The A3300 and the A3500 are both cutting-edge, premium blenders in Vitamix’s newest Ascent series. Both offer the best of what Vitamix has to offer in terms of design, features, and performance. And both cost about the same, with the A3500 priced just a little more.
Considering the Vitamix a3300 vs the a3500, which blender is the best? For most of our readers, it’s the A3500. We get into the how and the why in our in-depth comparison guide below.
Vitamix a3300 vs a3500: Which One is Better?
The A3500 is more expensive, but it’s still the better blender:
- The A3500 comes with program presets, which the A3300 lacks.
- The A3500 has better color options.
- A3500 has more positive reviews.
- Click here to check the price of the a3500 model.
Key Differences between the A3300 and the A3500
- Program presets: The A3500 comes with 5 preset options: Smoothies, Frozen Desserts, Hot Soup, Self Cleaning, and Dips & Spreads. The A3300, on the other hand, has 0. You can, in theory, replicate the automatic programs by controlling the A3300 manually, but it’s difficult and inconvenient.
- Price: The A3300 costs anywhere from $400 to 500, while the A3500 is somewhere in the $500-600 range. The A3500 is usually $100 more than the A3300.
- Color options: The A3500 has 5 stunning color options (some of which may be out of stock). Namely White, Candy Apple Red, Graphite Metal Finish, Brushed Stainless Metal Finish, Copper Metal Finish, and Black Stainless Metal Finish. The A3300 only has three: Pearl Grey, Black Diamond, and Brushed Stainless Metal Finish.
- Weight: The A3300 weighs 11.86 lbs while the A3500 weighs 14.92 lbs. The A3300 wins out here – it’s easier to move and carry.
- Convenience: The A3500 is more convenient to use due to the blending presets. You can, in theory, replicate the blending presets on the A3300 with the Vitamix wireless app. In practice, it doesn’t work so well.
Similarities between the A3300and the A3500
- Container: Both the A3300 and the A3500 have the same 64oz low-profile, BPA-free container. It supports Vitamix’s self-detect technology, which means the blender will detect it when you attach it. The container is high-quality and will hold medium-to-large portions.
- Warranty: You receive the same 10-year full Vitamix warranty with both machines. It covers everything you can think of, from shipping to labor.
- Accessories: The A3300 and the A3500 come with two added accessories out-of-the-box, a low-profile tamper and a “Simply Blending” cookbook.
- Dimensions: The A3300 has identical dimensions to the A3500 at 11 x 8 x 17 inches. Both are compact and fit the typical kitchen cabinet.
- Users: These appliances are suitable mostly for families, for home use. If you’re an individual user, you are better off looking for a smaller, low-capacity blender like the E310 Explorian.
- Noise: The A3300 and the A3500 make an identical level of noise. They’re not quiet machines by any stretch. However, they don’t rouse the dead either when they’re on.
- Performance: Both machines perform the same – which is to say incredibly well. The 2.2HP motor they ship with is a beast. It grinds anything you place in the container to a pulp in seconds.
- Quality: Quality-wise, the A3300 and the A3500 are outstanding. Most Vitamix machines will last at least as long as the warranty. In this case, that’s 10 years.
- Versatility: You can use the A3300 and the A3500 for making a diverse array of dishes, wet or dry. You can make smoothies, batters, nut butters, hummus, spreads, soups, whole juices, cocktails, baby food, ice cream, and much more. Both blenders will chop, dice, mix, blend, and grind.
- Controls: Both the A3300 and the A3500 have touchscreen panels, with advanced functions like programmable timers. You control the speed with a speed dial.
- Features: Finally, both blenders offer the latest, most advanced features. For example, wireless connectivity, self-detect, friction heating, and Vitamix vortex.
Product Reviews
The Vitamix A3300 Ascent Series Blender Review
Highlights:
- Power: 2.2 HP.
- Jar Capacity: 64oz.
- Speeds: Variable infinite speeds.
- Pulse Control: Yes.
- Type of switches: Touchscreen.
- Dishwasher safe: Yes.
- Warranty: 10 years.
- Extra Features: Wireless connectivity, programmable timer , self-detect technology, self-cleaning, friction heating, and Vitamix vortex.
The A3300 is the penultimate entry in the premium Ascent Series. It offers incredible features and the most up-to-date design you can get.
The A3300 has a touchscreen panel that’s a joy to use. It comes with the signature Vitamix speed dial on the side.
The 64oz container makes food for a whole family. This is a stunning-looking appliance thanks to its polished metallic finish.
In terms of performance, the A3300 can do no wrong. The blender is powerful enough to reduce hard ice to dust in seconds.
The variable speed control allows you to make blends of any required consistency. You can heat, chop, grind, blend, or emulsify equally.
The Vitamix vortex technology creates a vortex in the container, which causes the ingredients to mix well.
You can maintain, clean, and store this blender without too much hassle. The 10-year warranty will help you avoid out-of-pocket expenses later.
The A3300 is an amazing blender. If you can overlook the lack of preset programs, it’s as good as the A3500 and costs significantly less.
PROS
- Amazing performance, gorgeous design.
- Costs less than the A3500.
- Comes with advanced Ascent-Series-only features like a touchscreen.
CONS
- It’s a premium blender and commands an equally premium price.
- Doesn’t have program presets.
- The 64oz container is overkill for small quantities of food.
The Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Blender Review
Highlights:
- Power: 2.2 HP.
- Jar Capacity: 64oz.
- Speeds: Variable infinite speeds.
- Pulse Control: Yes.
- Type of switches: Touchscreen.
- Dishwasher safe: Yes.
- Warranty: 10 years.
- Extra Features: Wireless connectivity, programmable timer, program settings, self-detect technology, self-cleaning, friction heating, and Vitamix vortex.
The A3500 is the very best of what Vitamix offers for non-commercial use. The A3500 is an elegant, beautiful machine that will occupy pride of place in any kitchen.
The machine has a durable body and a futuristic touchscreen interface. You can make food quickly by filling the 64oz container with ingredients and pressing a pre-programmed cycle button.
This machine can make incredibly fine, consistent blends. Thanks to the variable speed control, you can control the final consistency to perfection. Or, if you prefer, you can press a button and let the blender make the dish for you.
It can save you a lot of time and energy. If you make only small quantities of food, you may need to buy a smaller-capacity container.
Cleaning, storing, and maintaining the A3500 is no trouble. This appliance has one of the few dishwasher-safe containers in the Vitamix lineup.
Finally, the 10-year warranty you receive ensures you’ll be able to use the A3500 for years to come. You might also be interested in our review of the Vitamix a3500 vs a2500 model or our review of the Vitamix a3500 vs 750 model.
PROS
- The best of the best – amazing performance, quality, and design.
- Pre-programmed settings allow you to walk away from the machine.
CONS
- It’s seriously expensive.
- It’s only a slight upgrade over the A3300 (and the A2500).
- The wireless connectivity is a bit of a sales gimmick.
Conclusion – Our Recommendations
The A3300 and the A3500 are virtually identical machines – save for the program presets. As such, we recommend spending the extra money for the A3500 for added convenience.
The Vitamix app (it offers remote program settings) is fiddly, bug-riddled, and generally inconvenient. With a better app, we may have recommended the A3300 over the A3500.
Use the A3300 if –
- You want an Ascent Series machine with touchscreen controls.
- You want a 10-year warranty and amazing performance.
- You can live without program presets.
Use the A3500 if –
- You want the convenience of program presets.
- You want more color options.
- You want the very best of Vitamix.
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