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The Vitamix 750 is essentially the same machine as the 780, but with manual controls and a lower price. We think it ultimately offers a greater level of control and feedback.
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Vitamix blenders are powerful, well-built, and often include useful tools like tampers, justifying their professional-grade reputation and higher price point.
When choosing, consider your preferred control panel, desired special features like wireless connectivity, and the blender's design to match your kitchen aesthetic.
Editor's Note: June 20, 2024
Vitamix issued a voluntary recall on all Ascent and Venturist Series 8-ounce Blending Bowls, 20-ounce Blending Cups, and Blade Bases due to a potential safety issue. If you own any of these pieces, you can request the brand's free repair kit here.
Vitamix has a well-deserved reputation for making some of the best blenders on the market, used by major restaurant chains and home cooks alike. The brand's professional-grade blenders have whipped up a near-cult following in the U.S., and everyone from pro chefs to smoothie fans has been singing their praises for decades.
As product-testing experts, we think it's easy to see why Vitamix blenders are well-regarded. After testing several of the company's flagship models, we can confirm that they are powerful, live up to their reputation for being well-built, and often come with useful tools like tampers and dry grain containers.
However, they are also considerably more expensive than your standard blender. For this reason, it’s important to pick the best Vitamix blender for you—a task that's complicated by the sheer number of Vitamix versions available online and in stores.
With so many Vitamix models to choose from, how to select the best Vitamix blender for you might seem confusing. We’re here to help, though. These are some of the best Vitamix blenders you can buy online now.
Vitamix Ascent A3500
Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 17 inches
Weight: 14.92 pounds
Capacity: 64 ounces
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Warranty: 10-year warranty
If you want a blender with all the bells and whistles, the Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender delivers. With laser-cut, stainless steel blades, a 2.2 peak horsepower motor, and a 64-ounce, low-profile container, it’s a smart blender with built-in wireless connectivity.
Self-detection technology allows the blender to adjust the pre-programmed settings and maximum blending times based on the container size. The blender uses a touch interface and has five program settings: smoothie, sorbet, soup, spreads, and self-clean.
Variable speeds (1-10) and a pulse feature for a short burst of power let you precisely control the blending process every time with this Ascent model. In addition, the programmable timer frees you from having to stand over the food while it’s being blended. Plus, the low-profile container can fit under most countertop cabinets. You can also use the Vitamix Perfect Blend App with this model—that includes 17 programs and over 500 recipes.
The Vitamix A2300 Ascent Series is a more economical version of the A3500. However, it still includes many of the same features. For example, like all Ascent models, the A2300 has a 2.2-peak-horsepower motor and laser-cut, stainless-steel blades. The A2300 also has a 10-speed dial and pulse features, along with five programmable settings.
The blender uses built-in wireless connectivity and self-detection technology, and comes with a low-profile 64-ounce container and a digital timer. The A2300 is slightly smaller and almost 3 pounds lighter than the A3500.
One of Vitamix’s Legacy Blenders, the Vitamix Professional Series 750, is still being sold because it’s a durable, hardworking appliance with a simple design that has stood the test of time. This model features hardened stainless steel blades and a cool-running 2.2-peak-horsepower motor.
The blender also has five programmable settings and 10 speeds, along with a 64-ounce, low-profile container. And this model has a self-cleaning function, saving you time and effort.
The popular Vitamix 5200 series is a "classic" Vitamix blender. Part of the company's older C-series, the 5200 is sturdy and more affordable than other models. It features a 2-peak horsepower motor with 10 variable speeds. There are no presets, so it’s a simple, stripped-down Vitamix.
Narrower and taller than Vitamix's newer blenders, the 5200 comes with a 3-inch blade. It should be noted that, at nearly 21 inches tall, you’ll want to make sure you have enough space under your cabinet should you choose to keep it out.
The Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender is another blender in the company’s Legacy Series. It comes with a 48-ounce container, so it’s not as large as many Vitamix blender models. This makes it a better choice if you don’t need to prepare large meals for an entire family. The E310 Explorian Series Blender also has 10 variable speeds and pulse control.
It features hardened stainless steel blades with a durable, cool-running motor that’s built to last. The blender’s also easy to clean—add warm water and a drop of dish soap and blend for 60 seconds at the highest speed.
