Navigating through the extensive and ever-expanding line of Vitamix containers can be pretty challenging.
Should you get a blender with a full-size 64-ounce container, or is the 48-ounce container big enough? Do you need an additional Vitamix container, and if so, which one? What about the dry container – is it really necessary? And which Vitamix container is compatible with which Vitamix model anyway?
Whether you’re a first-time Vitamix buyer or just looking at adding a container to your existing machine, this review will answer all these questions and help you decide which Vitamix container is the best for your needs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vitamix Containers – Compatibility
All Vitamix blenders fall into three product lines – Legacy (Classic and Next Generation), Smart System (Ascent and Venturist), and Explorian. Vitamix also used to offer a line of personal blenders – Space Saving – but those were discontinued in 2019.
In the past, all Vitamix containers were interchangeable, but that’s no longer the case. With over 17 different Vitamix containers, figuring out which Vitamix container is compatible with which Vitamix blender can be quite challenging.
Since Vitamix containers are configured by product lines, let’s first look at the three product lines Vitamix currently offers.
Legacy
Legacy blenders are the original tried-and-true machines that made the company’s reputation. These machines have been around since 1937! Vitamix containers designed specifically for Legacy blenders include:
Legacy 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
Legacy containers are not compatible with Smart System blenders or Space Saving blenders. With the former, the motor won’t drive the blade on a container without SELF DETECT technology. With the latter, the containers don’t fit.
The Explorian line of blenders is compatible with Legacy containers (more on that later).
Here is a simple compatibility chart for Legacy blenders:
| Classic | Next Generation | Smart System | Explorian | Space Saving | |
| ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | – | |
| ✓* | ✓ | – | ✓** | – | |
| 48-oz container | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | – |
| 48-oz stainless steel container | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | |
| ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | – | |
| ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | – | |
| ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | – |
*Compatible only with Classic blenders with a 2.2 HP motor (5300 and 6500).
**Compatible only with the Explorian blenders with a 2.2 HP motor (E320).
Smart System
In 2016 Vitamix released a new line of Vitamix blenders called Smart System. All Smart System blenders include SELF-DETECT™ technology, meaning the blender base will detect the container in use and automatically adjust program settings and maximum blend times accordingly, changing up to 140 parameters. This system also provides extra safety because the machine will turn off if the container is nudged off the base.
Vitamix containers designed specifically for Smart System blenders include:
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
Most SELF-DETECT™ containers are compatible with Legacy and Explorian blenders. The two exceptions are the 8-ounce blending bowl and the 96-ounce food processor attachment, which are only compatible with Smart System blenders. No other machine – Legacy or Explorian – can operate these two containers. It’s important to note that while SELF-DETECT™ containers can be used on Legacy and Explorian blenders, the SELF-DETECT features work only on Smart System blenders.
All SELF-DETECT™ containers are incompatible with Space Saving blenders. They simply don’t fit.
Here is a simple compatibility chart for Smart System blenders:
| Classic | Next Generation | Smart System | Explorian | Space Saving | |
| – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓** | – | |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | |
| 48-oz stainless steel container | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| 48-oz Aer™ disc container | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| ✓*** | ✓*** | ✓ | ✓*** | – | |
| – | – | ✓ | – | – | |
| – | – | ✓ | – | – |
*The SELF-DETECT features work only on Smart System blenders.
**Compatible only with the Explorian blenders with a 2.2 HP motor (E320).
***Personal cup adapter required.
Explorian
In 2017 Vitamix announced a new, entry-level line of blenders called Explorian. These blenders were released as a Vitamix’s response to competitors’ pressure, making similarly powerful blenders at a fraction of the Vitamix’s cost. The Explorian line of blenders is compatible with the same containers as the Legacy line of blenders:
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
Currently, the Explorian line features two models – the E310 and the E320.
The E310 (with its 2.0 HP motor) is designed to operate containers with a 3-inch blade, that is, any Legacy container except for the 64-ounce (low-profile) container. The 64-ounce (low-profile) container will work with the E310, but the engine is not designed to operate the wider 4-inch blade. A continuous use of the 64-ounce (low-profile) container with the E310 can cause the motor to wear out. The E320 (with its 2.2 HP motor) is compatible with all Legacy containers.
Here is a simple Explorian containers compatibility chart:
| Classic | Next Generation | Smart System | Explorian | Space Saving | |
| ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | – | |
| ✓* | ✓ | – | ✓** | – | |
| 48-oz container | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | – |
| 48-oz stainless steel container | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | |
| ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | – | |
| ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | – | |
| ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | – |
*Compatible only with Classic blenders with a 2.2 HP motor (5300 and 6500).
**Compatible only with the Explorian blenders with a 2.2 HP motor (E320).
Space-Saving (discontinued)
Vitamix containers designed specifically for Space Saving blenders include:
Space-Saving Vitamix Containers
40-oz
20-oz
Space Saving blenders are limited to batches as big as 40 ounces and as small as 20 ounces. Bigger containers – Legacy, Smart System, or Explorian – don’t fit on the base, and the 8-ounce bowl doesn’t have the proper magnet to trigger the Space Saving machine’s motor.
Vitamix Containers – Size & Capacity
Now that you know which Vitamix container works on which blender, the question is – what size is the best for you? Which Vitamix container should you buy?
The short answer is that the container that comes with your machine (all Vitamix blenders come with a container) can do all essential blender tasks. But since some containers specialize in specific tasks and have different quantity limitations, you might be considering a second container.
Note: If you don’t own a Vitamix blender yet, don’t pick a blender for your container. It’s more important to find a blender that fits your needs than to choose the perfect container. You can always get an additional container later.
64-ounce Vitamix Container
The 64-ounce container comes in two different designs – tall and low-profile.
64-ounce Vitamix (tall) Container
- Capacity: 64 ounces
- Height: 13.4 inches (20.5 inches when on the base); doesn’t fit under most kitchen cabinets.
