purchase a warranty extension separately. 

Motor Power

Experts rate blender motor power in terms of horsepower or wattage. To spare you the technical details, it’s essentially how quickly and well the motor churns through the ingredients under stress. As a rule of thumb, the more powerful the motor, the better the results. Other factors like the quality and thickness of the blade also matter.

Here is an overview of the horsepower across Vitamix’s various models:

  • 1HP approx: S30, S50, and S55 personal blenders.
  • 2HP approx: Vitamix C-Series of blenders, Explorian series.
  • 2HP approx: Vitamix G-Series, Vitamix Ascent Series, the Touch and Go Advance.
  • 3HP approx: Drink Machine Advance, Drink Machine Two Speed, Vita-Prep.
  • 3HP approx: Vitamix Commercial – The Quiet One, Vita-Prep 3.
  • 2HP approx: Vitamix XL.

Touch Screen Option

Touchscreen control panels are a comparatively new phenomenon. They make using your blender effortless and often include useful features like a countdown timer. Here are some Vitamix blenders with touchscreen controls:

Ease of Use: Do you need Pre Programmed Settings?

With pre-programmed settings, the blender does most of the work for you. You can hit a button and sit back or complete other chores while the blender automatically prepares the beverage or food item by itself. It knows how fast and how long to blend to give the mixture a perfect consistency.  

You may receive a variable number of pre-programmed options with a Vitamix blender. Here are some top blenders with this option included:

  • 2 settings:
  • 3 settings: C-Series 6300 and 6500; Pro 500, A2500, A3300.
  • 4 settings:
  • 5 settings: G Series Pro 750 and 780; Ascent A3300 and A3500
  • 6 settings: Vita Prep, Drink Machine.
  • 20 settings: Vitamix Touch & Go Advance.
  • 34 settings: The Quiet One.

Smart Blenders from Vitamix

In keeping with the times, Vitamix has released advanced, high-tech blenders it dubs smart systems or blenders: the Ascent Series and the Venturist series. These are Digital-Age-ready appliances with the following features:

  • Touchscreen: The higher-end variants come with nifty touchscreens. Controlling the machine becomes a breeze. The touchscreen is scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
  • Self-detect: Being a “smart” blender, it automatically detects the container type you’re using and change its blending settings to match.
  • Digital timer: The digital timers indicate how long your blender has been running. Also, you can input a countdown timer to get the blender to stop automatically.
  • The Vitamix app: You can use the Vitamix app in tandem with the Bluetooth-connected blender. The app contains recipe suggestions and acts as a guide on how best to use the blender. It can walk you through the whole food-making process step-by-step.

Type of Containers that comes with the Vitamix

List of Vitamix containers available now with compatibility:

  • Stainless Steel Container – Works with all full-size Vitamix blenders.
  • Aer Disc Container – Works with all full-size Vitamix blenders.
  • Blending Cups Starter Kit – For the Ascent Series.
  • Blending Bowl Starter Kit – For the Ascent Series.
  • Vitamix Cup – For the S Series.
  • Vitamix Ascent Series Blending Cup with SELF-DETECT – Ascent Series.
  • Vitamix Clear – For the C Series.
  • 48oz Container – For C-Series and G-Series.
  • 32oz Container – For C-Series and G-Series.
  • 64oz Container – For the G-Series, 5300.
  • Classic 64oz Container – For C-Series.
  • 32oz Dry Grains Container – For C-Series and G-Series.
  • 64oz Low-Profile Container with SELF-DETECT – For the Ascent Series.
  • 48oz Dry Grains Container with SELF-DETECT – For the Ascent Series.
  • 48oz Container with SELF-DETECT – For the Ascent Series.