If you prefer immersion blenders, Vitamix makes a model for you, as well. The Vitamix Immersion Blender makes blending ingredients easy, and it features a bell guard that prevents it from scratching your pots, pans, and other containers—like bowls or even a wide-mouth Mason jar. (Anything with at least a 3-inch-wide opening.) The bell guard also reduces suction so that your ingredients don’t get stuck in the blender.
Its five-speed setting and four-pronged blade can handle various textures, and the blender has an ergonomic wand that’s easy to operate with one hand. The immersion blender is powered by a 5-foot cord, which is generous but doesn’t compare to a cordless model.
This immersion blender is effective for whipping cream and making mayonnaise, but additional attachments would make it even easier to use.
When it comes to Vitamix, you don't have to worry about purchasing a mediocre blender. All of the brand's models are designed with premium technology, including stainless steel blades and a cool-running motor.
What differs is how you control that power, i.e., what kind of control panel you prefer. Some models, like the Professional Series 750, feature a dial with preset knobs for frozen desserts, hot soups, and smoothies. Others, like the Vitamix One, are much simpler, with a dial that increases power as it's cranked up—putting you in the driver's seat.
Meanwhile, the more modern, upscale Ascent Series models go beyond basics, with several buttons, touchscreen controls, and more to amplify your blending experience.
Special features
As with any appliance, the more you're willing to spend, the more special features are included.
It starts with the basic Vitamix One model, which performs well with basic blending tasks but doesn't feature any special add-ons. The control panel consists of a singular dial, and the power needed for anything from mayo to a kale smoothie is up to the user's discretion.
The E310 offers more control, with an added pulse knob feature beside the traditional dial, which is great for eliminating chunks in thick sauces or soups.
For a feature-heavy blender, users should opt for an Ascent series model. These models feature the latest state-of-the-art technology that goes beyond excellent performance to deliver a smarter, more hands-off experience for users. Features in these models include wireless functionality, a motor base that automatically detects the container size (and adjusts its function accordingly), digital timer displays, and more.
Design
After spending a good chunk of change on one of these appliances, you might find yourself wanting to leave it out (AKA show it off). That means you'll want to shop for a model that suits your aesthetic needs just as well as your functional ones.
For example, spending a little extra on the A3300 or A3500 to benefit from the sleek brushed stainless steel base might be worth it for some folks, especially if they want to match the rest of their kitchen appliances. Others might be drawn more to the Vitamix One's uniquely slim design.
In other words, don't get too caught up in the statistics-heavy specs. At the end of the day, this will (hopefully) be a product you spend a lot of time looking at, so don't ignore aesthetics during your search.
Vitamix Blender FAQs
Are Vitamix blenders worth it?
The brand's professional-grade blenders have whipped up a near-cult following in the U.S., and everyone from pro chefs to smoothie fans has been singing their praises for decades.
While it's tempting to dismiss the enthusiastic following as a bit overbearing, as product-testing experts, we think it's easy to see why Vitamix blenders are well regarded. After testing several of the company's flagship models, we can confirm that they are powerful, live up to their reputation for being well-built, and often come with useful tools like tampers and dry grain containers. These machines are more expensive than most standard blenders, but their performance justifies the price. With warranties of up to 10 years, Vitamix stands behind its blenders, too.
What are the differences between the different Vitamix models?
The Explorian motor is rated at 2 hp; the Legacy Series motors are all 2.2 hp (except one), and the Ascent Series motors are all 2.2 hp as well. The Legacy Series is Vitamix’s classic line of blenders, which has been in production for many years. These blenders have 3- to 4-inch stainless steel blades and are taller than the other blenders. Except for the 2-hp TurboBlend, all other Legacy Series blenders have a 2.2-hp motor. You can easily determine which core model it is by checking the control layout and the motor horsepower rating.
What's common among all Vitamix models?
Credit:
Vitamix
Investing in a Vitamix blender comes with high-quality results.
All Vitamix blenders feature an all-metal drive system that connects the motor to the blades. Vitamix says this increases the blender's overall durability and reduces the number of failure points. Every Vitamix blender has stainless steel blades, and a 5-year warranty covers most models, though some offer a 10-year warranty.