- Blade: stainless-steel, non-removable, 3 inches in diameter.
- Minimum volume of ingredients: designed to process medium and large batches of food. However, because of its unique design and perfectly controlled vortex, it also easily handles single-serving batches. You can blend as small as 8 ounces of mostly liquid blends (juices, smoothies, dressings, etc.) and as small as 20 ounces of thick blends (dips, nut butters, frozen desserts, etc.).
- Tamper included: yes
- Compatibility: Legacy and Explorian
64-ounce Vitamix (low-profile) Container
- Capacity: 64 ounces
- Height: 10.1 inches (17.25 inches when on the base); fits under most kitchen cabinets.
- Blade: stainless-steel, non-removable, 4 inches in diameter.
- Minimum volume of ingredients: designed to make medium and large batches of food. Because the container is wider, it requires a larger minimum quantity than the tall and narrow 64-ounce container – 16 ounces for liquid blends (juices, smoothies, dressings, etc.) and 28 ounces for thick blends (dips, nut butters, frozen desserts, etc.).
- Tamper included: yes
- Compatibility: Legacy with a 2.2 HP motor (5300, 6500, 7500, Pro 750, 780), Smart System (the container must have the SELF-DETECT label), and Explorian with a 2.2 HP motor (E320)
48-ounce Vitamix Container
- Capacity: 48 ounces
- Height: 10.25 inches (17.4 inches when on the base); fits under most kitchen cabinets.
- Blade: stainless-steel, non-removable, 3 inches in diameter.
- Minimum volume of ingredients: designed to make medium batches of food. The 48-ounce container is slightly wider than the 64-ounce tall container. Therefore, the minimum blending quantity is larger even though the maximum capacity is smaller – 12 ounces for liquid blends (juices, smoothies, dressings, etc.) and 24 ounces for thick blends (dips, nut butters, frozen desserts, etc.).
- Tamper included: yes
- Compatibility: Legacy, Smart System (the container must have the SELF-DETECT label), and Explorian
48-ounce Vitamix Aer™ Disc Container
- Capacity: 48 ounces
- Height: 10.25 inches (17.4 inches when on the base); fits under most kitchen cabinets.
- Blade: disc
- Minimum volume of ingredients: designed to make small and medium batches of food. It allows you to work with as little as 8 ounces of liquid ingredients (to make drinks, sauces, dressings, or foams) and 16 ounces of solid ingredients (to extract juice from fruit or crush ice).
- Tamper included: no
- Compatibility: Legacy, Smart System, and Explorian
40-ounce Vitamix Container (discontinued)
- Capacity: 40 ounces
- Height: 9.11 inches (15.66 inches when on the base); fits under all kitchen cabinets.
- Blade: stainless steel, removable with a rubber seal, 3 inches in diameter.
- Minimum volume of ingredients: designed to make small batches of food. It has a similar narrow design at the bottom as the 64-ounce (tall) container. So, you can blend as small as 8 ounces of mostly liquid blends (juices, smoothies, dressings, etc.) and as small as 20 ounces of thick blends (dips, nut butters, frozen desserts, etc.).
- Tamper included: no
- Compatibility: Space Saving
32-ounce Vitamix Container
- Capacity: 32 ounces
- Height: 9.8 inches (16.95 inches when on the base); fits under most kitchen cabinets.
- Blade: stainless-steel, non-removable, 3 inches in diameter.
- Minimum volume of ingredients: designed to make small batches of food. Because the 32-ounce container has an identical shape at the bottom as the 64-ounce (tall) container, the minimum blending quantity is the same – 8 ounces for liquid blends (juices, smoothies, dressings, etc.) and 20 ounces for thick blends (dips, nut butters, frozen desserts, etc.).
- Tamper included: yes
- Compatibility: Legacy and Explorian
20-ounce Vitamix Blending Cup
- Capacity: 20 ounces.
- Height: 8 inches (14.55 inches when on the Space Saving base); fits under all kitchen cabinets.
- Blade: stainless steel, removable with a rubber seal, 3 inches in diameter.
- Minimum volume of ingredients: designed to make single servings of food.
- Tamper included: no
- Compatibility: Legacy (the container needs the Personal Cup Adapter), Smart System (the container must have the SELF-DETECT label), and Explorian (the container needs the Personal Cup Adapter)
8-ounce Vitamix Blending Bowl
- Capacity: 8 ounces
- Height: 3.8 inches
- Blade: stainless steel, removable with a rubber seal, 3 inches in diameter.
- Minimum volume of ingredients: N/A, designed to make baby food, dressings, and sauces.
- Tamper included: no
- Compatibility: Smart System
Vitamix Containers – Comparisons
64-ounce Tall vs. 64-ounce Low-Profile Container
The 64-ounce (tall) container is hands down my favorite out of all Vitamix containers. It has been the standard for decades – Vitamix has been selling this container since 1992! – and for a good reason. It has a large capacity, yet it’s capable of making single servings. It creates a perfectly controlled vortex, systematically folding ingredients back into the blade so the contents of the blender don’t splash around or up to the lid during blending. It’s the most versatile out of all Vitamix containers (you don’t typically need an additional container to get any job done).
There are a couple of drawbacks with the tall container, though.
The tall container doesn’t fit under most kitchen cabinets when on the base. This isn’t a deal-breaker. First of all, it does fit under some kitchen cabinets (it fits under my kitchen cabinet, for instance). Second, I like to keep my kitchen counter clutter-free, so I store the blender in my cupboard anyway. Third, if you really wanted to keep your blender in sight and it didn’t fit, you don’t have to store away the entire machine, just the container.
