The most frequent reason people compare Vitamix models is to decide which Vitamix to buy.
You most likely want to find a good deal. Perhaps you want the best Vitamix available. Or maybe you are looking for just an entry-level model.
Whatever it is, buying a Vitamix blender is an investment and you want to make the right choice. So, in this review I compare all Vitamix blenders (yes, ALL!) and discuss which blenders are worth considering and why. I am also working on an interactive tool to help you see all currently available Vitamix models and how they stack against each other based on power, features, warranty, and price (coming soon!)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
In case youβre not interested in reading the entire Vitamix comparison review and just want to know which Vitamix blender is best for whom, here is a brief summary:
- Best you can get (the most advanced with the newest technology): A3500
- Best you can get without new technology: Pro 750
- Best on a budget: E310
- Best value: recon V1200 or A2300
- Best rated: 5200
-
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Vitamix Comparison Video
If you’d like to see a comparison of three popular Vitamix models, watch the video below!
Vitamix Comparison
When buying a Vitamix blender, the most important thing to consider is what model will give you the most power, the best features, and the longest warranty for the money you invest.
In the case of Vitamix, it pretty much comes down to the features. Let me explain.
- Power: Vitamix blenders come equipped with either 2 HP or 2.2 HP motor. However, when you calculate the actual wattage and ignore the listed horsepower rating (which is typically peak horsepower), you realize that you are getting nearly the same blending power, around 1,500 watts.
- Features: Vitamix offers 15 different feature combinations, aka 15 different Vitamix models. Understanding all the features and knowing which ones are a “must-have” versus just a “nice-to-have” will allow you to pick the best Vitamix blender for your needs.
- Warranty: all Vitamix blenders come with a long warranty. The entry-level models come with a 5-year warranty while the high-end models come with a 10-year warranty. Obviously, the longer the warranty, the better. However, I currently own five Vitamix blenders (mostly for testing purposes) and never had any issue with any of them. Sure, I don’t use all of them on a regular basis, but the one I do, which is over 25 years old, is still running strong.
Ok, so now that you know that features should be the primary focus when comparing Vitamix models, let’s look at all the different variables.
Vitamix Differences
There are essentially three key decisions to make when deciding which Vitamix to buy. I know I listed five, but trust me, there are really only three to consider (you will understand why in just a little bit).
- Smart System (new technology) vs Legacy and Explorian (classic technology)
- Manual settings vs preset programs
- Switch controls vs touchscreen
- Container size
- New vs reconditioned
Smart System vs Legacy and Explorian
In 2016 Vitamix released a new line of Vitamix blenders called Smart System. These blenders feature self-detect technology and wireless connectivity, promising to make Smart System blenders the most advanced for many years ahead. It will be interesting to see how blender manufacturers, such as Blendtec, keep up.
All Smart System Vitamix blenders have embedded near-field communication (NFC) certificates. When any of the Smart System containers is placed onto the Smart System blender base, data is transmitted to the blender via NFC. The blender recognizes which container is being used and automatically adjusts the program settings and times accordingly, changing up to 140 parameters. The blender won’t power on until it senses that the container is in place, and it will also disable certain programs if the wrong container is in place (for example, you can only select the hot soup preprogrammed setting with a 64-ounce container). Legacy and Explorian Vitamix containers donβt have NFC tags and are not compatible with Smart System blenders.
Smart System blenders also come with Bluetooth to make use of the free Perfect Blend App with 17 blending programs and over 500 recipes. With the Bluetooth enabled, the blender automatically sends information about the size of the container to the Perfect Blend app. The app then adjusts recipes and ingredient amounts for that container and walk you through a recipe.
There are several reasons why I think that Smart System blenders are the way to go:
- Future-proofing: when you buy a Smart System blender, you’re buying into the future of Vitamix. Some of the newest Vitamix containers and attachments, including the 96-oz food processor attachment or the 8-oz blending bowl, are only compatible with Smart System blenders and can’t be used on Legacy blenders. This is not surprising considering that Vitamix is building its future on SELF-DETECT technology.
- Time display: all Smart System blenders come with a timer. None of the Legacy blenders do.
- Longer warranty: all Smart System blenders come with a 10-year warranty. Legacy blenders come with a 7-year and Explorian blenders come with a 5-year warranty.
