The only thing harder than coming up with the money for a Vitamix is figuring out which Vitamix model to buy. Seriously! There are so many options and their names are so confusing.

At one point, Vitamix used to offer more than 30 models! Today, there are 15 different models plus exclusive packages produced for selected retailers, such as Costco or QVC. No wonder this causes a lot of confusion and customers are often puzzled which Vitamix model is the best and which Vitamix is worth buying.

In this review guide, I am going to look at all Vitamix models and help you decide which one is the best for you.

In case you’re not interested in reading the entire 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 Categorization

Vitamix blenders fall into two categories – non-commercial (for home) and commercial (for restaurants, bars, and coffee shops). I am not going to talk about commercial blenders because they are not ideal for home use. They are generally more expensive and have shorter warranties (3 years).

Non-commercial Vitamix blenders can be further divided into three product lines – Legacy, Smart System, and Explorian. Vitamix also used to offer a line of personal blenders – Space Saving – but those were discontinued in 2019. Blenders in the Legacy and Smart System product line fall further into series – C – Classic and G – Next Generation (within the Legacy line), and Ascent and Venturist (within the Smart System line). Finally, each series offers several Vitamix models. 

So, three lines and 15 non-commercial Vitamix models. 

Let’s look at all the differences between the product lines, series, and models. 

Legacy

Legacy blenders include some of the most popular Vitamix models, including the iconic 5200 or the popular Professional 750.

All Legacy models are able to accomplish the same standard Vitamix functions with no difference in the quality of performance – they all make green smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, smooth purees, thick dips, crunchy or smooth nut butters, fine DIY flours, sticky dough, dense cake batter, crushed ice – all of it! Legacy blenders just aren’t as “smart” as Smart System blenders (more on that later).

Classic

The majority of current Vitamix models belong to the best-selling C-Series, also referred to as Classic. This series is the oldest and includes five models – 5200, Professional Series 500, TurboBlend 3-Speed, 5300, and 6500.

The differences between the Classic models can be divided into three categories:

1. Power of the motor: the majority of Classic blenders have a 2 HP motor. The exceptions are the 5300 and the 6500, which have a 2.2 HP motor. The slightly higher peak horsepower is pretty insignificant in day-to-day use though because the power of the motor drops to a running horsepower (the actual blending power) within a split second after the start of the blending process. Using the listed watts of all Classic blenders, you can quickly calculate that the running horsepower is practically the same (1.85 HP vs 1.9 HP).
2. Control panel: the control panel is where the most differences between Classic models lay. Here are two questions to ask yourself when choosing a Classic Vitamix model:
   • Do you want a variable speed dial?
     • YES → 5200, Pro 500, 6500
     • NO → TurboBlend 3-Speed
   •  Do you want preset programs?
     • YES → Pro 500, 6500
     • NO → 5200, TurboBlend 3-Speed, 5300
3. Container design: classic blenders with a 2 HP motor come with a 64-oz (tall) container whereas classic blenders with a 2.2 HP motor come with a 64-oz (low-profile) container. Here is how to determine which container is better for you:
   • Do you plan on making single or small batches of food?
     • YES → blender with a 64-oz (tall) container.
     • NO → any blender will be a good choice.
   • Does the blender have to fit under a standard kitchen cabinet?
     • YES → blender with a 64-oz (low-profile) container.
     • NO → any blender will be a good choice.

Here is a simple table outlining all the differences and similarities between the Classic blenders:

	5200	Pro 500	TurboBlend 3-Speed	5300	6500
Motor	2 HP	2 HP	2 HP	2.2 HP	2.2 HP
Start/Stop	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Pulse*	–	✓	✓	✓	✓
High/Low Speed*	✓	–	–	–	–
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.

So, which Vitamix model from the Classic C-series is the best?