I have also heard people complain about cleaning the tall container. It’s pretty hard to clean under the blade with your hands – there is not much room to maneuver, and the blade is pointy. But then again – I rarely ever clean the blender by hand. The best way to clean the container is to rinse it thoroughly after each use. Then add one to two drops of dish soap and fill it halfway with warm water. Secure the lid and run the blender on high for 30-60 seconds. Rinse, and that’s it! No additional cleaning is required (in most cases).
Unfortunately, the 64-ounce (tall) container only comes with the Legacy Classic blenders. So, unless you really want a Classic blender, your blender will either come with the 64-ounce (low-profile) container (most Vitamix blenders) or the 48-ounce container (E310). This doesn’t mean that you can’t purchase the 64-ounce (tall) container as a secondary container for any Legacy blender that comes with the 64-ounce (low-profile) container, including the 7500, the Pro 750, and the 780.
48-ounce vs. 32-ounce Container
Those who want to purchase a second Vitamix container most frequently compare the 48-ounce container and the 32-ounce container.
Both containers come in a wet and dry version; their capabilities are very similar, their height is almost identical, and their lids come with a tamper. The main difference between them is the minimum batch size. The 48-ounce container requires a slightly larger volume of ingredients to blend efficiently (see above).
So, which one should you get? If you have a 64-ounce (low-profile) container already, get the 32-ounce container. The 64-ounce (low-profile) container is more similar to the 48-ounce container, so the 32-ounce container will give you more versatility.
48-ounce Container vs. 20-ounce Cup
If you have a Smart System blender and want a second container, the choice comes down to the 48-ounce container vs. the 20-ounce blending cup. There are several reasons why I think that the 48-ounce container is a better choice.
First, the 48-ounce container features a vented lid, so it can make hot soups. It also comes with a tamper, so making thick blends, such as nut butter or ice cream, is no problem. The 20-ounce blending cup, on the other hand, is limited to smoothies, juices, sauces, dressings, and other liquid blends because it doesn’t have a vented or tamper-compatible lid.
Second, the 48-ounce container can easily handle large frozen ingredients. With the 20-ounce blending cup, the ingredients should fit in between the blade. If the ingredients are too large and hard, such as a frozen strawberry, the strawberry will just hit the retainer screw and not blend.
The only advantage of the 20-ounce blending cup is that it doesn’t have a fixed blade. So, you can use it as an on-the-go drinking container. But honestly, while it may be a top-quality drinking cup, if you’re using it as just a drinking cup, there are cheaper options available.
20-ounce Cup vs. 8-ounce Bowl
The 20-ounce cup and the 8-ounce bowl are the best containers for making small batches. They both also do blend-and-go.
The difference lies in what they were designed for. The 20-ounce cup is best for making smoothies, shakes, and other drinks on the go. It’s also great at making sauces or dressings for many people, e.g., when hosting a party. The 8-ounce bowl is indispensable for making baby food. It’s also the perfect size when making sauces or dressings for the family.
So, which one should you get? It depends on what you would use them for.
Wet vs. Dry Container
The 48-ounce container and the 32-ounce container come in a wet and dry versions. Vitamix used to make also a 64-ounce dry container (I inherited one from my husband’s grandma), but they found that it’s most efficient to blend dry ingredients in smaller amounts (32 ounces or less).
The question is – do you actually need a dry container? Probably not.
The theory behind the dry container is it helps to grind it more like a grain mill. In the dry container, ingredients are pushed up the sides and away from the blade to prevent material from packing at the bottom of the container. In the wet container, on the other hand, ingredients are being pulled down into the blade to help the liquefying process.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make flour, breadcrumbs, or flaxseed meal in a wet container. I have prepared all of the aforementioned in a wet container with no issues. So, unless you’re planning on grinding A LOT, the Vitamix dry container just isn’t worth it.
However, one thing to consider is that dry ingredients, such as grains, legumes, nuts, etc., can create tiny scratches on the inside of the container. These scratches make the container appear cloudy. Unfortunately, this is irreversible. So, if the appearance of the Vitamix container is important to you, you might want to purchase an extra container just for rough ingredients.
Vitamix Containers – Material
- Plastic: most Vitamix containers are made of BPA-free Eastman Tritan Copolyester (a fancy term for plastic). There is a significant variance in quality between different types of plastics. Fortunately, Tritan Copolyester is as strong, durable, and shatter-proof as polycarbonate, yet formulated without BPA.
- Stainless steel: in 2020, Vitamix released a 48-ounce stainless steel container (304 grade). Stainless steel was the original pre-1991 material Vitamix used for their containers. So, it’s nice to see that Vitamix is going back to basics. A stainless steel container is a premium option, so it’s more expensive than any other Vitamix container. However, there are several reasons why I think it’s worth it. Stainless steel is:
- Thermally conductive: cold blends stay cold and hot blends stay hot longer.
- Durable: the container will not break or crack even if you drop it on the floor.
- Scratch-resistant: blending hard ingredients, such as frozen fruit or grains, won’t scratch the container.
- Odor- and stain-resistant: stainless steel is non-porous, so it doesn’t trap food particles.
- Glass: many people ask if Vitamix offers a glass container. Unfortunately, it does not. You can only find glass containers in conventional blenders because the friction and power of a high-speed blender can make glass shatter. Glass containers are also very heavy (although I have to admit that I would take a heavy glass container over a plastic one at any time).
Tampers
Vitamix tamper is an indispensable tool designed to remove air pockets and process thick, dense ingredients by pushing the food down into the blade. Vitamix makes three different tampers for their containers.
- Classic tamper (12.5 inches) for the 64-ounce (tall) container.
- Low-profile tamper (9.75 inches) for the 64-ounce (low-profile) container and all Smart System containers.
- Mini tamper (9.75 inches) for the 48-ounce container (without SELF-DETECT™) and the 32-ounce container.
Q&A for Vitamix Buyers
Compatibility
Do the Legacy containers work with the new Smart System blenders?