You would think that with all this technology Smart System blenders would be significantly pricier then Legacy blenders, but that’s not the case. So, there really isn’t a good reason not to buy into the newest technology, unless you prefer to stick with the classics.
Here is a Vitamix comparison chart with all the currently available models:
Manual Settings vs Preset Programs
Vitamix blenders come with zero to five preset programs, including settings for smoothies, hot soups, dips & spreads, frozen desserts, and self-cleaning. They are nice but unnecessary. I personally own two Vitamix blenders with pre-programmed settings – the A3500 and the Pro 750 – and only use the self-cleaning preset. Here’s why.
- Presets are just timers: yup, that’s it. There are no sensors making customized adjustments while the blender is running. Vitamix can’t tell if you’re using 2 cups of water or 4 cups of water. It can detect the size of the container (if you have a Smart System blender), but not the amount of food in the container. The pre-set doesn’t know if the ingredients are raw (and need more blend time) or cooked (and need just a quick blend). It also doesn’t know if you want the texture to be silky smooth, or a bit on the “chunky” side. Sure, you probably want a smooth smoothie, but what about soup or dips? In a smoothie shop, where they make the same recipes over and over again, presets are extremely useful. But if you’re trying different combinations and experimenting with new ingredients all the time, not so much.
- Presets don’t equal multi-tasking: I never walk away from my Vitamix when I’m making a smoothie. First of all, 99% of the time I use the tamper. Second, I typically use frozen ingredients, so as soon as the smoothie is, well, smooth, I stop the blender so the ingredients don’t begin to melt. The same goes for ice cream. There is so much difference in the density of different frozen ingredients for a timer to work for all recipes. Frozen blackberries are quite a bit denser than frozen bananas, for example. Also, you can walk away from the blender whether you have a preset or not, particularly if you’re making hot pureed soup that you know will take 2 minutes to blend and heat up.
The bottom line is – preset programs are not chefs. They are just timers. There’s no way for a timer to know the volume, the temperature, or the density of the food that was put into the container. I would take the saved money by not buying a model with preset programs and invest it in an extra Vitamix container, such as the food processor attachment or the 8-oz bowl. However, if money is not a consideration, then go all out and get the A3500, which is the best of the best.
Note: Vitamix blenders with pre-programmed settings have a secondary On/Off switch as an added safety. This is great if you have small children.
Switch Controls vs Touchscreen
Switches vs touchscreen is simply a matter of preference. The functionality is exactly the same. The main differences are:
- Use: I find touchscreens extremely easy to use – I have an iPhone, an iPad, a touchscreen printer, a touchscreen GPS in the car… I love it. However, if you’re used to traditional knobs and switches, you might miss the classic interface and experience a longer learning curve with the touchscreen. Really, you can’t go wrong with either.
- Cleaning: raised switches are harder to wipe down than a flat touchscreen. That being said, there is only one Vitamix blender – the 780 – that has an entirely flat touchscreen. All Smart System blenders that come with a touchscreen have a raised digital knob.
- Aesthetics: personally, I prefer the sleek, more high-tech look of a touchscreen but again, that’s just a matter of preference.
Switch controls or touchscreen – both are excellent choices.
Container Size
Navigating through the extensive and ever-expanding line of Vitamix containers can be quite challenging. Should you get a blender with a full-size 64-oz container or is the 48-oz container big enough? Do you need an additional Vitamix container and if so, which one? What about the dry container?
The truth is that the container that comes with your machine (all Vitamix blenders come with a container), can do all essential blender tasks. If you donβt own a Vitamix blender yet, donβt pick a blender for your container. Itβs more important to find a blender that fits your needs rather than pick the perfect container. You can always get an additional container later.
This is why in the beginning I said that there are three key decisions to make. A container size is not one of them. Pick the right blender first.
If you’re curious, Vitamix currently offers 8 different containers for Legacy and Explorian blenders and 8 different container for Smart System blenders:
Legacy & Explorian Vitamix Containers
64-oz (tall)
64-oz (low-profile)
48-oz
48-oz stainless steel
48-oz Aer disc
32-oz
32-oz dry
20-oz blending cup
Smart System Vitamix Containers
64-oz (low-profile)
w/ SELF-DETECT
48-oz
w/ SELF-DETECT
48-oz dry
w/ SELF-DETECT
48-oz stainless steel
w/ SELF-DETECT
48-oz Aer disc
w/ SELF-DETECT
20-oz blending cup kit
w/ SELF-DETECT
8-oz blending bowl kit
w/ SELF-DETECT
20-oz blending cup and
8-oz bowl w/ SELF-DETECT
96-oz food processor
w/ SELF-DETECT
New vs Reconditioned
Now that you know which features are important to you, the next question is whether you should get a new Vitamix blender or a reconditioned one. If you’re looking to save some money, I highly recommend checking certified refurbished Vitamix blenders (sometimes also referred to as certified reconditioned). Vitamix guarantees them to work as well as new machines, the price is discounted by up to 40%, and aside from the print on the box, the machines are practically indistinguishable from new.