Both the Pro 500 and the 6500 are the most feature laden Classic models. The Pro 500 comes with a tall container while the 6500 has a low-profile container. With the 64-oz (tall) container, there is no need to purchase an additional container for smaller portions, so the Pro 500 has a slight advantage, in my opinion.

If price is an issue, then the iconic 5200 is the best deal. Compared to the Pro 500 it lacks preset programs, but it makes up for it in price.

Next Generation

Next Generation Vitamix models are essentially improved Classic blenders. The two most frequent complains about the Classic models were that they were too loud and didn’t fit under standard kitchen cabinets. So, in 2013 Vitamix solved both those issues and added a few more features.

The main changes introduced in the Next Generation blenders (not found in the Classic blenders) were:

• New 2.2 HP motor with an enhanced air-flow management system.
• Secondary on/off switch – to add another layer of safety – and more preset programs – Classic models had a maximum of 3 preset programs while Next Generation models have up to 5 preset programs.
• Noise reduction system – Next Generation models are 40% less noisy than Classic models.
• Wide (low-profile) container – all Next Generation models come with a wide container.

The Next Generation series includes only three models – 7500, Professional Series 750, and 780.

The differences between the Next Generation models can be divided into two categories:

1. Control interface – with the Next Generation series, Vitamix introduced its very first touchscreen. So, when choosing a Next Generation blender, the first question is:
   • Do you want a touchscreen?
     • YES → 780
     • NO → 7500, Pro 750
2. Control panel – all Next Generation models have the same controls – start/stop, pulse, 10 speeds. The only difference are preset programs. So, the question is:
   • Do you want preset programs?
     • YES → Pro 750, 780
     • NO → 7500

Here is a simple table outlining all the differences and similarities between the Next Generation blenders:

	7500	Pro 750	780
Motor	2.2 HP	2.2 HP	2.2 HP
Start/Stop	✓	✓	✓
Pulse	–	✓	–
Variable Speed Dial	10	10	10
Program Settings	–	5	5
Touchscreen	–	–	✓
Container	64-oz low (17.25″)	64-oz low (17.25″)	64-oz low (17.25″)
Warranty	7	7	7
Price	$529.95	$599.95	$719.95

So, which Vitamix model from the Next Generation G-series is the best?

Both the Pro 750 and the 780 have the same features except that the Pro 750 has manual controls whereas the 780 comes with a touchscreen. Considering that the 780 is the most expensive Vitamix model (it is even more expensive than the newest and latest A3500!), the Pro 750 is the best choice out of this series. If you really want the 780, look for a refurbished model, which is often available at a bargain price

Explorian

The Explorian is a budget-friendly Vitamix series that was introduced in 2017. These are the most affordable Vitamix blenders that have a similar functionality and design as Legacy blenders but come with either a 48-oz container (E310) or a 64-oz (low-profile) container (E320). You can think of Explorian blenders as a C-series and G-series hybrid.

The Explorian series includes only two models – E310 and E320.

The differences between the Explorian models can be divided into three categories:

1. Power of the motor: the E310 has a 2 HP motor whereas the E320 has a 2.2 HP motor. As I already mentioned though, the running horsepower is practically the same (1.85 HP vs 1.9 HP).
2. Container size: the E310 has a 48-oz container with a 3-inch blade, which is ideal for smaller households (4 people or less). The E320 with its 64-oz (low-profile) container and a 4-inch blade is more suitable for larger households (4 people or more). 
3. Warranty: the E310 has a shorter – 5-year – warranty. The E320 has a 7-year warranty.

Here is a simple table outlining all the differences and similarities between the Explorian blenders:

	E310	E320
Motor	2 HP	2.2 HP
Start/Stop	✓	✓
Pulse	✓	✓
Variable Speed Dial	10	10
Program Settings	–	–
Touchscreen	–	–
Container	48-oz (17.25″)	64-oz low (17.25″)
Warranty	5	7
Price	$349.95	$449.99

*The E320 was made exclusively for Costco and in not available directly from Vitamix.