Unfortunately, no. The previous containers do not contain the latest SELF-DETECT™ technology, so the blender will not start. It will simply not detect any container.
Can I use any Legacy container on any Legacy/Explorian blender?
Technically, yes. However, Vitamix recommends using the 64-oz (low-profile) container only with blenders that come with a 2.2 HP motor. The reason is that the 64-oz (low-profile) container comes with a 4-inch blade, so it requires a little more powerful motor to function properly. Another thing to keep in mind is that all Legacy and Explorian blenders that come with the 64-oz (low-profile) container have an electronic soft start. In other words, even if you start the blender at maximum speed right away, the speed control will ramp up the speed over about two seconds. It’s always best practice to start on low and quickly ramp up the speed, but it’s even more important with the higher resistance faced by the longer blades in the wide container.
All Legacy containers with a 3-inch blade can be used on any Legacy/Explorian machine.
Do the new SELF-DETECT™ containers work with the Legacy or Explorian blenders?
Most SELF-DETECT™ containers are compatible with both Legacy and Explorian blenders. The two exceptions are the 8-ounce blending bowl and the 96-ounce food processor attachment, which are only compatible with Smart System blenders. However, since the Legacy and Explorian blender bases don’t have SELF-DETECT™ technology, the container will function as a standard container.
Purchasing Extra Containers
Do I need a second container?
The container that comes with your blender is typically sufficient for most blending needs. However, there are instances when a secondary container might be helpful, particularly if you:
- Only have a 64-ounce (low-profile) container and need to make small batches of food.
- Only have a 48-ounce container and need to make large batches of food.
- Grind a lot of dry ingredients.
Is the 64-ounce (low-profile) container too wide?
The 64-ounce (low-profile) container is not ideal for single servings of food. It can handle small portions of food. It just gets tricky when you add thick or sticky ingredients. So, if you’re planning on making predominantly single servings of smoothies or a small amount of ice cream, you have two options:
- If you aren’t set on any particular Vitamix model yet, consider purchasing either a Legacy Classic blender that comes with the 64-ounce (tall) container or the E310 that comes with the 48-ounce container.
- If you like a particular Vitamix blender that comes with the 64-ounce (low-profile) container, give it a go. You can always purchase a secondary container if you find the 64-ounce (low-profile) container too large.
What is the Aer Disc™ container for?
The Aer Disc™ excels at producing consistently creamy emulsions, light culinary foams, and stiff whipped creams. Instead of blades, it uses a disc with holes to agitate ingredients instead of blending them. Bars and restaurants use it to make mojitos. Starbucks uses this container to create cold foams. I use it to make lemonades. The standard wet blade Vitamix containers can whip, emulsify, and froth to the extent that is usually perfectly satisfactory. However, muddling is a technique unique to the Aer Disc™. It does a fantastic job of extracting the fruit from citrus, and the lid makes it easy to strain out the solids. If you are blending up many cocktails or lemonades, the Aer Disc™ is an excellent addition.
Is the stainless steel container better than the plastic one?
There is nothing you can make with the Vitamix stainless steel container that you can’t make with the standard plastic Vitamix container. The main reasons to purchase it are concerns about plastic and aesthetics (the stainless steel container won’t scratch or stain). Technically, the lid is still made out of plastic, but the lid hardly ever comes into contact with food.
Lids
Do the 20-ounce blending cup and the 8-ounce bowl come with lids?
Yes! The 20-ounce blending cup comes with a flip-top lid designed for traveling with a smoothie or pouring blended dressings and sauces over salads. The 8-ounce blending bowl comes with an airtight storage lid.
What is the lid plug for?
The lid plug is vented to release steam when making hot soups and sauces. You can remove the lid plug while the machine is running to use the tamper or add more ingredients to your blend. The lid plug is also marked with 1-ounce (⅛-cup) and ½-ounce (1⁄16-cup) measurements to help you measure liquids without dirtying another dish.
Tampers
Are the tampers interchangeable between blender lines?
Yes, as long as you’re using the appropriate sizes. For example, if you have a tamper for the 64-ounce (low-profile) container from the Legacy G-Series, you can use it for the 64-ounce container from the Smart System (Ascent and Venturist) series.
Are the tamper holders interchangeable between blender lines?
No. The old (Legacy) tamper holders are only compatible with old (Legacy) blenders and the new (Smart System) tamper holders are only compatible with the new (Smart System) blenders.
Warranty
What is the warranty for Vitamix containers?
The container that comes with your machine is covered for the length of the Vitamix blender warranty. Containers and attachments purchased separately are covered by a 3-year warranty.
What is NOT covered by the warranty?
The only thing the Vitamix warranty does not cover is cosmetic changes that do not affect performance, such as discoloration.
Of course, the Vitamix blender warranty is only valid if the container was used in accordance with the instructions and warnings in the owner’s manual. What voids the warranty is:
- Failure to follow the operating instructions in the owner’s manual
- Abuse, misuse, negligent use, or exposure to extreme conditions
- Use of unauthorized attachments and/or accessories
- Unauthorized repairs, including removing the integrated blade assembly
- Commercial use on a personal machine
Which Vitamix Container is Best
So, which Vitamix container should you buy?
As I already mentioned, if you haven’t purchased a Vitamix blender yet, begin by determining which model is best for you. Then decide which (if any) additional Vitamix container(s) you may need.
The containers enhance your product, but they should not be the deciding factor.
Hi, I’m Petra – a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and a Raw Food Chef. I have been using Vitamix for more than a decade. I own several Vitamix blenders (mostly for testing purposes) and use Vitamix exclusively in commercial settings as well.
Whether you’re wondering which Vitamix to buy or what the upcoming Vitamix deals are, you’ll find it on this site.
A full disclosure – 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 container is the right fit for you, I would be happy to answer any questions in the comment section below. I respond to all comments within 24 hours.