The only downside of reconditioned blenders is that you might need to wait to get the model you want. Vitamix doesnβt build new models to sell as reconditioned. They sell models as they become available. As such, they are limited in quantities and color selections. So, if you see a reconditioned Vitamix model you like, buy it ASAP! Supplies are limited and go out of stock pretty quick.
Whether you go with new or reconditioned, you should still pick the model you want. Even the newest Vitamix models are available reconditioned. So again, not really a key decision when comparing Vitamix blenders.
Vitamix Comparison Tool
COMING SOON!
Vitamix Models Comparison
Still confused about which Vitamix model is best for you? Let’s look at the categorization of Vitamix blenders to help you see the bigger picture.
So, three product lines – Legacy, Smart System, and Explorian – and 15 models. If you have ever seen other names for Vitamix blenders that aren’t listed on the chart above, those models were either discontinued or renamed for a specific reason.
For instance, all the following are 5200 blenders:
- Total Nutrition Center: 5200 re-branded for the Canadian market.
- 5200 Deluxe: 5200 re-branded and endorsed by Costco. This package comes with additional accessories, including the 32-oz container wet container, 32-oz dry container, 4 flexible cutting boards, and 3 customized spatulas.
- Aspire: 5200 re-branded for the Culinary institute of America (CIA) and endorsed by QVC. It comes with a 48-oz container instead of the full-size 64-oz container.
- Creations Gallery, Creations GC, Creations II: 5200 re-branded for the CIA and endorsed by QVC. These packages come with various recipe books (specifically developed for the Creations series).
- CIA Professional: 5200 re-branded for the CIA and endorsed by QVC. This package includes two specialized recipe books (developed in the 41 teaching kitchens across the CIA) and a Getting Started DVD featuring chef, Miachel Symon.
- TurboBlend VS: 5200 that comes with a specialized recipe book (with raw and vegan recipes), an exclusive Letβs Get Started DVD hosted by raw food author, Ani Phyo, and a nut milk bag.
- 1363, 1364, 1365, 1709, 1723, 1732: 5200 named according to their color schemes: platinum stainless steel, onyx stainless steel, red stainless steel, brushes stainless steel, onyx plastic, and black plastic, respectively.
The moral of the story – don’t get confused by all the different Vitamix names. There are only 15 variations.
The following Vitamix comparison tables show all the differences between the 15 individual models.
LEGACY – CLASSIC
Pro 500 | TurboBlend 3-Speed |
5300 | 6500 | ||
Motor | 2 HP | 2 HP | 2 HP | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP |
Start/Stop | β | β | β | β | β |
Pulse* | – | β | β | β | β |
High/Low Speed* | β | – | – | – | – |
Variable Speed Dial | 10 | 10 | 3 | 10 | 10 |
Program Settings | – | 3 | – | – | 3 |
Container | 64-oz tall (20.5″) |
64-oz tall (20.5″) |
64-oz tall (20.5″) |
64-oz low (17.25″) |
64-oz low (17.25″) |
Warranty | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Price | $449.95 | – | $399.95 | $529.95 | – |
*The pulse and high-low speed controls perform essentially the same function.