Here are some facts you should know about Vitamix containers:

  • Materials: You won’t find a glass Vitamix jar – plastic or stainless steel are your only two options. The plastic containers are all made of BPA-free Eastman Tritan Copolyester, which is lightweight, durable, and odor-resistant. The stainless steel jar is an innovation. It’s fully non-reactive as well as super durable.
  • Sizes: The container capacity ranges from 20z to over 190z. The 20z blends and holds personal servings and the 190z (1.5 gallons) jar can contain food for a dozen. Any 48oz to 64oz container is perfect for a family.
  • Compatibility: Not all jars will fit all blenders. Please take a look at our compatibility list above before you make a purchase.  
  • Wet vs. dry: Wet containers (included in-the-box) make a liquid blend, and dry ones (purchase separately) will make powder or flour. Wet containers create vortex-like action, sucking ingredients inward, while dry containers create a reverse-vortex, pushing ingredients outward in a way that prevents packing. We don’t recommend using a wet container for dry work.  
  • Tall vs. short: Taller containers are more suited to smoothies and juices, while the ones with a wider base do better with thicker foods, sauces, and dough. Further, taller containers are not easy to store. Shorter ones – the ones Vitamix dubs “Low-Profile” fit under your kitchen cabinet.

Dishwasher safe containers:

  • Stainless Steel Container.
  • Aer Disc Container.
  • Blending Cups Starter Kit.
  • Blending Bowls Starter Kit.
  • Vitamix Ascent Series Blending Cup with SELF-DETECT.
  • 64oz Low-Profile Container with SELF-DETECT.
  • 48oz Dry Grains Container with SELF-DETECT.
  • 48oz Container with SELF-DETECT.

How many people do you plan to use the blender for?

Getting a commercial-grade Vitamix for your home may be overkill. If you’re alone at home or live with your partner, then a personal S-series blender or an Explorian, like the E310, should suffice. If you cook often and live with your family, then you need a full-sized blender like one from the Legacy series or the newer Ascent series.

Quietest Blenders from Vitamix

Blenders are powerful machines with noisy motors. If you want to spare your – and your neighbors’ – ears, then you may want to invest in an especially-quiet Vitamix:

  • Vita-Mix Quiet One Blender – This is the quietest blender in the Vitamix range. It’s commercial grade and comes with a sound shield.
  • The Vitamix 750 – Users rate this model to be 40% quieter than other Vitamix variants.
  • The Ascent 3500 – The Ascent Series is quieter than the rest and suitable for use in apartments in urban areas.

Newest Vitamix Blenders

Touchscreen control panels are a comparatively new phenomenon. They make using your blender effortless and often include useful features like a countdown timer. Here are some Vitamix blenders with touchscreen controls:

  • Vitamix 780.
  • Vitamix Touch and Go (Touchpad).
  • Vitamix Ascent Series – A3300 or A3500.

Vitamix Accessories

You can optionally purchase accessories with the Vitamix to make blending or cooking a more convenient, enjoyable experience:

  • Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor Attachment: This is for the Ascent and Venturist series models. You can use this attachment to mince, slice, chop, mix, knead, and shred ingredients.
  • Vitamix Under Blade Scraper: A lot of food becomes stuck under the blade when blending. You can’t reach it and it ends up going to waste. With this accessory, you can reach all the most awkward places under the blade and scrape out food without damaging the container.
  • Perfect Blend Smart Scale and Interactive App: This is a combination of an electronic weighing scale and a smartphone app. Both together allow you to prepare precise quantities of food quickly and easily.
  • Vitamix Personal Cup Adapter: The Personal Cup Adapter combo fits Legacy machines. It allows you to make single servings of food and quick chop ingredients. The 2 travel cups come with tight lids and maintain the temperature of whatever you keep inside.
  • Vitamix Classic Tamper: With the Tamper, you can push dense foods into the blades when you’re blending and make sure everything turns into a fine paste. Combine this with the Vitamix Tamper Holder to attach your tamper to the blender conveniently.

Conclusion

The A3500 is our Vitamix blender of choice. This is the sort of blender a grandma passes down to her grandkids. It looks stunning, has an incredible design, and performs as well as an Olympic athlete on steroids. While it costs a significant amount of money, Vitamix stands behind it with a full 10-year warranty.

The E310 is also worth your time. It performs well and has a no-frills, simplistic design that’s a joy to use. Lastly, if your wallet can’t handle the strain, you can still partake in the Vitamix experience by purchasing a refurbished 5300.

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Hi, I am Charms, a self-confessed smoothie fanatic!  Here I will share some of my favorite smoothie recipes, tips and guides and gear reviews.   Learn more .