You are providing a ton of good information here, Petra, and I thank you for that. However, I can’t find any of the labels on my container that you refer to (e.g., Classic, etc.) but I have only the model number and other numbers.
Hi Judy – there is no actual “label” on the container (other than SELF-DETECT, if applicable). Ascent, Classic, and Space Saving is a terminology Vitamix uses to distinguish their blender series and containers. Are you trying to determine which container you have? I can definitely help with that.
Thank you, Petra. I did find the model number. That might be all I need. But I’m shocked to find that this simple little plastic container is $133 on Amazon! And a new 48oz VItamix is about $500!?!??
Hmm, which 48-oz container are you referring to? None of the 48-oz containers costs more than $200 if I am not mistaken (the stainless steel container is the most expensive at $199 when purchased directly from Vitamix website). Vitamix is a bit pricier because it’s a high-speed blender (standard blenders do run cheaper for sure). Another thing to consider is that more than 70% of Vitamix parts are made in the US (which is quite unusual).
Hi Petra, The model number is VMO197. I haven’t yet checked the Vitamix website, but I will. Thank you for wanting to provide help. – Judy
You’re very welcome, Judy. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Hello, My Vitamix is model VM0103, The Front of the machine says 5200C. My blades have gotten stuck? They no longer rotate. Im trying to replace the blades but the ones I ordered from Amazon so not work since the assembly is too short when I attach it to the container. Im trying to find replacement blades but failing that maybe a new container? This is all so complicated.
Id really appreciate any advice you can offer. Im rather lost without my vitamix!
Thanks
Susan
Hi Susan, Vitamix does not recommend changing the blades. You could contact the customer support – service@vitamix.com or 800 848 2649. However, I am suspecting that they will recommend purchasing a new container that is compatible with your machine unless the container is still under warranty. If the blender/container is still under warranty, definitely contact the customer support as they will send you a new container free of charge. Let me know if you need any help.
Hi Petra, Thanks for this beautiful article…actually, i’m not sure for my choice…. between a Ascent 2300 with the cups in extra or a Explorian 310 with a 2L low-profile container + 0,9L container. My aim is to be able to prepare any kind of quantities : dips, soups for 2 or 3 , smoothies, hoummous, vegetal milks, mixing nuts. What could be your advices ? thanks ! Olivier
Hi Olivier – if you want more versatility, I would go with the Ascent. Not only because a larger selection of containers, but also because you have the option to add a food processor attachment in the future. I use the attachment all the time. I do like the 48-oz container (the one that comes with the E310) a lot though. So, if I was building my setup, I would go with the A2300 and buy an extra 48-oz SELF-DETECT container. The blending cups are great, but you can make a single portion of a smoothie in the 48-oz container as well (plus much more). I use the 48-oz container for hummus, nut butters, and smoothies a lot.
I would go with the E310 if you:
– Only want to make small to medium batches of food and don’t need large quantities of food (e.g. soup for 4-6 people).
– Already know you won’t be buying the food processor attachment in the future.
– Are not interested in the blending cups and blending bowls (which, honestly, are not necessary – unless you have children. Then the bowls are super helpful).
Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂
Thanks a lot Petra for your detailed answer, you have a lot of experience in Vitamix and your website is so useful for beginners ! For the moment unfortunately the 48-oz container is still not available in Europe, we have only blending cup (not oi useful as you mentioned) and small blending bowls (maybe very useful fro small parts of dips, or for small quantities of flaxseed…). For the moment we still don’t have the option for food processor attachment.
So choice is more difficult in France… (by the way i’m cooking generally for 3 people…).
let me know if you have more remarks to guide me…
Got it! My apologies – I didn’t realize you were in France. Well, then my answer will depend on a few things, but let me first ask you – do you have the option to purchase a Vitamix blender with the tall (64-oz container), such as the 5200? If you don’t really have the option to add the food processor attachment or purchase most other containers, the iconic 5200 might make the most sense for you. You can easily make small batches food as well as large batches in the narrow (tall) 64-oz container. For that reason, the tall 64-oz container is by far my favorite! The only downside is that the setup (the blender base + the container) does not fit under most kitchen cabinets. (You can read more about the 5200 here).
If you’re deciding only between the E310 and the A2300, then I would ask these questions:
1. Is there a possibility that you will eventually be cooking for more than 3 people? If not, the E310 with the 48-oz container will suffice. If yes, the problem is that you cannot get a larger container for the E310. But then, of course, you can blend in batches.
2. Are you planning on making small batches of food (e.g. single servings of smoothies)? If so, the E310 is a better choice. You could get the blending cup for the A2300, but it’s not practical for dips and other thick blends. Personally, I like leftovers, so I make large batches of hummus and nut butters even if I am cooking just for myself and freeze the leftovers. But if you want to make just a small amount, the large 64-oz container will be frustrating.
3. Is there anything about the E310/A2300 blender base that you really like? I always recommend choosing a blender first (not the container). For instance, you might really like the simplicity of the E310. Or perhaps you like the Smart System technology that comes with the A2300. Consider the features of the blender as well.
As always, let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi Petra, well it seems the we can only find Ascent Series or E310 in France, no 5200… but we can find the Legacy containers. It seems that it’s possible to use the the narrow (tall) 64 – oz on a E310 isn’t it ? But in this case i have to buy it as a extra container.
https://www.cuisinedubienetre.fr/produit/bol-2l-haut-vitamix/
It seems that you are not so fan of the small blending bowls…
Thanks for all your amazing remarks, it’s really helpful.
Since both the 5200 and the E310 have a 2-HP motor and a 3-inch blade container, you should be able to use them interchangeably but I will test it today and let you know. I wouldn’t get the secondary container quite yet. Perhaps you’ll find out that you don’t even need it. As far as the bowls go, it’s not that I am not a fan. It’s just that I don’t typically make very small amounts of food. I can make small enough batches of food in the tall 64-oz container, which is more practical – it comes with a tamper (the bowls don’t, obviously) and you can check your blend just by taking the lid off (the bottom of the bowls have to unscrewed and it can be messy, depending on what you’re blending, if you want to screw the bottom back on).