**The 5300 was originally made exclusively for Costco but is now available directly from Vitamix.
LEGACY – NEXT GENERATION & EXPLORIAN
Pro 750 | 780 | E310 | E320 | ||
Motor | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP | 2 HP | 2.2 HP |
Start/Stop | β | β | β | β | β |
Pulse | – | β | – | β | β |
Variable Speed Dial | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Program Settings | – | 5 | 5 | – | – |
Touchscreen | – | – | β | – | – |
Container | 64-oz low (17.25″) |
64-oz low (17.25″) |
64-oz low (17.25″) |
48-oz (17.25″) |
64-oz low (17.25″) |
Warranty | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 |
Price | $529.95 | $599.95 | $719.95 | $349.95 | $579 |
SMART SYSTEM – ASCENT & VENTURIST
A2500 | A3300 | A3500 | V1200 | ||
Motor | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP |
Variable Speed Dial | β | β | β | β | β |
Start/Stop | β | β | β | β | β |
Pulse | β | β | β | β | β |
Program Settings | – | 3 | – | 5 | – |
Timer (Count Up) | β | β | β | β | β |
Programmable Count Down | – | – | β | β | – |
Touchscreen | – | – | β | β | – |
SELF-DETECT™ Technology | β | β | β | β | β |
Container | 64-oz low (17.25″) |
64-oz low (17.25″) |
64-oz low (17.25″) |
64-oz low (17.25″) |
64-oz low (17.25″) |
Warranty | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
Price | $449.95 | $499.95 | $549.95 | $599.95 | $449.95 |
*The V1200 was originally made exclusively for Costco but is now available reconditioned directly from Vitamix.
Best Vitamix Blender
So, which Vitamix blender is best?
- Best you can get (aka the best Ascent): the A3500 is hands down the best Vitamix blender you can get. It has the latest and greatest features and the longest warranty. The A3500 is clearly the best of the best Vitamix has to offer.
- Best features without new technology (aka the best Legacy): the Pro 750 is the best choice for those without interest in the Smart System blenders. Itβs the most feature-rich classic (analog) model and the most popular out of the Legacy line.
- Best on a budget: if youβre looking for bargain Vitamix, your obvious choice the is the E310 (for singles) or the E320 (for families). Explorian blenders have a powerful motor, simple design, no electronics to break down, and a performance comparable to any other Vitamix blender. It is a great machine with Vitamix quality at entry-level pricing.
- Best value: the recon V1200 with the 20-oz kit is a great deal. The V1200 has Ascent features on a Legacy body. So, technically not an Ascent model, but with all the capabilities of one. If you’d like a new blender, the A2300 would be my next pick. It has the newest technology yet is far from being the most expensive.
- Best rated: the 5200 was my top choice for many years. It’s super versatile and does any task perfectly. It comes with a 64-oz narrow (tall) container, which can process both large and very small amounts of food without any problem. However, now that Vitamix came up with a new line of blenders with superior technology and better design, I can’t see a good argument for why the 5200 would be a better value than the A2300.
Q&A for Vitamix Buyers
Is Vitamix Worth It?
What separates Vitamix from other brands?
Vitamix blenders go above and beyond in every aspect. Some of the features that set Vitamix apart are a cool-running motor, metal gear coupling, patented air-craft grade stainless steel blade, and a uniquely designed container. Vitamix also offers an industry-leading 10-year full warranty for their Smart System blenders (Legacy blenders have a 7-year warranty, Explorian blenders have a 5-year warranty). Blendtec β Vitamixβs leading competitor β comes with an 8-year warranty while standard blenders typically offer no longer than a 1-year warranty.
Is Vitamix overpriced?
Many Vitamix blenders cost in the range of $500 and up. That’s a lot of money for a small kitchen appliance! However, according to Consumer Reports, Vitamix is a solid buy despite the high price.
Another way to look at it is that a $100 blender replaced every five years would cost you $20 a year. A $300 refurbished Vitamix blender that will easily last you 15 years will also put you at $20 a year. Of course, you can buy a Vitamix blender at a much higher price tag, but if you don’t mind sacrificing features like pre-set programs and a programmable timer, a more entry-level Vitamix blender will perform just as well.
Brands Comparison
How does Vitamix compare to Blendtec blenders?
Both brands are excellent blenders. In fact, Blendtec blenders are typically the closest comparable blender brand to Vitamix for blending performance and reliability. However, I prefer my Vitamix. It is simply better at blending and thanks to the tamper, it purees thick mixtures in half the time the Blendtec does.
How does Vitamix compare to Ninja blenders?
Ninja blenders have a great price point, but Vitamix wins in all other aspects – more powerful motor, more controls, more durability (e.g. metal gear coupling vs plastic gear coupling, blunt blades that won’t dull over time vs sharp blades that will dull over time), longer warranty, and more containers and accessories available.
Purchases, Warranty & Returns
Whatβs the best place to buy a Vitamix?