So, which Vitamix model from the Explorian series is better?

It depends on the size of the household although I would lean towards the E310. The E310 is simply more versatile and for the price, it’s the most budget-friendly option Vitamix has to offer. 

Smart System

In 2016 Vitamix released their most advanced line of Vitamix blenders called the Smart System. These blenders inherited a powerful motor and an efficient blending ability from the Legacy line, but added many new technology features that promise to make Smart System blenders the most advanced for many years ahead.

The main features introduced in Smart System blenders (not found in Legacy or Explorian blenders) are:

• SELF-DETECT™ technology – the blender base uses a near-field communication (NFC) to identify what container is being used (there is an NFC tag embedded in the bottom of the container) and automatically adjusts the program settings and times accordingly, changing up to 140 parameters. Smart System models only run when they recognize the container. So, previous Vitamix containers without the NFC tag are not compatible with the new models.
• Wireless connectivity – Smart System models have Bluetooth to make use of the free Perfect Blend App. The app features 17 blending programs and over 500 recipes. The blending programs work with all Ascent and Venturist blenders, including models that don’t come with preset programs. 
• Timer display – the digital timer counts up and displays the seconds and minutes of manual blends.
• Clear lid that snaps onto the container – previous containers had a black rubber lid that locked in place.
• Dishwasher-safe container – only SELF-DETECT™ containers are dishwasher-safe.
• 10-year warranty – previous Vitamix models came with either 5-year or 7-year warranties.

Ascent

The Ascent represents the latest engineering and technology design. The series includes four models – A2300, A2500, A3300, and A3500.

The differences between Ascent models can be divided into two categories:

1. Control interface – the Ascent series offers two different interfaces – manual and digital. So, the first question to ask yourself when choosing an Ascent blender is:
   • Do you want a touchscreen and a countdown timer?
     • YES → A3300, A3500
     • NO → A2300, 2500
2. Control panel – all Ascent blenders have the same controls – start/stop, pulse, 10 speeds. The only difference is preset programs. So, the next question is:
   • Do you want preset programs?
     • YES → A2500 or A3500
     • NO → 2300 or A3300

Here is a simple table outlining all the differences and similarities between the Ascent blenders:

	A2300	A2500	A3300	A3500
Motor	2.2 HP	2.2 HP	2.2 HP	2.2 HP
Variable Speed Dial	✓	✓	✓	✓
Start/Stop	✓	✓	✓	✓
Pulse	✓	✓	✓	✓
Program Settings	–	3	–	5
Timer (Count Up)	✓	✓	✓	✓
Programmable Count Down	–	–	✓	✓
Touchscreen	–		✓	✓
SELF-DETECT™ Technology	✓	✓	✓	✓
Container	64-oz low (17.25″)	64-oz low (17.25″)	64-oz low (17.25″)	64-oz low (17.25″)
Warranty	✓	✓	✓	✓
Price	$449.95	$499.95	$549.95	$599.95

So, which Vitamix model from the Ascent Series is the best?

The absolute best blender on the market at the moment is the A3500. It has all the bells and whistles plus everything that comes with the Ascent Series models. If money is no object, I highly recommend the metal finish bases.

If you’re attracted by the SELF-DETECT technology and wireless connectivity but prefer a cheaper model, then go with the A2300 or the A2500. 

Venturist

With the Ascent series release, Vitamix also created a new hybrid model for Costco shoppers called the Venturist. Within the Venturist series, there is only one model – the V1200.

The Venturist is essentially the A2300 in a G-Series shell. The end result is an older looking blender with new SELF-DETECT technology. 

Which Vitamix Model to Buy?

I know I have just thrown at you a lot of information. So, here is a quick summary of the most important points with carefully selected quick picks for the best Vitamix blenders for different needs and desires.

Best Vitamix Models

• 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. It‘s the most feature-rich classic (analog) model and the most popular out of the Legacy line. 
• Best on a budget: if you‘re 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.

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.