Hi Petra, what would be the best recipient for this kind of recipe: https://nutritionrefined.com/keto-porridge/
Do you think the cup is a good one ? Is it also possible to do it in the 2L recipient of a Ascent ?
I mean with the proportion of your recipe…
Thanks in advance and thanks for your inspiring website !
Olivier
Hi Olivier – you could totally use the 64-oz (2-L) container for this recipe. Dry ingredients are a bit different than liquid. The blade pushes them up (instead of pulling them down) and so they sort of “fly” around in the container until they are finely chopped or ground. I am using the Ascent with the 64-oz container in that recipe video. I recommend watching it, so you see it in action 🙂
Hi Petra, I found maybe a solution to buy in Europe a Pro 750, do you think it could be a good choice for me…? As i’m looking a way to get a 2L and 1,4L container (In Europe 1,4L self-detect in not available for the moment).
Hi Olivier – the Pro 750 is an excellent blender, particularly if you like the idea of having preset programs. I write about that blender in my Best Vitamix Blenders review (if you’re interested). And yes, that model would solve your issue with the containers as you could get both the 2 L and the 1.4 L. The only downside is that the Pro 750 is one of the pricier Vitamix blenders.
I agree with you Petra I don’t need the programs as it’s only a kind of timer… but for the moment i found only this Legacy model Pro 750 in Europe (with the E310 wich seems less versatile ?) . Regards from Paris.
Yea, totally. If you have the budget, the Pro 750 is definitely better than the E310. The E310 is an entry-level model, meaning it has a slightly less powerful motor (2 HP vs 2.2 HP), fewer features (no presets), and the container has a smaller blade (3″ vs 4″). The E310 is also louder than the Pro 750. However, I do use the E310 from time to time (for demonstration purposes) and never had any issues with it. It blends everything just as well as the Pro 750. If I gave you two smoothies – one made in the E310 and the other made in the Pro 750 – you wouldn’t know the difference. It might just take a bit longer to make it in the E310.
Thanks again for your very useful remarks and comments Petra !
Thanks again for the detailed precisions Petra and i have the feeling that i will buy your ebook for dinner recipes, it looks gorgeous !
Hi Petra reading again your article concerning containers….with a 64 oz (with a Pro 750) maybe a 32 oz would be more versatile than a 48 oz as a second container…? Thanks !
Hi Olivier – if I remember correctly, you mentioned that you typically cook for up to 3 people. The 32-oz container is small. It’s great for single servings of smoothies, small amounts of ice cream, thick blends, grinding dry ingredients, etc. However, if you’re trying to make a smoothie for two, it gets a little tight (because a lot of the ingredients are quite bulky before you blend them). We are a family of 4, so I never use the 32-oz container. I do use the 48-oz container though. So, it really depends on the quantity of food you are planning on preparing.
Thanks Petra for your energy, and you have good memories, as we are 3 at home or sometimes only two. I was thinking about a 32 oz mainly for thick blends, grinding dry ingredients, small amount of different dips. For our smoothies, the 48 oz will be fine i think. Anyway i will go first with buying the Pro 750 coming with the 64 oz and i will see later for a second container…(easy to find here in France except the Ascent container….).
Totally! Get the Pro 750 with the 64-oz container first and see if you end up needing an additional container 🙂
but as you told in your article difference between 48 oz and 32 oz for short amount of preparation is not so important, i mean for thick blends, grinding dry ingredients, small amount of different dips. is it correct ?
Yes, you won’t notice much difference with the small quantities. And it is true that you can always use the 64-oz container for larger amounts of smoothies and other blends. So, you will most likely get most out of the 32-oz container (for small batches of food) paired with the 64-oz low-profile container (for large batches of food).
Thanks Petra! i saw this morning in Paris a second hand Vitamix 300 ( bought new in 2017 by the seller) does it make sense also…? is it same as the 750 without the presets…?
Yes, the Pro 300 is labeled as the 7500 here in North America. If you’re comparing it to the Pro 750, yes, it is the same as the Pro 750 minus the preset programs.
I am about to purchase a pro 750 which comes with a 64oz low profile container if I’m remembering correctly. Would a tall 64oz container fit on the pro 750 if I got it as a second container? We are a family of 7 so big batches but I also love to make thick single serving smoothies
Hi Sandy – yes, you’re right. The Pro 750 does come with a 64-oz low-profile container. The 64-oz tall container will fit on the Pro 750 if you’d like to purchase is as a secondary container.
Hello there! I am looking to purchase our first Vitamix blender. After years of trying other blenders, we end up not using them given they just do not seem powerful enough to blend even a smoothie sometimes. 3 of us, picky 11 year son. So we give in sometimes in order to get him to try new things. No judgement! But tried to blend a small amount of spaghettis sauce to make it more smooth, and add some ketchup. Too small an amount for most containers. Is this something for which the bowl with Ascent would work well? I like the idea of preset programs, trying to decide if we really need it. Any advice is greatly appreciated. In comparison to most other blenders with 3 inch blades, do the Vitamix blades perform better? Or with the 2.2hp motor? We would use the 20 ounce person cup frequently for individual smoothies, as long as it has plenty of power to make a thick smoothie. Thank you!
Hi Christine – great questions.
For small amounts of food, the best containers are:
1. The 64-oz (tall) container – even though it has a large capacity, it is quite narrow, so it handles small amounts of food really well.
2. The 32-oz container – it is just as narrow as the 64-oz (tall) container, so great for small quantities of food as well.