The best place to buy a Vitamix is either on Vitamix website or from Vitamix authorized retailers. If youβre buying a Vitamix from retailers, remember to always compare prices with vitamix.com to make sure youβre getting the best deal. Also, consider purchasing a certified reconditioned Vitamix for best value, especially if you see a model you really like. I donβt recommend buying a Vitamix from third party sellers and platforms including eBay or Craigslist.
What if I am not happy with my Vitamix?
Vitamix has a 30-day return policy on all orders. So, if you arenβt fully satisfied with the performance of your blender, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund. Vitamix will even pay for return shipping. If you purchased your Vitamix machines from a local retailer or a dealer, youβll need to contact them for their return policy.
What does Vitamix warranty cover?
Vitamix stands fully behind its products and offers a generous warranty that covers all parts, labor, and shipping. However, only 1% of Vitamix blenders ever get sent in for service, so it is unlikely youβll ever need it.
I have personally worked with more than a dozen Vitamix blenders and never experienced any issues.
Hi, Iβm Petra β a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and a Raw Food Chef. I have been using a Vitamix for more than a decade. I personally own several Vitamix blenders (mostly for testing purposes) and use Vitamix exclusively in commercial settings as well.
Whether youβre wondering which Vitamix to buy or what the upcoming Vitamix deals are, youβll find it on this site.
A full disclosure β I am an affiliate of Vitamix, so if you use my links to purchase a Vitamix, I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you so much for your support.
If you still can’t decide which Vitamix to buy, I would be happy to answer any questions in the comment section below. I respond to all comments within 24 hours.
Hi Petra,
Great information – thanks!
I have several questions about the metal vs non-metal finishes. Do the metal finishes decrease the noise over the non-metal models? If so, do you think it is very noticeable? Also, do you think that the models with metal finishes will have a longer longevity? Finally, am I correct that the only Ascent models with metal finish options are the 3300 (stainless only) and the 3500 (just the ones that say ‘metal’ in the description).
I have a question about the Ascent touch vs manual models. Are the touch screens very ‘sensitive’ to touch – do they respond quickly or do you have to touch them in a certain way or with a firmer pressure to get them to work?
Thanks!
Hi Joie,
1. Yes, the metal ones do decrease noise for sure. I write about it here – with the exact dB you can expect from certain Vitamix models: https://nutritionrefined.com/which-is-the-quietest-vitamix-blender/
2. Longer longevity? Honestly, not necessarily. The plastic vs metal enclosing doesn’t really effect longevity. What affects longevity are the motor and whether it is cool-running, the gear coupling – metal vs plastic, blade quality and whether it gets dull over time, etc.
3. Yes, that is correct. Vitamix used to sell the Pro 750 in metal as well, but that was discontinued.
4. I have the A3500 and the touchscreen is really responsive. As soon as you touch any of the controls, they will respond. You are probably worried about the touchscreen being hypersensitive? If that is the case, nothing actually happens until you press the start button. When you are setting the programs, the speeds, the timer, etc. everything will be showing up on the display, but the blender will not start blending until you actually press the start button that is underneath all the controls. And as far as cleaning goes, the blender will be unplugged, so that is not an issue either. But yes, the touchscreen is very responsive (sensitive) and you don’t need to touch any controls with a firmer pressure.
Let me know if you have any more questions π
. Or let me rephrase – I inherited my Vitamix blender from my husbands grandma who bought it in the 90s. It is over 30 years old and I use it to this day, no issues whatsoever. And yes, it is plastic.
Thanks for answering, Petra, and for the helpful link to your article about the quietest blenders. About the touch sensitivity, I was actually more concerned about non-responsiveness (based on some online reviews that I read), so it is good to know that they are nicely responsive. I think I’ve narrowed my choice down to A3300 or A3500 in a metal finish. Thanks!
I am glad it was helpful, Joie. Hmm, that is interesting. I have never had any issues with non-responsiveness. You do have to touch the entire button – if you touch only half of the button, the touchscreen will not respond. But the buttons are relatively small, so it is pretty hard to not touch the entire button. The good news is that if you do find that the touchscreen is not responsive to your liking (I honestly don’t think it will be an issue), you can always return it. Both the A3300 and the A3500 are excellent blenders!
Hello!
Which Vitamix has the longest longevity? You mention metal vs plastic gear coupling. Which model has which? Perhaps comparing the ascent models to the Pro 750 and 5200.