Which Vitamix blender is the best?
That depends on you. Given the price of Vitamix blenders, you should carefully consider how you’ll use a blender before choosing a model.
People who are new to blenders may want to consider a more basic (and less expensive) model, like the Vitamix One. It handles basic blending tasks but doesn't feature any special add-ons. A dial controls all its functions.
An Ascent Series model may be a better fit for people looking for a feature-heavy blender. All the blenders in this series come with a 2.2 peak horsepower motor and stainless steel blades. Ascent Series features include wireless functionality, a motor base that detects the container size, digital timer displays, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a blender with variable speed controls or one with preprogrammed options, there’s a Vitamix blender among our top picks to meet your needs.
What can you make in a Vitamix blender?
Vitamix blenders can do more than make smoothies, hot soup, dressing, and sauces. You'll be able to blend up baby food that will please your child's taste buds, fresh peanut butter and other nut butters for after-school snacks, flavorful dips for dinner parties, and even amazing frozen desserts, including ice cream.
You can explore more options with the cookbook that Vitamix includes with most blenders, or online on its website, where it offers recipes for breads and doughs, non-dairy milks, cocktails, and even entrees.
Should you buy a refurbished Vitamix blender?
People with a smaller budget may want to consider a certified reconditioned Vitamix blender. Vitamix handles all refurbishments in-house, and the machines are all still covered by the same five-year warranty that new blenders get. All reconditioned models come with a cookbook and a tamper as standard, and generally cost between 20% to 40% less than new blenders.
We whipped up dozens of smoothies, soups, and sauces across blender categories.
We test Vitamix blenders the same way we test traditional blenders—by blending lots of ingredients. We first make batches of smoothies with tough-to-break-down ingredients, like fibrous veggies, frozen fruits, and flaxseeds. We also make batches of romesco sauce to see how well the blender breaks down almonds and processes the sauce. Finally, we fill the blender with ice to see whether it can break down cubes into a fine snow-like texture (without emitting smoke in the process).
Additionally, to keep our guides up to date with the best and newest Vitamix blenders on the market, we also make a few additional recommendations. These are typically based on factors like online user reviews, product specifications, built-in features, and price points. This way, we can offer a wide scope of products that suit most users' preferences, lifestyles, and budgets.
How to Clean Your Vitamix
Using the Self-Clean Feature
The self-clean feature on your Vitamix will handle most daily-use messes. According to Vitamix, for the best results, fill your blender container halfway with warm water and a few drops of soap. After checking that the lid is secure, use the Self-Cleaning Program if your model has it. Suppose it doesn’t, blend on the highest speed for 30 seconds. Rinse the container and lid thoroughly, and your container and blades should be ready for the next use.
The lid, tamper, and lid plug can all be hand-washed or, on some models, in the dishwasher. (Check your owner's manual.)
Deep Cleaning Your Vitamix
For cloudy or stained containers with a dull residue, Vitamix recommends you combine a cup of white vinegar with warm water until the mixture fills the container halfway. Let it soak for a few hours, or overnight, then drain and gently scrub the interior. Rinse, then follow the self-cleaning method above to remove the vinegar smell.
You can also create a paste by mixing baking soda with water until it reaches the consistency of toothpaste, then apply it with a soft cloth to cloudy areas. (Keep your fingers clear of the blades.) Rinse off and then follow the self-cleaning method.
Read More About Blenders On Reviewed
The Best Blenders: You’ll see some of the best Vitamixes on our roundup of the best blenders.
The Best Personal Blenders: For single-serving smoothies or small-batch blends, a personal blender is a great kitchen tool — and these are the best of the best.
The Best Immersion Blenders: Our testers put stick blenders through their paces to determine which ones are right for you.
The Best NutriBullet Blenders: Nutribullet makes a wide variety of blenders, but which ones are worth your money? We tested them to find out.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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Monica is Reviewed's Kitchen & Cooking editor and an avid home cook; she's been testing a wide range of kitchen products at Reviewed for three years. Previously the Digital Editor at Culture Cheese Magazine (and a former barista), she's also had her work published in The Boston Globe, Modern Luxury, Boston Magazine, and more.
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