3. The 20-oz blending cup and the 8-oz blending bowl.
The one problem with the 20-oz blending cup and the 8-oz bowl is that they don’t come with a tamper. So, if the blend is very thick, you need to stop the blender, move the content around and blend again. It is not a problem for smoothies, sauces, baby food, etc., but if you wanted to make a frozen dessert in the blending cup, for instance, it might be an issue. I prefer containers with a tamper for very thick blends.
The advantage of the Ascent blenders is the variety of containers you can get. Also, Vitamix seems to be focusing on SELF-DETECT technology, and so new containers are always compatible with Smart System blenders. For example, the new food processor attachment is compatible with Smart System models whereas it is not compatible with Legacy models.
Preset programs are nice, but not necessary. I write more about this here: https://nutritionrefined.com/vitamix-comparison/ (under manual settings vs preset programs).
Honestly, there is not really any difference in power when you compare the 2.0 HP Vitamix blenders with the 2.2 HP Vitamix blenders. 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.
A couple more resources that might help in deciding which Vitamix blender is the best for you:
The best Vitamix blenders: https://nutritionrefined.com/best-vitamix-blender/
Vitamix comparison: https://nutritionrefined.com/vitamix-comparison/
Vitamix models: https://nutritionrefined.com/vitamix-models/
And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.
Some follow-up:
1. We found the Vitamix Ascent 2300 Super Bundle at Costo with a $100 manufacturers coupon, so $499.99.
2. 64 ounce low profile container, 48 ounce dry goods, tamper with holder, two 20 ounce cups, recipe book.
3. Have used it only about 6 times so far, but are VERY happy! We will primarily use it for smoothies. It works SO well!
4. Not knowing the real difference when used between the higher watt other blenders and 2.2HP on paper, I had wondered if much difference in power, Way more powerful and 64 ounce sturdy 4″ blade is great.
5. Cup works perfect for individual smoothie, works best if you reverse the order you layer smoothie ingredients compared to the standard containers given you place the cup upside-down to blend.
6. LOUD, but blenders are a bit lower level loud anyway. Worth it
7. I can also use the cup to blend smaller amounts, like some spaghetti sauce for my son for no chunks, and add a little ketchup to entice him to try to eat it.
8. Manual instead of touch screen controls, and no programs. Blend smoothies and most things for such a short time it won’t make that much difference for us. We are going to try to make some soup, but even then we will tend to be in the kitchen doing other things and use timer on Alexa if a change in speed is needed. The deal was so good it did not seem worth the extra money for the other Ascent touch screen models.
9. So easy to clean, when it gets to higher speed it gets up to clean the upper parts of container and lid without leaking fluid at all.
10. Blends the fruit better, so barely any things like strawberry seeds compared to prior blenders.
11. Love this smoothie: coconut water, vanilla soy milk, sugar-free Greek yogurt, frozen pineapple, banana, flax seed, fiber powder, unsweetened coconut bits. I plan to freeze the peeled ripe bananas and freeze different sizes to thicken smoothie and maybe reduce some of liquids that contain more sugars.
Such a wonderful review. Thank you so much, Christine! I am sure other people will find this really helpful. I LOVE my Vitamix, so I am not at all surprised you are very happy with it 🙂
I’m also totally Happy with my Vitamix Pro 750, with one low profile 64 and a 32 as the second one. Thanks Petra for your wonderful help and your experience !
Thank you so much Olivier! I am so glad you find the information I share helpful.
Hi Petra!
Recently divorced and he got my beloved Vitamix 5200. I’m undecided between the Pro750 and the A2300.
It basically boils down to:
1.) My loathing for tech (and I’ve read a number of reviews stating trouble with the ascent line smart tech connecting/reading the containers. That being said its all warrantied anyways right?
2.) New lid design stinks between the hard plastic and the added gasket (gets icky and will degrade over time – moreso if removing it for cleaning regularly)
3.) BUT…. and this is a huge one for me! The A2300 can utilize that invaluable food processor (I currently have a little oskar that was my mom’s and her mom’s but just doesn’t work as good as a vitamix….. plus I live in a VERY tiny space so one or 5 less appliances and tools….invaluable)
4.) Pro 750 is tried and true. It’s really my base of choice being that it doesn’t have the tech and it still has the 2.2hp motor, and from what I understand is all metal and rubber fittings inside. Does the A2300 have some plastic parts? I haven’t been able to sort that out.
I mostly currently use it for: grinding spices, flours, nuts, berries, meats ….. smoothies, juices, dough, soups, dips, ice cream/sorbet, marinades/sauces/dressings, pet food. But man what i could do with that food processor!
So pro 750 or a2300? Please, any experience or thoughts you have would be so greatly appreciated!
Hi Charlotte,
Great questions!
1. I totally understand your concern. Let me start by saying that I now own four different Ascent blenders (for testing purposes) and never had any connectivity issues with them whatsoever. I asked Vitamix and they said that it used to be an issue with the first Ascent blenders they released but it is no longer the case. IF you do experience any connectivity issues, the Ascent blenders come with a 10-year warranty and yes, this would 100% be covered. Vitamix also offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied and don’t find Vitamix to meet your expectations, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund – Vitamix will even pay for return shipping.
2. What can I say … personally, I like the rubber lid more. However, I do have to say that the Ascent (clear plastic) lid has a better seal. The plastic lid also “snaps” in place, so you can clearly hear when the lid is put on the container properly. Again, if you did experience any degrading (I haven’t, at least not yet), you can call Vitamix and they would take care of it.
3. 100%. The food processor attachment was huge for me too. I actually sold my old food processor (Breville Sous Chef) because the Vitamix blender-food processor combo took so much less space. If you are thinking about getting the Vitamix food processor attachment in the future, the A2300 is a no brainer.
4. I am sorry, I am not sure I understand what you mean by “fittings”?
Ok, so which one? If I were you, I would go with the A2300. Again, I have the A2300 model at home and never had any issues with it.