Your article is wonderful, thank you!
Hi Justin – I couldn’t find where I mention the gear coupling. I know I talk about it in the “Do You Need a High-Speed Blender” article where I say that all Vitamix blenders have a metal gear coupling. I would say that the Ascent blenders have the longest longevity (hence the longest 10-year warranty). You can find a comparison of the A3500, the Pro 750 and the 5200 here π
Let me know if you have any questions.
It appears that the E-320 actually has a 2.2 HP motor rather than the 2.0 in the E-310.
Thank you for catching that, Allen!
In the brief summary following the table of contents you list the best value as the A2300 but in the ending detailed bullets you have the best value as the A2500. Can you please clarify which one?
Thanks!
Hi Amy – ah my mistake. I just now updated the brief summary. It was supposed to be the A2300. My apologies for the confusion.
What are the 3 programed settings offered with the A2500 model? I’m trying to decide between the A2300 and the A2500.
Hi Lynette – the pre-programmed settings are for smoothies, hot soup, and frozen desserts. I think that the A2300 is a slightly better value, but if you like the idea of pre-programmed settings, you can’t go wrong with the A2500.
Hi Petra:
I hope that you’re well. I think that I’m leaning toward getting a 5200, but I’m intrigued by your comment about how you used to highly recommend the 5200 but “However, now that Vitamix came up with a new line of blenders with superior technology and better design, I canβt see a good argument for why the 5200 would be a better value than the A2300.”
Right now both models are the same price.
I’m on the verge of information paralysis on which model to buy, but I know that you have many years experience with Vitamix so I want to lay out my thinking and see what you think.
In reading reviews of the A2300, (and all other Ascent models) most complaints have to do with the size of the container (too big for 1 or 2 people – I’m buying the blender to use for 1 person – me), the blender generating a lot of error codes, the base not recognizing different containers, build quality (materials used, etc.) compared to older models and, occasionally, lack of power! Good heavens.
While the ‘they don’t make them like they used to” complaints cut across ALL of the current Vitamix models, I think that I may fall into the camp of those commenters that wish they had gone with the legacy models and not fallen for the “future-proof” selling point of compatibility with new accessories.
I’m going to use the blender for a daily smoothie. I don’t think that I’ll be making soup in my blender. I already have food processor and the idea of where to store any more additional containers drives me batty.
Believe it or not, I still keep coming back to your comment about you not really being able to recommend the 5200 over the A2300 anymore. So you are responsible for my inability to decide!! Just kidding.
Thank you for considering my predicament and if you think that different model might suit my needs, please let me know. P.S: I’m not interested in Explorian or Venturist.
Hi Jimmy – I am so sorry for not responding earlier! If you want to make smoothies for 1 person, already have a food processor, and don’t really like the idea of having multiple containers, the 5200 is definitely a better option! The reasons I recommend the A2300 over the 5200 are:
1. The option of purchasing other attachments, particularly the food processor attachment. I like the idea of having just 1 base and using it as a blender and a food processor. If you’re happy with your food processor (and wouldn’t be purchasing the Vitamix Food Processor Attachment in the future anyway), this doesn’t really apply to you.
2. More container options – again, it seems that you would rather have 1 container that does multiple things than several containers. I can totally relate to this because I LOVE the 64-oz tall container. It is by far my favorite container because it does it all! I wish Vitamix came up with a 64-oz tall container for Smart System blenders.
3. Future-proofing – Vitamix seems to be developing attachments and containers primarily for Smart System blenders. This is not always the case – for instance, they recently came up with a stainless steel container that works on all full-size Vitamix blenders. However, Vitamix did say that they are building their future around SELF-DETECT technology. So, if they come up with a new attachment in the future, it might not be compatible with Legacy blenders.
To address your point about error codes, I do have the A2300 and have used it for about a year consistently and never got any errors. Honestly. It might be possible, but it never happened to me. I now use the A3500 and no error codes either.
Now, if you are interested in hearing my recommendation, I would say that based on what you have written, the 5200 is hands down a better option for you.
Of course, if you have any questions, please, feel free to reach out again and I will try to respond as best as I can.
Hi Petra:
Thank you so much for your reply to my “which blender to buy” predicament. As usual, you’re very concise and informative with your response.
I appreciate your patience and for responding in such detail.
I’ll be ordering the 5200 very soon and I’ll come to nutritionrefined.com to use your link.
Thank you Jimmy! I really appreciate your support. I am glad I could help π
Hello. I’m currently trying to make a decision (sound familiar?) This blender buy will be for home use.
I’m accustomed to using the tall 64oz container in a commercial environment. Soups – hot and cold, purees, flavored oils (even using 325F oil and pouring into the spinning blender blade over green herbs or dried chiles,) liver pate with frozen whole butter, vinaigrette, dozens of eggs at a time, custards, popcorn spun to cornmeal, etc and I absolutely love the performance I get from the tall container on the two 5200 series models I’m familiar with. My first Vitamix purchase was a reconditioned “Standard” and it took every bit of a beating I could give it. Only one instance the machine needed to cool down to reset in seven years of constant, daily use and I assume it’s still going strong … I’m not with it anymore.
The recommended self-detect A2300 is now on sale for $400 with the 10 year warranty but comes with the “squat” 64oz container. I’m concerned about the self-detect but with the 10 year warranty, commitment to future innovation in self-detect tech and options for additional accessories (spice / pepper grinder 8oz cup, small sauce 20oz,) I’m not that afraid to pull the trigger. The warranty and the under-cabinet form-factor is selling me first.
Here’s my hang-up though. I see you mention that you absolutely love the tall container and I get it.
Will you share why you love the tall container most? Does it perform at a much noticeable improvement vs the (under cabinet friendly) squat container?
I realize this may be a trivial concern but I “know” that tall container vortex so well that It’s hard for me to accept a new design without testing.
Also, is the pulse feature the new way to roll? I like being able to tap into high speed on the 5200 model and find I use it often.
Thank you so much for your testing information!
Hi Marc – a great question. Let’s first address your concern about SELF-DETECT. I have never had any issue with the SELF-DETECT feature. I own the A3500, the A3200, and the A2300 and use one of them at least once a day. If there ever is any issue, I am sure Vitamix will take care of it. Their customer service is amazing. But again, I have never had any issue with it.
Now, the container question is trickier. I still love the 64-oz tall container the most. Here’s my comparison of the two containers if you’re interested: https://nutritionrefined.com/vitamix-containers/#TallLow
In a nutshell, my biggest complaint about the 64-oz low-profile container is that it does not handle single servings of food well. I like to make single-serving smoothies or grind only a little bit of flax seeds at a time, etc. and that just doesn’t work in the low-profile container. The vortex in the low-profile container is fine, but only if you have larger amounts of food. You now have the option to buy smaller containers for Smart System blenders to make single-serving smoothies or grind only a little bit of seeds at a time. BUT for a person who lives alone and doesn’t want to have more than one blender container in their kitchen, I still think that the 64-oz tall container is the most versatile.
Finally, the pulse feature. I used to use the high speed on the 5200 a lot of too. I find that if you turn the speed dial on the Smart System blenders all the way up to 10 (the highest speed), it essentially replaces the high speed function. The speed dial on the 5200 is not the same as the speed dial on the Smart System blenders.
Let me know if you have any other questions π
One final question if you will have me. I see that the A2300 has an opaque lid where I’m used to the black, soft-touch, well-fitting lid. Is the clear lid anything I need to concern myself with? Does it function as well and will it fit just as simply as the black lids I’m familiar with?
The lid is totally fine. The main difference is that the clear lid snaps into place vs the rubber lid locks into place. The clear lid is obviously more rigid and the snapping requires more force. It might be an adjustment in the beginning, but now that I have used the “snapping” mechanism for years, I don’t think about it twice. It’s not worse or better; it’s just different.
I am in the process of deciding which vitamix to buy. I am leaning toward the A3500 because I would like to include the food processor with it. Does the blender you use go with your vitamix. Everything looks like it blends so well in the blender and food processor in your demos. I think my recipes would come out better using the vita mix and food processor. What are your comments on that. Thanks
Hi Miriam – the A3500 is the most expensive Vitamix model, but it is truly the best. I use it all the time in my videos. I try to switch up the blenders in my videos to demonstrate that all models are really good, but they’re all Vitamix. I have the A3500 and the A2500 – both of them are compatible with the food processor attachment – as well as the E310 and the Pro750, which are NOT compatible with the food processor attachment. If you have any particular model in mind and some more information or if you have any other questions, let me know π