The one thing I feel that I should warn you about is that if you are used to the 64-oz tall container (from the 5200), the 64-oz low-profile container might take some time getting used to. The bottom of the container is wider, so it requires a larger quantity of food to blend efficiently.
Please, fee free to reach out if you have any more questions. I know that buying a Vitamix is an investment, so I would love to help as best as I can. The good news is that even if you order a blender and are not happy with it, you can return it or exchange it within 30 days for free, no questions asked.
Hi Petra,
Thank you so much for the detailed rundown! Yours was the only one that compared the width of the containers and the minimum amount needed (for liquids and thick ingredients, too!).
I have the 5200 with the tall 64oz container, and love it, but am looking into either the 48oz or 32oz since my sink space is pretty tight and washing the 64oz can be a bit tricky.
I primarily make soups and smoothies for 1-2 people. Would the 48oz be a better choice or the 32oz? Debating on whether the 48oz would be too big for single servings (because of the wider base), and the 32oz too small for two servings.
Wasn’t sure how many cups of soup the 32oz can handle, and have also read that the underside is harder to clean since its tighter (not the square shape that fits *outside* the guides of the machine).
Thanks!
Hi Andie – so glad the blog post was helpful.
Honestly, it depends on what your servings look like. So, let me give you the measurements/capacity and hopefully, it will help.
The 32-oz container does have a maximum capacity of 32-oz/4 cups, and you can fill it up to the maximum capacity line. The bottom of the 32-oz container is slightly tighter than that of the narrow 64-oz container. I have never had issues cleaning it though. I simply add warm water with a drop of soap into the container and blend. You are right that the bottom is not a square shape, so cleaning it with a hand might be trickier (or even scraping thick blends out of it).
The 48-oz container has the same “bottom” and “top” dimensions as the 64-oz narrow container. However, because the 48-oz container is shorter, it widens faster than the 64-oz narrow container. So, you need a larger quantity of food to blend efficiently.
So, single servings of food are easier to make in the 64-oz narrow container and the 32-oz container. Two servings of food will fit into the 32-oz container (provided one serving of food is only 16-oz/2 cups) but the 48-oz container would be better.
Personally, I can say that my single servings are rather big, so I use the 48-oz container (I use the stainless steel one) even when I am making a smoothie just for myself. However, if I am making nut butter or hummus and don’t want a large amount, I use either the 64-oz narrow container or the 32-oz container. For more than single servings, I always use the 64-oz narrow container or the 48-oz stainless steel.
If you have any questions, please, feel free to reach out.
Thank you so much! You’re right, serving size can vary per person. Really appreciated your breakdown and examples. It helped a ton.
I tested my soup bowls, and it looks like my individual servings range from 1.5 to 2 cups, so a 32oz (in theory) can provide me with two servings. My concern now is whether filling it to max capacity would be pushing it to near overflow when the vortex hits at max speed, especially if I add ingredients toward the end (like chunks of roast chicken).
Thoughts?
Also for ice cream/hummus (stickier stuff), you said the 48oz is easier to clean than the 32oz? My ice cream/nut butter servings are def less than 1.5 cups, so a 48oz might be a no-go, unless I make extras, but cleaning thick sticky batter at the bottom of a 32oz might be a concern.
So torn about this haha!
Hi Andie – I have definitely blended right up the max capacity line in the past and it was fine. However, that was a cold smoothie, not a hot soup. I just thought of something important with regards to hot soups – Vitamix recommends NOT filling the container all the way up when blending hot liquids. Hot food heats up the air above between the food and the blender lid, causing pressure to build up in the container. This pressure can force the lid to shoot off and the hot soup splatter everywhere. So, that’s definitely something to keep in mind. Technically, you could still blend the soup until smooth (just not hot) and heat it up in a pot afterward. But if you are adding already hot ingredients and hot liquid, that might be an issue. Of course, there is always the option of blending in batches.
For cleaning sticky nut butter, I use the Vitamix under-blade scraper – it’s amazing. Another option is to just get as much nut butter out as you can with a regular spatula and then make a smoothie with the rest. I don’t think you have to be too much concerned about the cleaning part since you already have the 64-oz narrow container. The 32-oz container is VERY similar to the 64-oz narrow container and the 48-oz container is even easier to clean.
I know this won’t help you much, but it seems like the 32-oz container would be ideal for your sticky blends while the 48-oz container would be better for your soups. So, the question is whether you are more ok with blending soups in batches (if necessary) or having extra servings of nut butter/hummus.
Hi Petra,
You. Are. Awesome. Thanks for reminding about the pressure build-up when blending hot food. It never crossed my mind since the 64oz is so tall, I never hit max capacity.
Making smoothie out of remaining nut butter in the blender is genius! Also appreciate the underside scraper tips!
If only I’m in the US, I’d gladly get the container and scraper using your affiliate links.
You’ve been a tremendous help. THANK YOU!
I am so happy I could help, Andie! 🙂 Don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have any questions.
Hi Petra, so I ended up getting the 32oz. The size is perfect portion-wise (woot!), but it does get a bit tricky washing the outside. I didn’t realize how tight the tolerance is between the container’s outerplastic base is to the rotor. I wasn’t able to easily wipe mositure between the nooks and crannies. Sliding a sheet of papertowel helps a tad to syphon the droplets out, but it’s not a perfect solution.
Is it something I should be worried about if I couldn’t keep the space between the plastic and rotor completely dry?
I tend to wash by hand after running a cleaning cycle, just because my recipes are usually oily and still leave some slick residue.
Another basic question, how much frozen fruit can I dump max? I put in 2-3 cups frozen avocado with some water, but at one point the vortex stuck, even using the tamper. I think I accidentally made frozen sherbet at the bottom haha. I wonder if I should have added incrementally? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
P.s. the underblade scraper is a Godsend. Thank you for suggesting it!